Tomorrow I will be 22 weeks pregnant. 22 weeks along...with my THIRD baby. I still sit down and try to soak it all in sometimes, completely amazed at God's timing and goodness to our family. I don't have as much time as I did with Cameron, or even Elly, to even think about being pregnant. In a lot of ways, this is a good thing - I have to put all systems on "bypass" when I'm too tired, hungry, or puffy to keep going :)
Last month at our family reunion, my nephew came up to me, put his hands on my belly and said, "Aunt Michelle, you have such a big bay-bay!" I think I was about 17 weeks at the time. Oh, dear child, this is NOT a big baby. Check back in a few months, and I'll show you scary-big.
I'm to the point now where my belly isn't the only thing growing, my legs and backside are following suit. (WHY???!!) I am already resigning to the reality of little to no sleep at night, because I can't get comfortable. My wedding ring fits once every two weeks, and it's a struggle to get it off again. Stretch marks have begun (each of my children gave me their own unique, precious version of these beauties).
Even with all of the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy hitting me full force, I'm still in awe of the process. The beauty and wonder that is carrying a child that God has created - a precious little spirit that He has entrusted to YOU. Making your babies big siblings. Seeing ten tiny fingers and toes, sweet little lips and a perfect little nose. THESE things are on my mind more now than they were the first two times around.
I think most people know that when I say God has blessed us with children, I mean He has truly blessed and (perhaps) taken us a bit off guard with how quickly they've come into our life. I can think of no greater blessing (and sometimes, no greater challenge), than the gift of life, of a growing, loving family. After trying other ways, I can confidently say I'd much rather leave the planning for our family in His hands - He doesn't really mess these things up!
We have our major ultrasound next Tuesday. First and foremost, of course, we want a clean bill of health. We're also hoping for a really clear shot of baby so we can continue to plan and prepare, but per a previous u/s, we're pretty sure it's a boy. Another point for the Lord, He knows we're nearly fully prepared for a baby boy in the winter! I'll definitely post the ultrasound pictures when we get them!
Cameron and Elly are both CONSTANTLY kissing my belly, laying their head down and talking to the baby. I swear he kicks the most when he hears his siblings, especially Cameron (this was the same with Elly). They are going to be the most fantastic big sibs. I can't wait to see them each interact with the new baby. Cam is always asking me to shove a ball in his shirt so he can have a "baby brudder" too.
My latest cravings have been more on the sweet side than the previous salty. Actually, more on the carb side in general. Cookies, cake, pop...I've been able to resist MOST of them. Another perk to having two babies already, I can't completely indulge and pig out...I must share!
The baby weighs about one pound now. Can't wait to see you next week, little guy!!
Last month at our family reunion, my nephew came up to me, put his hands on my belly and said, "Aunt Michelle, you have such a big bay-bay!" I think I was about 17 weeks at the time. Oh, dear child, this is NOT a big baby. Check back in a few months, and I'll show you scary-big.
I'm to the point now where my belly isn't the only thing growing, my legs and backside are following suit. (WHY???!!) I am already resigning to the reality of little to no sleep at night, because I can't get comfortable. My wedding ring fits once every two weeks, and it's a struggle to get it off again. Stretch marks have begun (each of my children gave me their own unique, precious version of these beauties).
Even with all of the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy hitting me full force, I'm still in awe of the process. The beauty and wonder that is carrying a child that God has created - a precious little spirit that He has entrusted to YOU. Making your babies big siblings. Seeing ten tiny fingers and toes, sweet little lips and a perfect little nose. THESE things are on my mind more now than they were the first two times around.
I think most people know that when I say God has blessed us with children, I mean He has truly blessed and (perhaps) taken us a bit off guard with how quickly they've come into our life. I can think of no greater blessing (and sometimes, no greater challenge), than the gift of life, of a growing, loving family. After trying other ways, I can confidently say I'd much rather leave the planning for our family in His hands - He doesn't really mess these things up!
We have our major ultrasound next Tuesday. First and foremost, of course, we want a clean bill of health. We're also hoping for a really clear shot of baby so we can continue to plan and prepare, but per a previous u/s, we're pretty sure it's a boy. Another point for the Lord, He knows we're nearly fully prepared for a baby boy in the winter! I'll definitely post the ultrasound pictures when we get them!
Cameron and Elly are both CONSTANTLY kissing my belly, laying their head down and talking to the baby. I swear he kicks the most when he hears his siblings, especially Cameron (this was the same with Elly). They are going to be the most fantastic big sibs. I can't wait to see them each interact with the new baby. Cam is always asking me to shove a ball in his shirt so he can have a "baby brudder" too.
My latest cravings have been more on the sweet side than the previous salty. Actually, more on the carb side in general. Cookies, cake, pop...I've been able to resist MOST of them. Another perk to having two babies already, I can't completely indulge and pig out...I must share!
The baby weighs about one pound now. Can't wait to see you next week, little guy!!
The belly at 21 weeks.Water-retaining face, hands and feet excluded. :)
6 comments:
Aw, Michelle...thank you so so much for this post. I really needed it. :) Made me cry.
Sometimes I wonder what God's up to with our family and the timing He's decided to go with.
I know he has our best in mind...but usually my plans are so much different!
Anyway, just wanted you to know that you posted that for someone other than yourself.
Pregnancy is such an awesome spectacle! The entire process really is a miracle like you said...God is SO cool! I mean really, who could think up something as intricate and detailed and life-changing as pregnancy? ONLY God!
What a beautiful post. Really puts things into perspective. Sometimes when i am getting dress, those lovely stretch marks, stetched skin, ect. can get to me, but it always is put back into perspective when i see my little man. God does have a plan, and i am SO excited to "meet" you newest little miracle....
Aw I am so excited for you. I keep wondering what this one will look like since your other 2 are so different! Can't wait!
i have to agree with you that once you see your babies grow and change and develop little personalities it becomes that much more beautiful and that much more of a miracle. i need to read posts like this now and again to remind myself how precious my kids are (say, after a l-o-n-g day like today)!
I love reading what you have to say! You are right being pregnant is an amazing miracle and something to be cherished, even if at the moment you feel huge!! :) I can not wait to see what you newest little guy looks like. Cam and Elly seem like such sweet little kids that they are going to be awesome at adding another one! I still can't believe that you will have 3 kids soon!! It makes me smile! We love you guys!!
Post a Comment