Pregnancy Musings

I confess. I cannot stop talking about the pregnancy on this blog. It has utterly, entirely consumed my thoughts now! I read somewhere that often times second time around preggies are so consumed with their toddlers that they have little time for thought about their subsequent pregnancies, and for me that was true...at least in the beginning. I forgot I was pregnant all the time (and would only remember after I jumped a hurdle of some sort and develped severe stomach pains!!!!) But now, as delivery looms closer every day, I find myself consumed with thoughts of labor, delivery, and extreme excitement over meeting this tiny guy that has won my heart already. So for those of you sick and tired of hearing about pregnancy...I apologize! It has become my passion lately. I had another midwife appointment yesterday and was informed that baby can come anywhere from November 2nd on.....and that really got my attention just because that's only about 9 weeks away!!! Am I ready to have another little one in 9 weeks???? YIKES!!!! That gets me so excited, though! We rented our Aqua Doula (birthing tub) yesterday for the home/water birth and things seem to be rolling along really great in that department. I have a lot of stuff to gather to prepare for the labor and delivery, but again....time is on my side :) Been reading lots of books about labor and delivery at home, and doing all the things that a pregnant woman does to prepare herself for labor. I'm extremely excited....can you tell? My midwives informed me that baby is head down and in a great position for labor (though that's still subject to change I suppose) and baby seems to be a healthy size. I have a doc appointment tomorrow for my Ro-gam shot and my Diabetes results.

I have been reminded over and over of the miracle taking place inside my body. But it's not only that. It's so much more than that. It's deeper, and it's impacted me on a spiritual level. I have learned so much about my God through this pregnancy...or rather, through the experience of desiring a pregnancy and being blessed with one. I saw Beth Moore a while back on TV and she said something that stuck with me and it went something like this. "God never allows us to go through pain without purpose if we allow Him to use our pain for His honor and glory." I don't think I will ever forget that statement, and the more I ponder it, the more I want to fall on my knees and bless my God. It is so true. There is no pain without purpose if you are in complete surrender to Him. Ah....but 'tis easier said than done. But seriously...think about all the pain that you've suffered up until now in the short span of what we call our "lives." I don't even know all of your life stories but I know you've had a lot of pain....and all that for WHAT????? For whatever reason God has allowed, there's a purpose behind it. I LOVE THAT! That has helped me (and still helps me as I encounter difficulties in this life) to put pain in perspective.

I had two very dear sisters in Christ share of their miscarriages today, both occuring days from each other. And I had nothing to say. No words. I could only plead to my God for their unborn babies and trust that He would be Sovereign even in the midst of their pain as He promised He would be. And such a tremendous peace has come over me just knowing that He is God and He is Sovereign and sits on the throne.

I don't know if any of you have heard of the book titled 9o Minutes in Heaven, but it has really left a lasting impression on me. It's the story of a Baptist preachers journey from life, death, and back to life again. Normally I'm very skeptic of things like this, and confess that I remained so even as I read through the beginning of the book. But there's no doubt in my mind after closing the cover that the Lord works in ways that are beyond my comprehension...this book proved that. And it's to His glory that I walked away from the book with such a different view of life than before I started. It has moved my heart in such a profound way that I can't even find the words to describe it. Read the book. Be skeptical if you wish, but at least read the book if you're interested. I would be interested to know if you are as impacted as I have been.

My heart overflows with praise. Gabe's surgery has been scheduled for September 15th, and I am praying that he will not get another cold between now and then. He is currently healthy (no more cough!!!!) and I would really like him to stay that way. AND I'm heading to the great state of Maine along with Gabe to visit my family from September 3rd through the 10th!!! I am so excited. The trip was planned last minute and I really think that it will be good for me to see my family and for them to see Gabe. Some of them haven't seen him since he was 2 weeks old!!! I don't get to see them as much as I would like, and I praise the Lord for my husband and dad being willing to drive sixteen hours both ways to make this trip work.

I could keep writting and rambling on, but this is getting a bit long, wouldn't you say? BUT....this post has sparked and interesting question withing my musing mind tonight and that is this: what is your take on NDE (near death experiences)? Humor a pregnant lady, would ya?