Maternity Shopping: Pants and Shirts and Bras, Oh My!

Well, today my mom and I ventured out for two very critical and important endeavors.

The first, maybe more crucial part of our day: half-off cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. After working and setting up my classroom today, we met for a late lunch / early dinner / afternoon snack / call it what you will! It was such a nice afternoon, relaxing and chatting over some scrumptious food.

Afterwards, we headed to the mall to peek at some maternity clothes and just start getting some ideas. Good gracious was it overwhelming / exciting. So many things to think about: work clothes, lounge clothes, PJs, leggings, bras, nursing pads, nursing bras, underwear...the list goes on and on. I keep thinking, okay how much of this is really necessary? How long can I stretch (quite literally) my regular wardrobe until I have to cave into this maternity stuff.

So, for fun, I tried a couple outfits on. And even more fun was the bump I tried on too! To make sure everything's fitting just right, and to be able to envision yourself in these clothes with a real bump, there was a bump to wear in the dressing room. I still can't believe this is my life, but it was very exciting to see what I could look like in a few months!

We ended our day with a few adorable outfits and essentials from your Grandma to kick off my maternity wardrobe. (You'll quickly learn, she is way too good to everyone and is such a giver of everything - time, work, you name it, she would be willing to do it. She already loves you two so much. It is exciting to watch her start stepping into this new role in her life!)

It was a perfect day and some very nice, laid back time with my Momma Lou. I am lucky to have had such a wonderful role model in my life growing up. I hope one day you can say the same about me. She was a fabulous nurturer and I owe my tender heart to her. I love that I can say, that as I entered my adulthood chapter of life, our relationship began to shift to that of a close friendship. There aren't many who I would call very close friends and I love that she is one of them! I know you will love her too!

Goodbye First Trimester, Hello Second!

A few weeks late, but that's okay...

Well little ones, I have survived the dreaded first trimester. As hard as I tried not to, I occasionally - I really was pretty good considering who I am - worried over you two this trimester (as I'm sure I will from now until the rest of your lives!). Each new symptom had me debating, "To google, or not to google." While I did find a lot of helpful answers there, I also found some things that could make one worry. My body is going through so many changes that many of the symptoms that could be warning signs are also considered normal parts of pregnancy, so it was difficult for me to tell the difference between these (and still is difficult for me).

Everyone told me how miserable the first trimester was going to be. And some people were kind enough to even tell me how much worse it would be for me since there were two of you and double the hormones (what lovely, calming advice I received!). And while it wasn't always a walk in the park, so far I have really enjoyed every bit of being pregnant. I know you two are my sweet miracles, so I don't take for granted the fact that this could be it for me. I may only have this one chance to enjoy pregnancy. So each new ache and pain, each trip to the bathroom (and trust me, they were...and continue to be...constant!), each need for a random nap, every uncomfortable side effect, I have welcomed for they remind me that I'm growing two precious gifts!

It's fun watching your daddy enjoy this pregnancy too! He has been busy building for you two and has worked non-stop. He would get home from work and head straight out to the garage until 7, 8, and sometimes even later building our bookshelves. As my bump has begun to grow, I can see him getting even more excited. He can't take his hands off of you two. Already he is constantly tickling and kissing the two of you! When I have asked him to leave me alone or stop kissing my stomach (terrible of me, I know, but I still have my hormonal - don't touch me - moments!) he always replies, "You can't tell me to stop loving my babies! I'm hugging and kissing them." So just know sweet babies, both of your parents already love you so very much! We cannot wait to meet you.

As I say goodbye to the first trimester, there are many things I'm looking forward to experiencing during the second trimester:
1. Feeling you move for the first time
2. Having Keal feel you move
3. Finding out if you are boys, girls, or one of each!
4. Seeing how my body and bump will continue to grow and change
5. Getting my energy back (which I already have begun to experience!)
6. Seeing if I will have any crazy cravings that last

Ah, I love being pregnant! And as much as I love this, I can't imagine how much more I am going to love being your momma. I pray you keep growing strong and healthy, sweet babies. I pray you stay right where you are for quite a bit longer. I pray God keeps me healthy so that I can keep you healthy! I know God has wonderful things in store for both of your lives and I can't wait to watch them unfold. I love you so much and am already proud to call myself your mom.

14 Weeks

Blessed

Today was a day I had been dreading since we found out in November that our first try at IUI did not work. Today would have been your due date had it worked. I had anticipated being a puddle of emotional mess today.

Instead, I find myself in a state of rejoicing. Today, I find myself blessed and grateful for God's more perfect plan than my own. Today, I find myself in a state of perfect peace, trusting God's plan completely.

Back in November, a week before we found out if we were pregnant or not, I was asked to take a large role in our church camp. I had to turn down the role because I thought I would be pregnant and a week away from delivering. I wouldn't be able to attend campout this year if I was pregnant (as I thought I would be).

Today, I rejoice in the fact that I turned that role down.

Today, I rejoice in the fact that the IUI attempt did not work.

Instead, I was able to attend campout with Keal, focused not on the stress of the role I would've held, but instead focused on our own personal walks with Christ. Had I been pregnant from the IUI attempt, Keal would've been home with me, not now baptized.

It is amazing the way God works. In the swirl of our own pain, we sometimes question God's plan or doubt that He is with us. Back in November, I could not understand why God had not answered our prayers. Back in November, I felt so alone. It's amazing how hind sight is always 20/20! God never left us; He never ignored our prayers. Instead, he was whispering that he had a more perfect plan for us in store.

Today, is far from a day of sadness or pain for me. Today, I know that this was not meant to be your due date for a bigger purpose. Today, I celebrate Keal's baptism. Today, I celebrate you all, the two precious lives growing inside of me as I type. Today, I celebrate my growing family and how blessed we are. Today, I celebrate the fact that it is not your due date. Today, I celebrate my living God who has never lost sight of us and is shaping us into His perfect plan. Today, is a beautiful, blessed day!

I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

13 Weeks

Things I Got From Church Camp: Amended

Five minutes after my first campout post, my life forever changed for the better...

There have been a few days in my lifetime that I would say have been monumental, life-changing days.

• July 9, 2000: The day I asked for & was baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ
• October 13, 2007: The day Keal proposed to me
• June 27, 2009: The day I got married
• May 19, 2013: The day we found out our prayers had been answered and you were on your way!

Today, I add July 18, 2013 to that list. 

Preface:

In the beginning of our journey, I asked God why this was happening and why our road was more challenging than others. Along the way, I have felt like I was given many answers, but one of my biggest feelings was that our journey to you all would lead to Keal's conversion and baptism. So when we found out we were pregnant, I began hopefully waiting for Keal to make his commitment. I had really been pouring my heart out to God the past few weeks leading up to campout, begging Him to help Keal feel His touch and power at campout.

Flash forward to this week at campout...

Things I was hoping for: intense seminars that would shake Keal, powerful sermons to stir his soul, and him to open up and ask for his baptism. 

The first three days of seminars were not what I was expecting and I was somewhat disappointed. Here we were, Keal's first campout, and I feared he was not enjoying it. However, the first three night meetings were filled with powerful sermons. I tried not to look at Keal during these meetings; I didn't want him to feel me watching him or him to feel any pressure. But as I listened to these sermons, I thought, Surely this is it. He is going to ask tonight. 

Nothing. 

Then, Wednesday night we headed to the river for one of Oldham County's own to be baptized. It was a beautiful night, watching this not-so-little-girl anymore, who I knew when she was just a baby, walk into the waters to be baptized. (Side note: she is SO excited to meet and babysit both of you, just like your momma babysat her!) After she got baptized, her little sister (who I knew before she was even born!) also asked to be baptized. It was beautiful. 

During this moment, Keal was standing behind me. He had one hand on my shoulder, holding my hand, and the other hand on my belly, holding you two. With our heads bowed, standing at the river, we listened to the prayers of the confirmations being given. As the ministers prayed, I too offered my own silent prayer, hoping Keal would too join my sweet girls in the water. 

As the prayers ended, we began walking away from the shore to find another young boy contemplating baptism. Keal quietly made the comment to me, "Come on. Either you know if you want to get baptized or not. What's to think about?" With that statement I knew he would not be asking that night. I didn't lose hope; I knew one day he would be baptized, but I did think that perhaps this just wasn't going to be his year. My prayers began to shift, I was now praying that Keal at least enjoyed himself enough to come back next year.

Thursday morning, the last day, we headed to a different seminar for our final wrap-up. It was a fabulous morning at our "Proclamation Party!" We played ridiculous games and ice breakers and did some singing, all followed by some small break out discussions - proclaiming what Christ had done in our lives and in our week at campout. I watched as Keal seemed to be having a nice chat with one of my oldest and closest friend's husband. I so badly wanted to listen in, thinking this is it, this is his last chance! But still, nothing. It had been such a blessing to me and a wonderful seminar, but still Keal didn't seem to be budging. 

Later that night, we had our final night meeting. Each year, Thursday's night meeting is less preachy and more of a weekly wrap-up. The choirs sing, the kids perform, testimonies are given, and camp is brought to a close. It's never a really spiritual meeting. I had no expectations for this meeting. Afterwards, we'd be going back to the river for more baptisms. I had already decided that I wasn't going. My pregnant body was sore and tired. I didn't think I was up for the long, hot walk again. 

During the meeting, a friend texted me about how long and boring the meeting seemed to be going on. At that moment, Keal got up to leave. I thought he must have agreed with my friend! My mom tried to get my attention and whispered, "You need to follow him. I think he's going to ask for his baptism!"

I was so confused, "Didn't he just go to the bathroom?"

She just repeated herself, "You need to follow him...he took Dad with him." At that moment I realized my dad was gone too. I stood up and leaned over the balcony. There, standing in the hallway, was my dad and Keal in a tight embrace, tears streaming down their faces. 

You'd think I'd learn by now that God always has the perfect plan already figured out. Here I was praying for a great sermon or seminar to shake Keal's soul. Here I was doubting God's power, thinking it couldn't happen because the big / powerful meetings were over. Here I was thinking I had it all figured. God must get such a chuckle out of me. 

It wasn't any great sermon. It wasn't any great seminar. It wasn't any man's words. It was all God! It was God's spirit pounding in Keal's chest, calling Him to a new walk. It was pure perfection!

What an incredible week we had at campout! I am so excited to add July 18, 2013 to my list of life-changing dates. I am so blessed and thankful that Keal has decided to live a life for Christ. We have always had a special and wonderful marriage, but I am so excited to see where it will go now that we are both so fully committed to Christ. I am so grateful that we will bring you, our sweet miracles, into a home centered completely on Christ. 

2013 may just be the best year of our lives!

Hugs from all as we celebrated the good news!

"Do you promise to serve God to the best of your ability all the days of your life?"

Taking in all those at the water to support him

"Having the authority of Jesus Christ..."

Greeting our new Brother in Christ!

Being confirmed with the Holy Ghost

Some of the Oldham County Mission and our new converts!

Things I Got From Church Camp

1.) Rejuvenatated

2.) Uplifted 

3.) Great time to catch up with dear friends and family

4.) To introduce Keal to campout and even more of my extended church family

5.) Lots of belly rubs, congratulations, well wishes, & prayers for you two

 

 

And last but not least....I grew a true bump this week!

 

12 Weeks

12 Week Checkup

Today was our 12 week appointment (a little early because of church camp next week). I was a little sad at first because this was the first time we would go in for an appointment without the chance of an ultrasound. For the past six weeks I have been able to peek in on you two every two weeks and see that you were doing great. I know that this is a wonderful sign that we no longer need an ultrasound as frequently, but I was sad to miss seeing you again.

However, my sadness only lasted a brief moment, as we were in for a surprise. Today we were able to talk about the long term plan for this pregnancy and go over some of the risks with multiples. While there are some possible concerns for the future, we were told that we are now entering "the cush stage," and to enjoy these next four to six weeks (which I intend to!). There is a pretty high risk during the 18-24 week period for early delivery / bed rest and while the old me would have stressed over this news, I'm not. I know God has gotten us this far. Worrying will do us no good. So my sweet miracles, I am putting you entirely in God's hands and trusting that He will keep you safe until you are strong and healthy enough to be born!

Now for our surprise! We thought we would hear your heartbeats today, but still have not had that experience (I think in transition between doctors, we missed out on the first chance to hear it), BUT I did see your sweet bodies again. We didn't have an ultrasound, but did get to peek in on you through a nifty handheld device. Baby Miracle A, you were just a wiggling, dancing bean today. However, Baby Miracle B you were a little shy. At first Miracle B you weren't moving at all for us. While Miracle A you kept showing off for us! Finally, Miracle A gave you a little kick and nudge, Miracle B, and you began dancing too! Watching the two of you on that tiny little screen will never get old - I love every second of it (which is never long enough for your proud Momma!).

So, you are both growing (as is your Momma) and doing beautifully. Already I'm looking forward to our next appointment!

Nursery (sorta) Update

Four weeks ago, Keal and I started working on our bookshelves in preparation for cleaning out the nursery. Four weeks ago, I was a crazed, panicky mess, who wanted these bookshelves finished in five minutes. Four weeks later, I have calmed down and have enjoyed the process of working on these shelves each night with Keal. I'm not sure how much help I have been over these past few weeks, but just spending the evenings with Keal in the garage has been a nice experience together. We are very close to the finished project and it has been so exciting to watch these cabinets and shelves come to life from just some regular wood. I have seen many of Keal's finished products, but I'm still so amazed by his talent and ability to make something so beautiful out of nearly nothing!

 

final fitting!

So, the cabinets have gone through their "final fitting." With a little squeezing and extra sanding, they are now in place. We are ready to take them back out, sand them, paint them, and then do the final installation!

This has been a fun first (of many) summer projects and I am excited to see our ideas coming to life. I was talking last night and saying how weird that you will never know this house without these bookshelves or cabinets. I can't wait to get them organized and our books moved into them....because not only do I love organizing, but that also means I can truly start working on your all's nursery! Yahoo!!

11 Weeks

behind the scenes on our fun, weekly photo shoot!