Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Never Once



 So, it's out. The whole world can know if they so desire, that Simeon and I are expecting! We are beyond excited and blessed! When we found out, we were both so nervous to dare to hope. We have a wonderful doctor, who had us in every 2 weeks for ultrasounds, monitored my blood work and all around gave us the hope to believe, that this child, this time would make it into our arms.

I would be foolish to say that the joy of this baby, so precious already, diminishes the loss of their siblings. At the same time, I would also be foolish to say that this baby didn't help deal with those losses. Hezekiah's due date came and went, and I felt sadness, but so much hope.

Here is an update for those who wish to know:
- This took us completely by surprise. We were planning on adoption, then 3 weeks later...presto!
- There have been tears--lots and lots of tears.
- My first symptom was hitting wall after wall with running.
- My second symptom was crying at Food Network shows. I just felt so bad for the ones who were chopped!
- I am almost 13 weeks along (tomorrow)!
- Reaching Week 10 was a humongous milestone for us, and we felt like we could finally breathe!
- Reaching Week 12 was beyond our wildest dreams.
- I have battled with morning sickness, on and off.
- At first I craved beef--steak. Not too many cravings now, but I definitely can't plan meals ahead....
- I am not, and haven't been training for the marathon since February.
- I told multiple people on accident because of a group text incident. This was the result:
- We were hoping to wait until Mother's Day to announce, but just couldn't do it anymore because of expanding circumferences....I mean circumstances
- We told some family right away, and we played cards with the others where each ace had one of the ultrasounds pics on it.
- Simeon went and got me Jimmy John pickles a couple weeks ago because they sounded good...at 11:00 at night...on a night much like today---dreary, windy, rainy, cold. He's the best
- As each ultrasound showed and still shows such growth, I wonder how anyone can deny that it is life. 
Week 6
Week 8
Week 10


Week 12

As far as any other updates, I have no more. I pray that you each continue to be praying for us. Feel free to print this picture out and hang it on your fridge if you'd like, but no pressure! The requests on this are what we are continually praying for! 

As I am winding down this ever rambling blog post, I remember again my favorite song over the past 2 years--Never Once by Matt Redman. We will have many more battles to face in this world, for sure, but this, my dear friends, is a victory. A HUGE one! 

"Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone"