Finally, an update...

Sorry it has been so long since I updated. I have been waiting on pictures from my mom for a while from my cousins graduation, and I just got them. I always know I am really behind when I get a message from Lauren on Facebook asking for pictures and an update. So, here she goes...

May was EXTREMELY busy for us. I think we had something going on every weekend.

The first weekend in May we had a baby shower for the couple in our class that just adopted a little boy. It is so precious watching Bridgette (and Michael) with Jake. Bridgette is a completely different person now that she has that precious little boy with her. It is an amazing thing to see. I can't wait to see how we are with our little one...

The second weekend in May we had Esperanza Bonanza. If I didn't talk about Esperanza last year, let me give you a little insight into it. Esperanza is like the pig fest that used to happen in Columbus (I don't know if they still have it or not) mixed with a red-neck carnival. It is a sigh to see. There are people EVERYWHERE...and they are mostly red-necked hillbillies. A sight, I tell you. Anyway, Josh helps a guy from work cook in the BBQ contests. So, we go out there and eat all weekend.

The third weekend in May I drove down to Greenville, MS to see my baby cousin graduate from high school. I can't believe he is graduated. It makes me feel extremely old. He is my only cousin that I remember being born (I was too young to remember the other three). Anyway, he'll be at Miss State next year to start school. I think he wants to eventually go to physical therapy school. Here are a couple pictures from Preston's graduation.

The Bates Family

my Grandmother, me, and my Mom

The twenty-first of May was our four year anniversary. I can't believe we have been married four years already. It's kind of crazy to think about. Anyway, that weekend we took off on Friday and went to Columbus for a long weekend. I got to go eat with Mom's co-workers on Friday. This is something I did quite often while in undergrad. They are all like second family to me and I miss seeing them. We got to eat with the Shepherds on Saturday night, which always nice. After dinner with them, we went to visit with the Rectors, Boyds, and David. We don't get to see these guys very often, so it was nice getting to hang out for a little bit. Monday, on our way back home we stopped in Tupelo and ate lunch with the Perkins. Kelly is expecting, and is due in November. I haven't seen her in quite some time, so I really enjoyed getting to catch up.

flowers from Josh for our anniversary

The last weekend in May my mom came and we picked out baby furniture. It will be here in a few more weeks. We had ordered the bedding that Thursday, and it came in the first week in June. I am so excited about it all coming together. Here are pictures of her furniture and bedding.




That same weekend we had a Sunday school social. It is always nice getting together with our class outside of the church walls. There is only so much socializing time on Sundays, so it is great getting to really get to know everyone on a much deeper level. We weren't doing it enough, so I started setting up little events for us to do. I have been dubbed the social chair of the class. Josh and Bill say it to make fun of me, but I don't mind. It is something that I think we need to do.

Then we come to June. I can't believe that it is already June. In fact, now we are almost half way through with June. Anyway, we had a baby shower for my good friend Sarah the first Sunday in June. Her and Bill's little boy, John Parker, should be here in the next month. We are so excited for the two of them. And we can't wait to meet little JP. That weekend we also picked out paint for Alyssa's room...a pale green color. Josh painted it this weekend. It looks really good, though my mom is going to have to come do a little touch-up painting. Painting is one of those things in life that Josh HATES to do. But he did a good job, and did it mostly without complaining. I can tell already that Alyssa is going to have her daddy wrapped around her finger :)

I have a couple belly shots for you. I can't deny one bit that I'm pregnant,but I wouldn't want to. The feeling of her moving around in me is something that you can't describe. My stomach looks like there is an alien in it most of the time...it just kind of jumps every now and then. Josh tries so hard to feel her, but she usually stops right when he puts his hand on my stomach...I think she is playing with him.

22 1/2 weeks (notice Josh's peace in the background)

27 1/2 weeks

On baby news...I went to the doctor last Tuesday. I gained another two pounds. I am now officially one pound over my starting weight. We go back on the 30th to have a 3D/4D and a regular ultrasound. Well, that is about it for us. Oh...I almost forgot to mention. Josh has started taking classes towards a MBA. He needs some undergrad level classes first, so he is taking a class at the local community college this summer. I am so proud that he is going back to school and getting his masters.

So, that is it for real. I hope everyone out in blog land is doing well. I'll try to update again soon :)