Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Becoming Mom and Dad
On December 18, 2010, Matt and I became mom and dad for the first time! Avery was breech, so we had scheduled a C-Section for December 20th. Avery had other plans, however. As Matt and I were wrapping Christmas presents, cleaning up our very messy home, and making plans for our very last weekend of spending time together without children, my water broke. We left everything just like it was (messy) and rushed to Williamson Medical. They got me in pretty quickly and prepped me for the C-Section. At 3:36 p.m. Avery Grace Metcalf was born. She weighed only 5 lbs. and 13 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. We were no longer a family of two, but three. We love it like this!
After she was born, we were told that the C-Section was absolutely the best decision because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck three times. Had we chosen to try to get her turned, that would have caused some problems and resulted in an emergency C-Section. The doctor who delivered her, Dr. Redden, affirmed that God had worked out every detail just as it should have been for a safe delivery.
We came home from the hospital on Tuesday with our sweet baby girl. When we left she weighed only 5 lbs. 1.9 oz. Since we have been home, she has gained 3 oz. Here are some wonderful things about our sweet little girl that I want to share and also remember about our first week home as a family of three:
1. Sleep - Avery has been sleeping 3-4 hours at a time during the night. She must know that her mom and dad must have sleep.
2. Eating - She has been eating very well! I was so glad because she really needs to gain some weight.
3. Alert - Yes, our baby girl, when she is awake is very alert. Her eyes follow and look directly at the person holding her. The doctor was really impressed with this yesterday.
4. Smart - I am sure all parents think their child is smart, but last night Matt asked Avery if she were hungry and then she looked right at me. I might have happened by chance, but I would like to think she has already made that connection.
5. Lungs - This girl has some lungs alright! Every night around 8:30 she likes to scream/cry for a while. I am sure the day has been pretty rough for her and she just has to get it out.
6. Diapering a Girl- People always say that only boys pee on you when you are changing them. That is a myth! She definitely peed all over me and the changing pad yesterday when I was changing her! I still love her the same though.
OK, I am going to wrap up this post with some pictures of Avery during her first four days of life! I can't wait to share more!
Coming home from the hospital
I wonder what she is thinking about?
Thanks for the doll Mimi and Pappy! It is as big as me!
Our happy little family!
After she was born, we were told that the C-Section was absolutely the best decision because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck three times. Had we chosen to try to get her turned, that would have caused some problems and resulted in an emergency C-Section. The doctor who delivered her, Dr. Redden, affirmed that God had worked out every detail just as it should have been for a safe delivery.
We came home from the hospital on Tuesday with our sweet baby girl. When we left she weighed only 5 lbs. 1.9 oz. Since we have been home, she has gained 3 oz. Here are some wonderful things about our sweet little girl that I want to share and also remember about our first week home as a family of three:
1. Sleep - Avery has been sleeping 3-4 hours at a time during the night. She must know that her mom and dad must have sleep.
2. Eating - She has been eating very well! I was so glad because she really needs to gain some weight.
3. Alert - Yes, our baby girl, when she is awake is very alert. Her eyes follow and look directly at the person holding her. The doctor was really impressed with this yesterday.
4. Smart - I am sure all parents think their child is smart, but last night Matt asked Avery if she were hungry and then she looked right at me. I might have happened by chance, but I would like to think she has already made that connection.
5. Lungs - This girl has some lungs alright! Every night around 8:30 she likes to scream/cry for a while. I am sure the day has been pretty rough for her and she just has to get it out.
6. Diapering a Girl- People always say that only boys pee on you when you are changing them. That is a myth! She definitely peed all over me and the changing pad yesterday when I was changing her! I still love her the same though.
OK, I am going to wrap up this post with some pictures of Avery during her first four days of life! I can't wait to share more!
Coming home from the hospital
I wonder what she is thinking about?
Thanks for the doll Mimi and Pappy! It is as big as me!
Our happy little family!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Expecting Avery
I decided it was time to give an update on Avery's upcoming arrival. I have a feeling that she is going to be like me ... stubborn. At our last two appointments, Avery has been breech (head up). When you are 37 weeks pregnant, this is not ideal for delivery. I have been praying that she would begin doing some serious flips. But, the little one has apparently found a comfy spot and stayed there.
Matt and I have another appointment next Thursday. If she is still breech, we have a C-Section scheduled for Monday, December 20th. If she flips, we can cancel the C-Section.
For me, the planner, I really dislike the fact that Avery's birth is planned. It was the one time in my life that I have not wanted to plan it out. God really has a sense of humor! I also know that her being healthy is truly all that matters. We can't wait to meet her, whenever or however she comes.
Matt and I have another appointment next Thursday. If she is still breech, we have a C-Section scheduled for Monday, December 20th. If she flips, we can cancel the C-Section.
For me, the planner, I really dislike the fact that Avery's birth is planned. It was the one time in my life that I have not wanted to plan it out. God really has a sense of humor! I also know that her being healthy is truly all that matters. We can't wait to meet her, whenever or however she comes.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Feast
This is the first Thanksgiving ever that Matt and I have stayed home in Nashville instead of traveling to visit family. I am certain that traveling five plus hours in a car would have been VERY uncomfortable for me at this point. I can hardly sit on the couch for 30 minutes without my back hurting. So we took the opportunity to create our own Thanksgiving feast.
Matt and I picked some of our favorite Thanksgiving foods to make. Matt chose his mom's sweet potato casserole. It sure was yummy!
I chose green bean casserole. We used fresh green beans so that it would feel a little more healthy.
Then, I decided to try to make chicken and dressing. This has always been a staple at Thanksgiving in my family. Thanksgiving just wouldn't have been the same without it. So, I found a recipe in a cookbook, made my very own cornbread, and mixed it up! It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, and it was SO worth the time!
OK, then there was the turkey breast. I was up quite early this morning (2 a.m.), so I decided to look online for a "how-to" guide to cooking turkey. I found that it was really important to brine the turkey first to make it more tender. So, I woke up this morning and "brined" my turkey breast, cooked it for an hour and a half, and it was done! Here is the finished product. I have to say that it was pretty good.
Last but not least, there was the Kentucky Derby pie. I borrowed this recipe from Rachel Lackey a few years ago. It was amazing!
That concludes the presentation of the first ever Metcalf family feast! Matt and I were a good team. Is it a lot of food for two people? Yes, but now I don't have to cook for at least two to three days!
Matt and I picked some of our favorite Thanksgiving foods to make. Matt chose his mom's sweet potato casserole. It sure was yummy!
I chose green bean casserole. We used fresh green beans so that it would feel a little more healthy.
Then, I decided to try to make chicken and dressing. This has always been a staple at Thanksgiving in my family. Thanksgiving just wouldn't have been the same without it. So, I found a recipe in a cookbook, made my very own cornbread, and mixed it up! It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, and it was SO worth the time!
OK, then there was the turkey breast. I was up quite early this morning (2 a.m.), so I decided to look online for a "how-to" guide to cooking turkey. I found that it was really important to brine the turkey first to make it more tender. So, I woke up this morning and "brined" my turkey breast, cooked it for an hour and a half, and it was done! Here is the finished product. I have to say that it was pretty good.
Last but not least, there was the Kentucky Derby pie. I borrowed this recipe from Rachel Lackey a few years ago. It was amazing!
That concludes the presentation of the first ever Metcalf family feast! Matt and I were a good team. Is it a lot of food for two people? Yes, but now I don't have to cook for at least two to three days!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Bibs, Bottles, and Bloomers ... Oh My!
This past Saturday some amazing women hosted a wonderfully beautiful baby shower in honor of Avery's upcoming arrival. We played some fun games, had some amazing appetizers, and opened LOTS of gifts.
I was really glad that my mom made a quick trip from Arkansas just to be at the shower!
We were blessed by the generosity of so many friends and family! From a crib mattress to bibs, bottles, and monogramed bloomers, we are almost prepared with the things we need for Avery's arrival. Matt and I certainly have a big job to do over the next few days!
I wish I had thought to have taken a big group picture of all my friends who attended. I am so thankful for each of them. There was one male at the shower, and I just have to post his cute little picture. He was so well behaved! This is Matt and I's nephew Nathan Kafer!
I was really glad that my mom made a quick trip from Arkansas just to be at the shower!
We were blessed by the generosity of so many friends and family! From a crib mattress to bibs, bottles, and monogramed bloomers, we are almost prepared with the things we need for Avery's arrival. Matt and I certainly have a big job to do over the next few days!
I wish I had thought to have taken a big group picture of all my friends who attended. I am so thankful for each of them. There was one male at the shower, and I just have to post his cute little picture. He was so well behaved! This is Matt and I's nephew Nathan Kafer!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
35 Weeks Later
Tomorrow I will be in my 35th week of pregnancy. I can't believe that I have approximately five weeks left until Avery arrives. I was looking at a picture of myself at about 12 weeks. Here, let me share it with you!
OK, now a picture of me at 35 weeks. I mean, you don't realize how much bigger everything is until you compare the pictures. I was a bit discouraged, but I also know that that is just part of being pregnant!
By the way, these are two of my sweet friends who were at the baby shower yesterday! I will blog about that later! I have been procrastinating, but now I must go to the grocery store!
OK, now a picture of me at 35 weeks. I mean, you don't realize how much bigger everything is until you compare the pictures. I was a bit discouraged, but I also know that that is just part of being pregnant!
By the way, these are two of my sweet friends who were at the baby shower yesterday! I will blog about that later! I have been procrastinating, but now I must go to the grocery store!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
1st Baby Shower
Today, we had our first baby shower. It was SO much fun and has defiantly made everything seem more real. The shower was hosted by the wonderful ladies I work with at Sunset Elementary! Here is the 1st grade team—the wonderful hostesses.
We got many wonderful gifts that we will need when Avery arrives.
You know, I think my teammates really want to stop by and change Avery's diapers! Maybe I will make a rotation list! HA! They bought us approximately 240 newborn diapers, a Diaper Genie, Diaper Genie Refills, three packs of wipes, and more. We got so many other great gifts too! I can't wait to find a place for all of it!
We got many wonderful gifts that we will need when Avery arrives.
You know, I think my teammates really want to stop by and change Avery's diapers! Maybe I will make a rotation list! HA! They bought us approximately 240 newborn diapers, a Diaper Genie, Diaper Genie Refills, three packs of wipes, and more. We got so many other great gifts too! I can't wait to find a place for all of it!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Pregnancy Update: Just 10 more weeks!
Wow, I can hardly believe that is has gone by so fast! In approximately 10 weeks, little Avery will be here and our lives will be drastically different (for the best, I'm sure). Here are my thoughts on the pregnancy at this point:
1. I haven't been sleeping well, until this weekend that is. (I am on Fall break right now.) So, I am now blaming my lack of sleep on my job, not the pregnancy.
2. I have been eating everything in sight! I can eat dinner and be hungry just an hour later! Matt thinks this is amazing and so do I.
3. I am more tired than usual. I just don't have as much energy as I did even just weeks ago.
4. I am REALLY excited to meet Avery! Sometimes I wonder if I can really wait another 10 weeks.
5. I have the fear that she is going to come really early. Some teachers at school said, "When I was pregnant, I was on my feet all of the time teaching and went into labor way before my due date!" That is fine, but I really want to be paid for Christmas break! :)
6. I haven't began the nesting phase yet! I am sure that will come in a few weeks.
7. Avery is not moving as much these days. I think she is out of room right now!
8. I don't mind being pregnant. Sure, I have uncomfortable days, but overall the experience has not been that bad!
One last thing, Matt finished painting Avery's room this weekend. I LOVE it! He did such a great job!
1. I haven't been sleeping well, until this weekend that is. (I am on Fall break right now.) So, I am now blaming my lack of sleep on my job, not the pregnancy.
2. I have been eating everything in sight! I can eat dinner and be hungry just an hour later! Matt thinks this is amazing and so do I.
3. I am more tired than usual. I just don't have as much energy as I did even just weeks ago.
4. I am REALLY excited to meet Avery! Sometimes I wonder if I can really wait another 10 weeks.
5. I have the fear that she is going to come really early. Some teachers at school said, "When I was pregnant, I was on my feet all of the time teaching and went into labor way before my due date!" That is fine, but I really want to be paid for Christmas break! :)
6. I haven't began the nesting phase yet! I am sure that will come in a few weeks.
7. Avery is not moving as much these days. I think she is out of room right now!
8. I don't mind being pregnant. Sure, I have uncomfortable days, but overall the experience has not been that bad!
One last thing, Matt finished painting Avery's room this weekend. I LOVE it! He did such a great job!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Third Trimester
Well, the third trimester is exactly what everyone said it would be ... exhausting!
After a day with 18 sweet kids, a 25 minute lunch break, and bus duty in the rain; I feel a little like this picture.
After a day with 18 sweet kids, a 25 minute lunch break, and bus duty in the rain; I feel a little like this picture.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Making Progress
I didn't even realize until today that I have only blogged twice since I started back to school. Does that tell you anything?! Just when I think I am ahead at school, my to-do list grows. That is just the nature of the job ... the work is never done and you can never just leave it at work!
OK, so this post is not about work, it is about Baby Avery! Tomorrow I will start my third trimester. I can't even believe it! Lately, she has been pretty active and her movements are way more defined. It is a pretty amazing feeling. She is growing, and I stay hungry ALL the time! I always feel a little strange posting "posed" pictures of myself. However, some of you have been asking for an updated picture of the baby bump, so here it is!
We are also SLOWLY making progress on Avery's room. My parents came two weekends ago. The goal was for my dad to help Matt paint the room. But, Matt and my dad ended up working mostly to fix our car problem. So, it is still a work in progress. I can't wait until it is finished!
OK, so this post is not about work, it is about Baby Avery! Tomorrow I will start my third trimester. I can't even believe it! Lately, she has been pretty active and her movements are way more defined. It is a pretty amazing feeling. She is growing, and I stay hungry ALL the time! I always feel a little strange posting "posed" pictures of myself. However, some of you have been asking for an updated picture of the baby bump, so here it is!
We are also SLOWLY making progress on Avery's room. My parents came two weekends ago. The goal was for my dad to help Matt paint the room. But, Matt and my dad ended up working mostly to fix our car problem. So, it is still a work in progress. I can't wait until it is finished!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Her name will be ...
Since we found out that we were having a baby, Matt and I have been talking about names. Truly, before we found out if we were having a boy or girl, we had more girl names picked out than boy names. Well, we decided this weekend to start calling her by name. Using the initials you see below, see if you can guess her name.
Did you guess correctly? Her name will be Avery Grace Metcalf. We will call her Avery. While Avery has no significant meaning, we chose Grace as a reminder that we don't deserve precious gifts such as this. Yet, God has graciously allowed us to begin this amazing experience into parenthood.
Did you guess correctly? Her name will be Avery Grace Metcalf. We will call her Avery. While Avery has no significant meaning, we chose Grace as a reminder that we don't deserve precious gifts such as this. Yet, God has graciously allowed us to begin this amazing experience into parenthood.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Kids Say the Funniest Things
For those of you who have asked about my baby bump, here I am starting week 21.
As many of you know, this past Thursday was the first day of school. On the first day, I told my 1st graders that I was going to have a baby in December. Of course, they are SO excited about it. On Thursday, I wore a dress which kinda hides the fact that I am pregnant. On Friday, I wore a shirt that shows my baby bump and one of the kids said, "Mrs. Metcalf, you look bigger today!"
Occasionally, when I think the kids need to move, we do some fun "get up and move" songs together. On Friday, one of the kids said, "Mrs. Metcalf, I bet your baby is dancing!"
Kids say the funniest things, don't they?!
As many of you know, this past Thursday was the first day of school. On the first day, I told my 1st graders that I was going to have a baby in December. Of course, they are SO excited about it. On Thursday, I wore a dress which kinda hides the fact that I am pregnant. On Friday, I wore a shirt that shows my baby bump and one of the kids said, "Mrs. Metcalf, you look bigger today!"
Occasionally, when I think the kids need to move, we do some fun "get up and move" songs together. On Friday, one of the kids said, "Mrs. Metcalf, I bet your baby is dancing!"
Kids say the funniest things, don't they?!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Baby Metcalf is a ...
Today was an exciting day around the Metcalf house. This morning at 9 a.m. we had an ultrasound scheduled to find out the gender of Baby M. Before we went in, we both decided that we would wait to find out at lunch. So, we asked the lady doing the ultrasound to write "It's A _____________" on the inside of the card we brought with us to the appointment. I never questioned her because she said, "It is very obvious ... you may want to cover your eyes."
When Matt and I left the doctor's office it was too early for lunch, so we went to Cracker Barrel. Once we sat down, we couldn't help but to immediately remove the card from the envelope and read ...
It's a girl! (See, now you know and don't have to read the rest of the post! Ha!)
Matt and I were both surprised, but we are both so excited!
Oh, but the day was not over! We actually had planned (well Matt had planned) a 30th Birthday/Gender Reveal Party with some of our friends. So, tonight, we joined them at Pie In the Sky Pizza for a little guessing game with pink and blue cupcakes (which Matt and I made ourselves) and a little celebration. We had a great time and are thankful that we have such great friends!
I noticed that my little friend Will Dixon REALLY enjoyed his cupcake ... and he even picked the right color! Way to go Will!
When Matt and I left the doctor's office it was too early for lunch, so we went to Cracker Barrel. Once we sat down, we couldn't help but to immediately remove the card from the envelope and read ...
It's a girl! (See, now you know and don't have to read the rest of the post! Ha!)
Matt and I were both surprised, but we are both so excited!
Oh, but the day was not over! We actually had planned (well Matt had planned) a 30th Birthday/Gender Reveal Party with some of our friends. So, tonight, we joined them at Pie In the Sky Pizza for a little guessing game with pink and blue cupcakes (which Matt and I made ourselves) and a little celebration. We had a great time and are thankful that we have such great friends!
I noticed that my little friend Will Dixon REALLY enjoyed his cupcake ... and he even picked the right color! Way to go Will!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Crazy, Busy Life
Let me start by saying that this is the first time I have been off work in the summer since 2005! I didn't just like it, I LOVED it! I was in desperate need of a break. Prior to that, I had worked full time at LifeWay while getting my Masters. Then, I moved right into a new teaching job at Sunset Elementary.
For the last week and a half, I have been preparing my classroom for this quickly approaching school year. It started like this ...
and with the help of my wonderful husband, a few friends, and my parents; it now looks like this!
I am missing summer already and it isn't over yet. It isn't because I don't like my job; it is because the pace of life has been slower this summer. This fall already promises to be crazy busy. In addition to his full time job, Matt had the opportunity to pick up a part time job on the weekends. He also signed up for a landscape design class. I will continue my job as a 1st grade teacher (still in my first year). Amidst all the busyness, we will also be making time to enjoy and prepare for the arrival of our baby!
Ready or not ... the crazy busy life is right around the corner.
For the last week and a half, I have been preparing my classroom for this quickly approaching school year. It started like this ...
and with the help of my wonderful husband, a few friends, and my parents; it now looks like this!
I am missing summer already and it isn't over yet. It isn't because I don't like my job; it is because the pace of life has been slower this summer. This fall already promises to be crazy busy. In addition to his full time job, Matt had the opportunity to pick up a part time job on the weekends. He also signed up for a landscape design class. I will continue my job as a 1st grade teacher (still in my first year). Amidst all the busyness, we will also be making time to enjoy and prepare for the arrival of our baby!
Ready or not ... the crazy busy life is right around the corner.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
17 Going on 18: The Pregnancy Update
This journey to parenthood is pretty incredible! I am nearing the end of week 17—almost halfway through. I can hardly believe it! I am going to share a few thoughts/reactions:
1. I am hungry ALL the time and most days eat like a champ! I am convinced that I am going to double in weight! HA!
2. I can be nausea in the morning and have these amazing cravings by lunch (Nacho Cheese Doritos, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Burger King). Notice, none of these are healthy cravings!
3. Thanks to my friends, Jacob and Shanna, I now crave McAllisters weekly.
4. It finally happened! I am no longer comfortable in my skinny jeans! This was tragic because I was even using the belly band.
5. I didn't know trying on maternity clothes could be SO depressing ... until I found the maternity section at Target.
6. I finally think I felt Baby M on the move. Yesterday he/she must have been active because I felt several flutters in my belly!
7. My friend Melissa asked why I wasn't stressed about school starting soon. Wow, pregnancy sure has changed my state of mind (perspective).
8. I don't sleep very well at night. I am thinking this will probably not get any better.
9. Matt is super protective of me and the baby ... and I LOVE that! He is going to be a GREAT dad.
10. We find out in ten days if it is a boy or a girl! There is poll on our blog so go vote NOW!
Now I will leave you with one final thought/reaction. Today at church we talked about Psalm 139 and how much we are valued by God. "For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14) It really struck home with me as I read about how the baby is growing and changing weekly. It is an incredible reminder that God values each one of us, even Baby M whom He is carefully knitting together day by day.
1. I am hungry ALL the time and most days eat like a champ! I am convinced that I am going to double in weight! HA!
2. I can be nausea in the morning and have these amazing cravings by lunch (Nacho Cheese Doritos, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Burger King). Notice, none of these are healthy cravings!
3. Thanks to my friends, Jacob and Shanna, I now crave McAllisters weekly.
4. It finally happened! I am no longer comfortable in my skinny jeans! This was tragic because I was even using the belly band.
5. I didn't know trying on maternity clothes could be SO depressing ... until I found the maternity section at Target.
6. I finally think I felt Baby M on the move. Yesterday he/she must have been active because I felt several flutters in my belly!
7. My friend Melissa asked why I wasn't stressed about school starting soon. Wow, pregnancy sure has changed my state of mind (perspective).
8. I don't sleep very well at night. I am thinking this will probably not get any better.
9. Matt is super protective of me and the baby ... and I LOVE that! He is going to be a GREAT dad.
10. We find out in ten days if it is a boy or a girl! There is poll on our blog so go vote NOW!
Now I will leave you with one final thought/reaction. Today at church we talked about Psalm 139 and how much we are valued by God. "For you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14) It really struck home with me as I read about how the baby is growing and changing weekly. It is an incredible reminder that God values each one of us, even Baby M whom He is carefully knitting together day by day.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Chicago Mission Camp
Matt and I just got back from an amazing week in Chicago with the students from ClearView Baptist Church. We explored the city, ate too much Chicago-style pizza, and watched fireworks on the banks of Lake Michigan on the 4th of July. But most importantly we served and ministered to the people at Lamon Avenue Baptist Church and the Garfield/Armitage area of Chicago. Isn't it amazing that you go expecting to minister to others (and you do) but often leave having learned so much more than you feel you have given? I wish I would have taken more pictures but here are a few from the trip.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Baby Merchandise: What Really is Necessary?
A few weeks ago my friend Caron J. let me borrow, what I believe, is a great book for expecting moms.
It is called Baby Bargains. It seems to be a great resource because it is full of information that expectant parents must know about products, their ratings, and their approximate cost. Although I have this great resource, I still value the advice of other moms regarding products for baby that you just couldn't live without. So, give me your input! I would love to hear your thoughts!
It is called Baby Bargains. It seems to be a great resource because it is full of information that expectant parents must know about products, their ratings, and their approximate cost. Although I have this great resource, I still value the advice of other moms regarding products for baby that you just couldn't live without. So, give me your input! I would love to hear your thoughts!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lessons Learned on the Journey
I wanted to follow up my last post with some lessons I learned on this part of my life journey. I do not believe that God takes us through difficulties just for the fun of it. However, if we are aware, we can see how God is modeling us to be more like Him when we go through difficult times.
1. God is in control.
I have a tendency to want to control circumstances in my life. I am a planner, and I like to think through how, when, where, and why things should happen. When my “perfect” plan for getting pregnant failed, I questioned God and became frustrated with Him. God showed me and continues to remind me that, “… in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
2. By faith …
The opposite of faith is doubt. Our pastor, Mark Marshall, recently preached a sermon on Luke 1:18-25. In this passage, Zechariah finds out that he and his wife, Elizabeth, are expecting a son. However, he does not believe the news. As a result, Zechariah is silenced until his son’s birth. As I focused on the fact that I was not yet pregnant, I began to doubt that it would ever happen. This was a direct result of my lack of faith in God. Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, writes, “Worry (I could substitute doubt) implies that we don’t quiet trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.”
I learned much about myself but more importantly about God though the journey to becoming pregnant. The cool thing is that God takes us all on journeys, although they may look very different, to mold and shape us into the person He wants us to be. He is relentless in His pursuit of us, always desiring that we take on His character throughout the often-difficult journeys of life.
1. God is in control.
I have a tendency to want to control circumstances in my life. I am a planner, and I like to think through how, when, where, and why things should happen. When my “perfect” plan for getting pregnant failed, I questioned God and became frustrated with Him. God showed me and continues to remind me that, “… in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
2. By faith …
The opposite of faith is doubt. Our pastor, Mark Marshall, recently preached a sermon on Luke 1:18-25. In this passage, Zechariah finds out that he and his wife, Elizabeth, are expecting a son. However, he does not believe the news. As a result, Zechariah is silenced until his son’s birth. As I focused on the fact that I was not yet pregnant, I began to doubt that it would ever happen. This was a direct result of my lack of faith in God. Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, writes, “Worry (I could substitute doubt) implies that we don’t quiet trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.”
I learned much about myself but more importantly about God though the journey to becoming pregnant. The cool thing is that God takes us all on journeys, although they may look very different, to mold and shape us into the person He wants us to be. He is relentless in His pursuit of us, always desiring that we take on His character throughout the often-difficult journeys of life.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Rewind … March 2009 to Present
Rewind to March 2009. Matt and I began the process of trying to get pregnant. I had it all planned out! You see, in January 2008 I started my Masters at Trevecca Nazarene University. I remember thinking and planning how perfect it would be if I finished my Masters in November, was pregnant, and had the baby soon after. That would have allowed me to stay home until the next school year began.
As months quickly passed, and I still was not pregnant it suddenly seemed that everyone else was. Many of our family and friends became pregnant after only a few months. Even pregnant women I passed in the grocery store became a symbol of my jealousy and sadness. Matt and I both were becoming very discouraged and often questioned God and his timing. During this part of our journey, Matt and I chose to confide in only a few family and friends. I mean, why would we want to let people know that we were hurting? I guess for us, it was just a private matter. Because people did not know, we often had to endure comments such as these: Oh, you will know when you are ready to have a baby. When are you guys going to have a baby?
In late December some good friends of ours, not knowing our situation, gave us the Shane and Shane CD. If you don’t know who they are, check them out online! I am going to record some of the words to, what became one of my prayers to God from their song, For the Good.
When darkness is surrounding me,
By your Spirit Lord help me see,
You are working all things out
And Lord I really need to hear you speak,
But remind me in the waiting,
You are working all things out for the good
Of those who are called by you
For those who love you …
Holy, God of light,
I lay down my life,
Holy is the Lord, even in the storms
Be glorified.
After Christmas, I got offered a job as a 1st grade teacher at Sunset Elementary in Brentwood, TN. Honestly, I began a part of my journey that would give me a LOT less time to think about being/getting pregnant. I began to see how the Lord put me there, at that specific time for a reason.
Let us fast forward a bit to late winter/ early spring 2010. I recall praying for someone with whom to walk this difficult journey. The Lord provided and sent me an amazing woman of God who had walked a similar journey.
It was April 2010; I had made up my mind to begin testing. I mean, I was just certain that something was wrong with me. Matt and I talked and had prepared to begin yet another difficult journey to determine the problem. However, on April 24 I woke up and knew it was way past my “time of the month.” I nervously took a pregnancy test. I remember shaking, waiting, and looking at the test in disbelief. This cannot be right I thought. I woke Matt up immediately. He didn’t believe it either. That day I went and bought another test. Yes, the companies that makes pregnancy tests LOVE ME!
As weeks passed, it became easier to believe that I really was pregnant. I thank God for the blessing of morning sickness that got worse as the weeks progressed. Here we are, beginning the 12th week of pregnancy! Yes, Baby M (as my 5-year-old nephew calls it) is growing and changing daily. We cannot wait to welcome him/her on December 27th, 2010 (or whenever he/she decides to arrive)!
Rewind to March 2009. Matt and I began the process of trying to get pregnant. I had it all planned out! You see, in January 2008 I started my Masters at Trevecca Nazarene University. I remember thinking and planning how perfect it would be if I finished my Masters in November, was pregnant, and had the baby soon after. That would have allowed me to stay home until the next school year began.
As months quickly passed, and I still was not pregnant it suddenly seemed that everyone else was. Many of our family and friends became pregnant after only a few months. Even pregnant women I passed in the grocery store became a symbol of my jealousy and sadness. Matt and I both were becoming very discouraged and often questioned God and his timing. During this part of our journey, Matt and I chose to confide in only a few family and friends. I mean, why would we want to let people know that we were hurting? I guess for us, it was just a private matter. Because people did not know, we often had to endure comments such as these: Oh, you will know when you are ready to have a baby. When are you guys going to have a baby?
In late December some good friends of ours, not knowing our situation, gave us the Shane and Shane CD. If you don’t know who they are, check them out online! I am going to record some of the words to, what became one of my prayers to God from their song, For the Good.
When darkness is surrounding me,
By your Spirit Lord help me see,
You are working all things out
And Lord I really need to hear you speak,
But remind me in the waiting,
You are working all things out for the good
Of those who are called by you
For those who love you …
Holy, God of light,
I lay down my life,
Holy is the Lord, even in the storms
Be glorified.
After Christmas, I got offered a job as a 1st grade teacher at Sunset Elementary in Brentwood, TN. Honestly, I began a part of my journey that would give me a LOT less time to think about being/getting pregnant. I began to see how the Lord put me there, at that specific time for a reason.
Let us fast forward a bit to late winter/ early spring 2010. I recall praying for someone with whom to walk this difficult journey. The Lord provided and sent me an amazing woman of God who had walked a similar journey.
It was April 2010; I had made up my mind to begin testing. I mean, I was just certain that something was wrong with me. Matt and I talked and had prepared to begin yet another difficult journey to determine the problem. However, on April 24 I woke up and knew it was way past my “time of the month.” I nervously took a pregnancy test. I remember shaking, waiting, and looking at the test in disbelief. This cannot be right I thought. I woke Matt up immediately. He didn’t believe it either. That day I went and bought another test. Yes, the companies that makes pregnancy tests LOVE ME!
As weeks passed, it became easier to believe that I really was pregnant. I thank God for the blessing of morning sickness that got worse as the weeks progressed. Here we are, beginning the 12th week of pregnancy! Yes, Baby M (as my 5-year-old nephew calls it) is growing and changing daily. We cannot wait to welcome him/her on December 27th, 2010 (or whenever he/she decides to arrive)!
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