I guess no news is good news when it comes this close to the end of my pregnancy. My 36 week appointment yesterday was pretty uneventful...heartbeat is still great, no dilation yet...no big surprises. I think my hopes for her coming a little early were never very realistic...Maleigha is my first baby, my siblings and I were all late and general statistics aren't really in my favor. I should probably count on her being on time or just a little late. I'm just so ready for her to be here!
I got a little experience in parenting today. I watched a little girl from my church who is just a couple months old. I had never been left alone that long with a child that small but I welcomed the opportunity to get some practice. It wasn't as terrifying as I thought it would be. She slept a lot and only cried a little. But, during the whole process, it did help for me to remember that she was going back to her mother at the end of the morning...it kept me from getting too overwhelmed. Although I gained some confidence in taking care of an infant, I still feel a little nervous considering that when my baby cries, I can't just call her mother because I will be her mother. But I do know that I can call on God and He will give me the grace that I need...His hand will sustain me when I can't sustain myself.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Week 36
I've finally hit week 36 in my pregnancy... and I have definitely started to feel different. I can feel my muscles and bones stretching to get ready to give birth...so as my friend Moriah kindly observed, I now have the pregnancy waddle. And when I get tired, I get really tired...but when I get energy, I get a lot of energy. Yesterday I got a spurt of energy and finally got a lot of much needed cleaning done...the extra energy was probably brought on by the excitement of the weekend (our church is in the process of getting a new pastor so we had events planned all weekend for the church to get to know him...but that's another story)
So anyway, I'm also feeling that Maleigha is getting big. When she starts moving, I really feel it...and see it too! My belly changes shapes numerous times a day and it occasionally looks as if she is doing the wave inside of there. David and I are both ready for her to come...we are ready to hold her and to have a new addition to our little family. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I don't expect to get any ground breaking news...so far she's been healthy and she hasn't really started to drop yet...but we'll just have to see. The doctors I go to are known for getting babies to be born very near their due dates, if not earlier so that makes me happy. As long as she is healthy, I'm ready for her to come at any time.
So anyway, I'm also feeling that Maleigha is getting big. When she starts moving, I really feel it...and see it too! My belly changes shapes numerous times a day and it occasionally looks as if she is doing the wave inside of there. David and I are both ready for her to come...we are ready to hold her and to have a new addition to our little family. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I don't expect to get any ground breaking news...so far she's been healthy and she hasn't really started to drop yet...but we'll just have to see. The doctors I go to are known for getting babies to be born very near their due dates, if not earlier so that makes me happy. As long as she is healthy, I'm ready for her to come at any time.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Just a day in the life...
I couldn't think of anything else to write today so I thought I'd share about my eventful day. David marched loudly into the bedroom at 7:00 this morning and rolled playfully onto the bed beside me...I got a glimpse of what he must feel like when I cheerfully wake him from his short nights of slumber. He had worked all night and collapsed on the couch at 5 am for a little power nap before class. He explained his intrusive actions by explaining that he needed some company while he ate his breakfast and since I was supposed to get together with Samantha at 9:00 I thought I might as well start my day a little early.
He traveled his usual path around the internet--you know, reading blogs, checking the news--while I looked over his shoulder. He took a break from his rountine to get dressed and then he was out the door. I threw on some clothes, pulled my hair back and put some makeup on just in time for my phone to ring--that was my cue that Samantha must be waiting. We walked to Heine Bros. for coffee and chatted about life as seminary wives. After we took a lap around the block and then around the campus I was ready to rest so I went home to rejuvenate before I had to run my errands.
As you know, baby Maleigha is coming soon so I had a few random things to do to get ready for her arrival...one of them being to get the things I need for my bag to take to the hospital. I spent hours at Target picking out just the right toothbrush and making sure all my travel bottles matched. I probably have much more than I really need...but I guess I was having so much fun I just got carried away. I just hope that her arrival comes sooner rather than later or I'm going to run out of things to keep me busy.
So, here I am now at 8:15 pm waiting for David to wake up. Maybe he'll get a little pay back for the abrupt wake-up call he gave me this morning or maybe I will be the better person and let him sleep a few extra mintues...we'll just have to see.
He traveled his usual path around the internet--you know, reading blogs, checking the news--while I looked over his shoulder. He took a break from his rountine to get dressed and then he was out the door. I threw on some clothes, pulled my hair back and put some makeup on just in time for my phone to ring--that was my cue that Samantha must be waiting. We walked to Heine Bros. for coffee and chatted about life as seminary wives. After we took a lap around the block and then around the campus I was ready to rest so I went home to rejuvenate before I had to run my errands.
As you know, baby Maleigha is coming soon so I had a few random things to do to get ready for her arrival...one of them being to get the things I need for my bag to take to the hospital. I spent hours at Target picking out just the right toothbrush and making sure all my travel bottles matched. I probably have much more than I really need...but I guess I was having so much fun I just got carried away. I just hope that her arrival comes sooner rather than later or I'm going to run out of things to keep me busy.
So, here I am now at 8:15 pm waiting for David to wake up. Maybe he'll get a little pay back for the abrupt wake-up call he gave me this morning or maybe I will be the better person and let him sleep a few extra mintues...we'll just have to see.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Waiting for Maleigha
My mom was excited that I had started my blog back up again because she thought it would be a good way to see how my pregnancy is progressing and to get updates on how her little granddaughter is doing. I hadn't actually posted anything about either of those things...I didn't know where to start. So this post is for my mom. Hopefully now that I've gotten started I will post more about what is going on with Maleigha.
The picture above is my first pregnant belly picture. It was November 19th...Mia had only been in existence for a month so she hadn't started to effect my shape yet (I'm still wearing my regular jeans). Only David and I knew--it was fun having our own exciting little secret. We were finally done with fertility medications and monthly disappointments. Our hearts no longer ached with empty longing but were full of praise to God for answering our prayers.
The picture to the right is my most recent pregnant belly picture. It was taken on Jun 17...a little over a month to go. It's hard to believe that I've been pregnant that long. Except for the months that I was sick (and even then it wasn't too bad because friends, family and holiday festivities kept me pretty busy) the time has just flown by. Now that we have Maleigha's room in order and I know the day is coming soon, I just get more and more excited for her to be here. I want to know what she looks like and I want to hold her and see how proud and loving her daddy is when he holds her. This girl is so loved already...and we haven't even seen her.
Monday, June 18, 2007
A Devotion on Psalm 48
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God
God I praise you for who you are—you are creator and all your creation bows to you. You are powerful—all things are in your hands. You are strong—you protect me from harm and you give me strength to endure. You are holy—you cannot look upon sin and because of that I seek your Son to redeem me and overcome that sin so I can be in your presence. You are glorious—my heart longs to be near you. I praise you for all you have done in our home. You have worked a mighty hand in David’s life and mine so that while we look upon your face we see an end to our striving after worldly lusts. Help us to never look away from the strength and power that your presence has given us.
His holy mountain beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great king
When I look upon a day like today I am compelled to worship you for what you have given us. The sun shines on the trees to produce a radiant glow. The wind swirls around me only to emphasize how comforting the warmth is when I feel it. (And it is so in life--the trials come to remind me of the warmth and light that you provide when they cease). But I cannot quite become content with what is here on earth because I know there is a place that no earthly city can compare to. I praise you for creating a place that is beyond my comprehension at this time…a place that is glorious because of your presence…a place where I can be with you forever and enjoy that blessing. Thank you for allowing me to have assurance and hope in the fact that I will see your face some day after life’s long journey. Help me to remember this so that I can face trials with a strong and fearless energy—knowing that all I do is for you and all earthly struggles will one day be forgotten.
Within your citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
Make yourself known in this place—give us assurance that you are our fortress and that you will protect us from anything that may come our way. Help us not to forget the power and strength that you possess when we are faced with difficult times. You are the strength that holds us together and the wall that surrounds us when enemies attack. Help me to keep this on my mind and know that your presence causes even great kings to tremble…your strength can shatter ships. Help me persevere, knowing that you are establishing a great city that will endure forever.
We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so you praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgment.
Help me think always of your steadfast love—it never gives up, no matter what sinful deeds I have committed. I praise you for loving me even though I am so unlovable. Give me a heart like yours that loves without condition—strengthen me to love those who are struggling and who need you. Put it on my heart to contribute to the spreading of your name and praise throughout the earth. Your name is known even when the hearts of men are cold and when they turn from you. Your plans are never thwarted. Let us rejoice like the daughters of Judah because of your judgment. It reminds us of your holiness and justice—you are truly great and worthy to be praised.
Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
I praise you Lord for reminding us that you will guide us forever. As we prepare to move from this place of comfort…a place where we have the best friends we have ever had, where David has a good, reliable job, and where I am finally happy…to labor for your kingdom, I pray that we will not forget this. We are prone to worry and we attempt to make our own plans and control situations by our own hands. Remind us that your strength and your wisdom far exceed ours. Your plans are perfect and anything we do can only dull the shining brilliance of what you have in store. Guide us Lord, as we seek friends, a job, and ministry opportunities. Only you, God are with us forever and ever and only you will guide our every step.
God I praise you for who you are—you are creator and all your creation bows to you. You are powerful—all things are in your hands. You are strong—you protect me from harm and you give me strength to endure. You are holy—you cannot look upon sin and because of that I seek your Son to redeem me and overcome that sin so I can be in your presence. You are glorious—my heart longs to be near you. I praise you for all you have done in our home. You have worked a mighty hand in David’s life and mine so that while we look upon your face we see an end to our striving after worldly lusts. Help us to never look away from the strength and power that your presence has given us.
His holy mountain beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great king
When I look upon a day like today I am compelled to worship you for what you have given us. The sun shines on the trees to produce a radiant glow. The wind swirls around me only to emphasize how comforting the warmth is when I feel it. (And it is so in life--the trials come to remind me of the warmth and light that you provide when they cease). But I cannot quite become content with what is here on earth because I know there is a place that no earthly city can compare to. I praise you for creating a place that is beyond my comprehension at this time…a place that is glorious because of your presence…a place where I can be with you forever and enjoy that blessing. Thank you for allowing me to have assurance and hope in the fact that I will see your face some day after life’s long journey. Help me to remember this so that I can face trials with a strong and fearless energy—knowing that all I do is for you and all earthly struggles will one day be forgotten.
Within your citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever.
Make yourself known in this place—give us assurance that you are our fortress and that you will protect us from anything that may come our way. Help us not to forget the power and strength that you possess when we are faced with difficult times. You are the strength that holds us together and the wall that surrounds us when enemies attack. Help me to keep this on my mind and know that your presence causes even great kings to tremble…your strength can shatter ships. Help me persevere, knowing that you are establishing a great city that will endure forever.
We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so you praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgment.
Help me think always of your steadfast love—it never gives up, no matter what sinful deeds I have committed. I praise you for loving me even though I am so unlovable. Give me a heart like yours that loves without condition—strengthen me to love those who are struggling and who need you. Put it on my heart to contribute to the spreading of your name and praise throughout the earth. Your name is known even when the hearts of men are cold and when they turn from you. Your plans are never thwarted. Let us rejoice like the daughters of Judah because of your judgment. It reminds us of your holiness and justice—you are truly great and worthy to be praised.
Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
I praise you Lord for reminding us that you will guide us forever. As we prepare to move from this place of comfort…a place where we have the best friends we have ever had, where David has a good, reliable job, and where I am finally happy…to labor for your kingdom, I pray that we will not forget this. We are prone to worry and we attempt to make our own plans and control situations by our own hands. Remind us that your strength and your wisdom far exceed ours. Your plans are perfect and anything we do can only dull the shining brilliance of what you have in store. Guide us Lord, as we seek friends, a job, and ministry opportunities. Only you, God are with us forever and ever and only you will guide our every step.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
3rd Anniversary Highlights
David and I are celebrating our 3rd anniversary today...our anniversary is actually on Tuesday but since he is taking classes this summer and working the night shift at UPS I may very well not even get to see him that day. We are probably going to the art museum, going out to eat (probably for Chinese food since that is what baby Maleigha wants), and possibly a movie. Not having exact times and places is so not like us, but I guess it's good that we are becoming a little more relaxed about stuff like that...we will need a more laid back attitude for when the baby comes. So anyway...I just wanted to look back over the past year and highlight some of the memories of our 3rd year of marriage.
3. Walks around SBTS campus--in the last year we have probably made at least 200 trips on foot around the beautiful campus of Southern Seminary. There were somedays...and many of them have been lately because of how uncomfortable I have gotten in my final weeks of pregnancy...that we took 3 walks in one day. It seems as if our conversations flow more freely. It is then that we find out the most about each other--what we think on certain issues, what happened in our busy days, what plans we have for the future. Even if it's just for a few minutes, we walk away from all other obligations to spend time with each other.
2. Time with friends and family--We have had planned and unplanned get-togethers, dinners at church, baseball games, cook-outs, parties and through all these experiences David and I have met some of the best friends we have ever had. We have such a unique opportunity to build relationships with the people at our church who truly understand what we are going through. It is encouraging to know that we have so many people who are genuinely interested in our lives and pray for us when we struggle. We have also been blessed to see the relationship grow with my family in particular. We trust my mom and dad to help us and pray for us in times of need. I feel like I can talk to my brother and sister now about things I never would talked about before--feelings and emotions, our relationships with God, etc. We look forward to building these relationships in our future years together.
1. And of course the brightest highlight of this past year has been--Waiting for Maleigha. Our 2nd year of marriage was marked by the struggles, frustrations, and disappointment of infertility. We learned to rely on each other and trust the Lord in ways we never thought possible. But after testing our faith and blessing us with a better relationship with each other, the Lord saw fit to give us a child. Maleigha was conceived in October 2006 and the past 8 months have been spent waiting for her arrival. The joy of finding out we were having a baby is not only the highlight of our 3rd year of marriage, it is also one of the highlights of my life. I will praise the Lord every time I see or even think of Maleigha, for he has blessed us greatly.
3. Walks around SBTS campus--in the last year we have probably made at least 200 trips on foot around the beautiful campus of Southern Seminary. There were somedays...and many of them have been lately because of how uncomfortable I have gotten in my final weeks of pregnancy...that we took 3 walks in one day. It seems as if our conversations flow more freely. It is then that we find out the most about each other--what we think on certain issues, what happened in our busy days, what plans we have for the future. Even if it's just for a few minutes, we walk away from all other obligations to spend time with each other.
2. Time with friends and family--We have had planned and unplanned get-togethers, dinners at church, baseball games, cook-outs, parties and through all these experiences David and I have met some of the best friends we have ever had. We have such a unique opportunity to build relationships with the people at our church who truly understand what we are going through. It is encouraging to know that we have so many people who are genuinely interested in our lives and pray for us when we struggle. We have also been blessed to see the relationship grow with my family in particular. We trust my mom and dad to help us and pray for us in times of need. I feel like I can talk to my brother and sister now about things I never would talked about before--feelings and emotions, our relationships with God, etc. We look forward to building these relationships in our future years together.
1. And of course the brightest highlight of this past year has been--Waiting for Maleigha. Our 2nd year of marriage was marked by the struggles, frustrations, and disappointment of infertility. We learned to rely on each other and trust the Lord in ways we never thought possible. But after testing our faith and blessing us with a better relationship with each other, the Lord saw fit to give us a child. Maleigha was conceived in October 2006 and the past 8 months have been spent waiting for her arrival. The joy of finding out we were having a baby is not only the highlight of our 3rd year of marriage, it is also one of the highlights of my life. I will praise the Lord every time I see or even think of Maleigha, for he has blessed us greatly.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Summer Book List
Since summer is just beginning, I wanted to share some books that would be great for adding to your summer reading list. I know I look forward to having some time to catch up on my reading...I hope this inpires you to do the same.
I just finished the book A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This book inspired me like no other, to daily come before the Lord and seek communion with Him. With accounts of her own experiences and struggles as well as with the encouragement of other godly women, this book gave me a spiritual boost to long for the presence of my God. After reading each chapter I would have such a strong desire to spend time with God that I would immediately grab my bible and find a quiet place to meditate on His word and pray. I appreciate the ever present bluntness of DeMoss' writing style--she does not shy away from convicting her readers.
I would also recommend Lies Women Believe by the same author. The light of grace shines to reveal the truth from God's Word. When I read this book I was forced to struggle with issues in order to figure out what the Bible really says.
In the past year I have also discovered that I like historical fiction. I began reading The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and couldn't put it down. The story of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair unfolds with stories of struggle and of triumph, of celebration and of murder. The scenes were spectacularly described so that I really felt like I was there. I also found it exciting to see how history has effected our lives today, even down to the smallest detail...such as, shredded wheat being introduced at the fair and is now found in many pantries around the world today. I especially liked reading about Frederick Law Olmsted who was the landscape architect behind the Chicago World's fair and also designed the wonderful park system that we enjoy in Louisville today.
And finally, I would recommend that you pick up a biography. I have read two in the past year that were especially inspirational. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot, which is the story of Amy Carmichael who labored in India to lead many young women to Christ. And the story of Ann Judson is revealed in My Heart in His Hands by Sharon James. Ann Judson, the first wife of missionary Adoniram Judson, spent her life by her husband's side, spreading the gospel to the people of Burma. Both of these women were clear pictures to me of what sacrifice looks like and their stories convicted me of how little passion I show for those who are lost.
I just finished the book A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This book inspired me like no other, to daily come before the Lord and seek communion with Him. With accounts of her own experiences and struggles as well as with the encouragement of other godly women, this book gave me a spiritual boost to long for the presence of my God. After reading each chapter I would have such a strong desire to spend time with God that I would immediately grab my bible and find a quiet place to meditate on His word and pray. I appreciate the ever present bluntness of DeMoss' writing style--she does not shy away from convicting her readers.
I would also recommend Lies Women Believe by the same author. The light of grace shines to reveal the truth from God's Word. When I read this book I was forced to struggle with issues in order to figure out what the Bible really says.
In the past year I have also discovered that I like historical fiction. I began reading The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and couldn't put it down. The story of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair unfolds with stories of struggle and of triumph, of celebration and of murder. The scenes were spectacularly described so that I really felt like I was there. I also found it exciting to see how history has effected our lives today, even down to the smallest detail...such as, shredded wheat being introduced at the fair and is now found in many pantries around the world today. I especially liked reading about Frederick Law Olmsted who was the landscape architect behind the Chicago World's fair and also designed the wonderful park system that we enjoy in Louisville today.
And finally, I would recommend that you pick up a biography. I have read two in the past year that were especially inspirational. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot, which is the story of Amy Carmichael who labored in India to lead many young women to Christ. And the story of Ann Judson is revealed in My Heart in His Hands by Sharon James. Ann Judson, the first wife of missionary Adoniram Judson, spent her life by her husband's side, spreading the gospel to the people of Burma. Both of these women were clear pictures to me of what sacrifice looks like and their stories convicted me of how little passion I show for those who are lost.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A life outside of blogging
This is my second attempt at maintaining a blog. I think, as with many other things I have attempted to do, I took the all-or-nothing approach to something that should truly not be as stressful as I was making it. I had the idea that since I sat down and put alot of thought into a meaningful article for my blog one day that I had to continue to do that for all the days that followed. And soon it became a task that I simply dreaded facing everyday and, of course, I gave up. I'm sure there are many who can relate to that--whether you have your own neglected blog, are on a diet, started reading a ridiculously hard piece of literature or have wrapped your life up in some other task that has quickly overwhelmed you. So, my new and improved blog will be a mixture of my brief thoughts on everyday life, articles that I have taken time to prepare, and maybe some pictures and poetry along the way...nothing too exciting, but hopefully it will stay low maintainance so I can have a life outside of blogging.
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