Hey Mr. Postman!: Our Baby Stuff Delivered!

Hey Hey . . . Wait a Minute Mr. Postman! Ha!  I have been seeing a lot of our postman lately!  Number one I am actually at home, a fact even he was surprised by!  Number two, we have been getting lots of packages lately as we prepare for Kyria's arrival!  We can't wait!  Only 4 1/2 weeks left!  . . . give or take of course!  So I thought you might want to see some of the fun stuff we've been getting, and I'll let you in on why we decided to purchase these particular products!

First Up . . . This package included our laundry detergent by Rockin Green, Wet Bags by Planet Wise (1 large and 1 small), and a sigma toilet sprayer (not shown in the picture because Skyler already has it in the bathroom!).  I bought these items from Nicki's Diapers.

We have hard water problems even though we have a softener, so I am thinking that this detergent is going to be amazing because it is specially created just for hard water woes!  It is an all natural detergent, and I purchased the "Bare Naked Babies" scent (unscented!).  I am wondering if I will be able to use this every other load or so, and use my homemade detergent the other times?!

The wet bags each have the same pattern. I thought the brown dots were appropriate for the theme of "dirty diapers . . .  kinda gross, but you know I'm all about themes :)!  Haha!  I got one large to keep in the laundry room, and one small to pack in our diaper bags!  I probably should get another small so Skyler and I can each put them in our own bags (a picture of our bags is coming up!). 

I went with the cheapest sprayer - the Sigma diaper sprayer.  It's plastic, but I like the fact that the spray button (? I guess that is what you call it?) is located as a kitchen sprayer would be, at the top . . . seems to me there would be more control so you don't get water everywhere as opposed to the others which had the "button" in the middle.  Also, despite the price this sprayer seemed to have good reviews!

 
Next!  I was super excited when Larry, our postman brought these little babies to our door!  18 Fuzzibuns Cloth Diapers!  How fun!  I still love looking at all the bright colors!  I decided to purchase all Fuzzibuns simply because the reviews were so good.  I had heard some bad reviews on Happpy Heiny's and Bum Genius, but just about everyone raves about Fuzzibuns.  Since we already had 3 of them (gifts given to us at showers), I feel pretty comfortable with the elastic, and snaps!  I ordered these from Fuzzibuns World.  I probably could have gotten a better price somewhere else, but all of those places only saved me a little bit, and I wouldn't get to pick all the colors I wanted.  I liked that I got to pick out every specific color here!

 This wasn't actually a delivery, but Skyler and I picked up this travel system you see him working on in the picture above, some pack-n-play crib sheets, diaper bags, and "Little" brand baby medicine, "Parent Survival Kit".  The travel system seems includes the infant car seat, and a jogging stroller.  I'm not going to lie, we have liked this one from the beginning mostly because it looks so cool!  Not a good reason to buy anything, but I think it will work nicely for us!  We were both cruising around the house pretending Kyria was enjoying the ride after he put it all together that night!  The lime green is kinda our color for some of the baby stuff, because this way we can use it again for the next kiddo!  Skyler's family all pitched in to get this item from our registry at Babies R Us!  We are SOOOO Thankful!!!!

And here are the diaper bags!  Lime Green!  My bag is made by JJ Cole, and Skyler's is a Columbia.  They were a little pricey, but there is so much space to keep things organize, and I love how mine can latch onto the stroller.  We each have separate ones, because honestly I will more than likely use mine as a purse also, and Skyler will have his "man bag" I suppose!  We got these at Babies R Us as well!

Finally, we picked up this baby video monitor from Wal-Mart!  I am loving this Site-to-Store stuff!!  Free shipping, and you get exactly what you're looking for . . .plus no waiting in line!  Anyway, we went with this V Tech baby monitor because it was cheaper than many of the other, but still had good reviews!  I am hoping we made the right choice!

So there you have it, a few goodies we've gotten this last week!  Everything seems to be coming together nicely . . . I still need to make several bows, cloth (flannel) wipes, and we need to pick up some newborn diapers, but other than that I think we are set!

What baby items would you recommend as necessities for first time parents!???  Or . . . what are your favorite products?  I would love to hear your advice, and I'm sure others could benefit from it as well! 
 

A Summer Side; Perfect for Grilling

Hey there! I saw this recipe in a magazine somewhere, and decided to try it out myself.  There was much more to the recipe in the magazine than what I did, but the combination was still delicious despite my lack of cooking fluff!  It would be the perfect side for grilling out! (If you are really observant you will note by the picture that we did not grill out this time . . . it was a little rainy the day we had this so we just made it in the house .  .  . )

Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Rosemary (opt.)
Corn on the Cob (in the picture above we just used frozen corn off the cob, but it's really best when the corn is cut off the cob in chunks!)
Red Potatoes
Avacados
Salt and Pepper

 Directions:
Cook corn on the cob, butter, and cut off the cob in chunks.
Cover red potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.  You can pretty much prepare these any way you like . . . grill, fry, bake . . .
Combine corn, and red potatoes.
Cut up chilled avocado in cubes, and add to potatoes and corn.
Salt and Pepper to your liking.


Great side for grilled steak strips!!! 

If you are not sure about how to grill corn and red potatoes, check out these links:

How to Grill Corn
How to Cook Red Potatoes on a Grill

My Birth Environment (AKA Birth Plan!)

As I mentioned a few days ago, Skyler and I were able to attend a prenatal class at the hospital where we will be delivering.  We weren't actually sure if we'd even get to go to one!  First of all, our hospital is only offering prenatal classes one Saturday a month right now.  Since March, we have been unable to go due to baton contests, and Skyler umpiring.  I had about one contest per month March-May, and wouldn't you know EVERY contest fell on the same day as the prenatal class.  We decided we would just read up on this birth stuff, and if we were able to take the class in June (that might be cutting it kinda close!) we would.  Well, as our time to meet Kyria is fast approaching, we decided it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and try to take the class in May.  Skyler was willing to get out of umpiring, and I would have to miss out on being there for my students at the contest.  I called the hospital to sign up, and low and behold they were booked up!  Bummer, we would just have to try the class in June after all!  Then, during one of my Dr. appointments, the O.B. asked if we were taking the class.  I told her the story I just told you, and she said it would be very beneficial for us.  She told us to call, and see if there were any cancellations, and try to get in for the May class! So . . . I called, and when I told them that the Dr. would really like us to get in if at all possible - WA LA they had an opening!  Thank you Dr.!!  We are so glad everything worked out, and we were able to take the class!

First of all, the nurse was great!  She did a wonderful job teaching and communicating the things we needed to know about giving birth. My favorite thing was that you could tell she was a proponent of natural, non medicated childbirth.  She told us to keep in mind that for every intervention there are increased risks for difficulties.  However, she also let us know that sometimes the interventions are necessary in order to keep the baby and/or momma safe.  She also mentioned that if you come in knowing you would like have a natural birth, or perhaps you know up front you want an epidural, to let the nurses know because they have a great staff who will switch around nurses depending on what type of birth the patient is wanting!  Yea!  It is encouraging to know I will have a nurse who is on my side helping me through a natural birth!

Finally, in our packet of information, we got a piece of paper to fill out as to what we would like our birth environment to be like!  Basically this is a birth plan.  It wasn't necessarily meant to give to the doctors and nurses, but it will help Skyler and I know and communicate what our ideal labor and birth would include.  It also give us an idea for our "plan B" (if my labor is much longer and/or harder than expected).  Finally, it allows us to think through our options if we must have a cesarean birth.  I really appreciated this material!  I love that this birthing center is so supportive of natural deliveries, and really wants the best for our baby and myself!

So here is our plan . . .

My Birth Environment

AKA Birth Plan! :) 

* My ideal labor and birth would include:

** If my labor is much longer and harder than expected I plan to:

*** If I have to have a cesarean birth, I would like to: 

Support Person(s)

* My husband will be my coach and support person.  He is the only person that will be in the room with me (besides the nurses and doctors of course!).  I would prefer to have family and friends wait outside while I am in labor. 

** If my labor becomes difficult, I would like Skyler to stay with me at all times.  Even if I must have an epidural, I would like him to be there with me.

*** I would like Skyler to be with me if at all possible in the event that a cesarean birth is necessary. 

"Mood" of Room

* If I am managing labor just fine, I wouldn't mind conversation and some natural light.

** Once my labor starts getting intense, I would prefer dim lights, and minimal/quiet talking.

*** Not sure if I really get much of a choice with a C-Section situation. 

Position Changes

* I would like to be able to use whatever position feels most comfortable for me in order to relax during labor.  If the nurse has suggestions for different positions that might make me more comfortable I would like her to tell me!  (The birthing center allows for a variety of positions during both labor and pushing such as walking, birthing ball, shower, bath - if water hasn't broken, side lying, hands and knees, squatting, and of course semi-reclining)

** In the event I am having a difficult labor/birth, I would like the nurse to direct me in finding a good  position to help myself and the baby regardless of whether or not it is comfortable. 

*** If I must have a C-Section, I just don't want to watch the surgery being performed! 

Use of Medication

* I would prefer to use no medication, and labor naturally as I focus on relaxing through each contraction.  I would like for Skyler and the nurses to be encouraging, and help by working with me through the pain. When the pain becomes too much to bear, I might ask about meds or an epidural. Please keep encouraging me to continue labor naturally (as long as baby and momma are safe) - we're almost there!

**If I am having a very difficult birth, and the nurse (one who supports my decision to have a natural birth) feels complications have arisen to the extent medication may be necessary in order to avoid a C-Section, then I want her to give me her expert opinion.  In this case, I do not want the meds delivered through an IV.  I will opt for the epidural.  I would rather have an epidural than other drugs.

*** In the case of an emergency C-Section, I am open to using whatever medication the Dr. and nurses feel is best.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring

 * I would like to use external fetal monitoring intermittenly.

** If realize that if my labor is more difficult than we hoped, I may need continuous external fetal monitoring due to an epidural, and or having to take Pitocin, etc. However, I would like to avoid using an internal fetal monitor if at all possible.  If this becomes necessary for the safety of the baby, I would like the nurse and/or doctor to discuss it with my husband and I first; explaining their reasoning, etc.

Pushing Positions

*I would like to push in whatever position feels best for me, however, I would also like to avoid the tearing of the perineum if at all possible.  I understand that some positions make it more difficult to control the tearing, therefore, I would like suggestions from the Dr. and nurses on which position would be best.  I would also prefer to push naturally when my body is telling me to do so.  

**  If we are not making progress with pushing, I would like for the nurse/doctor to help me find the best position to make progress.  If something is wrong, and the nurse feels the need to tell me to hold off on pushing despite the natural urge to do so, I will most definitely need some coaching along with a brief explanation.  If I am not able to push adequately due to a previous intervention perhaps, I would appreciate encouragement along with gentle coaching.  Because I know that an episiotomy is hardly ever done (the doctor told me she has only given one in all her years of practice -22 years), except in rare emergency situations by our doctors . . .  if this becomes necessary I will understand. 

Contact with Baby/Initiation of Breastfeeding

*Once the baby is born I would like to hold her immediately and be allowed time for momma and daddy to bond with our new baby.  I would prefer the umbilical cord to quit pulsing on its own prior to Skyler cutting it.  I would like to try breastfeeding as soon as possible once the baby is cleaned up  - within' the first thirty minutes or so (fortunately the birthing center allows the baby to be in the room with us the entire time!).  Our baby will be breastfed exclusively.  We do not want our baby to be offered formula or sugar water.

** Same as above if possible.  If not please explain any emergency procedures with us first.

*** We would like Skyler to hold the baby as soon as possible, and I would also like to do so.  I would like to nurse as soon as possible.   

Family Visits

*I would like Skyler to be in charge of allowing visitors in the room.  We may set a schedule so that I may nurse, and rest.  However, we are very excited for our family and friends to meet Kyria!

**If the labor was a difficult one, we may need extra assistance in monitoring how many and how often we have visitors.  Again, we will set a schedule so that I may nurse and rest.

***  Same as above.

Discharge - early or delayed

* If everything is going smoothly, and I seem to have a good grasp on breastfeeding etc. we would prefer to be discharged as soon as possible.

** With a more difficult labor, we understand that this may mean a slightly longer stay in the hospital.

*** Obviously with a C-section we understand the need to stay in the hospital longer.  However, we would still like to be discharged as soon as possible.

  

A Fun, Co-Ed, Baby Shower!

I am a little late in getting this post published, but here are some pics of baby shower # 3!  Two amazing women from our church put on this fun co-ed shower for Skyler and I!  It was great, and Skyler was happy to finally be apart of the excitement!

Beautiful!

Amen!

I love this verse, and the booties were for guests to write a blessing for Kyria!

Fun Cupcakes!

These little ones were such a great help with the presents!

We received so many great gifts!  Thanks so much to everyone who made this day so special!!

Minette and Susanna did an amazing job putting together such a fun baby shower!  Everyone enjoyed the delicious food (props to our pastor, Tony, for grilling the chicken - YUM!) and fellowship!  The name game was one of the best ideas I've seen for a baby shower!  Minette created a game where we matched "famous" parents with their children.  Several great names were on the list such as characters from the Bible, Jim Elliot, Billy Graham, etc. etc.  And of course our parents, grandparents, and sweet Kyria were on the list as well.  The whole idea was to show how God has a special plan for the children he gives us, and as parents we play a very important role in their lives!  Amen and amen!  We pray we will be such parents for our little baby!  Finally, everyone prayed over us!  It is such an encouragement to know we have great Christian friends and family supporting us in this new adventure!  Thanks again Minette and Susanna, and everyone who came to make the shower so special!  We cannot express our gratitude sufficiently!

 

Update, Happenings, and Cake!

Whew!  It has been a busy week and a half!  Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments regarding our choice to not have a home birth etc.!  I am excited to share more about that, and the birthing center where we will be delivering!  Skyler and I attended a prenatal class last Saturday!  It was very informative, and it actually got me pumped about going through with a natural birth, if at all possible!  The nurse was amazing, and let us know that there are several nurses on staff who love working with patients that want to go without an epidural or meds!  Woo Hoo!  More on this later . . .

The Friday before our prenatal class we had our 3rd baby shower!  I posted a few weeks ago about the beautiful shower my friends Jeri and Erin threw!  Since then some ladies at my school had a shower for me, and we had a co-ed BBQ shower last Friday! More pictures to come this week!

Also, a couple weeks ago, Skyler and I got some professional maternity pics taken!  Hopefully I will get to post some of these pictures soon! 

This past week was my last day of school!  The students got out early on Wednesday, and I checked out on Thursday morning!  Wow!  It is almost surreal!  I am officially finished with my teaching job, and am now full-time manager of the Powers' homestead!  Although I am SuPeR ExCiTeD, there is at least one thing I will miss about teaching in the school system. . .

My sweet students! :) 

I am very thankful for the opportunities I've had to form relationships with so many over the last four years!

Also this week, the studio I work at has been getting ready for their annual recital!  We had rehearsal on Tuesday and then another last night.  Today is the Big Day!  I have three groups performing, and I am excited to see them do an amazing job, and show their family what we've been working on all year! 

Finally, I have been trying to tackle some projects around the house!  The last couple days we've been working on my new craft/someday-school room!  Can't wait for you to see IT AnD .  . . Kyria's nursery!  I have been tempted to show you bits and pieces now, but I am going to make you wait until it's all finished!  Trust me, it will be worth the wait!  It's really starting to come together!     

So as you can see, we've been busy wrapping things up around here!  Skyler will be finished with school on Monday, and then he will be joining his Dad's business on Tuesday!  (More on this later as well!!)  I know it's a "short and sweet" kind of update, but I didn't want you to think I had disappeared!  I have lots of fun stuff to post this week!  Stayed Tuned! :)

 

Why I'm Not Having a Homebirth . . . And Other Things That Might Surprise You

Hi there!  As many of you saw from my last post, I am moving right along with this pregnancy!  I am nearly 33 weeks now!  Wow!  Time flies!  I thought I would write this post because several of you have been wondering what our thoughts are on birth, and what plans we are making.  In fact, many of you probably assumed I would have a home birth and go completely, all-out, natural.  I really hope I am not disappointing anyone here, but perhaps after I explain my rational you will see why this organic-loving girl is opting to go a different direction (at least this time around!).

Why a homebirth is not for me . . .

Ok, first of all, I love the idea of having a midwife!  I have often wished I could have a trustworthy lady with Godly wisdom, to support me throughout my pregnancy!  However, I decided to go with an OB this time around . . . honestly this isn't the ideal situation for me right now.  My OB, who is a pretty great gal, would only be delivering my baby if she happened to be "on call".  There are three ladies in the practice, and one gentlemen who comes up from Texas sporadically.  These are the only people who are allowed to deliver at the hospital (I really hoped getting a midwife would be an option, but for whatever reason it's not). Therefore, the chances of me getting my OB were really only 25% from the start.  Unfortunately, my Dr. has had some pretty intense health issues herself  this last month, thus she will be out for quite a while.  Even though it is a rough situation, and disappointing since she is everyone's favorite . . . I am trying to see this as a blessing in disguise.  Due to the situation at hand, I have been allowed to jump around between doctors.  That means I am getting to know each of them, and when it comes time to deliver Kyria I will be familiar with whichever doctor is "on call"!  So why not just hire a midwife, and do this whole thing at home?  Well, perhaps it is because this is my first time and I am making a "rookie" mistake! Haha.  Seriously though, I am pretty excited about the location at which Kyria will be born!  The hospital we'll be at has a very family-supportive birthing center.  We will have a room all to ourselves for the duration of our stay, and Kyria will get to be in the room with us at all times!  The nursing staff is wonderful from what I've seen and heard, and everyone I've talked to says it is a great place to give birth!  Not only this, but I really feel grossed out at the idea of trying to go through all of this at home.  Call me high maintenance, but I want to be in a place other than our bedroom while giving birth, and I want there to be nurses to clean up after me, and I want a nice bathroom and shower (the birthing room has a huge private tub/shower!) that doesn't leave hard water stains!  Also, since this is my first child, I like the security of being right there at the hospital in case of an emergency.  So this is why Kyria will be born at the hospital . . .unless of course my birth experience is so easy Skyler must deliver her in our hard-water stained bathtub because I "didn't feel like it was bad enough to go to the hospital" (Definitely had a lady tell me this story about someone she knew! CrAzY!) 

Why I haven't written a birth plan . . . yet, anyway . . .

After doing a little research, I really felt that writing up a birth plan would be a good idea!  One of my friends did this, and I was super inspired to follow her lead! (You should definitely check out her birth plan, and birth story!  It's pretty great!) After all, Skyler and I have had many conversations about how we would like this birth to go, and I've read so much about all the unnecessary, non-emergency procedures implemented during birth at a hospital.  But then I heard/read about a hundred different birth stories, and I've decided it is really difficult to come up with a plan . . .because inevitably things will not go as we plan!  In fact, I've come to the realization that I really have no control over this birth . . . that may sound silly at first - if I am not in control, who is?  The doctor? No!  The nurses?  Nope!  . . .The answer is God, and the way he has designed my body to work.  When the time comes to give birth to Kyria,  my body is going to do it's thing, and we are praying that God will allow us to have a healthy baby girl no matter what issues arise throughout the process of giving birth.  So no, I haven't gotten around to writing up the birth plan.  I may get around to it, but maybe I won't.  Maybe it would be better to go into the whole situation with an open mind, and my expectations and trust relying solely on the Lord.  I am praying, and I believe that He will be faithful in giving us the wisdom and discernment we need in each and every situation we face during this process!  (NOTE:  I have been talking a lot with my doctors, and it seems most of the things I would put in my birth plan are already the norm at this hospital's birthing center.  I plan to speak to the nurses more this weekend at our prenatal class, and if necessary I will write out our preferences so that everyone will be on the same page! :)

Why I am open to the possibility of using pitocin, an epidural, etc.  . . .

What!?  Did I really just say that out loud! (Well, no, not technically. . .:))  Before some of you jump down to leave me harsh comments, hear me out . . .
Initially, I was pretty much against most of these seemingly unnecessary interventions.  God designed women to give birth, and of course there will be lots of pain - we are guaranteed this in His Word.  However, birth is not an illness, it is a natural process and with the right training I believe I can go through the process naturally.  This of course would be better for the baby and me . . . right!?  Uhhhh???? Now I'm not so sure . . . 1) I am sure with the proper training, giving birth naturally would be much easier.  I am sure women of the past, who didn't have the option of epidurals or C-sections often delivered babies with great difficulty using only natural solutions.  However, we live in a very different time.  I can't say that I have had adequate training which will prepare me for the massive task that lies ahead.  I've never seen anyone give birth, and I really don't know much about the whole process despite my meager attempts at research.  I hope to learn more, but this time around I am pretty "green"!  2)  Initially I thought epidurals must be much worse for the baby and myself than delivering naturally.  It would seem epidurals are to blame for all sorts of problems . . . from slowing down labor, causing more tearing than necessary, not allowing the momma to have control of her body in order to push, to possibly causing serious life-long issues with her nervous system.  But then I heard a whole slew of stories where an epidural actually helped speed up labor, and gave the momma more control of her body.  Not only that, but my doctors testify that they actually have more tearing occur from women who do not get epidurals.  Plus, unlike opting for drugs through an IV, which transfers to the baby, an epidural really doesn't cause issues for the baby.  And, because epidurals have been around for awhile, and are used more frequently, the risk involved is quite minimal.  I could share similar stories about the use of pitocin. 3) Although, I do believe natural is best if possible, I am not opposed to the possibility of using these other methods.  I most definitely do not see this as a sin issue, and I am thankful that God has given us ways (such as delivery by cesarean section in an emergency situation, or the ability to save a baby that is born prematurely) to ensure that births result in healthy babies.  That is really our motivation no matter what we decide to do during the birthing process.  I am not motivated by proving how tough I am, or to show that going all-natural is the ONLY right way.  I simply want what is best for our little baby!  If that means getting an epidural or taking pitocin in certain situations, then I will be open to the possibility.

So there ya go . . . just a few thoughts I figured you might be interested in hearing.  Also, I came to these conclusions after listening to the stories of many respectable Christian women who planned to give birth naturally or indeed did give birth naturally, but with major issues.  I realize that it is easy to make blanket statements about how "giving birth naturally really isn't as bad as everyone says . . . you can do it!".  I truly hope I can, and I hope that birth goes as smoothly for me as some of the stories I've heard!  However, everyone is different, and each person will have a unique birth experience.  It's not fair to look down on women who couldn't deliver as naturally as they hoped, or those who tried it natural once and will never go back.  Like I mentioned before, I do not believe this is a sin issue.  Each experience comes with a variety of challenges, and God will give us the grace to make it through . . . but that will look different for every woman.

What was your birth experience like!?  We would love to hear from you, and gain insight from your unique situation! :)
    

A Strawberry Patch & Other "Fruit"

Yes!  Fresh strawberries from our very own patch!!  We planted these little guys last summer, and didn't get anything.  In fact, the one strawberry I actually saw was eaten by a critter of some sort before I could even pick it!  Not this year!  We have gotten several strawberries, and they are delicious!  Next year will probably be an even better yield, as the runners really take over with new plants!  However, it has been so fun (and tasty) to pick quite a few this year! So exciting!

I believe a large part of our success this year has been Skyler's wonderful contraption to keep the animals out!  He built these round guards out of chicken wire, and PVC pipe.  When we want to pick the berries (or weeds :P) we just tip 'em back!  It has been working great!

These are the first few strawberries we picked this year.  Since then we have picked another bowl-full, and there are more waiting to be picked even now!  I'm thinking these will taste wonderful in my morning smoothie! :)

As for the other fruit in our orchard, it is doing quite well!  I will be sure to get some pictures up sometimes this week! 

Meanwhile, we are "fruitfully" blossoming at 32 weeks (almost 33)!  Yea!   Kyria is coming very soon!  It is CrAzY to think that she could be here (term) in 5 weeks!  Although, obviously she might not come that early, I want to go ahead and tell myself it could be soon . . . otherwise I might not have everything ready!

Any tips for this stage of my pregnancy!?  What things do you recommend this momma get done prior to the babies arrival!?

  

Favorite Marriage Resources

A friend recently sent me a message asking for a little bit of marriage advice.  She mentioned that it seems like Skyler and I really have a great marriage, and she is praying that someday her and her husband will have the same. 

Wow!  First of all, I really hope I haven't given any of you the impression that Skyler and I are perfect or have the perfect marriage!  We are flawed people just like anyone else, and the only reason we have a great marriage is because of God's amazing grace and mercy! 

I have been contemplating how to respond to my friend, and it has been quite difficult to come up with anything.  I am not an expert on marriage, and I definitely don't have all the answers!  I feel incredibly blessed that God gave me the courage to wait for His very best!  I know that much of the joy in our marriage stems from that fact alone. 

So I thought I would simply put together some of our favorite marriage resources.  These authors can offer much more wisdom than me!  Skyler and I have found these books/cds to be very inspiring!  I think you will like them as well!

For the Wife:

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

  

I read through this book, prior to getting married, with an elderly widow at the church I attended in college!  What a great book!  Just flipping through it again, reminds me that I need to be reading this often!  I plan on picking it back up this week just as a refresher! :) (NOTE: There is a guy version of this book; The Exemplary Husband.  Although Skyler hasn't read through this book, it probably has lots of great insight for the husband wanting to better their marriage relationship). 

Created To Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl

 

 

My pastor's wife introduced me to this wonderful book!  Although some women may scoff at the idea that God created us to be submissive and honoring to our husbands, the denial of this truth is the very reason why many of their marriages are struggling!  This is a great book full of wisdom, and I would highly recommend it! :) (NOTE:  Michael Pearl has recently authored the husband version of this book - Created to Need a Helpmeet. Again Skyler has not read this book yet, but I am sure it would be a great resource for any husband desiring to love his wife as Christ loves the Church.)

For the Couple:

A Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

This was the first marriage book Skyler and I read!  It is wonderful!  Gary Thomas poses the question, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?"  This book is sure to give you a fresh perspective on marriage! 

Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Skyler and I read through this book with a small group at our church prior to getting married.  We still refer to it in conversation often as we laugh about speaking blue vs. pink, me needing to feel loved, and him desiring respect.  I think you will find this book very enlightening and helpful.

The Song of Solomon - Love Song by Tommy Nelson

We recently gave this CD set as a gift to a newly married couple!  This is a sermon series by Pastor Tommy Nelson, and it is so good!  I think guys will find particularly helpful, and couples will find it entertaining to listen to together!  It's so good!!!

The Book of Romance by Tommy Nelson

We haven't actually read this book, but I found it one day at our local Christian book store!  I was super excited because I realized it was the book version of the CD collection we loved so much! I think this book would definitely be worth checking out!

So these have been a few of our favorites!  Do you have any favorite marriage resources you would recommend for the couple wanting to ignite their relationship with God and one another?