Summer Vacation 2011

Yesterday we got home from our trip with my family to Gatlinburg, TN.  Nathan and I drove down on Monday and came home Friday evening.  It felt like a weekend it went by so fast!  I always look so forward to this time with my family.  This year was no exception.  We had a downtown day, pool day, outlet day, and a date night.  We came home with lots of goodies, such as a new picture for over our headboard (which we have been wanting for two years), an arm load of maternity clothes, and a few other needed yet fun to buy staples including our first outfit for the baby :) hehe.

We had an addition to the crew this year since my dad's sister Nancy came along.  She fit right in with us all.  She cooked and cleaned the kitchen the bulk of the vacation b/c you couldn't stop her from doing otherwise.  She's such a good cook, we weren't really too upset that we couldn't stop her. :)

The week ended with my parents treating everyone to a night out at the Apple Barn Restaurant where you get a nice big (#?) course meal (fruit drink, deep fried rolls with apple butter, salad, soup, main course, dessert).  I'd looked forward to it since we left last year! We got to take my niece Molly to the movies afterwards and then woke up to pack and head home the next morning.  

Today I'm missing my nieces, sisters, parents and dogs but hopefully it won't be long until we all get to spend time together again.

Molly, Rachel and a glimpse of Raye having fun at the Gatlinburg Falls pool (our cabin neighborhood)

Heading out on our date night from the cabin.  Nathan and Melissa said the cabin's table (behind us) was big enough to be the last supper table. 

Molly, Raye and Rebekah at the Apple Barn.

Melissa and Cindy

Anna and Rachel

Mom and Dad (who was soaking wet from doing all of our running around in the 90 something degree heat).

Nathan and me (I guess our baby is almost in this picture :) Just a hair too high). 

Dad and Aunt Nancy

Mrs D's Retirement Party and finally getting to tell!

We've had a pretty big weekend!  First of all we had a retirement party for my Mother-in-law.  She's been a librarian in the Gaston County school system for over 33 years, so this new stage in her life deserved a celebration.  We invited her side of the family and her assistant from Springfield, Mrs Ruth Hipp.  It was a great time with a full counter of desserts and good company.  This was the first official party that we've had in our house and everyone was so nice about our home and we were so happy about finally getting to share it with everyone.

Mrs D and the Hipps 

Cousin Kim and Aunt Wanda

Mrs D and her sister Melveen enjoying reading the cards people brought.

Cousins Hannah and Lori

Nathan gave a small speech about how proud he is of his mom, announced the baby news and blessed our sweets!

The start of the spread. You never have to worry about Randolphs not bringing enough food. 

Since we had so much of the Randolph family together, we decided this was the best time to share our baby news (plus it was the start of my 2nd trimester and I could NOT wait any longer).  Squeals and hugs ensued and it felt great to savor this sweet time full of congratulations and love.

Nathan and I also got to call some of our closest friends and my Maw-Maw and share the news with them.  And Sunday morning we shared our news with both the 8:30 and 11:00 services.  I'm so overwhelmed by all the love we've been surrounded by and all the wonderful people God has placed in our lives that care about us.  My heart is very happy.

Welcome to our blog!

Hello!  I've been meaning to start this blog for some time now.  "I" will usually mean Hayley b/c I've set our page up to look way too girly for Nathan :).
The most exciting news in our house is that we are going to have a baby!  I'm one week away from my second trimester and actually being able to spread the news so I'm ready for next weekend to get here.  Our parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and a few friends I just couldn't help myself but spill it to, already know.
We had our 12 week check up yesterday and baby's heart beat is good and strong at 167bpm and we are well on our way to January 21st.
I keep up to date on our baby's progress with my books and phone applications, so he/she should be about the size of a large plum. This week he/she is learning to curl it's fists and do a sucking motion.  It's amazing to read about what all is going on in there week by week.  We will be able to find out the sex of our baby (which we plan to do) around the beginning of September (great anniversary present!).  We discussed whether we would wait or not, but I'm too much of a planner and really would rather have a gender specific nursery.
It's been a pretty good pregnancy so far.  I was only a little nauseated, and with help from Nathan I've been able to take it easy whenever fatigue hits.  We found out about baby Dellinger in mid May, the day after we got back home from Nathan's friend Reuben's wedding.  It was a Sunday morning so Nathan was gone to church when I tested.  I dressed up a little extra for church that day and told him after services in his office.  I'm glad we were alone b/c there were lots of tears and laughter.  It was definitely a memory I'll hold on to.  We waited until it was confirmed at the doctors office about a week later and then told our parents (mostly laughter there).
It's becoming more and more real everyday.  The slight pudge of my belly, seeing the baby move on the ultrasound, and listening to the heartbeat are helping the reality of it all set in.  I can't wait for what's to come!