Ryan and Helenea Erwin

Annual Erwin Family Update

2010-12-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Faith & Bella eatin popsicles. They might be enjoying them just a little.

Faith's First School picture

For those who were wondering if we had forgot about our blog...... well you were right. Whoops. Anyway.....

Faith is now almost 2. 21 months to be exact. She is going to "preschool" learning how to say NO and MINE in just a few days. She also got her first real sickness, strep throat. It had to happen sometime. Enough of the negative. How bout some good stuff.

Faith has gotten so big in what seems like such a short time. Those with children know exactly what I'm talking about. It has been a wonderful roller coaster ride hearing her first words, watching her take her first steps, blowing kisses, learning how to spin around 'til we're dizzy (daddy's fave) and then going through the potty training, which is wonderful, no more diapers or pull ups.

We are currently adding on to the house in order to make room for any new additions to the family. I will keep you posted on that. "Til then.

Santa came to town

2009-11-13T19:50:00.001-08:00

Well, Santa was in Springfield last weekend, so Faith just had to have a picture taken with him. Daddy wanted to but they wouldn't let me. My name was already in the naughty section I guess. Anyway, as you can see, Faith was eager to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. All she wanted was her two top front teeth. She already has the bottom two coming in. She also asked for a new television set for her room. Preferably big and flat so it doesn't take up too much space. She loves her veggie tales and they're even better in hi-def.

Faith really does have her bottom two teeth coming in. She likes to show them as much as she can. Grinning from ear to ear.

Faith likes to pick up her food and eat it. Here she is snacking on a few graduate puffs. They melt in her mouth and in her hands.

Faith and Mommy posing in her bonnet MaMaw made for her. We had Old Fashioned Day last Sunday at church. Mommy is wearing Grandpa Erwin's old Construction overalls.

Here we are playing peek a boo with Daddy. We loves us some peek a boo.
As you can see we are getting to be a big girl now. Faith is getting around pretty good on all fours. She will soon be walking. Right now she has to hold on to something to get on around standing up. It won't be long and she will be walking.

Love to all the family.

FINALLY A NEW POST

2009-09-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been six months and 8 days since Faith came into our world. We have been so blessed with her. She is our little angel. She has started to crawl and likes to pull herself up and chews on everything she can get to her mouth, even the cat has been mistaken for a chew toy. Though we have limited her to just petting now. She is obviously teething, lots of drool and chewing.

Faith hanging out at the park with Mom and Dad. Notice the earrings. She did very well. Only a short scream after the click went off in each ear.

Here we are all prettied up for church. She gets to hang out with PaPaw while Mommy and Daddy are in Sunday school. PaPaw loves it.

Feeding time. We have been eating really good. Not a picky eater at all. We have been letting her taste our food occasionally. We call her our little bird. Once we start eating her mouth opens up waiting for a taste.

She loves to pose for the camera. Here we are in our Sunday best.

Mommy and Faith posing. One of my faves.

I thought this pic was worth posting twice. This one is going on the wall.

As you can all see, all is well here at the Erwin house. For all the loved ones who have been waiting for this, I apologize. Try to do better from now on.

Love

Faith at 2 months old.

2009-05-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Faith is already 2 months old now, weighing in at an estimated 12 pounds. We go to the doctor the first week of June. She is doing great and so is Mommy. We went to Springfield last weekend with her and she did great. Our first major shopping trip. Mommy needed some scrapbooking supplies from Hobby Lobby. I enjoyed the road trip with the family and the food at T.G.I.Friday's. I can't think of any other place I would rather have been.

Faith posing in the cup for a pretty little pic. Judy Briggs provided the prop. Actually a flower pot.

Jenn and Faith at Wednesday night Bible study.

Bella Conyers just chillin in the little cup.

Daddy and Faith chilling in the recliner enjoying some nose tickling time. A sure smile getter.

This pic should go down in the record books for actually getting Big Brother's face smiling for the camera. A rare but beautiful sight. Mike has just recently come out of his camera phobia. Faith loves him.

Bella and Mommy.

Daddy and Faith posing in front of the new addition.

The Erwin family

Finally a new post.

2009-05-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Faith and Mommy sitting on the couch. She likes to sit up and be talked to.

Nap time.

Out little dumplin' sittin' pretty.

It has been over a month since our last post. Oh, how time flies. We have been doing great around the Erwin home. Faith is growing so fast. Helenea went back to work last week. She is only working three days a week. She couldn't stand to be away from Faith too long. I wouldn't have it any other way. God is good.

We have had trouble with one of our memory cards so, as of this moment, I am recovering some lost files on it. Isn't technology great!! When I get done with that I will have more pics to post from the past month.

Until then, I have a few pics of some owls that have nested in a tree by the garden at my Grandpa's house (a.k.a. The Rent house). This was the most amazing thing, besides the birth of Faith, our wedding night and I could go on but I won't. Anyway, a chick fell out of the nest and was in the lilac bush below and I climbed a ladder and put it back in.

I figured this was the momma owl. I am not sure what type they are. I am pretty sure they are Screech Owls. If you know different please tell me. I just know it's an owl. She watched me very closely as I put the baby back in the nest.

This one is the Daddy, I think. Isn't this cool?!?!?

Dad holding baby. Notice the ladder in the background I used to climb to the nest. Also, the garden is to the right.

One of God's gifts to nature. Praying for the health and survival of this little one. Be checking back in on these regularly. There was more in the nest. I couldn't see how many but they can't fly yet and this one was a little far from home too soon I would say.

Stay tuned for more from the Erwin's.

Easter with Faith Rylie and Family

2009-04-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

Well, we have made it through our first holiday with Faith Rylie. Easter was great. What better way to spend it than with family and friends. We had a great Easter service. It consisted mainly of the choir singing praise. We practiced for several weeks on the special. I think it sounded pretty good.

Faith got to dress up for the occasion. She is beautiful all dressed up. She looks beautiful either way. But even more when she is in her Sunday best. Check em out.

Posing for the camera.Faith and Bella decided to dress alike on Easter. We didn't know anything about it til we got to church. They must have conspired and surpised us all. Aren't they gorgeous!!

Faith in her belly sleeping position. Never unattended. She has been getting her tummy time. This is where it ends most of the time. Snoozing. But she is doing good getting her head up and squirming around trying to crawl.

Britt and Faith.

Aunt Linda and Uncle Charlie held Faith most of the time they were here. This is spoiling in progress. Not a crime in our household.

Palm Sunday Dress

2009-04-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

We dressed up for church for Palm Sunday. Aunts Tiffany and Brittany got this dress for Faith. They also bought another dress we will be wearing for Easter. We'll try not to get it dirty hunting easter eggs. Mommy and Daddy will help her find them. It may turn into a full contact easter egg hunt before Daddy's done. The ladies stuffed over 500 eggs with candy and money for the hunt this Sunday after church. You know we needs the money. LOL

We decided to change Faith's middle name to Rylie. Same sound different spelling.

Faith loves her little bouncy chair. It vibrates and plays music and Daddy does silly stuff for her to keep her entertained. Thanks Amanda, Fritz and Hannah.

All is well in the Erwin house. Faith and Daddy are a little gassy at times. But we usually get that taken care of so everyone can sleep comfortably. It's amazing what a little gripe water or Mylicon can do for Daddy (and Faith). If Faith gets to fussy Mommy takes her to the nursery so Daddy can get a little sleep. We will take turns when Mom goes back to work in May. I think she is ready to go back to work just to get out of the house for a while. She says she doesn't think she will be able to go without seeing her baby for a whole day. We will see how that goes when that comes. I told her she doesn't have to work that long. I can double up on job and try to get us by. I need to think about what I am going to do with my company anyway. Maybe hire someone to help so I can do more jobs.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Phillipians 4:13

What? Me, A Deacon???

2009-04-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, me, a deacon??? Well, believe it. God has called on me to serve His church here at Antioch. My good friend and fellow Christian Scott Conyers were ordained last Sunday night as Deacons of Antioch Baptist Church here in Flippin. Both Scott and I were kind of skeptical at first but we finally decided that it is God's will and there is nothing we can do about it. I am sure that Scott will be a great Deacon. He is a devout Christian and is always willing to help when and where he can. Both of us can vouch for great Christian wives there to support us through whatever may come.

Dad is also a deacon at Antioch. I am honored to serve as a deacon beside my father and friend.

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.-Romans 16:27

Life with Baby Faith

2009-04-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot happen since our last post. Faith has adjusted well to her new home. Helenea and I have realized just how it is to be a parent. It isn't all just ga ga goo goo. There is a lot of wah wah and when you open those diapers you get a little more than just goo. No, but really, we don't know what we did before Faith and we wouldn't know what to do without her now. Faith went for her first week check up and she weighs 8 lbs.. If I didn't already post it, which I don't think I did, she weighed 7 lbs. 6oz. at birth being 20 inches long. So she is gaining weight. She should with as much as she eats. Mommy is being put to the test with her sleep at night. I try to encourage her as much as possible, as well as all our friends, not to give up on the breastfeeding. We won't regret it.

We like to hope that she will sleep like this at night very soon.

Aunt Rhonda came up from Florida to see Faith. We miss you and love you Big Sis. P.S., Rhonda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at church Sunday. May God Bless you in all you do. We pray that you will find a good church back home.

Papa Pete wasn't going to hold Faith until we sat him down and laid her in his arms.

Daddy and Faith. Isn't she just adorable?!?!?

We would like to thank all of you who have kept up with Faith and for all comments left. We would also like to thank those of you who have sent gifts. Faith won't run out of clothes anytime soon. She has a lot of clothes she will have to grow into since she is so small right now. She seems to be growing fast so we will be having little dress rehearsals before you know it. Stay tuned for more adorable pics.

In His Love,

2009-03-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here is our litte bundle of joy showing us just some of her many faces.

We had lots of visitors in the hospital and we appreciate and love every one of them. Below are a few of the people who came to hold Faith. She was passed around most of the day. But she seemed to enjoy every bit of it. Sleeping through most of it.

Mamaw Erwin and Faith

Granny Light and Faith. She seemed to recognize Granny's voice.

Nikki and Faith. Nikki is like the Super Nanny of friends, giving great advice and encouragement to Helenea and I. She is also pretty quick on changing diapers. We love you Nikki.

My big brother Mike. He got a little emotional holding Faith causing me and everyone else in the room to shed a tear. This is his first niece on his little bro's side of the fam. I still get a little cracked up over this pic. Love you Bro.

Tiffany made this cute litte diaper cake. Plenty of goodies in it.

Mommy and Faith

The Erwin Family Welcomes Faith Riley

2009-03-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday March 18th at 9:30 p.m. Faith Riley was introduced to us. What an awesome experience, no words could describe our feelings at this time. We are so blessed.

Mommy and Riley in the delivery room.

The Erwin family.

Daddy giving the first bath. I was so nervous.

All went well in the delivery room. We went in at 6 a.m. where they administered Pitocin to induce labor. She started contractions at around 6 p.m.. The doctor was going to let me deliver Faith but Helenea ended up pushing for two hours and things changed. He had to use forceps to help out with the delivery. She pushed hard through about 4 contractions and out popped our little bundle of joy. We had a little scare afterwards. Helenea's blood pressure dropped and she almost passed out, but the doctor and nurses got her calmed down and stabilized. Daddy was a little scared, scratch that, He was praying for Mommy in the corner of the room scared as heck.

Proud Pa-Paw. I think He would shout it to the world if he could.

We come home and Helenea's cousins Tiffany and Britt were here to help out around the house. They were so appreciated. The first day at home was kinda hectic and obviously life changing.

Brittany

Tiffany

There will be plenty of other photos to follow.

Stay tuned.....

We love baby showers!!!

2009-03-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. Helenea's work threw a shower for her and we acquired even more great gifts and supplies for Baby Erwin. Lots of diapers and clothes and this awesome diaper cake. We liked it so much we put it on a table in the nursery. We will use the diapers eventually. But for now we glorify it by leaving it for decoration. It's almost too neat to take apart.

We also received these neat little musical snowglobes.

My niece Amanda sent us this bouncy chair. We hope to see her, Hannah (her daughter) and my sister Rhonda when Amanda goes on spring break.

One of the ladies bought the bedding set for the crib.
And there is the little mobile also.

Helenea hasn't been feeling well lately. Her allergies have her sinuses really acting up. All the trees and flowers starting to bloom indicates the beginning of spring and of the allergy season. I have never had allergies like she has them. I feel sorry for her. We both haven't been sleeping well. I am nervous and she is pregnant. I guess we will be ready for baby when those sleepless nights come around. Yee-Haw!!
As you can see on our baby ticker. Only a few more days to go before we are introduced to Baby Erwin. There are no words to explain the feelings we have. We continue to pray for Helenea and the baby's health during the delivery and for God's hand to guide and direct our doctor, who, if I might add, is a wonderful doctor and a devout Christian. We couldn't ask for a better one. Please pray with us and for us.

We have heard that walking, as well as other things I won't mention, help induce labor so we took a little nature hike yesterday looking for deer sheds. We walked around the 80 acres and all we saw were the remnants of the ice storm. We counted at least 14 big red oak trees uprooted and many others with limbs broken and still hanging. Lots of cleaning up to do and fence to mend.

We will keep you posted on Baby. Could be anytime now, but no later than the 18th for sure.

To our family
Hope to see soon.

Our wonderful family is like a candle that reflects its joys within our hearts.
And its like a fire that keeps us close and warm no matter how long we're apart.
I'd give anything to be with you more often. But at least we'll be together in ways that will always shine in our lives and that will never stop brightening up our days.
Each time I think of you, I promise to send you a kiss on the wind.
And I promise I'll be counting the days until I can see you again.
-Marin McKay

It's Been Awhile

2009-03-05T15:33:00.001-08:00

Hey all, please excuse the delay on posting. We have been pretty busy around here getting ready for Baby Erwin. We have great news, Helenea is dilated 1-2 centimeters and if she doesn't have it by the 20th the doctor is going to induce labor then. She is praying for the baby to come sooner because she is uncomfortable, you can tell by the look on her face that she is wore out. But even still, she says it is worth it all to be carrying our child. That's why I love her!! It will be good for her when baby comes because she will get to take a break for at least 6 weeks to stay home with baby. I am going to try to take off work as much as possible to be with her and baby.

We acquired so many gifts from the first baby shower I don't know where we'll put the rest of the stuff we are going to get from the others. There are two more to come. Friends from her work are having a shower and then after baby comes her Granny's church is going to have one. I say we have one every year for at least the whole the time the baby's in diapers. Probably wouldn't ever have to buy diapers. What a concept. Think that will work? I said that about our wedding shower and that didn't work, so probably not.

Here are a few of the handmade quilts the ladies from church made.

Mom made these (above and below).

Sister Sue Wagoner made this one.

Pat Hall (a member of our church) made this one.

There were several blankets, onesies, toys, a tub and various other gifts given. We have been blessed by our church family and our friends. They have given so much. There will be a day when they are in need and we will be there for them. GOD IS AWESOME!!

Bob Foreaker made this rocking horse for baby.

I have also added some paintings to the walls of the nursery.

Starfish

Dolphins

And the sun.

We are looking forward to finding out what the name of our new baby will be. We have picked out both a boy and a girl name. We know what the names are. For the rest of you, that will be a surprise!!

Kind of off the subject, but.... We are facing some hard times in our nation right now and I have recently come across a prayer that one of our founding fathers prayed for our nation on April 30th 1789.

Almighty GOD; we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States of America at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of The Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
- George Washington -
April 30th, 1789
George Washington's prayer was adapted from his Circular Letter to the Governors of the United States

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall opened unto you.
--Matthew 7:7

BABY SHOWER

2009-02-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well, today our church family hosted a baby shower for Helenea and the gifts were awesome. Helenea was so overwhelmed, as was I. We just got done going through all of them and putting them in order. The amazing gift of giving; isn't it awesome? We have a lot of thank you cards to send out. Though, most of them can be handed out at church. I guess that is appropriate. I wouldn't mind saving the money spent on stamps to buy other much needed stuff. Especially since the price of stamps has gone up. Add it all up, it makes sense. Or am I just a little tight?

Helenea among the gifts. The rocking horse was made by Brother Robert Foreaker.

Looking pregnant and proud of it. She has minor back pain. I try to massage as much as possible.

Granny stopped by to see us.

Only a few more weeks to go. Helenea went to the doctor the other day and we found out that the baby is head down and she is dialated just a fingertip (less than a centimeter). So all is going well. We also had our last lamaze class last week. We learned a lot and got to meet some other couples, some of them I knew from Flippin.

By love serve one another. -Galatians 5:13

My wonderful aunts in Texas.

2009-02-16T17:02:00.001-08:00

This beautiful little blanket was made by my Aunt Movelda in Post, Texas. She is pretty handy with a needle and thread. This lovely little afghan was made by my Aunt Joan in San Angelo, Texas. I had one identical to it when I was little. Except mine is white.
Note: Both of these blankets will be put to good use and will not remain on the floor. This was just for a good picture.

My lovely wife, Helenea

2009-02-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have to write about how great my marriage is. The main reason is standing in the kitchen right now baking cookies even though her back is hurting, plus, she is 35 weeks pregnant. She knows how much I love her cookies and her brownies. So do the guys at work. She has been officially dubbed The Brownie Lady. She is proud of her name and tries to live up to it by supplying us at least once a week with a batch of fresh brownies. Talk about earning "brownie points".

Helenea in the kitchen. Where every good wife should be. LOL!!!
I may regret saying that, but OH WELL. Isn't she beautiful??

Don't they look yummy. I wish they were scratch n' sniff. Wouldn't that be cool?!?!

Helenea found out today that her brother's wife, Maria, is pregnant. She will be due sometime in October. Congratulations to you guys!!!! Hope to see you in March. If you can't make it, there will plenty of pics on here to OOOO and AAHHH over.

Confucious say, He with whom neither slander that gradually soaks into the mind, nor statements that startle like a wound in the flesh, are successful may be called intelligent indeed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2009-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the day that I was born in the small town of Smithville, Missouri 34 years ago. It seems like yesterday. The saying is true that time flies when you get old/older. Didn't do a whole lot today, just worked at UPS, renewed my driver's license, I thought about going to my other job but I didn't, my back is still hurting, didn't think I would be very efficient. I guess that is what happens when you get old. You pay for the torment you put your body through when you were younger. Oh, but was it ever fun!! Looking back now I wouldn't change a thing. I learned a lot from the fun I had whether it was right or not.

Anyway, hello out there, hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Guy, if you are reading this, we are thinking about you and pray for your safety over there in the Middle East. For those that don't know, Guy is on a secret mission, he is an undercover plumber plumbing the sand infested regions of Afghanistan. We love you man.
So, all is well here in the Erwin house. I have been trying to clean up the mess the ice storm left in the yard around here and at Mom and Dad's house. We had more limbs come down after the high winds came through the other night. The cleaning will continue for a while. There is not a tree in sight that did not receive some damage from the weight of the ice. That reminds me, I tried to hack my leg off with a chainsaw the other day. I only got four stitches out of it though. I have decided that was not a good idea and will not try it again.

Kinda reminds me of a clip from one of those Tim Burton films. Dark and gloomy.

Our friends Scot and Ann Conyers have a new addition to their family. Isabella Jolayne (sorry if misspelled) Conyers has arrived healthy and beautiful. We went to see them at the hospital and Helenea got to hold a baby for the first time. She will get plenty of that soon enough. Ann and Bella are doing good. Ann had to have a C-section and has healed up good from that. She was sore for a while. Helenea and I pray that she can have our baby naturally, but whatever is best for her and baby.

Helenea and Bella

Seeing the Conyers family with Bella has really sparked the reality of the life that Helenea and I will be living in just a few weeks. I look forward to what God has planned in our life. He has and never will fail us. With His love and the trust He has laid in our hearts we will always overcome what this world may put upon us.

So now, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Romans 5:1

The nursery is complete and ready for baby.

Nursery Walk Thru

2009-02-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well, the nursery is pretty much ready for Baby Erwin. We have a small walk thru clip here. We put the crib in today, added a shelf last week and painted it. Helenea has been putting things where she wants them and decorating here and there. It won't be long now.

Uncle Charlie in Oklahoma asked a few questions about the mommy to be and I would like to respond now.

First, Helenea has been experiencing some morning sickness. So it is still lingering. She feels fine otherwise. She hasn't hugged the toilet in a while. I don't know if it was my cooking that did it or the morning sickness. I didn't get sick so I would go with her being pregnant or just my guts of steel.

Second, there has been no cravings for pickles and ice cream. Just my culinary skills. I try to keep her and baby well nourished. Frozen pizza and fast food is good for her isn't it. No really, I do try to keep her diet healthy. Lots of protein, fruits and veggies.

The third question was about her tying her shoes. She does have trouble in that area. She has them tied now where she can slip them on. I try to keep them tied for her, I think her friends help too. The rest of her shoes are slip ons.

The last question was if she still calls me sweety. She never really did anyway. My pet name has always been "turkey", "turkey wurk", "wierdo", etc.. I haven't heard any derogatory names yet. Those are still to come I am sure. Wait 'til she is in labor. Hope your there to hear it Charlie.

Walking softly til then.......

Ice storm in the ozarks

2009-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

We have been experiencing inclement weather here at home and have been hanging out around the house today. We have tree limbs and whole trees snapping all around us, just missing the house. We are praying that none of them land on the house or the cars. It looks like a tornado went through the yard and all around Flippin. We haven't travelled to far. Wal-Mart (of course), and to Scott and Ann's house to turn on the gas heater for them, just in case the power goes out and doesn't come back on. Mom and Dad are without power and the power company says it will be Thursday before they will get it back on. It could take longer if the weather gets bad tonight.

All the power lines look like this as well as the trees.

We went to the doctor yesterday. All is well with Helenea and Baby. Only less than two months left. Our baby ticker at the right tells exactly how many are left, and how far along she is. Just click on it and see. I have put a shelf up and painted it in the nursery. We were supposed to get the crib today but the weather didn't cooperate. Get it when we can I guess.

Good news from Baby Harper, she has her eyes open and is off the oscillator and on a regular ventilator now. You have got to check out her site and see how many people have been following her progress. Definitely God's hand at work here. Please continue to pray for her continuing healing and for all the other babies and the families who are in this hospital and others like it.

Love without ceasing,

Give without measure-

Who can exhaust

God's limitless treasure?

--Malcolm Schloss

A Day in the Life

2009-01-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a week since my last post so I deem it appropriate to add some more to the Erwin family blog. All is well with Helenea and Baby. She says Baby is starting to poke and prod into parts of her body that she never thought would be possible. It is starting to hurt. Me and Baby had a pushing contest last night. He (when I say he it is just a habit I guess so if I keep typing he don't think that Baby is a he cause we really don't know yet and won't know until March), anyway......He is really packing a pretty good punch. Just like Momma.

I thought I would introduce everyone to the Erwin family. They are a little furry and sometimes temperamental, especially Max. But they provide companionship to us and we wouldn't know what to do without them.

Max. The look on his face describes his personality. He is spoiled rotten.

Charlie Brown (left) and Anakin. These are Helenea's dogs. They don't like me very much. I tolerate them and they tolerate me.

Of course, I have to brag on this year's deer kill. This is the biggest buck I have ever shot. He had a 21" spread and scored 135. This may not be big to some, but to me he is #1.

Dad helped me find the deer, dress it and drag it out of the woods. I think he was just as excited as I was. Notice the patch on the house where the tree fell on it. I still need to paint that. Get to it this spring.

Anyway, I love this blogging thing. I am new at it and wonder why I never started one earlier. I have got some ideas off of other blogs and am creating my own. Thanks to Nikki Swan for the inspiration and also for the love she and her family have brought to Antioch Baptist Church.

I also would like everyone to keep praying for Baby Harper Martin, her condition has improved and we praise God for all He is doing for her.

Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20
This verse means so much to Kelly and her family and now even so much more to us.

In His Unconditional Love

3D Ultrasound Pics

2009-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is the baby at 25 weeks in 2D.

This is the baby at 30 weeks in 3D. Amazing technology. We are taking bets on the sex of the baby. All proceeds go to the Erwin baby diaper relief fund.

Maybe these will help you determine the sex. We can't tell, but post your opinion and we'll tell you when he/she arrives.

I couldn't resist putting these beautiful pics of Helenea on here. She agreed, so here you go. I just love the look a pregnant woman gets. Especially her. She says she is fat, but your supposed to be when your pregnant. She also says she looks like a blimp, but I tell her she is a healthy one.

Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.--Sir Francis Bacon

And believe me, we are sure spreading it around and have yet to finish spreading. But the crops shall be plentiful in the years to come.

Intermission.

Music fades in............

2009-01-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

The nursery is almost finished. Helenea posed for me in front of my masterpiece. I searched the web for the animal pics and drew them with pencil then painted them. It was kinda neat, I didn't realize how easy it was. I do paint houses for a living but I have never attempted this. Since we don't know what sex the baby is we opted for the Noah's Ark nursery theme. Notice the puffy little clouds.

The stork before

The stork after.

There is still some finishing touches that need to be done before Baby arrives. As you can imagine, we are both overwhelmed with emotions, as is everyone who has had their first child.

Anyway, we went to the Lamase class last night. The class was overbooked with 19 couples. We were all packed into one "living room" in a house the hospital had remodeled for such a class. But, they usually only have about half as many people. So we moved to the cafeteria in the hospital, took a tour of the rooms we will be occupying, and did some slow breathing techniques. They split us into two groups, so now we will be going on Tuesday night instead of Thursday. Got home around 9:00 p.m.. Right at bed time for us.

Those who enjoy something, or suffering something together, are companions. Those who enjoy or suffer one another, are not. --C.S. Lewis

Til' next time................

Erwin family

2009-01-15T08:23:00.001-08:00

Just started the blog today. Wanted everyone to be able to see the progress of Helenea's pregnancy without having to email everyone pics. I will be uploading as much as possible within the next three months. So far she is 30 weeks into the pregnancy. She is due March 24th. We don't know the sex of the baby yet. We like surprises, obviously. I have been working on the nursery periodically, painting and putting up the border, cleaning the closet, etc., etc. We are waiting on the crib to show up at the end of the month. Then I can match the shelf I am going to paint/stain the same color. Or try. This has been a wonderful experience and we are anticipating the arrival of our new baby boy/girl, we just pray for it's health and her health.

We start childbirthing classes tonight. I'll let you know how that goes.

May God's will be done in all our lives.

In His Neverending Love,
Ryan