27 weeks

So thankful to finally begin my last trimester! It's true that the second trimester is the best. I felt great, wasn't very big yet and could get around well. All of a sudden I feel huge and I'm tired!! In fact we did a lot of schooling at my bedside this week. I also think I must have pulled something while working in the yard because I've been in a bit of pain. I have vowed to slow down and enjoy the remaining months of this pregnancy. Not sure if I will stick with it with so many projects going around our home but I'm going to try. I had David snap a few shots this morning before our guests arrived for fellowship...

As you can see our little darling has grown :) I've learned to squat instead of bend (since I can't!) I have been earnestly praying for a name. I want Abba to name this blessing and He keeps bringing the same name to my mind and my heart. Upon learning the meaning from a friend I shared with I fell more in love with the name. I'll keep you in suspense a bit longer as I continue to seek confirmation with David. We truly want her Creator to name her!

So that's about it. The nursery has turned into a "play" room so not much progress there. However once our pool is set up and the rest of our garden boxes are complete we will begin preparing our nursery. I am actually looking forward to it because I know how much Victoria wants to be involved. She continues asking when we will begin. I'm blessed by our children's anticipation of our new addition and my husbands constant care and attention to my needs.

Once again, thank you for checking in on me! Much love to each of you!

22 weeks

It's been 5 weeks since my last profile photo. It was confirmed at fellowship that I am definitely showing and by my husband who said "You are getting big" while rubbing my tummy before heading out the door for the day. Yes I am getting big and I am really feeling it.
Our baby is growing and I'm thankful more and more each day for another opportunity to raise an arrow for the kingdom.

Victoria asked how much longer I have to go...20 weeks was my answer since I typically go past my EDD. I've begun to feel movement but not much. Just little kicks here and there. No progress on names or on our nursery. Seems there is so much going on in our lives. I'm thankful for this journal to collect my thoughts and experiences or I would forget. My brain has turned to mush! I can no longer recall the names of my children and husband when I need to and apparently I've forgotten how to count! :)

Heading into my 6 month I'm looking forward to springtime and warmer weather. I'm still looking for a modest maternity swimsuit since we swim most days in the summer. Much love to you! I'm blessed that you stopped by to check in on me.

It's a GIRL!!!!

I couldn't wait any longer. I thought I could but alas I am not that strong! There are no words to describe our excitment! It's been 6 years without a little girl and we are so thrilled! My Mom is already planning a tea party shower!
All our children were there for the ultrasound with David and I and each got to ask questions and point out all the tiny parts!

My girls and I had a lovely weekend since the guys were away for a Father/son retreat with friends. Here we are just after lunch at our favorite tea room in town. My Mom snapped the shot as we were strolling through the shops.
The girls are already anxious to start shopping for pink clothes and hair bows!

I'm feeling great! I'll be 20 weeks this weekend. Halfway there and looking forward to feeling more movement. She's just not very active.

Now to start preparing the nursery and picking out names... Yippee! Praise YHWH! He gives us the desires of our hearts!

Thank you all for checking in and leaving sweet comments.  Much love to everyone!

17 weeks

I finally got around to taking my first profile pregnancy shots. Thanks to my Victoria who snapped the pics! I'm feeling really great and enjoying this pregnancy! We are all looking forward to those kicks and wiggles that everyone can begin to feel here in the next few weeks. Praise YHWH for His many blessings!

Ultrasound

What a surprise to have an ultrasound today! First of all, we have ONE healthy growing baby! Whew!
I went in as planned to get a referral from my provider and he sent me right over to the main hospital. Thankfully David was able to drive over from his office in another town. I assured him this morning before he left for work that I wouldn't be getting an ultrasound today because I figured it would have to be scheduled. The photo to the left is a beautiful profile shot don't ya think?

This shot has our baby with the knees pulled in and head turned. We had decided not to find out the sex this time which is a first for us. The tech asked if we wanted to know and we figured if we could see anything, we would want to know but as it turned out, we never could see between those tiny legs. So it's a mystery!
Victoria, Gregory and Dalton were there in the room with us. Irelyne and Rebekah were with Nana and missed out but have enjoyed looking at the many photos we were given.

The tech spent a good 30 minutes checking all the measurements which are consistent to my EDD (estimated due date) so it seems I have a large uterus which is why I measure larger than I am. It would seem very normal since this is our s-i-x-t-h bundle!! This is my favorite picture. We watched quietly as the little blessing tried to bring the thumb to the mouth! It was quite awesome. I'm always so amazed at the miracle of life being created and formed in the womb. What an amazing God we serve! He is so worthy of all our praise.


Thank you for all the comments, prayers and checking in on us! Much love to everyone!

15 weeks

Our pregnancy is moving right along. As you can see from the photo I found online, by this stage in pregnancy our baby is fully developed and will now begin rapid weight gain and growth.

I'm so busy with the children and their schooling and completely exhausted by evening that I've had little time to keep up with either of my blogs. I'm feeling well for the most part. My anemia seems to be controlled at the moment with my iron supplements and I'm not needing the naps as often as I was. David is wonderful and leaves me notes each morning by my vanity. It's one of the highlights of my day. After 16 years together I'm blessed that not only do I love my husband but I am deeply in-love with him.

My Mom brought over goodies this week for the baby and I. It's been years since I've worn a baby in a sling or put on maternity clothes. It was exciting to get the goodies!!

Yesterday we went for our first official Midwife visit. We were able to hear the heartbeat. David recorded with his cell phone. We went through all the questions and answers that accompany each visit and then came time for her to check my uterus for size and baby placement. Immediately she asked if I was sure of my dates and I assured her I was. Apparently I am measuring 4 weeks larger than I am. It was suggested that I get an ultrasound to check for twins!!! You should have heard all the giggles in the room. It's been a joke between those of us that are pregnant together. So far, none are having twins, YET! I have another appointment with my Doctor to get a referral for an ultrasound. It will probably take another week or two before I have one. It's going to be a l-o-n-g wait!!


Here is my note I found this morning from my beloved:

"It was awesome yesterday to be with you and see the midwife together.  To hear our baby's heartbeat is a miracle.  The real miracle belongs to YHWH. How he took two separate hearts and made them one. I love everything about you Stephanie. We are one." ~ All my love, David

I'll post with ultrasound pics soon so check back!

12 weeks already

I am so thankful to be out of the first trimester. For anyone that has suffered miscarriage I am sure you can relate. I've gained a bit of energy back but still take a quick daily nap if I have time to squeeze one in. The children are gracious in this area for me :)

I've yet to return to my midwife due to births which caused me to reschedule. This is the first time I have not had an ultrasound by this point but I'm already feeling tiny movements which is reassuring. At first I wasn't positive that it was baby but after several days of the same thing I'm fairly certain it is. It's been 5 years so I had forgotten what it was like. There is nothing like feeling your baby move inside you. It's quite amazing!

I'm already showing with a pooch and scouting out maternity skirts on ebay! Victoria is helping in this area. The photo gives a visual of baby development and although it looks large it's only the size of a plum.

Hopefully my next entry will be about my midwife appointment and hearing the heartbeat! Thank you for checking in on me and following along.