Birth Day Cake

2012-02-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well, our due date has come.

And gone.

We've pretty much tried everything we can think of to get this little girl to join us here in the outside world. Don't get me wrong, we are certainly taking advantage over these last few days of it being "just us". But let's face it -- month nine is just plain uncomfortable. Especially when your daughter is an estimated 9+ pounds and resting right on your cervix.

Yesterday I made her a lemon buttercream birthday cake, thinking maybe it would help her feel a little more motivated to make her grand entrance into this world.

Alright, so its not the prettiest cake. And it did absolutely nothing to stir on labor. But it sure tasted delicious!

As I near the end of pregnancy I find myself not wanting to go out as much and at times not even wanting to see friends or talk to family. I know that every one is excited for us (and truly, I feel very blessed by their love and encouragement) but it can be very discouraging when the first thing a friend says the moment you show up for church is "you're still pregnant?!" Or when you go to work and the doctor exclaims "wow, you're huge!" in front of your patients & co-workers. Yes, obviously, I am still pregnant. And, yes, I know, I'm huge. Thanks for the reminders.

Which makes me think of some other odd things people have said to me throughout pregnancy. Of course, most of these folks only meant well. And honestly, I think I've had a pretty good sense of humor about it all. A few times I even managed to laugh out loud the moment I heard the words come out of some one's mouth. But just for the record, here's a list of things not to say to an expecting woman (and yes, these are all things people actually said to me):

1. You're only 6 months pregnant? Are you having triplets?

2. At least your face doesn't look fat yet.

3. Don't worry about the labor. It's pretty much like pooping, right? (Yes, this came from a man).

4. Wow -- You're HUGE! (I've heard this nearly every day since month six).

5. Are you sure you're not having twins?

6. I don't want to say anything, but I noticed you were eating those chips. You know they can give your baby birth defects, right?

7. Oh you want to go all natural? (sarcastic chuckle) Good luck with that!

8. So do you wish it was a boy instead of a girl?

9. Eww, you're not going to breast feed, are you?

10. How much weight have you gained? 25 pounds? That's way too much!

Seriously, where to people come up with these things? It will be interesting to see what people have to say after she is born!

Labor Pains

2012-02-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

My husband and I got married about five years ago. It feels like yesterday, the day we met. Its hard to believe that was nearly seven years ago! Amazing how fast time flies when you are with your best friend.

We always knew we wanted kids. Based merely on the reproductive trends in my family, I always knew it would not be easy to become pregnant and never expected to get pregnant right away. When we learned we were expecting after almost four years of waiting, I was in shock. It seemed unreal (and, frankly, still does). My husband and I immediately felt convicted that this child is not ours, but the Lord's. We are merely vessels He has chosen to raise one of His beloved children. It is truly humbling to be blessed with such a precious gift - and also a little intimidating to be entrusted with such a tremendous responsibility.

Even though our daughter has not yet lived outside the secret place, I love that God is using her to make a difference in lives. Over the holidays, I watched in awe as healing from years of brokenness began to take place in our families. For the sake of our little girl, family members put aside their differences and came together, expressing genuine love and forgiveness for the first time in over a decade. Obviously, things are not perfect. But its a start.

She is also changing me. She is driving me to grow deeper in my faith and understanding of God. When I got married, I thought I knew what it meant to put myself aside and love another person more than myself. Now there are two people I love more than life itself. There are no limits to how much of myself I would give for either of these precious people. It has given me a deeper understanding of God's love for His children. If I can love this child so much, a person whom I have not yet met, how much more can our Heavenly Father love us? When I think of the sacrifice God made by giving us His one and only Son, I have never been so moved. Some may call it hormones but I call it the Holy Spirit that literally brings me to tears when I meditate on it. I can't imagine giving up this child for anybody. What a selfless, gracious thing God did for us through the gift of Jesus!

As the birth of our daughter draws near, I find myself obsessing about the labor and delivery. I often feel overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions: nervousness, excitement, fear, anticipation, joy. I've done hours and hours of reading and research in attempt to prepare myself. Every day I wonder, will this be the day? Will we be seeing her precious face today? We've finished the birthing classes, toured the hospital, prepared frozen meals, and packed the hospital bag. We are ready for her arrival.

A few days ago when I was reading through Thessalonians I came across a verse I've probably read a hundred times. This time, however, it struck me differently than times before.

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying "peace" and "safety", destruction will come upon them suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of day (1 Thessalonians 5: 2-5).

I used to think that verse was so weird. Labor pains? Seriously? Jesus is coming back some day, and when he does, it will come upon us as suddenly as labor pains? Yep. Thats what it says. Labor pains. What was so strange to me before suddenly makes perfect sense. How many expecting mothers can predict exactly when their labor pains will start? I'd venture to guess not many. Yet, most are ready when the labor pains do begin.

Here we are, totally ready for the arrival of our daughter. But how ready are we for the arrival of Jesus? I've spent countless hours during the last nine months distracted in preparing for the coming of our first child. How much time have I spent preparing for the second coming of our King?

I'll spare myself the embarrassment by not answering that question...

I feel ready for birth. Now, its time to start getting ready for the real labor pains!

Then Sings My Soul

Birth Day Cake

Labor Pains