33 weeks! We are almost there...
I made the "get done before baby boy arrives" list last week and have been very diligent in checking it off. We are really getting close! (And no, naming him hasn't been crossed off yet.)
For my own good and for those who will read this years from now, I feel the need to write down some of our blessings that have come out of an otherwise crazy year.
Back in December, we were told just before Christmas that Ballys was shutting its doors. Jeff was suddenly unemployed and we were of course a little worried. We were worried about the fact that we bought a house here, making it a little more difficult to pack up and find work somewhere else. We were worried because we had just recently discovered a baby was on the way. The timing stunk. Not to mention, the tennis community we have such a love for was crumbling. But looking back, not even 6 months later, I can easily recognize how fortunate we are. A few months earlier, I had been hired on full time in Olympia, so we still had a source of income. The day we got the official word the club was closing was the last possible day I could apply for benefits at work. One more day and we would have missed that opportunity. Shortly after, Jeff and I were invited to dinner by a favorite tennis friend. We walked into a restaurant to see several long tables of clients and friends we have played with here. Jeff was showered with cards, gifts and well wishes by people that appreciated him. I'm so upset I didn't take a picture, but I know it was an emotional night for Jeff and we will never forget it. Since then, Jeff has been exploring degree programs and has started working part time at the Lakewood Racket Club. Who knows what is up next for us?
Last month our nerves were on edge as we were told to see a specialist for a second opinion regarding our baby's brain anatomy. I was reminded of the power of a whole family fasting and praying as we approached the appointment. After my initial teary breakdown I had settled on the fact that whatever we were told, we would find a way to deal with it- and he would have a huge family to love him when he got here. The doctor was an older man- kind of goofy and pretty relaxed. He put us at ease as he talked his way through all the pictures the tech had taken saying "lookin good" after each one. In the end he noticed why there was an initial concern, but told us it was nothing to panic about, that it's something we will want to keep our pediatrician aware of for future monitoring, but that it was nothing that would cause us to think he has any serious issues. I held hands with Jeff, and the doc told us as I got emotional again, "Relax, welcome to parenthood." Somehow I have even more love for our little boy now. I think I was worried because I know my Heavenly Father knows my heart, and knows I am willing and capable of loving any little one he chooses to send to us. The following Sunday I was reminded that if the gospel is true, nothing else matters. period. If the principles I have been taught all of my life are true, and I know they are, then come what may. I know I have a loving Savior who has felt all our pains and loved me enough to pay for my mistakes. I know that we aren't dealt anything we cannot ultimately handle and that trials are for our good.
I know He has control of it all.
Before leaving the doctor's office that day, he gave us some 3D images of little sprout. As always, he had his hand up near his face, making it difficult to get a good shot. Before I knew it that crazy doctor was pushing on my belly telling him to move his hand. I watched the screen as our little boy moved his hand out of the way for just enough time to get one shot. We did this about three times because Mom kept laughing and messing up the picture. After the third time came this photo:
We also got to see right where his foot was resting against my insides- right where I get steady strong kicks throughout my day:
Ok, a few other things of note:
- I am working through June. Half of my family will be in Idaho late in June, so we are really hoping he keeps cookin' until then! I will take about 16 weeks off and go back to work if needs be.
- He has reached my ribs!
- He gets the hiccups several times a day.
- I am convinced he sleeps like his dad. He doesn't just roll over...he jolts and lands with force, readjusting every limb position and scrunching his pillow. I can just see him in there doing just that, with a few lip smacks before dozing off again.
- Anytime Daisy or Daddy tries to snuggle with me, they get some movement from by belly. He likes his space.
- I recently went to visit the McLaughlin bunch on a day off and we decided to do some maternity shots. I am so excited to have these! See them here:
Many thanks to my sister who continues to spoil me and the rest of the family by capturing life's beautiful moments.
