Mother's Day 2016

This was such a special Mother's Day. It wasn't the gifts or the extra sleep (but believe me, those were incredible!), but I realized this Mother's Day just how blessed I am.

Let's recap the weekend. I have no pictures! But sometimes, that is the sign of the best weekend. Saturday morning, we went to Ponce City Market and walked the Beltline. The boys did little walking...the preferred to stand in the middle of the walkway and yell, "Hi! Good Morning!" to everyone. It was super crowded, so I am sure the runners and cyclists loved dodging my kids.

Woody went to a classmate's birthday party that afternoon. Saturday night, Aunt Savanna babysat while Brooks and I went to dinner. (Confession: I chose a childless date night over Mother's Day Brunch.) I also talked Brooks into buying a crib skirt, which I will talk about in another post (I know, I am sorry to keep you waiting.) 

Today was our pastor, Dr. Vic Pentz's, final sermon. I still remember the first time I heard him preach. It was during a stressful time in our lives, and honestly, I didn't want to go to church. But the rest was history...we joined the church two months later. Now I laugh about how reluctant I was, because it seems like I am at the church almost every day. Between our Sunday School, MOPs, preschool, VBS, and Brooks's Iron Mentoring small group, Peachtree has become such a big part of our lives. And a main reason is due to Dr. Pentz. I am going to miss his sermons so much. Please pray for our church, and that we will find another incredible pastor to lead us.

Back to Mother's Day! Those good ole pregnancy hormones just have me feeling the warm and fuzzies over being a momma. But I also am realizing that not everyone feels those same warm and fuzzies. Not everyone has great relationships with their mother, or have lost their mother. Some have lost children, or have a child going through a tough time. There are women who long to be a mother.

So while it is easy for me to rejoice over my incredible mother, mother-in-law, and children, that is not a given for everyone. This Mother's Day, my heart is with them, those hurting over this day. I don't know if you have heard of the story of Ann Reese Grote, but I have followed her mother's testimony since the tragic accident. She wrote such a brave post today. (Her page is here.) I love what she said...about letting God met you in your darkness. The music today just seemed to speak to me and those who are heavy on my heart.

The music was great, and I wanted to share these lyrics from today...

I can't remember a trial or a pain

He did not recycle to bring me gain. 

I can't remember one single regret

In serving God only and trusting His hand.

(He's Always Been Faithful- Sara Groves/arr. Gary Rhodes)

I hope today finds you happy and rejoicing...and if it brings pain, I hope that you will give your pain to God. I am praying for your peace. 

Finally, a few pictures of Cheeks and Peepers. Thank you for letting me be your momma. There has never been anything that I have been more proud to be!

(Because when they match, it is everything. I hope the always find the joys in coordinating.)

Oh Boy!

We're having another boy! I have actually known this for about ten weeks now, and after three ultrasounds, I feel safe saying it. We are so excited to have brothers 20 months apart (excited/terrified...all the same.)

And a quick baby update while I am at a computer. My 20 week ultrasound was a disaster to say the least. Woody was with us, and insisting he sit on the ultrasound table with me. Brooks and I knew it was taking a really long time and were a bit disturbed by the tech's lack of communication. We figured it was just that she was annoyed we brought a 15 month old to this appointment. Then those awful words, "The doctor wants to speak with you about the ultrasound."

...........................................

Actually, it still really hadn't hit me that anything was wrong at this point. After sitting with the doctor, we learned that our baby boy had a choroid plexus cyst on the brain and a "shadow" on his heart (not going to lie, still a bit confused on what that means.)

This is what I heard, "Brain. Heart." Cue tears.

Both of these are soft markers for Down Syndrome, however many times, they baby has these markers and is born without DS. The doctor felt optimistic since my blood-work was good and his femur size was the right length. However, she wanted us to get a level 2 ultrasound to take a better look at his hands and feet.She told us to go home, relax, and don't Google anything.

What do I do? Go home in tears, panic, Google.

God, like He always does, wrapped me in peace and comfort though. My sister sent me the verse Jeremiah 1:5. God has created this baby, and He doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan for his life, and it is our job as his parents to give him a loving environment to grow up in no matter what.

(This is long. Sorry.) So the following Friday, we went back (without Woody) to get our level 2 ultrasound. She told us that we would still see the cyst and the spot on his heart, but she just wanted to look closer at other markers. Well, wouldn't you know that the cyst had already gone away! In a week people! He still has the spot on his heart, but she and the doctors feel that his heart just needs time to grow. She said it is pretty common to have this marker. And we are down to just one marker! Everything else looks wonderful though! We were offered the option of amniocentesis at the last ultrasound, but now that aren't even recommending it. Praise God!

Although we know there is still a chance, we feel very optimistic and hopeful. I have been overwhelmed by the love and support of family, friends, and co-workers. When I think of strangers praying for my baby, I break down. I cannot wait for this baby blessing boy to join such a wonderful community of God.

Thank you for taking time to read this long post and your continuous prayers for our family. We are covered in them.

Blessings

Photo courtesy of Bippity Boppity Boo

With Thanksgiving a week away, I am realizing the blessings that have been given to me. I usually am complaining about "Why can't it be this way?" and "That's Not Fair." Today I realize how lucky I am to have so many blessings that it is hard to keep track.
I read an interesting statement the other day: "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you were thankful for today?"

Makes you think...and give thanks.

Giuliana Rancic

Monday, on the Today Show, Giuliana Rancic announced that she is battling breast cancer. My heart is so heavy for her. If you watch her reality show, you are aware of her struggles with infertility. I admire her (as well as her husband, Bill's) honest, yet positive outlook. They are one of the few reality couples I can stand. Praying for a swift recovery :)

Image Courtesy of OKMagazine.com

Devastated

I cannot believe it happened again. First my hometown, and now, my college town. Where I spent some of the best years of my life...Where many of my family members are still in school. Thankfully, they are all okay, but others were not as fortunate. The death toll has passed 200.
Praying so hard for Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Cullman, as well as the rest of the South that was affected by these awful storms.

(All photos courtesy of The Tuscaloosa News)

But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

-Psalm 94:22