Our New Family

The overwhelming realization I have been facing over the past year is how quickly life, and the goals and dreams you possess therein, can change.

Lately we find ourselves, mentally and physically, around the house and in our hearts, preparing for our little addition to the family! While the due date is still a month and a half away (March 8th) and our hanging wall chain countdown still bears 41 paper links, with a little 4-day-stay hospital-scare under our belts, we want to be ready at any moment!

During pregnancy, I have come to feel that nine months can prove to be both the longest and shortest waiting period in the world. The pregnancy test, the first doctor visit, the first ultrasound, the first celebrations and sharing the news with family all feel like decades ago... but now that we are nearing February, I cannot believe that our gift is just around the corner! I can't even begin to predict what our baby will be like, look like, or act like. I can't imagine the ways he or she will change our lives and our daily routines.

I can't plan enough, prepare enough, or pray enough to ensure that I will do things correctly as a mom or to guarantee that I will make all the right decisions; but even now as I feel the little one moving around inside of me, I know that I am ready to love. As David rests his hand on my belly at night and talks to our baby, I know that he is ready to love. As we communicate daily, and share our thoughts, feelings and frustrations, as we spend time together and plan life together, as we pray together and read together, I trust that God is creating a family out of us. And it's the most natural thing I've ever experienced; like breathing, I care for David and our baby. Like blinking, like smiling, like the most natural human encounters, I find them upon my heart to consider and put before myself.

I know it will never be perfect, and hard times are certainly ahead, but at this point all I can do is thank God that He didn't allow me to make my own plans. I thank God that He is giving me, daily, exactly what I need.

David cheering me up at the hospital ;)

Get well flowers from my in-laws!