In case you didn't already know...

Our baby girl has a name! And we are so excited about it! John Paul and I are both named after our grandparents and we think it's really special to have a name that is tied to people we love and respect. So with that said our sweet girl will be...


Libby Allison Schulze


As most of you know, Libby is after my YiaYia here in Dallas. Her name in Greek is Eleftheria which means "freedom or liberty" so her parents called her Libby. 


My YiaYia and I have had a special relationship my whole life and she means so much to me. She is loving and fun and I have so many wonderful memories with her. I spent a lot of time at her house growing up doing crafts, playing blackjack (she taught us) with pennies in our tents we made, playing restaurant or bank or beauty parlor, sick days home from school (I may have faked a few just to stay with her!), family dinners, and so much more.  She has always been there for me and has helped shape who I am in so many ways.  I can't imagine what life would be like without my YiaYia close by! 

There are so many qualities that YiaYia possesses that we pray Libby will have! A few of those are her servant heart, her joyful spirit, and her loving demeanor. YiaYia makes everyone feel loved and is so spunky and full of life. Everyone who knows her loves her. She goes above & beyond and serves our family so well...and always with a smile on her face. She is such an example of putting others before yourself. We are so excited that our little girl will be named after someone so wonderful. We love you YiaYia!

And Libby's middle name, Allison, is after one of my very best friends, Allison Bowen. Alli and I went to high school together and became friends through Young Life but didn't really have the same circle of friends. Once we realized that we were both going to A&M we decided to be roommates in the dorm...which turned out to be the biggest blessing and the start of an amazing friendship! My arm accident was right at the end of high school and I was still pretty limited in my functioning by the time I left for college. There could not have been a more perfect person for the Lord to have placed in my life at that time! Alli literally became my right arm...everything from helping me get dressed to blow drying my hair to massaging my scar. It makes total sense that she is now a nurse! :) Our freshman year really bonded us and we have been best friends ever since. From being bakers at YL camp to getting our Aggie rings to standing in each other's weddings...we have walked through every major step in life together.

Allison also possesses many qualities that we pray Libby has! A few of those would be her loyalty, servant heart, and deep trust in and love for Jesus. Allison is such a thoughtful and faithful friend and John Paul and I both know that we can count on her for anything. She is invested in our life and is always willing to help us, pray for us, or anything else that we need. She lives her life for Christ and is a constant encouragement to me. I love hanging out with her and could not be more thankful for her friendship! I hope and pray Libby has a best friend  like Alli some day!


So obviously this name means a lot to us and we can't wait for Libby to meet to the two wonderful ladies that she is named after. We also pray that she would take on the meaning of her name which is "freedom or liberty" and that she would come to know and love Jesus and experience the freedom that comes from His grace!

Babymoon to FL!

Last Thursday we got to go to Watercolor, FL for 4 nights and it was so wonderful! Nothing but relaxing mornings of coffee and reading on the porch, days by the beach, and nights of fun dinners around town! Allison's aunt and uncle have a house there and it is amazing...we were definitely spoiled. Here are a few pictures of where we got to stay!

Front of the house! 

We got the carriage house! It had it's own mini-kitchen and sitting area! So cute

Our awesome bedroom! 

I loved the bathroom too!

The first day was rainy but we still had fun going to breakfast, playing bananagrams, reading, and cooking! The other days were perfect and sunny and we spent lots of time at the beach! The Newmans, a couple from Alli & Blake's community group, were also on the trip with us. Here are some pictures to document the fun...

John Paul making omelets! His specialty

Amber & Alli heading to the beach

Blake & John Paul smoking their pipes and looking cool

Alli & me! 

Sunset @ Bud & Alley's

29 week 2 day bump

Yummy BBQ food truck

Heading to another day at the beach!

Beach time

The whole gang

The hubby and me!

It was a great trip and we cannot thank the Bowens enough for inviting us and making it possible! They are incredible friends in so many ways and we are very grateful to have them in our lives!