I have a pretty fantastic mother. This is her August 5, 1987 when my due date was July 25th; Sorry mom!
This is my Mom and me in July 2011 in Manila.
And this is me and my girl just a few weeks ago in Norfolk.
As I sit here with my child putting pressure on my bladder, I think I've been really fortunate. I just watched an episode of Parks and Recreation where a character is complaining about all of her pregnancy trouble and I just think how blessed I must be. Now, I do not mean to brag, but I want to be thankful when I should be. Being pregnant, aside from the stretch marks and my body doing strange things, really has been a pretty joyful time.
I've had a job that although tiring, I have been enjoying. I have a husband who loves me and tells me I'm the "most beautiful pregnant woman ever." I can sleep through most of the night still (38 weeks now) with limited bathroom breaks at 2 hour intervals. And we have AMAZING friends and family.
Our co-workers, friends from youth, college, Virginia Beach, family and even friends from overseas have continued to shower us with blessings and love. Have I ever mentioned that gifts and service are big in my love languages? I have felt so loved in this time and am so thankful for everything.
We have been given almost everything we could have asked for. God truly knows how to provide through generous hearts.
As I enter the final stretch of this pregnancy, I know the hardest parts are ahead and I know I will be supported and provided for physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have plenty of fears and the Lord is slowly destroying them and replacing them with peace and trust and faith. I think that's why He had me choose the word "Fearless" to represent this year. Becoming a parent has got to be one of the scariest things ever, but with Christ by my side and the support of my hunky husband, friends and family, I know that fear will not win.
"He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young."
Isaiah 40:11
