Hospital Info...

Here's the place where our Seth will make his big debut...Baylor All-Saints downtown on 8th and Magnolia in Fort Worth,Tx

Showers of Blessing!

Over the past few weeks our family has been so blessed by our friends and church family! The first baby shower was hosted by my sister in law Julie, and my good friends Amber Edwards and Jana Eaves (who is due to have a little boy in Feb!). Alot of our college girls, and Gateway friends came to this one! It consisted of cute decorations, yummy cake, and fun games! The second baby shower was given by the Southcliff ministers and their wives! Rolanda Hairston did a great job with the sports theme...spencer and I entered the baby shower by running through a banner like football teams do...so fun! We are so thankful to everyone who is making this time so special! I am scheduled for another dr. visit tomorrow so she can start checking for dialation--and will start going every week! I am officially 9 months pregnant today! Soon we will be holding our little boy!! 35 weeks...and still wearing heels!
1st baby shower given by Julie, Amber and Jana!

all the goodies from 1st baby shower

more goodies for Seth from the 2nd baby shower given by the minister's and their wives at Southcliff!

Seth got a new car!

Over the past month Spencer and I have been frantically searching for an SUV! With the help of his dad and Mr. Kinnard...we found an amazing deal! It ended up being newer than we had planned and has alot of extras! This Friday we are putting in Seth's car seat...then he will be riding in luxury! And yes, we traded in my mustang...not really a family car.

Seth and me at 33 weeks (8 months!) We are both doing great. He is almost head down...actually he's kind of diagonal when I asked the doctor to check his position. Hopefully he will make that last turn within the next few weeks! Our growing boy is a little over 4 pounds and probably around 18 inches long. He's quickly running out of room, but still moving around alot! I sleep for about 2 or 3 hours at a time now, due to being uncomfortable, leg cramps, changing positions and making trips to the ladies room. I am still walking just about everyday, although I'm trudging along at a much slower pace. But as of last week I've only gained about 20 pounds, which really surprises me, it feels like more! All of the college girls are getting really excited to meet Seth! Also a few of my friends Amber, Jana, and my sister in law Julie are throwing me a baby shower next weekend, very excited to see everyone at the same time! I'm still having those painless braxton hicks contractions through out the day, but last night I had a pretty painful one, but it never happened again...a taste of what's to come! Also this weekend Spencer and I are going to an all day labor and delivery class at the hospital...should be interesting!
Seth's changing table....there will be baskets on the shelves filled with diapers very soon!!

Seth's crib...minus the mattress and bedding....coming soon! I also bought letters from Hobby Lobby and painted them dark blue!!! More decorating to come!

Small Group Kick-off

We had our 2nd annual Small Group Kick-off across from TCU on Sunday Sept. 20th. There is kind of an interesting story behind this year's kick-off and an amazing testimony of how God is working in Southcliff's college ministry! Originally our kick-off was scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13th. However, about 5 days before the 13th we got word that there was a mandatory sorority and fraternity meeting for ALL freshmen members on Sunday Sept 13th at the same time as our kick-off....ugh---this meant that hardly, if any freshmen would show up! So we called an emergency leadership meeting the next day to get ideas for an alternative plan. We thought about doing something right after church, but that was shot down pretty quickly. After much deliberation, we all decided that the 20th would be our best bet all around. After thinking about it and watching the weather, God really protected us...from a rain out! Because the original date for the kick-off (the 13th), it rained ALL day! We would have had to either cancel it or move it. But because we had already moved it to the 20th....the weather was cool enough and we had NO rain!! Our events team did a great job planning and setting up. We had free food- hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, dessert, etc! , a get-to-know your group session and then crazy team building games which included: a human-knot, waterballoon toss, and eating baby food!! God's timing and protection is continuing to amaze us each and every week. Just watching His hand at work and continuing to bring over 100 students each week is reminding us of how God is very much at work! We are so thankful for our 25 students leaders who are really doing a great job connecting with new students as well as older ones! This fall, Spencer is going through Colossians on Sunday mornings at Radius and the various groups are meeting for accountability, discussion, etc. all during the week!! I'm mentoring 4 girls this semester and Spencer is mentoring about 5-6 guys...so our weeks are pretty crazy, but we are loving it and can't wait to see what else God is going to do in our students as well as in us!!!

Lauryn (one of the college girls) wanted to sympathize with me by putting a balloon in her shirt! 1 of 5 amazing freshmen small groups!

Kim was such a good sport-yes she's eating baby food! I hope Seth likes it more than Kim did!


Monica, a TCU freshman, trying to help her team untangle the 'human knot'

One of the upperclassman groups trying to figure out how to untangle

Spencer loved using the megaphone!

About 80 students came to the kick-off!

Part of the group eating free food and getting to know each other!

Looking Back...

One year ago today, Sept. 14, 2008....Looking back, we are even more thankful for our little blessing from God....our little boy Seth, who will be here in about 10 weeks! You see, one year ago the unexpected happened. Miscarriage. I had not even told Spencer I was pregnant yet. He was in East Asia on a mission trip and I had been anxiously awaiting his arrival back home to tell him we were expecting! But my news to him would be heartbreak rather than joy. I was getting ready for church when it happened. It was killing Spencer not to be there. Neither of us could have forseen this coming. A year later we are even more convinced of the truth of Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Six months later, both of us were in East Asia this time....and I was 4 weeks pregnant with Seth---but didn't know it yet! God's timing is perfect and at the same time so confusing to us in the process of it all. Not only do we take comfort in knowing our baby is safe with Christ right now, but that we will see our him or her again. A year later, I am 7 months along with our little boy, Seth, who is moving and growing so much! We cannot wait to see his handsome face in about 2 months!

We had a busy last few days getting ready and preparing for his arrival! Thursday we went to a huge consignment sale called "just between friends'" (JBF)! Best invention ever! Spencer and I got so many great deals! We got to go in early as first time parents! The pictures below show some of the great steals we got there! We ended up saving over $300 if we had bought all of this stuff at regular price. All of the items were in such great condition, the really look brand new! I was impressed! There is another one in Arlington in Oct. that we plan on hitting up! Friday we went and got Seth's stroller at Babies r Us--Spencer was pumped about this purchase! Again this item was a steal...I had a coupon and we also got 10% off! So we ended up paying less than the ticket price! I have to admit, I can't help but push it around our apt. sometimes! Also the crib and changing table have been ordered and should be here soon! We also went to test drive some SUVs! Spencer and I had been thinking and praying about what to do about the car situation for awhile. My mustang just isn't the model family car of choice. So the car situation is in the works and we are working on getting an SUV soon!! My hospital bag has also been packed and ready for the big day!!

Our amazing JBF purchases:

Diaper Genie-$10Bumbo seat--$10

Bouncy Seat (aka happy chair)--$6!!! in perfect condition


Tummy Time entertainment--$18


Bathtub--$10

other random, but much needed stuff--all JBF stuff totaled $198, we saved over $300 if we had bought all of it at regular price!

our other JBF purchase--pack 'n play- only $70! perfect condition!

We are most excited about this one! Seth's stroller! We can't wait to push him around in it!

One crazy weekend!

Let me just start by saying that I am amazed that Spencer and I are both alive and well after last weekend! Ok, that’s really an exaggeration, but still it was pretty crazy!

It all started last Wed. when Spencer woke up and said, 'I think Im getting sick.' I gave him some medicine to take care of it (which, normally it does). But by the time he got home that night, he felt worse and his fever started to climb. We started to get a little worried because we had Frogapolooza and a church fair at TCU the next 2 days, a leadership retreat we were supposed to lead that weekend, and Radius kick-off (our college thing) on Sunday morning! The thought of swine flu was also running through our minds as Spencer's fever went up and then broke all through the night, esp. since he had been on TCU campus alot the week before. We went to the dr. the next day and he said it was NOT swine flu!!! But just a really bad cold virus and it would just have to run its course....GREAT! We ended up having our college students work the tables at Frogapolooza and the church fair, we hated missing those, but Spencer was practically in bed all day resting and running a fever....the highest was 102.9! We took it every 15 min. and I had ice packs on his head. Eventually it went down. I don't think I have ever washed my hands so much....not to mention I ended up sleeping on the couch for about a week so I wouldn't catch anything.

Well we made it to the leadership retreat, but didn't stay in the same house at the students, just in case Spencer got really sick. So we got a hotel close by and let some of our adult leaders take over while we weren't there! Thanks David, Lynn, Ryan and Nathan!!!! Spencer and I just came back to do the sessions...we really missed staying with our students, they are a blast!!

Spencer's fever didn't get over 100 again that weekend, which was good because our big Sunday for our college students was the next day! Radius kick-off was amazing...we had 130 students--our record so far! God was just so amazing to us, this is what we had been praying for all summer...not to mention that Spencer would be feeling good enough to speak that morning, which he did and he did an amazing job! Spencer is still coughing, but not very often and still feels tired sometimes, but I think its just his body recovering! Thanks to my mom for giving me pointers on how to bring a fever down....and also my nurse friend Joy for my late night calls about really high fever! During this whole ordeal I never got sick or had a fever! Praise God for protecting me and Seth! We made it through the weekend!!!

Spencer has started his 2nd year of PhD at Southwestern, this will be a pretty easy semester which is good because we will have Seth here in about 2 months, and I know he will be a pretty big and welcomed distraction from all that reading!

Well my 3rd trimester is here!! I am 7 months! Its so crazy, the 2nd trimester flew by, probably because I felt so good...too bad the first didn't go by as fast haha. I still feel really good, just getting tired more often. I still walk everyday and do some light weights, but I get out of breath easier now. I still have no swelling anywhere!! I had my glucose test on Wed. and will find out soon about the results. I will be really surprised if I tested positive for gestational diabetes. I have gained about 14 lbs so far, hopefully that will come off easily afterwards! I can't wait to start running again, I really miss it! Anyway, I am now going to the dr. every 2 weeks! I also pre-registered at the hospital this week and we lined up a pediatrician for Seth!! All my friends rave about him, so I will give him a try and see what happens.

Seth is moving so much now and sleeping is beginning to become something more like a fine art for me...pillows positioned just right, etc. He can now open and close his eyes and he's gaining more fat this month...hopefully! We cannot wait to meet our little boy! We are also planning on going to JBF this next week to see if we cannot find some amazing deals on stuff that we don't mind getting used. We've also received a few things from Spencer’s parents-- stroller, bath stuff, bibs, changing stuff...THANKS SO MUCH! And my mom is making Seth a blanket to match his room! (which we still haven't bought anything yet...guess we should get on that!)

On a final note....college football started today!!!!!

Here are some pictures from the 'crazy weekend'

Our amazing leaders at the retreat

Meeting new TCU students at Radius kick-off

Spencer speaking to 130 students!!

28 weeks (7 months)

Baby Registry!

About a month ago Spencer and I registered for some baby stuff for Seth!! Babies need a lot of stuff!

We are registered at Babies R Us and Target!

LET IT BEGIN!!

The fall semester has offically started! Which means at least 3 months of utter chaos in the Plumlee household! This usually entails leadership meetings and retreats, event planning, meeting with students every week, and of course Radius every Sunday. Most of our TCU students are back and start back tomorrow! Our first Radius was this morning and we had about 30 visitors and about 80 total students (and everybody still hasn't come back yet). God is going to do great things this year! Next Sunday is our official Radius kick-off--- we are praying for 100 students!
Here is a list of stuff coming up this semester: (this doesn't include other random college events that may come up as they always do)
August 27th-28th: Frogapolooza and Church fair at TCU
August 28th-30th: Leadership retreat
August 30th: Radius kick-off
Sept. 13th: Small group kick-off
Oct. 4th: Parent's weekend at TCU and Sunday at Radius
Oct. 23rd: Ministry to the Homeless at Beautiful feet
Nov. 6th-8th: Amplify (fall retreat)
Dec. 12th: Radius Christmas Party

Spencer starts his PhD seminars again on Tues (25th)! There will be plenty of reading and writing papers in our future!

In baby news...Spencer and I went to a 'Baby Basics' class last week at Baylor All Saints downtown where I will be having Seth. It was actually pretty informative (plus they served cookies and bottled water...always a plus!) Each couple had to hold the fake baby the whole time (3 hours) to get us used to having a baby to take care of. We learned bathing, swaddling, diaper changing, CPR etc. We are scheduled to take a full CPR class and a labor class soon. Seth is still quite the kicker! He moves alot, especially at night. I now have to sleep with an extra pillow to get comfortable. Spencer was talking to Seth the other day and he started kicking where his voice was! Im starting to feel the weight of Seth (who is now a whopping 2 pounds)! Starting to feel it in my back...oy! Our little boy is now starting to open his eyes, not that there is a whole lot to see, but exciting none the less! I am predicting hazel eyes.

From Bear Country to Aggie Land

Watertower in college station-WELCOME TO AGGIELAND!
Football at Kyle Field

Suspension Bridge in Waco overlooking the Brazos River

Spencer inside Truett Seminary

Truett Seminary

Student Center at Baylor in Waco

Neff Hall at Baylor

Before the chaos of the fall semester begins for us in college ministry, Spencer and I decided last minute to get out of the city for a few days! Of all places we chose Waco....it wasn't too far and we found a pretty cheap place to stay. Originally I had planned out an itinerary for us while we were there that included the Tx Ranger Museum, Tx Sports Hall of Fame and the Dr. Pepper Museum. The first day we got there we went straight to Baylor University to walk around the campus. Southwestern Seminary actually got its start here! After exploring 'bear country' we decided to drive another hour and a half the next day and see Tx A&M in college station (especially since Spencer had never been there before). We called up one of our college girls that we knew was there for the summer and she gave us a tour of the campus and took us to eat at greasy hamburger place (it was really good!) She was an amazing tour guide- she gave us all the history and the tradtions of A&M. Spencer and I walked under the 'century tree' - which you're only supposed to walk under it with the person you plan on spending the rest of your life with! Lauren, being the good Aggie that she is, walked around the century tree while spencer and I went under! All this to say we never hit the museums and we found a cheap way to do mini-vacations in the future--visiting colleges. It looks like we will also be collecting T-shirts from all of them too! Next on our agenda-- UT (or the aggie way t.u.) in Austin, TX and OU in Norman, OK (probaby with a little guy named Seth).

Growing boy and the outdoors

Seth and I at 23 weeks (6 months!)
my mom and I went shopping a found these cute outfits that we could not resist.

This one is my favorite! He will be ready for church!

Seth and I had another Dr. appt. this morning! And she said everything was looking great and my tummy is measuring just right. Seth's heartrate is 159 and very strong. The Dr. found it very easily and then Seth gave us a really strong kick while we were trying to listen. And then we couldn't hear it as well and the dr. said he just turned over...I'm guessing that was what the big kick was from. So cool!! Our little guy has been quite the wiggle worm lately especially at night and in the morning. And about a week or so ago Spencer got to feel him move too....he loved it of course! Its hard to believe he will be here in about 3 months! This week I will be 24 weeks and Seth will be about 1 lb.!! His taste buds are starting to develop and his lungs are beginning to develop little air sacs. (good for lots of crying!)

Havin' fun at the springs

Blanchard Springs Caves!

At the Springs after a long hike

lots of stairs!

Beautiful View!

Spencer and I just got back from visiting family in the thriving metropolis of Cherokee Village, Arkansas! It was great getting to hangout with family and doing lots of outdoorsy stuff: hiking, going into caves, and wadding in the springs!