16 Weeks - Update

The last three weeks, I've felt great! Aside from my recent dental procedure, which gave me "dry socket", I really have nothing to complain about because I don't have to deal with morning sickness anymore!

I am currently 16 weeks along, which means that at our next appt. in August we will find out the gender of baby #5 (at 20 weeks - which is also the half-way point). Baby is doing great and I've recently felt it doing somersaults inside at night, which as annoying as it can be at times, is a blessing because I know that the little bean is healthy and active.

Here's a side-profile view of the growing little one - I tend to not "pop" until 18 weeks or later, so sometimes I still forget I am pg!

One of the amazing things with this pregnancy is the fact that we have to step into such a blind, God-trusting faith for our needs. It's funny to me to see the reactions of people around me when I tell them that we are having our 5th baby and we have no baby stuff or a car for transport when the baby is born. I get reactions from excitement to see what God's going to do to ones of sadness and regret for us.

I'm sorry, but God says that EVERY CHILD is a blessing (and an inheretance) from the Lord. And the neat thing is that with every child, He has stretched our income, grown our hearts, and grown our faith in Him.

In church yesterday, I heard a qute that really stuck with me from our pastor's brother. He commented on how in America God has really become more of a "convienece" to us and not a need as in other countries.... There's a ton of truth in that. I felt so convicted in my own heart because it is so easy to think "I've got this, God." Then He reminded me of the promises He spoke to me concerning this baby and how I may trust Him right now, but did I actually believe He could provide those things for us???

Well, yes! I had to reassure my heart, and sometimes I have to do it often.... But God is always faithful. It may not be in our timing, but it is in His.

So, as I sat in service yesterday, Jason and I locked eyes and we knew that God was reminding us that "He's got this".... and He sure does....

Because this is what was waiting in the parking lot for us after second service:

Yes, that's a 2003 Dodge Caravan that seats...SEVEN..... One of my many "concerns" when I talked with God many months ago in trying to convince him that we "couldn't" have 5 kids....

Someone wanted to blesss us with this van - at no cost to us other than the insurance! And how we still doubt what God can do for us!!!!

What are some things you need to remind yourself that God will do in HIS timing?? He hasn't forgotten, and He won't.... don't abandon your dreams that God has for you.

1st Trimester Update

I really am not showing that much, it was the pants button sticking out....LOL

We've finally reached the end of the first trimester and I will have to say it's been a rough ride. I guess I was spoiled with my last three being easier and not having to deal with morning sickness or anything really. This time.... not so much. Let's just say brushing my teeth made me sick :( 

But - the light in all this??

I really had to learn to apply Proverbs 3:5,6 - "Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways awknoledge Him and He will direct your paths".

There were days where I am sure the kids watched cartoons and movies all day. There were days where I had to pull over because I didn't want to get sick in the car. There were days that all I could do to keep my eyes open was feel like a zombie. But God heard my cry for strength each and every time I cried out to Him. So why didn't I do it more often? Maybe because when things start going well, we do tend to think we got this. How quickly we forget where we've been and who got us out of where we are.

All I know is that without God the road through the first trimester could have been SO much worse! I did have some awesome days where I felt like myself and I could get so much done and play with the kids. I am definately looking forward to more of those days as I move into the "honeymoon" phase of this journey.

I did get to see the little bean yesterday at my monthly doctors visit. It is growing right on track and even "waved" at us during the ultra sound. We still have no names yet, although I think once we find out the gender we will be able to narrow down some choices.

Baby "waving" hello

God is so good and the road He's set before us has been good. He never said it would be easy, but He did say that He would give us strength for each new day. And that He has - whenever I've asked for it.

Don't forget the road you've been on and how you've traveled to where you are now. Look back and remind yourself of the goodness of God. It shines bright in the dark.