We've known for 4 weeks now that we are having a (insert gender)...
Not just yet. Ever since finding out that I am pregnant, I have been slow to share on social media. Partly because I believe too much is often shared and spoken publicly, too much or too quickly, no matter the intention or motive. And partly because I have enjoyed pondering and treasuring our news, each detail and step along the way, both privately within my heart and with a few family members and friends, because it's just that precious to me - this unexpected journey is that precious.
I'm not saying - that sharing in the moment (or in the making) makes it any less precious for those who choose to do so. I tend to be introspective and process things personally and privately before sharing or speaking, should I choose to do so - and carefully choose when and with whom. There is a proverb that speaks to this, saying something like: The wise (or prudent) person does not reveal everything she knows. A verse from the book of James adds to it by saying: Be quick to listen, slow to speak... Furthermore, my expressions and outward display of emotions don't typically match the depth and breadth of what I feel inside - it's an aspect of my personality that I am sure some of you can relate to as well.
With that being said, I feel like it's the appropriate time to share our gender news publicly using one of my favorite forms of communication - writing of course. From the very beginning of this pregnancy, we wanted our kids (ages 10 and 8) informed and involved as much as possible. On that day, we picked the kids up from school mid-morning so that they could be there with us at my appointment. It just so happened that our baby was tucked in a ball, in a lower corner of my womb - deciding it was a cozy place to stay for the duration of the ultrasound. The technician got one view and made a prediction as best as she could, but the image wasn't clear enough to make a solid determination. She invited us to come back after lunch to see if baby would change positions by then - to get a better view.
After lunch and after the kids returned to school, Danny and I returned for another quick ultrasound. This time around our baby had surely moved around and it only took a few seconds for the tech to see and know with certainty! We were a bit surprised by what was confirmed to be a (insert gender)...
As I mentioned in my previous blog post (Expecting the unexpected), one of our kids was going to be disappointed. Big sis wanted a little sis. Big bro wanted a little bro. Well, one of them was ecstatic while remaining sensitive, and the other was disappointed, even upset. This child was granted a safe space and adequate time to share his feelings and thoughts unfiltered - honestly and openly - without fear of punishment, correction, suppression, humiliation or pressure to be "happy" or "okay" right away.
It only took two days of processing before his disappointment and grief resolved and made way for joyful expectation and affection by the third day. It was so special to be a part of that process and to witness the progression and the dawn of the third day! While God may not have answered his specific wish for a baby brother, God chose what is good and what will be (and is) an answer to prayer in wonderful and unexpected ways. For in this, we look for the grace and take delight!
If you haven't figured it out by now, we're having a girl! The next question we've been getting is... you guessed it... what's her name? We have tossed around a few different ideas with differing opinions. If you know me, then you know that choosing a name isn't just about the name itself but about the meaning, significance and story behind the name. It's like - the name has to speak to me, or rather, speak of her. The same was true with Hadley and Beckett. There is one name that stands above the rest as of now, of which both kids adore and have become attached to. They even came up with the same nickname, at the same time... it was like, it is meant to be. True to form, we won't be sharing the name just yet, and likely won't make it public until she makes her public appearance sometime mid-June.
Another update... at our very first appointment (appt), her heart rate (HR) was measuring high around 190. We were told early on that this would be monitored in hopes of it lowering as she further develops, otherwise further testing would be indicated. Well, here's an abbreviated overview: appt #2, HR=180; appt #3, HR=170; appt #4, HR=160 (which is barely within "normal" range). Little by little, her heart rate lowered. So far, so good, and for this, we are very thankful. She continues to show us that she is here to stay and happy to be a part of our family. She is so very cherished and we expectantly wait to meet her face to face. The kids just can't wait to hold her. In the meantime, they have been enjoying feeling and occasionally seeing her movements as she makes her presence known. We love you, dear baby, we feel you too, and when the time is right, we will get to hold you! For now, just keep growing healthily and wholly and may the favor of the Lord rest upon you!
Grace and peace ~
SS
P.S. isn't this the cutest, comfiest little outfit ever? love this "earthy" brand... you can check out more baby items such as these, and others we will be needing, on my registries at Amazon and Target 😊
Not just yet. Ever since finding out that I am pregnant, I have been slow to share on social media. Partly because I believe too much is often shared and spoken publicly, too much or too quickly, no matter the intention or motive. And partly because I have enjoyed pondering and treasuring our news, each detail and step along the way, both privately within my heart and with a few family members and friends, because it's just that precious to me - this unexpected journey is that precious.
With that being said, I feel like it's the appropriate time to share our gender news publicly using one of my favorite forms of communication - writing of course. From the very beginning of this pregnancy, we wanted our kids (ages 10 and 8) informed and involved as much as possible. On that day, we picked the kids up from school mid-morning so that they could be there with us at my appointment. It just so happened that our baby was tucked in a ball, in a lower corner of my womb - deciding it was a cozy place to stay for the duration of the ultrasound. The technician got one view and made a prediction as best as she could, but the image wasn't clear enough to make a solid determination. She invited us to come back after lunch to see if baby would change positions by then - to get a better view.
After lunch and after the kids returned to school, Danny and I returned for another quick ultrasound. This time around our baby had surely moved around and it only took a few seconds for the tech to see and know with certainty! We were a bit surprised by what was confirmed to be a (insert gender)...
As I mentioned in my previous blog post (Expecting the unexpected), one of our kids was going to be disappointed. Big sis wanted a little sis. Big bro wanted a little bro. Well, one of them was ecstatic while remaining sensitive, and the other was disappointed, even upset. This child was granted a safe space and adequate time to share his feelings and thoughts unfiltered - honestly and openly - without fear of punishment, correction, suppression, humiliation or pressure to be "happy" or "okay" right away.
It only took two days of processing before his disappointment and grief resolved and made way for joyful expectation and affection by the third day. It was so special to be a part of that process and to witness the progression and the dawn of the third day! While God may not have answered his specific wish for a baby brother, God chose what is good and what will be (and is) an answer to prayer in wonderful and unexpected ways. For in this, we look for the grace and take delight!
Another update... at our very first appointment (appt), her heart rate (HR) was measuring high around 190. We were told early on that this would be monitored in hopes of it lowering as she further develops, otherwise further testing would be indicated. Well, here's an abbreviated overview: appt #2, HR=180; appt #3, HR=170; appt #4, HR=160 (which is barely within "normal" range). Little by little, her heart rate lowered. So far, so good, and for this, we are very thankful. She continues to show us that she is here to stay and happy to be a part of our family. She is so very cherished and we expectantly wait to meet her face to face. The kids just can't wait to hold her. In the meantime, they have been enjoying feeling and occasionally seeing her movements as she makes her presence known. We love you, dear baby, we feel you too, and when the time is right, we will get to hold you! For now, just keep growing healthily and wholly and may the favor of the Lord rest upon you!
Grace and peace ~
SS
P.S. isn't this the cutest, comfiest little outfit ever? love this "earthy" brand... you can check out more baby items such as these, and others we will be needing, on my registries at Amazon and Target 😊
How absolutely wonderful 😊❤️ God is so good
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