I seriously LOVE being pregnant! It is the most amazing feeling everyday! I hope I am still saying this in 2 months, when summer in OK is in full swing, and I am off to camps and mission trips! Right now though, this is amazing! Ben definitely felt Lincoln kick last week, and it brought tears to my eyes. During church on Sunday, our pastor was praying, and Lincoln started kicking...I quickly poked Ben and he felt the kicks again:) I woke up today, early as usual, and Lincoln apparently woke up with me. There is nothing sweeter than waking up to his sweet kicks!
The worst part, so far still, has been the back and hip pain, which prevents me from sleeping really well. I used to get so upset when I couldn't sleep, but now I just think, I wouldn't trade sleep for this sweet boy any day!!!
I finally, after painting once already, chose a color, and re-painted the nursery. I LOVE it!!! I am planning on being home tomorrow morning so I can finish painting the closet, trim, and doors. Once all of that is done, I can start hanging his letters, and the verse that my sweet friend Madi is painting for him.
I am truly blessed beyond anything I could have ever hoped for! God has been so good to us! My heart still breaks for so many of my friends and fellow bloggers who are still wanting so badly to be pregnant. I know the pain of each passing month with no results. You see your bank account dwindle and your hope fade. I wish I had words to comfort, but all I know to say is how deeply I hurt with you. It pains me to watch shows like 16 and pregnant, or read about abortion...there are so many women whose greatest desire is to be a mommy, and yet others throw that word around like trash. All I can encourage you to do is rest in the hope and peace that only God can give.
I pray anyone who reads this spends time today fellowshipping with our Heavenly Father!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
growing family
Lincoln will be half way incubated this Wednesday! I cannot believe how fast 5 months has flown by. There are times when I wish it would go even faster, but I want him to be completely ready, and the house to be completely ready to bring him home!
I am 90% sure I have felt him kick! It started like gas bubbles, which I chalked up to just that. But the past week, I have felt actual thumps in my belly! Now if this is not Lincoln kicking, there is something seriously not right going on inside of me! This pregnancy, not that I have anything to compare it to, has been wonderful. I hear some people's stories, and think wow, that does not sound fun at all. But I could not have asked for an easier time. The worst thing I'm having to work through is some pretty intense back and hip pain that will wake me at 4am nearly everyday! I took 2 Tylenol last night, and slept pretty well. I do have a call into my doctor to make sure that was ok, and how often I can safely do that.
Ben has been more than wonderful. He will wake up and talk to me during the night if I can't sleep, rub my back, make dinner, go on long walks to help ease the aches, and so much more!!! I had already decided to buy him and IPAD before Lincoln comes, just as a way to let him know how much I love and appreciate him (he has been wanting one for a while, but they are so expensive!) We have a friend at church that told us about a contest with his company, and that we could win one! Long story short, Ben sacrificed himself, made a pretty hysterical video, got tons of people to "like" it on facebook, and voila-WE WON AN IPAD!!!! I really think this was just a sweet blessing from God. We do not by any means NEED an IPAD, but we are so thankful this opportunity came up!
I am going to buy our second gallon of paint later to RE-paint the nursery. The first color came out horrible, so it was back to the drawing board. Fortunately, God has placed such sweet girls in our ministry, so we will be having a 2nd paint party later this week:) Hope you are all having a happy Monday!!!
I am 90% sure I have felt him kick! It started like gas bubbles, which I chalked up to just that. But the past week, I have felt actual thumps in my belly! Now if this is not Lincoln kicking, there is something seriously not right going on inside of me! This pregnancy, not that I have anything to compare it to, has been wonderful. I hear some people's stories, and think wow, that does not sound fun at all. But I could not have asked for an easier time. The worst thing I'm having to work through is some pretty intense back and hip pain that will wake me at 4am nearly everyday! I took 2 Tylenol last night, and slept pretty well. I do have a call into my doctor to make sure that was ok, and how often I can safely do that.
Ben has been more than wonderful. He will wake up and talk to me during the night if I can't sleep, rub my back, make dinner, go on long walks to help ease the aches, and so much more!!! I had already decided to buy him and IPAD before Lincoln comes, just as a way to let him know how much I love and appreciate him (he has been wanting one for a while, but they are so expensive!) We have a friend at church that told us about a contest with his company, and that we could win one! Long story short, Ben sacrificed himself, made a pretty hysterical video, got tons of people to "like" it on facebook, and voila-WE WON AN IPAD!!!! I really think this was just a sweet blessing from God. We do not by any means NEED an IPAD, but we are so thankful this opportunity came up!
I am going to buy our second gallon of paint later to RE-paint the nursery. The first color came out horrible, so it was back to the drawing board. Fortunately, God has placed such sweet girls in our ministry, so we will be having a 2nd paint party later this week:) Hope you are all having a happy Monday!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
letter to my sweet baby
Hi my sweet little BOY!!!
Your daddy and I are so excited that we can finally call you Lincoln (not that we did not enjoy calling you Ziggy)! It is so fun that you have that identity now! We could not have been more excited than when she told us you are a boy! The doctor said you look great! You are in the 80th percentile for weight and length...Dr. L says she is sure you will be a big baby! That makes me a little nervous, as I will be the one introducing you to the world, but I don't care. You will, and already are, worth any pain I may feel!
We have prayed for you for so many long years. It is still hard to believe that you are ours! You are a miracle that only God can give. Daddy talks to you in my belly. He tells you how much we love you and how God loves you too! We read to you at night and I sing to you....I want you to know my voice when we meet for the first time.
When we saw you yesterday, you had the hiccups. It was pretty cute. I felt bad at first, but the doctor assured me that you were just practicing your breathing for when the big day gets here! I still cry every time I get to hear you little heart beat. You make mommy smile all the time!
I want to give you the world! I don't ever want you to hurt! I know that neither of those things are realistic, but hey, a mommy can dream.
Your daddy and I want you to know what a blessing you are! You have already been used by God to glorify His name, and for that, I am so thankful!
Until we meet my sweet angel, mommy loves you so much!!!
Your daddy and I are so excited that we can finally call you Lincoln (not that we did not enjoy calling you Ziggy)! It is so fun that you have that identity now! We could not have been more excited than when she told us you are a boy! The doctor said you look great! You are in the 80th percentile for weight and length...Dr. L says she is sure you will be a big baby! That makes me a little nervous, as I will be the one introducing you to the world, but I don't care. You will, and already are, worth any pain I may feel!
We have prayed for you for so many long years. It is still hard to believe that you are ours! You are a miracle that only God can give. Daddy talks to you in my belly. He tells you how much we love you and how God loves you too! We read to you at night and I sing to you....I want you to know my voice when we meet for the first time.
When we saw you yesterday, you had the hiccups. It was pretty cute. I felt bad at first, but the doctor assured me that you were just practicing your breathing for when the big day gets here! I still cry every time I get to hear you little heart beat. You make mommy smile all the time!
I want to give you the world! I don't ever want you to hurt! I know that neither of those things are realistic, but hey, a mommy can dream.
Your daddy and I want you to know what a blessing you are! You have already been used by God to glorify His name, and for that, I am so thankful!
Until we meet my sweet angel, mommy loves you so much!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
catching up!
It has been way too long since I have posted...I feel like I am going to forget everything going on, but I have simply had no time to stop and blog! Even today, I have 5 minutes before I have to go teach our MDO 2 year olds, so this will be quick...
We are 17 weeks pregnant this Wednesday! I can't believe that we have know since week 3, and how fast the last 14 weeks have gone by. In those weeks I have had morning sickness, but no throwing up (thank you Jesus!), grown "up top" (which is still VERY strange to me), stopped running but started walking somewhat regularly, gained probably too much weight (trying to keep it down before the next appointment), gone on a wonderful cruise with my amazing husband, and I THINK I felt Ziggy moving this past weekend!!! Since this is my first, I really have no idea, but those that I have talked to said that yes, that is most likely what it was:) I cannot wait for this little one to kick me, for Ben to be able to feel it, and to just share in that joy together!
We will find out next Tuesday the gender of our little miracle! Once again, I CANNOT WAIT!!! But I guess I'll have to! We have it planned out how we will tell our families, since we can't be there in person:( I'll post more about that later.
Well, I'm off to spend the day with 9 2year olds!!!
We are 17 weeks pregnant this Wednesday! I can't believe that we have know since week 3, and how fast the last 14 weeks have gone by. In those weeks I have had morning sickness, but no throwing up (thank you Jesus!), grown "up top" (which is still VERY strange to me), stopped running but started walking somewhat regularly, gained probably too much weight (trying to keep it down before the next appointment), gone on a wonderful cruise with my amazing husband, and I THINK I felt Ziggy moving this past weekend!!! Since this is my first, I really have no idea, but those that I have talked to said that yes, that is most likely what it was:) I cannot wait for this little one to kick me, for Ben to be able to feel it, and to just share in that joy together!
We will find out next Tuesday the gender of our little miracle! Once again, I CANNOT WAIT!!! But I guess I'll have to! We have it planned out how we will tell our families, since we can't be there in person:( I'll post more about that later.
Well, I'm off to spend the day with 9 2year olds!!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Greatest Moment this week!
With all that I previously wrote about, God was so good to show Himself to me in such a sweet way today. I went to breakfast with a friend/co-worker, and Ben went to a high school assembly for some students. I texted when I got back, and he told me to join him in the youth building. I figured he was trying to get away so he could study his lesson for tonight. When I walked in, I couldn't help but cry. He had made a playlist and was by himself just simply worshiping God at the top of his lungs. The first thought I had was, WOW, our baby is going to grow up with a daddy who loves to be in the presence of the One who made him or her! I came in close to the end, but got to worship for a few songs.
We decided that we should do it again this afternoon, so we told the staff, and just simply had youtube worship videos blaring, and all came together to praise our Father! IT WAS AMAZING!!! When we were done, our worship leader started talking about the story in the Bible where David spoke of worshiping without stopping. They are going to make a playlist and have worship playing 24/7 around our church. I am so excited about what God is doing in our lives personally, and we are fervently praying for God to do something incredible in our church!
P.S. I am 12 weeks along today...I am not quite sure if this is the end of the first trimester and the start of the second, or if that comes at week 13...I don't really care about that...I am just thankful to still have a few symptoms (exhaustion, nausea), because I am trusting that means Ziggy is still growing!
We decided that we should do it again this afternoon, so we told the staff, and just simply had youtube worship videos blaring, and all came together to praise our Father! IT WAS AMAZING!!! When we were done, our worship leader started talking about the story in the Bible where David spoke of worshiping without stopping. They are going to make a playlist and have worship playing 24/7 around our church. I am so excited about what God is doing in our lives personally, and we are fervently praying for God to do something incredible in our church!
P.S. I am 12 weeks along today...I am not quite sure if this is the end of the first trimester and the start of the second, or if that comes at week 13...I don't really care about that...I am just thankful to still have a few symptoms (exhaustion, nausea), because I am trusting that means Ziggy is still growing!
Monday, April 11, 2011
thoughts
I have really been struggling lately with a lot of things. I have had such a hard time lately, being excited about our pregnancy, when so many people in my life are hurting so badly. I know that our "happy times" may be few and far between, and that we should take delight in them, but my heart hurts for so many right now. We have several families/friends at church who have either lost loved ones to cancer or are in the midst of seeing their loved ones struggle. No words can be enough to comfort. I know that true peace comes only from the Lord, but I just wish we as humans could do more to ease the pain. I won't let myself go to thoughts of "what if one of our parents", because just the thought is too painful.
Along with these needs, I have 2 sweet friends who are in the middle of their own infertility struggles. Once again, there are no words that I can say to make things better. I know how it feels when someone gives you their hope, and by that I mean, sharing their success story. I don't feel like that is my place. I feel like I am just supposed to cry with them, love them, and walk through this with them. I am blessed to have had a wonderful fertility doctor, whom I would recommend to anyone. One of my friends lives in the Houston area, and one close by. I just hope that if they have questions, they will ask me. I want to be that sounding board. I know God took us on our journey for a reason, and I would feel more than blessed if even part of our reason for it was to be a support to others.
On a personal note, my dad called and he lost his job this past week. He is a teacher and was working at a charter school. Apparently, they can hire and fire at leisure, without reason. My parents have had money worries in the past, but were finally getting on top of things. I definitely did not grow up rich. I know what it is like to scour the house for enough money to buy milk for the week. I hate that they are having to go through this. I wish we were rich and could give them whatever they need until something happens.
Through all of this, I know God is still in control! He still sits on his throne! We are so blessed to be 12 weeks pregnant this Wednesday and to have that sweet little one growing stronger every day. I will leave you with part of the chorus of one of my favorite Matt Redman songs, You Never Let Go...
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Along with these needs, I have 2 sweet friends who are in the middle of their own infertility struggles. Once again, there are no words that I can say to make things better. I know how it feels when someone gives you their hope, and by that I mean, sharing their success story. I don't feel like that is my place. I feel like I am just supposed to cry with them, love them, and walk through this with them. I am blessed to have had a wonderful fertility doctor, whom I would recommend to anyone. One of my friends lives in the Houston area, and one close by. I just hope that if they have questions, they will ask me. I want to be that sounding board. I know God took us on our journey for a reason, and I would feel more than blessed if even part of our reason for it was to be a support to others.
On a personal note, my dad called and he lost his job this past week. He is a teacher and was working at a charter school. Apparently, they can hire and fire at leisure, without reason. My parents have had money worries in the past, but were finally getting on top of things. I definitely did not grow up rich. I know what it is like to scour the house for enough money to buy milk for the week. I hate that they are having to go through this. I wish we were rich and could give them whatever they need until something happens.
Through all of this, I know God is still in control! He still sits on his throne! We are so blessed to be 12 weeks pregnant this Wednesday and to have that sweet little one growing stronger every day. I will leave you with part of the chorus of one of my favorite Matt Redman songs, You Never Let Go...
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Monday, April 4, 2011
staying busy
I had really hoped to keep up better with this blog now that our little miracle is on the way! I don't want to forget anything that is happening, but life just seems to get ahead of me and I can't catch up! We have had the privilege of seeing Ziggy 3 times now! Each time, we have heard that strong heartbeat! This last time, at 10 weeks, we saw legs and arms dancing all over the place! Ben says there is no way our child will be a baptist, although we are, because everyone knows baptists don't dance-haha!
I have not been too sick lately, and still have not thrown up once-Praise the Lord!!! I am exhausted and don't sleep much, but we have had so much going on at church, I feel like my brain is on overdrive! Ben booked our vacation though, so I do have that to look forward to! We found an awesome deal on another cruise-this time to the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos (we have seen this island on Wheel of Fortune, and it looks FABULOUS!!!) I am just so thankful that I will have an excuse to eat everything in sight...multiple times a day:)
Swimsuit shopping for my beached whale body proved successful, yet frightening and not so attractive. I got a super cute tankini, but the not yet pregnant look, just fat tummy, does not exactly appeal to the eyes. I had the thought at Khols that I am no longer a young wife, I am now a mommy. YAY!!!!
We go back in 3 weeks 2 days to have a check-up. I do miss my fertility doc and the bi-weekly glimpses at my sweet baby!
I am hoping there is nothing super eventful or earth shattering to write anytime soon. We leave for our cruise May 2nd, which does not seem far to most, but our next doc appt. is April 27th which right now, feels like an eternity away:)
I have not been too sick lately, and still have not thrown up once-Praise the Lord!!! I am exhausted and don't sleep much, but we have had so much going on at church, I feel like my brain is on overdrive! Ben booked our vacation though, so I do have that to look forward to! We found an awesome deal on another cruise-this time to the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos (we have seen this island on Wheel of Fortune, and it looks FABULOUS!!!) I am just so thankful that I will have an excuse to eat everything in sight...multiple times a day:)
Swimsuit shopping for my beached whale body proved successful, yet frightening and not so attractive. I got a super cute tankini, but the not yet pregnant look, just fat tummy, does not exactly appeal to the eyes. I had the thought at Khols that I am no longer a young wife, I am now a mommy. YAY!!!!
We go back in 3 weeks 2 days to have a check-up. I do miss my fertility doc and the bi-weekly glimpses at my sweet baby!
I am hoping there is nothing super eventful or earth shattering to write anytime soon. We leave for our cruise May 2nd, which does not seem far to most, but our next doc appt. is April 27th which right now, feels like an eternity away:)
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