Days, Pictures, Nooks, and Praise

The count is finally down to under 100 days! In 99 days, I will reach my estimated due date. When we were engaged, everything got more exciting and real after we reached the "100 day" mark. Right now, it's no different.

On Saturday, we will go and have a 3D/4D ultrasound done. While I am very excited about it, I think that it is Patrick who really, really, really can't wait. For the past several weeks, he has asked me continuously, "Have you set it up yet?" Since the 3D/4D ultrasounds give the best, clearest head shots after 26 weeks, I have had to tell him to be patient. By the time we go, I will be almost 27 weeks pregnant.

Although it seems as if there is still a long way to go, the days steadily keep going down, Natalie is becoming increasingly more active, and the ultrasound this weekend will show us almost exactly what our little girl will look like when she arrives.

I ordered a clock for the nursery with a $10 coupon for Amazon.com, and it should be arriving on Tuesday. It is sooo cute! If only we could get rid of the two televisions and the hideous hair drying chair that now occupy what is soon to be Natalie's room, I could get everything in order (hint, hint, Patrick).

More exciting than a clock is the fact that my Nook is scheduled to be delivered on Thursday. Yes, it is taking a lot longer than I originally thought when I ordered (had I gone with the Kindle it would have taken two days instead of 7 to ship!), but still. I have an ever expanding library of free books awaiting its arrival. Cookbooks, inspirational fiction, pop-fiction (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for free?! I've wanted to see what it was all about since Dr. Wilkotz's class!), Star Wars (Patrick is currently dying of embarrassment), classic fiction, fairy-tales, and more call my name as they wait to be downloaded on my new favorite thing. To top it off, I have the ESV Bible and a prayer book by Matthew Henry that I found for free as well!

Since ordering the Nook, I have been like a little kid waiting for Christmas. I honestly haven't been this excited about a "thing" in a LONG time! When I graduated from college, I received some money . . . and I talked Patrick into letting me spend said graduation money on something that I really wanted (instead of on groceries or something equally . . . not fun). Because, I argued, I would only be graduating from college once and since the money was a gift and something extra, I should be able to buy something to commemorate that time Besides. I'm going to be nursing at all hours of the day and night soon--my time will be much better spent reading good books than sitting in front of the television! I really, really, REALLY can't wait. Hurry up, Thursday!

I have a feeling that God is up to something huge right now, but I don't want to write about it until I know for certain. If things continue as they seem, then God has once again provided us with something that we do not deserve and something more amazing than I ever could have imagined. Even if He chooses not to bestow this gift, He has still given me more than I could have ever asked or thought. What an amazing God I serve. Yes, He gives and takes away . . . but I really think that, to His people, He just gives. It all depends on your mindset.

Disjointed Continuity: Such is Life

I had a health scare on Friday when I woke up with pains all across my baby belly. Of course, Natalie had picked the past week to "tone down" her movements, so the combination of painful stomach muscles and the lack of kicking in my gut had me panicked. The doctor said to take it easy since there was nothing that could be done if anything was, in fact, wrong (23 weeks is too early), and I did. Saturday saw the pain on half my belly gone, and then came Sunday.

My baby does NOT generally move during the day. She likes to wait until I am good and tired and just about asleep. Sundays, however, are different. For some reason, she delights in hearing the voice of Dr. Nick Ganas as he preaches and she revels in distracting me as she tries to display her immense leg strength. I must confess that it often takes me by surprise: nothing, nothing, nothing, BOOM! If you see me laughing in church, it is because my daughter is trying to keep me from paying attention. Of course, Patrick sees me half jump in surprise and half giggle to myself, and then HE wants in on the action. "Is she MOVING?!?" he asks in an audible whisper just before reaching over to start poking my stomach in an effort to provoke his child to wrath. I have a sneaking suspicion that we (and when I say "we," I mean HE) are distracting everyone sitting behind us . . . and that would be the entire church since we sit in the very front.

Saturday saw us running up to Christiana Mall in Delaware to register at the mega Target store. I had a coupon for a free $20 gift certificate with the opening of a new registry, but it had expired on February 17. Being my mother's daughter, I decided to try and use it anyway. I got the impression that Patrick was embarrassed that I would even ASK the cashier if she would honor the coupon . . . guess who is now in possession of a $20 gift certificate to Target? He was just a little bummed when I refused to let him use it to buy some clothes that he found on the clearance rack, but hey--I did all the work. That free money is for the baby . . . or me since right now the baby and I are one. ;-)

Today marks the last day of peace in my life. Not forever, but quite literally for the rest of the week. The home restoration guys are coming bright and early tomorrow morning to, *gulp*, set up scaffolding in my dining room, pull out and replace the wet and ruined drywall, and to paint the water damaged ceilings of nearly my entire home. It's not their fault, but I can't help but be irritated that my home will be invaded for most of the week by men doing a job that they should not have to do! Yes, it's true. This is the second time they are coming in less than a year, and the damage is much worse this time than last. If only the condo association had fixed the roof properly the first three times . . .

Just a Little Longer . . .

For the past two years, I have been praying about my grandfather. We're close--very close--and both of my mom's parents have played a huge role in my life. Although I have been praying for his health and well-being throughout the course of the past two years, there have been several events about which I have pleaded with the Lord in an especially fervent manner.

When, in May of 2009, it appeared that Poppop would not be able to attend my wedding due to failing health, I prayed that God would extend his life so that I could see him seeing me married. God did, and it meant the world to me. My favorite picture from my wedding is a sepia of the two of us: his beautifully radiant face as he gives me a painful, love-filled hug. It was obvious to me that he was in pain that day, but he came and celebrated with me anyway.

Despite doctors telling us last April that he had "a few days to perhaps a week or two to live," he is still alive today. This just proves that God directs the ways and paths of men. Anyway, that gloomy news last year set of another stream of prayers--that God would let me tell my grandfather that I was pregnant. After an agonizing six months of trying to conceive while dealing with unpleasant health issues of my own, Patrick and I were finally able to drive up to New Jersey with our happy news. The tears of joy in my grandfather's eyes were like precious jewels that I will cherish forever.

Now, once again, the outlook is bleak. Platelet levels are way down, the new treatment isn't working, and the impending surgery (coming next week) does not look very promising. I had been taking for granted the fact that he was doing so well for so long, and now I am faced with the very real possibility that Poppop may never hold little Natalie. Once more I find myself pleading with God for just a few more months.

Whether or not it is in God's will to bring about another life-prolonging miracle, I am praying for continued peace about the situation. Wednesday saw me spending a wonderful day with my grandparents. When Mommom was trying to remember little Natalie's name, Poppop proudly shouted it into us from the den. The happiness and pride in his voice was something that I treasure. Even if my daughter never gets to meet my grandfather, never gets to be lovingly held by one of the most amazing men I know, I will be able to tell her how much he loved her even before she was born.

It's hard--facing a future without one of the people you love most is difficult. Our visit this week reminded me of some of the awesome times that I got to spend with my grandparents. One advantage to being home schooled was that my grandparents were able to come on many, if not most, of our field trips. We went to the bison farm, to Washington, D.C., to battleships, to medieval feasts, to Philadelphia, to bird farms, and so many other wonderful places. These are the memories that I will lock away in my heart. These are the special times for which I am so thankful to God.

God, I pray that You would once again let him live. But if You don't, thank you for giving me the most wonderful grandfather and for letting us have such wonderful times together.

Life

As I procrastinate going to bed--something to which I am actually looking very much forward since the room is clean and the bed is made with fresh sheets--I feel little Natalie moving away. Her little kicks are getting stronger by the day and, while they may occur at times when I would rather be asleep, they are always a welcome sign of my healthy little girl.

This post will be shorter than most despite the fact that the topic is one on which I could elaborate, rant, and wax eloquent on for hours. The thought running through my head at this moment is this:

Why is it that a baby is not considered a child if the mother wants to terminate its life but it IS when that same mother miscarries a desired baby?

Have you ever thought about that? Millions of women destroy little human lives all the time. When those same women then try to get pregnant later on in life, they are devastated if they miscarry--even at 5-6 weeks pregnant (just after discovering the little life within). It just seems so convenient to me.

So many women "support the right to choose," and THOSE little babies are considered little more than tissue. Why is it that only "wanted" babies are actually thought of as living beings by many in America today?

As an aside, I see women discussing the "quality of life" and how abortions are necessary in order to prevent those babies from growing into neglected, abused children. While this is totally disgusting to me and against everything that I believe, I feel that at least THESE women realize that actual babies are being "aborted." In a way, I fear them more because of how heartless and callous they are when discussing human life. Back on topic now . . .

Who are we to pick and to choose who will live and who will die? How is it that women can decide when to kill their babies when it isn't "convenient" to have them?

Perhaps my pregnancy hormones are causing me to be even MORE emotional about this topic right now, but I don't think so. However, just having this darling, so-longed for child within me makes me cry for all the murdered babies in America.

The INSTANT I discovered that I was pregnant, I fell in love with my baby. Even if I hadn't, I would have still known that it was a life. Whenever ANY woman finds out that she is expecting, she knows just that--that she is EXPECTING a baby, a life. Women KNOW, they just choose to ignore. Even after seeing a beating little HEART on a sonogram some women turn a blind eye to life.

God forgive our nation, for we are swimming in the blood of the innocent. Lord, change the hearts of those contemplating this evil deed and open their eyes to the miracle of life within them.

Home at Last

After much pain, many tears, and a little searching, we have found our new church home: Timonium Presbyterian Church. While we have been attending mostly regularly since last May (visits to beloved churches like New Covenant Presbyterian and New Life Community occupied the other Sundays), Patrick and I are finally becoming members. This Sunday, we will commit ourselves to the fellowship, service, and support of Timonium PCA and will align ourselves with the dear believers found therein.

I cannot help but release a sigh of joy and contentment at the thought of finally "belonging" somewhere officially again. Words cannot describe how comforting it is to know that we will be joined with our brethren.

While it is a joyous occasion for us both, it is not without just a hint of pain. Leaving behind dear friends at New Covenant PCA was difficult. Unfortunately, driving that far to church was not conducive to allowing us to serve in the church. We will continue to drop in now and then to see everyone. You all helped me through a very difficult time in my life--and I am forever grateful to God for bringing me into your midst.

The other major change for me, personally, is not going to church with my family. For 22 years, I attended church with my family almost every Sunday. The Wilcox clan took up just about a whole row wherever we went, and I am a bit sad not to be with them now. I'll miss a certain little girl snoring loudly on my shoulder, hearing my father sing joyously off key, trying not to laugh at Jesse trying to explain that "I wasn't sleeping--I was praying!," and the many other things that made our Sunday mornings so interesting together. We aren't perfect, but we are a close family. True we still worship together from time to time, but I miss being together every Sunday. It was always my dream to sit with my children in the same pew as my parents and siblings every week, and it is with some regret that I resign myself to experiencing this only occasionally. I am still praying about my bitterness toward those who caused this separation, but I am also very thankful that God brought us out of that and has led us all into a very blessed time now.

Patrick and I will now take a stand with our own family with a new church family. Our time at Timonium has been so very blessed already, and it is wonderful to be able to serve and to fellowship with such warm, godly people. From the moment we walked into the door, we KNEW. This . . . was home. After the first Sunday, we agreed--we were fairly certain that God had brought us to this place and that He intended for us to stay. It is with peace, joy, and praise that we go to church every Sunday, and that is the way it is supposed to be.

"Sympathy" Pains?

Right now, Patrick is experiencing what he calls "sympathy pains." In other words, he is frequently waking up in the middle of the night with heartburn, something that never happened before I was pregnant. He seems to think that it is his body being sympathetic to mine as I experience annoying new pregnancy symptoms. I, however, am inclined to think of them more as "annoying pains."

As if it was not bad enough waking up every two hours to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water on my own, it is even worse having someone tossing, turning, and constantly in and out of bed. I feel bad for him, don't get me wrong but . . . waking up with the headache that always follows a night of sleep deprivation for me is getting really old. My body is tired, my mind is tired, and my head hurts. This is the second time this week that he has been in and out of bed for hours on end.

I know, most people would say, "Wait until you have a newborn--sleep will be even more unlikely then!" Before going there, though, just give me some sympathy--the kind that feels good, not that which keeps me up at night. My sister Krista slept in my room (with me) from the time she was a month or two old until she was two years old--I KNOW what it's like to sleep with an infant. The thing is, one expects it from a baby. Granted, I learned to put my pillow over my head and go back to sleep until mom came to feed her, but still . . . it woke me up. ;-)

I suppose that this is God's way of teaching me patience. I woke up in a very grouchy state this morning. In fact, the only bright spot seemed to be that there was just enough milk to cover my Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Unfortunately, the fact that I have never been one who functions well on little sleep is irrelevant. Right now, I need to learn to be cheerful in ALL situations and in EVERY condition. That is not something that comes easily to me when my head is pounding, my back is sore (try NOT sleeping on your back when that is the only position in which you have ever been able to sleep), and my mind is groggy.

My first inclination is to be a total grump. I earned it, right? No. Instead of looking for all of the bad things that happened to me, I should be looking for the hidden blessings and thanking God.

#1. Patrick was up all night too . . . and he had to go to work today. I get to stay home and recover.

#2. There WAS enough milk for my Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

#3. I did manage to get a little sleep after Patrick left for work.

#4. Patrick brought me roses last night.

#5. There was enough milk for my breakfast cereal--I dreamed about eating it last night and then woke up disappointed because I thought that the milk was gone.

While I am still inclined to self-pity, things look a little brighter after I remember some of the things with which the Lord has blessed me. It always works. The problem is that I don't remember to do it often enough. Lord, help me to be patient, cheerful, and to never forget Your blessings.

Harder times, blissful though I pray they will be, are coming for me. If I can't learn to be cheerful and thankful on a little sleep now, then I am in for a very difficult time.

"A Perfectly Healthy Baby"

Despite various nightmares the night before of running late, missing my appointment, and begging various siblings to go with me to see the baby, Tuesday morning saw Patrick and I on our way to the Perinatal Center to have my 19 week ultrasound! True, we were . . . a little late.

My efforts to push for timeliness failed to foresee half an inch of ice coating every exposed part of our car. Unfortunately, my pleas of "Come ON, Honey! I would drive with the car like this!" after small holes had been scraped into the ice on each window got me only eye rolls from my husband. Yes our vehicle was much safer by the time he finally finished, but we were five minutes late. Thankfully, it seemed that everyone was running a little behind, and our slight tardiness was not a problem.

Before leaving our house, I had poured myself some lemonade in the hopes that the sugar would energize my little mango so that we could determine the sex. I really didn't drink very much, but the baby moved and squirmed throughout the entire procedure. I was beginning to get slightly concerned that we would not be able to discover the sex: we were in there for a LONG time before the technician finally managed to find and snap a quick shot of the underside of our baby's already cute little bottom.

"I know what THAT is!" Patrick exclaimed. "It's a GIRL!"

He amazed the technician with his ability to correctly ascertain the sex without her even having to point anything out. Apparently this was some feat. Sure enough, it WAS a girl!!!

Throughout the rest of the ultrasound, I watched the screen in kind of a daze. I had secretly hoped for a little girl--cute little dresses, ruffle-butt leggings, and floral headbands filled my mind. Don't get me wrong: a boy would have been AWESOME! But, as one used to living in a house full of women, a tiny little part of me wanted a girl that we could all dress up and love on.

All of this was super exciting, and it left me filled with praise for God. After all that I went through early in my pregnancy with bleeding and bed rest, He has given me what the doctor called "a perfectly healthy little girl" so far. All of our prayers were answered in a tremendously happy way, and we are both so thankful to the One who has given it all to us.