Remembering the beginning...

  With the beginning of June soon to come, I quickly realize that means July 1 is one month away, only 35 days until we meet our daughter! It seems like just yesterday that we were in Israel finding out we were pregnant! I was sitting on our room's balcony, feeling so full of life, wanting to scream it at the top of my lungs! DJ and I chose to keep it between us for the first week we were there and it was something I'll never forget. Being able to look DJ in the eye and he'd have that twinkle, that only we knew why it was there. Knowing there was life growing inside of me that God chose to allow with His very perfect timing and knowing how very significant it was that we find out in Israel. 

  After deciding to let the others in on the big secret, I had those that wanted to pray and bless the pregnancy. I'll never forget the day that the group gathered around us on top of Mount Carmel and prayed for our little one. Words such as "warrior"and "double portion"  came over and over again. And the Lord spoke to me. He said," This is my pregnancy! Trust me!" Since that day, I've had peace with every part of this pregnancy. Even now, I look down at my belly and I can't help but smile...it's been 8 months of ups and downs, but we put our trust in Him, knowing that He would guard and protect our precious gift. And now as we face the 35 wk mark, I am undone with blessing, joy, and peace. God is good and He truly gives us the desires of our hearts!
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  Now we are in preparation mode, acquiring last minute necessities, packing hospital bags and the baby bag, and working on relaxation and breathing methods (more me, than DJ). I've always been the type to feel more comfortable in a situation having already experienced something similar to it. This will be mostly all new to me. Therefore I'm doing what I can to prepare, hoping I remember when I'm actually in labor! :) Depending on when she decides to come, this may be my last blog until after she is here! I'll post on Facebook best I can! Thank you for your continued prayers! Blessings!!

Stir Crazy!

  The time is drawing near for this little one to come...8 weeks to go! I can hardly believe how soon we'll be holding her and doing all the things a new Mommy and Daddy get to do! Although it seems to have gone somewhat quickly, I'm in awe that I've been able to make it 3 months on bed rest! Today I am definitely feeling STIR CRAZY! It's a beautiful day outside and having company come and then watch them leave was hard. Being able to just go grocery shopping or go on a walk or a road trip with DJ...the simple things that I once took for granted. I am so longing to be able to do simple things again! I have been so thankful for a schedule that would allow me to be on bed rest and a husband to be here to help me through. I have had some moments of stillness that I enjoyed, but today...I AM STIR CRAZY! 

  I think what I have learned is to not hold emotions in, but communicate with DJ as much as possible what I'm feeling. Even if I feel it might sound sillier outside my head, just getting it out really helps. I've also learned that it's okay to cry. Sad, happy, mad, irritated, nervous, etc. With all these extra hormones, it's bound to happen. I've appreciated DJ letting it be okay and offering up his shoulder to cry on. Don't get me wrong, we laugh and plan and dream. There are many, many good days. Not being able to lead a "normal" life and sometimes being alone during the day catch up to you.

  If I could offer advice to anyone on bed rest, it would be to fully rely on your husband! Make him part of your day and make an effort to have conversation not having technology in the background. I think it's so important to open up and reveal those things that seem to get pent up so easily.

I would also say that keeping date night is so important! It may not be much, but putting a movie on and eating something a little nicer or out of the ordinary really breaks up times and meals that have become routine. 

All in all, I must go all the way back to the beginning of this pregnancy and remember what God told me in Israel. He said," This is my (God) pregnancy. Trust in me." So...here starts my 8 week countdown to July 1!!