A Week of Waiting

Again I write, without having met our new little one, but this time another week has gone by. As we continue to wait, the Lord is revealing new truths to me each day. A few nights this past week I have woken up wondering and worrying if the baby is ok. I fear that something might be wrong, but yet I know the Lord is in control. Each time, I spent time praying and have been comforted by the hope of knowing that God is sovereign. On Thursday, after seeing the doctor, I started having contractions and went in to be monitored. The nurse thought for sure I was in labor and sent me home saying she would see me again soon. All day I waited anxiously, contractions coming and going, but nothing happened. By the end of the day, Kevin and I were both physically tired and frustrated. We again had to let go and trust that everything was in the Lord's hands. But as I now think back at the whole week, we truly have been blessed to have so much time together to rest and prepare for this baby. Neither of us had many plans so we have both been home with Micah, spending lots of sweet moments together, walking, playing at the park, and just enjoying one another. Even as we wait together, God has been faithful!

Awaiting the arrival...

Today marks 40 weeks and 2 days of this pregnancy, making me more anxious than ever to meet our new little addition. We went to the doctor the morning, which showed everything to be progressing in a healthy manner, but no labor yet. I am so eager and my mind is stuck on when and how this baby will come. I am trying to relax, but I just don't feel like doing anything! I so desperately wanted to labor during the day so that I wasn't as tired as last time. I guess only the Lord knows, and He will give me strength for whatever comes. This weekend has been a lot of trying to fill my time and distract my attention, so yesterday we gave Micah his first haircut! Though he screamed from frustration of having to sit still for more than a second, Daddy was eventually able to distract him with some chocolate chips. When I got to the bottom where his curls were, I simply could not allow myself to cut them off so grandma took the scissors and went to work. In the end, I think he looks so handsome and grown up. At the doctor this morning, Micah was walking around carrying chairs back and forth and playing very happily, which seemed very normal to me. (Actually, I thought he was quite calm and very content with such simple entertainment.) After watching him for a few minutes, someone in the waiting room smiled and stated, "Wow, he is quite hyper today, isn't he?" I just laughed and replied, "Oh no, this is actually very calm and relaxed for Micah." I was again reminded of how much energy is bundled up into our son and was filled with thankfulness for such a blessing! His personality and passion for everything in life is so intense! I wonder whether his little sibling will follow in those eager footsteps or if he/she will be more laid back like their daddy? Either way, we can't wait to me that precious little one!

Eagerly welcoming the coolness of fall...

A week or two ago, I breathed a sigh of relief as the weather began to change. I love the colors, the brisk mornings and cool nights, crackling campfires, and crunchy leaves as well as everything else that fall brings. For me it is a fresh beginning, as school and activities get into full swing. Not only are we beginning this new season with the weather, but in just a short time our little family will be adding a new member. The sweet joy that a new baby brings is filling me with eagerness. However, I can't jump ahead too quickly because Micah has TRULY been a delight the past couple of weeks. He has been very content, enjoying whatever life brings his way. He is learning how to play and entertain himself as well as communicate what he needs more clearly. He continues to be filled with energy but he is able to funnel it into active playing and exploring, without always fussing out of frustration. He is also learning to wait patiently when he has asked for something. This is definitely a blessing as I know he is in for a shock when the new baby arrives and he will no longer be the solo receiver of my attention. As life brings these new changes, I am also experiencing a new fresh and vibrant depth in my relationship with my husband. Kevin and I have been blessed to experience an even deeper closeness as we continue to grow in our intimate relationship with the Lord. I cannot begin to describe how He beautifully and gently is refining each of us, bringing us to a fresh understanding of the joy of marriage. Though the messiness of dealing with sin is frustrating, Kevin has reminded me of the joy and hope we have through Jesus Christ as we persevere in striving for a life of obedience!!!