Monday, August 16, 2010
Waiting...
Dear Baby, here beneath my heart,
I thought that you might come today;
the timing just seemed right.
But the stars are out and the moon is high
and sheepishly I wonder why
I try to arrange the plans of God.
For now I know you will not come
until the One who holds eternity
rustles your soft cocoon and
whispers in tones that I will not hear,
"Its time, precious gift,
Now its time."
-Robin Jones Gunn
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It begins....
...the countdown that is. 6 weeks (give or take a week or 2 depending on how attached Finley is to his current living conditions).
We are getting SO excited. We've had 8 months for the news that we were pregnant to sink in and I can honestly say, it hasn't. Whenever I think about it, I still get that butterfly, confused, shocked, amazed, overwhelmed feeling that I got that first day. WE ARE HAVING A BABY FOLKS! A son, no less! And I am grateful once again at the amazing goodness of God. Looking back over the 8 years of trying to conceive, I can see His hand over & over carrying us through the grief & broken-heartedness of infertility. And yet, I can also see Him saying 'Not yet', faithfully over and over as I screamed angrily at Him in my frustration and lack of understanding. He really is faithful. He is constant. He remains the same. And Finley was part of His plan from the beginning. God saw him and knit him together at His perfect time. Not ours. And now, I wouldn't change it for the world.
The struggle, the brokenness, and the pain was all for our sake. Because out of it, came trust, faith and a desperate need to hold onto Jesus.
And so, now we wait...
..for our miracle to arrive!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Pregnancy Update
I am 30 weeks & 2 days and I'm feeling awesome! I still occasionally throw up for no good reason & cry hysterically for no good reason as well, but other than that, I'm feeling awesome...haha! Finley moves so much all day long. I love it. The other day, he pushed his foot out by my belly button and I could feel his foot! So crazy! Mark and I fall more in love with him every day. Right now he is the frank breech position and Mark has been trying to talk him out of it. Its the funniest thing. Last night, he sang 'Downtown'...."The lights are much brighter there, You can forget all your worries, forget all your cares and go Downtown, things will be great when you're Downtown, no finer place for sure, Downtown, everythings waiting for you!" So far, Finley hasn't liked the song enough to move from his bum-down-feet-in-mouth position, but we have more time to convince him!
My cravings have been interesting for sure. Peanut butter is a favorite, as well as peach yogurt (Island Farms preferably), strawberries & fudgesicles.
I can't believe that its only 10 more weeks. Its going to fly by. And then we will be meeting our little mister! So unbelievable! Thanks for all your prayers and support. We feel very loved!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
10 Pregnancy Super Foods!
1. Avocados: mono-unsaturated fats, potassium, vit. C, folic acid, lutein
2. Beans & Legumes: fiber, plant source of zinc & protein
3. Berries: antioxidants, vitamins, phytonutrients- 'all-fruit' juices & spreads too!
4. Dark Leafy Greens: vit. A & C, folic acid, fiber, antioxidants (eat with a bit of fat-oil or butter for max synergy)
5. Eggs: vit. A, protein, iron
6. Fatty Fish: salmon, black cod, sardines or fish oil supplement: essential fatty acids, protein
7. Nuts: vit. E, magnesium, mono-unsaturated fats
8. Lamb or Beef: zinc, protein & iron
9. Sweet Potatoes: vit. A & E
10. Yogurt: beneficial probiotic bacteria, calcium, protein
by Kimber Pasquali (Mothering- Natural Family Living-Magazine)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pregger Update...
April 6th- Found out that we were having a boy
April 10th- We picked his name ;)
April 13th- He moved for the first time and didn't stop, especially when Mark read to him (Psalm 139)
Sickness: Getting alot better & easier to control (have to eat every hour)
Energy: I have way more which I'm loving, though I still love my naps
Appointments: I have my next appt. on the 23rd and then I think I have to do the sugar-blood test soon after that. In the ultrasound, the tech said he looked really good, that for some of the time he had both hands on his bum or both hands up by his face. My favorite part of the ultrasound was when he stretched....probably the cutest thing I've ever seen! We have decided to get the 3D ultrasound when we are down on the island in May, so we are pretty pumped for that...getting to see him one more time before he arrives!
April 10th- We picked his name ;)
April 13th- He moved for the first time and didn't stop, especially when Mark read to him (Psalm 139)
Sickness: Getting alot better & easier to control (have to eat every hour)
Energy: I have way more which I'm loving, though I still love my naps
Appointments: I have my next appt. on the 23rd and then I think I have to do the sugar-blood test soon after that. In the ultrasound, the tech said he looked really good, that for some of the time he had both hands on his bum or both hands up by his face. My favorite part of the ultrasound was when he stretched....probably the cutest thing I've ever seen! We have decided to get the 3D ultrasound when we are down on the island in May, so we are pretty pumped for that...getting to see him one more time before he arrives!
Monday, April 12, 2010
'Blessed from all sides'
This is how I'm feeling lately. Everywhere we turn, we are seeing the extravagant provision of God. Needs & wants are being fulfilled all around us. I feel so overwhelmed at His faithfulness. On more than one occasion, I have prayed "God, I know we can't afford it at all, but if we could just find a nice second hand_______." Within a day or so, someone contacts me and asks if I would want one! I just am so amazed!!
He is so good to us.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Lord, make my son, to be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face fear when he is afraid, be teachable in defeat, humble and gentle in victory. Make him a hero before my eyes. Make him a world changer. Let me not be blind to his faults, but gracious in his weakness. Let me know how to shape him into the man you've already made him to be.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Nursery Non-Theme
click on image to view larger
I made this inspiration board as a guide to what we want the baby room to feel like.
I don't want a 'theme', so much as a 'feel' (does that sound corny?) I want it to be fun, soothing, eclectic, vintage/retro-ish, relaxing & unique. The question is: Can that be achieved?
We will see!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Mommy & Baby Style
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Resources
Having collected ALOT of books for my doula certification, I now have quite the library of pregnancy, birth, baby, and breastfeeding books. Trying to decide which to read & reference was a bit of a hard decision. Though I randomly check out the other books, these are the ones that I am actually reading:
These ones deserve honorable mention:
These are the websites that I love:
www.babycenter.com
www.thebump.com
www.babyfit.com
www.celebritybabyblog.com
www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com
www.etsy.com
www.adenandanais.com
www.seventhgeneration.com
One thing I am so excited for is homeschooling! I know I'm jumping ahead of myself. And yes, I am relishing the now, but I do have ALOT of time to think and I dream about homeschooling. I have always loved teaching. When I've nannied, I loved putting together lesson plans, setting up story corner, arranging crafts etc... So, even though I have many years, I know they will go by very fast. And I can't wait to experience every one!
These ones deserve honorable mention:
These are the websites that I love:
www.babycenter.com
www.thebump.com
www.babyfit.com
www.celebritybabyblog.com
www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com
www.etsy.com
www.adenandanais.com
www.seventhgeneration.com
One thing I am so excited for is homeschooling! I know I'm jumping ahead of myself. And yes, I am relishing the now, but I do have ALOT of time to think and I dream about homeschooling. I have always loved teaching. When I've nannied, I loved putting together lesson plans, setting up story corner, arranging crafts etc... So, even though I have many years, I know they will go by very fast. And I can't wait to experience every one!
Friday, February 12, 2010
An Incredible Father
There are many reasons that I am so excited to become a mother. One of those reasons is that Mark is going to be a father. I can't even put into words what that means to me. He is going to be an incredible dad. He is already planning adventures to take his son or daughter on. He's planning what to read to them, what music to share, what movies he loved as a kid that he wants them to love too. He talks about leading their hearts to Jesus, training them to be honorable and full of integrity, helping them grow into what God has made them to be. Mark is going to be an incredible father. I am overwhelmed almost continually that God put him in my life & now I live in a constant state of amazement that God would choose him to be the father of our children.
I know this may seem sappy or emotional. It could very well be the state of my emotions right now, but I just can't believe we are having a baby! A little life is going to join ours before we know it and our lives will change forever!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Broken Parent
Hello friends and family,
Those that know me the best know that I am constantly worrying. I'm like an Old English Granny rolled up into the body of a stunningly handsome twenty-nine year old. Ha ha ha ha, I made myself laugh on that one. What I really want to say is this. Since Ruth has gotten preggers I have gone into overdrive worrying about the baby. Everything Ruth does I question as to whether its good for the baby or not. I nag her about everything. I told her she shouldn't do hairspray or wear under-arm deodorant. I make sure she is eating properly. I'm pretty sure that she is getting a little frustrated. I can be overwhelming to say the least. I was reading an article the other day on parenting. The writer talked about the need of parents to be perfect and feeling like failures as parents if they don't measure up to their own standards. I can see myself falling into that category. I can see myself raising the bar so high for my kids and my expectations of how my children should turn out that I can only be disappointed. The writer of the article concluded that the best thing we can do is lead and point them to Jesus. You see I am a broken person. I will never be the perfect parent. I'm going to mess up. I'm going to fail miserably. But there is one thing I can do and that's lead them to Jesus who was broken for me and broken for them. I have this need to be in control. But I am constantly reminded that God is in control. I don't have to worry because Jesus' father holds me, my wife, and my baby in the palm of his hand.
Those that know me the best know that I am constantly worrying. I'm like an Old English Granny rolled up into the body of a stunningly handsome twenty-nine year old. Ha ha ha ha, I made myself laugh on that one. What I really want to say is this. Since Ruth has gotten preggers I have gone into overdrive worrying about the baby. Everything Ruth does I question as to whether its good for the baby or not. I nag her about everything. I told her she shouldn't do hairspray or wear under-arm deodorant. I make sure she is eating properly. I'm pretty sure that she is getting a little frustrated. I can be overwhelming to say the least. I was reading an article the other day on parenting. The writer talked about the need of parents to be perfect and feeling like failures as parents if they don't measure up to their own standards. I can see myself falling into that category. I can see myself raising the bar so high for my kids and my expectations of how my children should turn out that I can only be disappointed. The writer of the article concluded that the best thing we can do is lead and point them to Jesus. You see I am a broken person. I will never be the perfect parent. I'm going to mess up. I'm going to fail miserably. But there is one thing I can do and that's lead them to Jesus who was broken for me and broken for them. I have this need to be in control. But I am constantly reminded that God is in control. I don't have to worry because Jesus' father holds me, my wife, and my baby in the palm of his hand.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Cravings, Sickness, etc...
When all my friends had their babies, I didn't understand the whole cravings, sickness, smells thing. Man, do I ever now!!! I have never been so turned off of smells, textures & most foods ever in my life. The worst ones?? Raw Meat, any strong spices (garlic, onion, chicken broth...weird I know), dish cloths and much more. Most smells make me dry heave, including smells I like, which I don't understand. Although I've only puked twice from morning sickness (excluding the 24 hr. flu I had), I dry heave about 6-10 times a day.
As for cravings, I want apple juice & ginger ale all the time. I've been eating alot of Safeway's Roast Chicken (this works well for me, cause I don't have to prepare raw chicken), fruit (mostly apples & strawberries), peanut butter on waffles, fruit snacks, cereal, almonds & cheese strings. I don't have hardly any appetite, but I feel like I'm eating constantly to keep the nausea in check. The one thing that I crave so much, but I'm bummed that I can't have all the time is Vitamin C vitamins...its the weirdest thing. I hated taking them before I was pregnant, but now I want them all the time....I take 2 a day...but I wait until I want them so bad! haha...so weird.
I sleep ALOT! I nap once or twice a day and by 10pm, I'm so exhausted! People tell me that if I feel I need to rest, then I need to listen to my body, so thats what I'm doing.
Emotions are high too. I cry at everything, get overwhelmed easy & need lots of hugs from Mark. Poor guy! He has been absolutely amazing. He's very protective which I think is the cutest thing ever. I am so grateful to have him in my life.
We are in the midst of some big changes in our life, which are pretty overwhelming. Please pray for us, that we will make the right choices & do the very best things for our 'growing' family!
Thanks to all you who are thinking about & praying for us.
We are very, very grateful.
Friday, January 22, 2010
First Ultrasound
Today was our first ultrasound....and it was amazing!! We saw the baby's tiny little heart beating...and its head and bum....SO CUTE!!!! I'm still in shock! The baby is so tiny and yet its little heart was beating! The tech let us hear it! I've never been so in love with a sound in all my life! I wanted to record it and play it over and over! I know, I'm gushing right now, but I can't help myself! I'm in love!!! Mark and I are just in awe of the little life that is growing inside, we are in a constant state of joy!
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Beginning...
Is this even real? I'm still in a constant state of shock! I am grateful, amazed and totally blown away. I've dreamt of this a very long time! And God is so faithful!
How it all went down:
I had been experiencing some sore 'body parts' (that accompanies pregnancy) for about 2 months, and I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a condition and given medication. I had taken it for 4 days and the meds hadn't touched the pain at all. I was also feeling really gross, like pukey, exhausted etc... Mark was at Safeway grabbing some roast chicken for dinner. I was lying on the couch and it all of a sudden hit me, "Maybe I should take a pregnancy test, just in case." So, Mark grabbed a test and I took it as soon as he came home. There were 2 bright red lines immediately. I yelled for Mark to come into the bathroom. After 8 years of trying and probably close to 100 tests, you don't believe your eyes. Mark confirmed what I had seen, and we just kind of stared at each other. I didn't want to trust just one test, so Mark went and got 2 more tests. While he was gone, I phoned the nurses health line and spoke with a pharmacist. I wanted to check that the medicine I was taking wouldn't give me a false positive. The pharmacist confirmed that wouldn't happen, so when Mark arrived with the other tests and they were both immediately positive, we phoned my sister and parents to come over.
Leah wouldn't just come over, so I had to make it seem like Mark and I had something serious to talk about with the family. She later told us that she thought Mark had terminal cancer.
When Leah got to our house, she was visibly tense & anxious. She said, 'whats going on? I hate things like this. Are you pregnant?' When I held up the test, she grabbed it and we lost it!! 8 years of emotions! lol! When mom & dad arrived, we sat them down and gave them each a wrapped pregnancy test labeled 'Grandpa' & 'Grandma'....mom went into full blown hysteria....frantically ripping at the wrapping & screaming 'Oh please, oh please....don't be joking!!!' After a lot of hugs, tears and screaming, we started talking about how to announce it and when to tell people. Mark really didn't want to tell people until we had the doctors confirmation, which I totally agreed with. But Mom & Dad were leaving for PG on the Monday, so they wouldn't be here when we told the church. So I phoned the hospital to see if I could come in to do a test. They said that unless it was an emergency, there was no way. But my dad wouldn't take no for an answer, so he went to the hospital to speak with the doctor. When he got there, he burst into tears again, which caused the doctor to think that somebody had died. But when dad finally got it out, the doctor agreed to let me come and take the test. So, we piled into the car and went to the hospital for our 4th test of the night. I took the test and then Mark and I had to wait in the back room, while Mom and Dad waited in the waiting room. The doctor came in and started telling us about taking prenatal vitamins and not taking part in contact sports. I was like, so........'Oh yes, its a positive positive' he said, in his cute little voice! I could have squeezed him! He said congratulations, told us that a pregnant woman is a healthy woman & that I needed to get rest & not be stressed. I just couldn't stop grinning. I thought I would be a blubbering mess, but my cheeks just ached from smiling! Was this really happening? Were we really going to have a baby, after all this time?? It was so incredible to me, that I just kind of entered this dazed happiness, that I still haven't gotten out of.
We are now celebrating the faithfulness of God. His perfect answer. His incredible grace!
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