Our Big News!

As some of you already know, Scott and I are expecting a baby! I'm moving into the second trimester and finally feeling a bit better (which explains some of the sporadic posting over the past several weeks). We can't wait to meet our son or daughter in August!

It's a bit unusual these days, but we're waiting to find out if the baby is a boy or girl until s/he is born. While it's tough to wait, the surprise factor makes the birth-day fun—and might help me get through labor and delivery...

I can tell you... this process is truly a miracle. Even though this pregnancy was definitely planned, every milestone makes it seem more real... the positive pregnancy test, telling our families, seeing the baby and its heartbeat on the first ultrasound, hearing the heartbeat. It's amazing how two people, with God's help of course, can create another life. And the baby grows without any conscious effort from me (just a lot of resting and nausea!). All the major organs and systems are already in place; now it's time for growing and developing.

I've learned yet again that I'm not in control. Like so much else in life, I can only do so much—in this case, I can make healthy choices and take care of myself. We don't know what the future holds. This time requires a lot of faith and trust that everything is going as it should, that we'll be able to handle whatever happens. And as they say... you'll never stop worrying. There is always something to worry about, but I also know that's no way to live, especially when something so wonderful is going on. So I place my trust in God's plan and try to enjoy every moment (easier said than done when you're feeling queasy, but hey, I try).

Already this baby has changed my life. The past two months have been a little frustrating. I haven't been able to do as much as I usually can, so I just did what I had to do and tried to be patient with myself. I ate small amounts every hour or two, drank tons of water, and spent more time in bed and on the couch than I care to admit (a nice perk of working from home!). It's all worth it, but I realized a baby can change your life before it's even born! I also know that everything will continue to change—our home, social life, sleep, work. But this is something I've wanted my whole life—a family of my own.

So happy to share the news with you all!