A Growing Acorn

I had my first ultrasound on November 19th. I loved seeing my little darling. Phil and Zemirah came along too. Zemirah was really unsure about the whole process and she wanted to sit on the table with Mama. Daddy gave her some cuddles and crackers so that helped. This ultrasound was to confirm the pregnancy and to get an approximate due date (which I believed to be July 3rd but according to my last period it should have been the beginning of June). I was pleased to see that indeed my charting proved to be right (my cycles are all over the place). In this photo Acorn measured 7 weeks 6 days (heart rate:150). Due Date: July 3, 2011.

 

7 weeks 6 days

Last week (2/8/11) I went in for my second ultrasound. I dressed Zemirah and myself up similar (pink shirts and blue jeans) and off we went to meet Daddy at the Medical Center. I am still so amazed and in awe of how much development occurs in such a short time. This ultrasound is definitely the one that brings the reality that there is a baby growing inside of you. One of my favorite things about my ultrasounds is sharing the moment with my two favorite people, my husband and baby girl. The tech had music playing and though at first I was kind of taken back (it was 80's rock and not just playing in the background), it actually turned out to be a huge blessing. Zemirah stood up on a little foot stool and showed off her sweet moves to the most random mix I think I've ever heard ("Message in a Bottle" "Simply Irresistible" "Welcome to the Jungle" and a few others). As soon as the tech put the transducer (wand) on my belly I heard a little voice beside me exclaim "Baby!" There was so much excitement and joy that filled my heart. What a wonder to see it through Zemirah's eyes. Phil and I kept looking at the screen, then glanced at each other with big smiles (I teared up). We told the tech we didn't want to know the sex and he was very good at telling us when to look away. He didn't hint at anything, kept his words gender neutral, he was awesome! Each time Phil and I would look away Zemirah kept her eyes fixed on the screen. The tech told her "You're the big sister with the big secret. Don't tell Mom or Dad!" It was cute. So yes, the sex is known by God and Zemirah. I thought while I was in there that I would change my mind and ask to find out but I wasn't even tempted to. God is using not finding out to work out other things in my heart (like patience and self control). I rejoice that everything looks wonderful and that we have such a beautiful and healthy babe. Acorn measured 19 weeks 2 days (heart rate was 150). Due Date: July 3, 2011.

 19 weeks 2 days

I don't know if you can tell but little Acorn is holding it's hands together. So precious!


One of the first things I did when I got home was look at Zemirah's ultrasound from around the same time...

Zemirah 18 weeks

...and it hit me that they are different babies. I know that sounds silly but seeing the differences in them made it more real that indeed a completely new little baby is growing in me. My heart feels like it could explode with the love and joy I feel. Thank You God for my little ones and how You knit Zemirah and are knitting Acorn perfectly in my womb.

Peace to your homes,
Mama B.

Zemirah and I in our pink

My Heart

I can't believe that three and a half months have slipped on by (or 14 weeks for those that are counting weeks). I have meant to sit down and blog for probably a month now but just as the physical sickness started to let up a lot of heart issues have come to the surface. Had I wrote this blog a month ago I likely would have walked you through how sick I was but this past month or so has been eye and heart opening for me. I listened to a message by Kris and Kathy Vallotton entitled "The Marrying Kind" (definitely check it out). After listening to Kris share story after story about Kathy's gracious reactions to situations that most people would flip out or point blame in, I was humbled. I repented to God for being a complainer and decided that although yes it had been hard being so sick, that I had so many things to be thankful for....that is what I choose to focus my energy and heart on.

God used His people to be serving hands and hearts (prayers, bringing us stuff, dinners, helping with Zemirah), to encourage my sweet husband week after week (and help him with Zemirah when they were out and about), He used two sisters to remind me how strong He is in me (channeling my inner Milly and Mama Oak). Speaking of Mama Oak, when Phil and I picked the name "Acorn" we thought it was cute but random but alas God is in EVERYTHING. One little Acorn can grow a huge and strong Oak Tree (which I wasn't even aware of until I asked my husband what my friend meant when she called me "Mama Oak"-I must have missed that chapter in school). It brought to mind Isaiah 61:1-3 that truly is my prayer that I would be planted by the Lord and have deep roots in Him. Being sick gave me a picture of my true condition, that I depend on myself a lot more than I depend on Him. Oh Jesus change me! Other things happened during that time...a few relationships were really solidified. I have to mention in here someone by name (though it may make her feel awkward) Sherry you are one of the most, if not the most giving person I have ever met. Our close friendship/sistership is one of the best things that was birthed during that time. I love you. Thanks to my sweet Zemirah for all the kisses, for holding my hair as I puked (all on her own), and for being a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and reminding me that it's all worth it. Mama loves you. And once again my husband amazed me beyond words. He was Jesus in the flesh to me, he took on almost all responsibility and through pure exhaustion didn't stop pouring out (truly Jesus' strength filled him). Thank you to each and every one of you, words fail to describe my appreciation and love for you. :)

Pregnancy updates:

I am 20 weeks, 2 days today
I am measuring right on (so is the babe)
My hips are already starting to loosen up
I have gained 6lbs (but had lost 25, so technically still down 19lbs)
I wake up to pee at night (though most times I turn over hoping I can hold it)
I crave Sweet Tea (just ask Phil and Sherry...they know haha)
I can't eat spaghetti sauce or salad in any form
I ordered a pregnancy pillow (I am super excited about it, it was my valentine's gift from Phil)
I am learning that a second pregnancy is different than a first pregnancy (especially in our culture) but that it's ok. Like a dear sister said "It's a double blessing"
I can't believe I only have 20 weeks left with just Zem, will enjoy every minute

Peace to your homes,
Mama B.