Some news ...

We found out today that another princess is joining our family. I was completely wrong because I thought it was a boy! Mr. S thought it was a girl, and Lena insisted that she was having a "sisser."

Seeing our new little one on the screen made everything more real somehow. I came home and told Lena that her new baby was going to be a sister. She was at our house with Pop Pop, Nanna and Auntie Nee.

She looked at me and said "I apple?"

After she was happily munching on her apple, she was interested to see the picture of her new baby sister. She even gave it a kiss.

I just wanted to update those of you who hadn't heard. Have a blessed weekend!

Not Yet!!!!!!!!!!!! (pregnancy update)

I just came back from my 37 week appointment. To be totally accurate ... 37 weeks and 4 days. I have been having some pretty bad contractions lately. Sometimes they are extremely painful and radiate to my legs and back. To make a long story short, its not quite time yet. The doctor said that the contractions ARE changing my cervix, which was good. However, she said although I could go into labor this week, she has a feeling that I will at least make it until my next appointment one week from today. I was kind of relieved because this was the one appointment that Mr. S did not attend with me! The OB said that any time my body wants to go into labor is fine now so just to give them a call!

I've been praying a lot lately that God will just calm all the little jitters that Mr. S and I have. We are excited beyond belief, but I have never even been in the hospital before, so I'm a little nervous. I think the fact that I used to be an electrodiagnostic cardiac technician in the hospital makes me more nervous!!

Yay!

God is very good! We are pretty much ready for the baby. After my second shower which was last Saturday, I was able to check everything that we need before baby comes - off of my list! All of our family and friends have been so generous to us and we are overwhelmed by that. Between the two showers we have have been able to furnish and decorate the nursery, fill her drawers with clothes, and even have a reserve of baby necessities to draw from. My bags are packed and the car seat is in the car. Stroller is set up and waiting. All we need is the baby now. Having everything ready makes it really hard to wait! My sister is up here for the week helping me out.

Contractions are still coming pretty consistently ... especially at night. They always subside and don't increase in intensity. She is clearly not quite ready to come out yet. I have a doctor appointment tonight, and then I'll be going every week.

Sorry to bore everyone with details of my pregnancy once again. I warned you though, didn't I? The picture above is from a few weeks ago -- but the grin on my face kind of sums everything up.

What will I do now?

This is not going to be a profound post. I just want to announce that I have run out of drawers to organize and I think the carpet fibers are begging for relief from the vacuum cleaner! Whatever will I do now? I donned my secretarial hat last week and took care of paperwork and all things financial until the middle/end of September. I even went through Mr S's Father-to-Be baby book and marked all the pages I considered pertinent enough for him to read before the big day. I made a list for my parents and sister basically telling them how to run the house without my assistance. I really hope that I do not drive Mr S crazy in the next month.

My sister-in-laws know how to throw a great party whether it is a church or family gathering. When I married into the family, I joined them in some of their pursuits. The three of us have different ways of reacting to the stress of an upcoming event. I usually go into a panic a couple days before the event occurs, but am calm and in control on the day of the occasion. Stay tuned to find out if I deal with delivery in the same way.

I'm pretty nervous right now. Every time I have a day of feeling "just awful," I wonder if the baby is going to come soon. I'm starting to feel nausea and my appetite has dwindled considerably. We'll see what the ob says at my appointment next week! Pray for me! God is faithful and will do His sovereign will.

Preparation for Motherhood ... and Fatherhood!

God is preparing me to be a mommy. Let me tell you about Saturday night. I went to bed, tired as usual. I knew as soon as my head hit the pillow that the insomnia monster had reared its ugly head once again. I looked over at Mr. S who was blissfully sleeping, his peaceful snores wafting toward the ceiling. After an hour of staring at Mr. S, who by the way, did not notice my piercing gaze -- I got up and went into the baby's room. I sat in the glider and rocked and rocked. I even eyed the crib thinking how comfortable it looked! To make a long story short, at about 2 am I managed to drift off for a couple of hours.

Lately, I have been dealing with insomnia, a lot of painful pressure, fatigue, heartburn, backaches, clothes that totally don't fit, and nervous anticipation. But you know what? Every morning when I wake up, I feel my precious little baby squirming inside of me. I bow my head and thank God for everything -- the discomfort, the anxiety ... you name it!! I already have this incredible love for the baby.

I know that when she gets here, there will be a lot of dying to myself. When Mr S and I got married, I think we both had to learn how to be selfless. I know that God will have to do a lot more pruning in the months ahead. I am glad I am getting a taste of giving things up for the baby's sake already.

Mr. S has had a lot of practice already as well! He has to deal with my frequent outbursts of "OUCH!" realizing that it isn't TIME yet -- it is just one of "those" pains. He's become my masseuse whose massaging hands are always available. He's had to deal with "sweetheart I am just too tired to do that!" He's had to go grocery shopping with me every week lately. In the last couple of weeks, he has also had to deal with my anxiety and my frantic nesting. When he stands up he has to remember to reach behind and drag my bulky self up too! He has attended SO many doctor's appointments - and believe me - they have all been exactly the same. I've needed a lot of extra hugs and kisses lately because I just need to know he's there. I'm sure he could add many more things to this list if he were the one writing!

Not too much longer (Lord willing) and we will experience what God has in store for us in the parenting department. We can't wait.

Lamaze ...

We went to Childbirth Prep/Lamaze classes this past June. A couple of things struck me as we sat on our towels and breathed "ha ha ha WHOO ... ha ha ha WHOO" while receiving reassuring massages from our husbands.

"Coaches, breathe with your wives," instructed the teacher.

Firstly, we all looked pretty silly!! Mr. S and I were both choking back waves of laughter. Thankfully he was sitting behind me so we couldn't meet eyes. I still feel the corners of my mouth quivering when we practice the breathing. I'm sure the pain will knock the smile right off of my face when the time comes! Stay tuned to find out if we actually use the breathing ...

Secondly and more seriously, I didn't realize that contractions are good. Yes, that's right folks!
God has designed those waves of pain to open the cervix up and give baby a place to go ... namely out into our world. Fighting against the contractions and tensing up is not what you want to do ... hence Lamaze or Bradley or whatever you use to get you through. (Remind me of this again in the next few weeks)

At every stage of this pregnancy, I have been in awe of God's Ways. He has made and fashioned us in such a detailed way. How can we comprehend all the wonders of His creation?

I'll Give This a Try ...

I love to write, but I've never used this forum to express my thoughts. We'll see how it goes. I started this blog because I have really enjoyed reading my mom's new blog and my fingers are starting to itch! I want one too!

I am 34 weeks and 4 days pregnant with a little blessing. Right now, my life seems to be revolving around all things baby. I've heard that this form of naval gazing is normal in my current circumstances so please bear with me!

I am married to a wonderful godly man (that would be Mr. S of course!!). My cup runneth over.

I am a stay at home wife. People don't seem to understand this concept when I try to explain that my current employment is to keep our home and care for my husband to the best of my ability! It is a wonderful job. A high calling. I pray that I can please the Lord in my small way each day.