Easter - Resurrection Sunday

 

How true!

Without Easter, we would not know salvation, the joy of sins forgiveness,
 and the hope of Heaven.

"...I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" 
John 11:25
 

He died not for men, but for each man.

If each man had been the only man made, 

He would have done no less.

-C.S. Lewis

Hope you've had a blessed Easter weekend!

i've just seen Jesus

Can you imagine witnessing the gruesome crucifixion of Jesus?

His trial.

The cross he carried.

The stripes on His back.

The crown of thorns.

The nails.

The piercing of His side.

What a tortuous, horrible death.

 

But, even more .... after viewing such an awful act,

can you imagine the joy of seeing Jesus ALIVE?

Hearing Him call YOUR name?

Amazement.

Relief.

Faith.

Joy.

 

I can't really imagine even as hard as I try.

But, I know and I believe in full-faith that it happened just as the Bible says.

 

And we too witness Jesus ALIVE today.

Look around you.

Sinners saved by that grace given at Calvary.

Forgiveness.

Sins washed away.

Cast as far as the east is from the west.

Never to be remembered again.

Lives changed.  Turned around.

He called our name, and called us out.

We've never lived 'til we live for Jesus.

 

No doubt, when He was on the cross I was on His mind.

And you were on His mind.

He saw us - His plans to set us free and promise us LIFE eternally.

throwback Thursday

Not throwing it too far back.

But, what a difference 18 weeks makes.

thirty weeks

30 weeks

3/4 finished.  Only 1/4 (or less) to go!!

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  A cucumber - At about 15.2 to 16.7 inches and about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds.  Her skin is getting smoother.  Her brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue.  She's now strong enough to grasp a finger! {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  -4 lbs

Cravings: Chocolate ice cream.  Subway.  Olive Garden.

Symptoms:   Breath getting shorter; especially when I walk a long distance or sing.  Strange, crazy, weird, wild dreams - I wake up thinking, "Where did that come from?"

Sleep:  Changing positions often and making a trip or two to the bathroom. 

Movement:   She is quite a "wild woman"  ... but, I love it ... feeling her move is awesome!

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith .... Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Sweet Ums,  Pookie (thanks to Chris), Darling, Angel Face  (yes, she already has nicknames)

Maternity Clothes: Yep! But still wearing some non-maternity -- stretchy knit skirts and sweater tunics.

What I miss: Still don't really miss a thing.  I waited so long to be in this place ... it's all worth it!

What I'm looking forward to:   Baby showers and celebrating our girl with friends.  Having the bedding sewn -- and in the crib.  And of course, we are beginning to anxiously look forward to her arrival.  We will soon be in the single digit number of weeks remaining.

Best moments this week:   Not sure it would be classified as a "best moment" ... but I overheard my Mama's phone conversation and she told my brother that I was getting fat. (ha! ha!)

Doctor's appointment - everything looks great!  Was happy to find out that I'm actually still below pre-pregnancy weight, fundal height was right on at 29 cms, great blood pressure, and heard baby's heartbeat.  Doctor eased some fears and thoughts about pain intervention.

Chris and I are getting more and more excited about bringing a baby into our home and life.  We think about her all day.  We talk about her often.  We talk to her and pat my belly.  I read books to her.  Chris tells her "bye" every morning when he leaves for work.  We love walking into our guest bedroom-turned-nursery; it makes it so real to see all the baby things and PINK!   We talk about what we would be doing with her at that exact moment if she were here .... Chris can't wait to snuggle with her on one side and Thumpy on the other.  We've also started a sweet nighttime ritual of laying her glow-seahorse (ie glow worm) on my belly and playing its lullabies.  It's definitely a favorite time of day.

confession: this is me

Some of these comics are so funny.  And so true.

 

This one is so me!

Grocery shopping flows more smoothly if my list is in order of the store.

Otherwise, it takes twice as long, because I go in circles back-tracking.
Guess, I do have a Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  :)

throwback Thursday

This week marks 17 years ago,

that a dark and handsome teenage boy walked into my church and stole my heart.

He immediately had my attention.

The feeling was mutual ... because it wasn't too long after that he told his grandpa that he would "marry that girl" and we started "going together."

Go ahead ... laugh!
This is our first picture together.
Easter Sunday 1996
15 years old and 14 years old
I have no idea what Chris is doing with his mouth.
(before digital cameras -- so of course, we didn't know a re-do was necessary)
Check out our hair and glasses ... both BIG!

 and here we are today ...
Married (soon to be 13 years).
Still "going together."
Actually, "together" is our favorite place to be - we do very little apart.
Happy, happy with a few extra pounds, smaller glasses, smaller hair, and a baby on the way!
More in love than ever.
And absolutely crazy about each other.

Every day, I'm so thankful that our paths crossed again in 1996.

twenty-nine weeks

29 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby: An acorn squash - At about 15.2 to 16.7 inches and about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds.  She's getting a little cramped in there, since she's growing so fast.   She's growing white fat deposits under her skin, and her energy is surging because of it.  {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  At doctor's appointment today, I was 4lbs down from last appointment --- it was the boots I had on!!  So, still 4 lbs down from pre-pregnancy weight. 

Cravings: Chocolate ice cream.  Subway.

Symptoms: Aches and soreness from hormones and muscle changes, but nothing too horrible. Experiencing some slight indigestion - I ate a Tums this week for the first time in my 31-year old life.   And I "think" my breath may be getting shorter; especially when I walk a longer distance or sing.

Sleep:  If I am extremely tired, I sleep better ... don't move as often and don't get up to use bathroom -- and it is good sleep too!  Otherwise, I change positions often (right side, back, left side, back, right side, back, left side) and make a trip or two to the bathroom. 

Movement:   She is moving, moving, moving ... practicing gymnastic moves or having a dance party, I'm not sure.  ;-)

Gender: Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith .... Josie, Josie-Poo, Josie-Posie, Darling, Angel Face  (she already has nicknames)

Maternity Clothes: Yep!

What I miss: Still don't really miss a thing.  I waited so long to be in this place ... it's all worth it!

What I'm looking forward to:   Baby showers and celebrating my girl with friends.  Having her bedding sewn -- and in the crib.  And of course, we are beginning to anxiously look forward to her arrival.  We will soon be in the single digit number of weeks remaining.

Best Moments this week:   3D/4D ultrasound and sharing pictures and video with our family and friends.  Getting my glucose test behind me and passing with an awesome score (89)!

babies don't keep

I'm learning to let go a little now.

Chris constantly reminds me to not "over do it."

And I'm sure after Josie arrives ... I will remind myself often to let it go.

I've heard "the days are long and the years are short."

I want to cherish my girl's baby moments.

The cleaning, laundry, dishes, and housework can wait.

another glimpse

Yesterday, we had a selective 3D/4D ultrasound.

We sat there for 25 minutes simply enthralled watching our baby girl.

These ultrasounds are awesome and so fascinating.

It's as if we got a glimpse of what Josie will look like.

Now, I'm not sure how closely she will indeed resemble these images, 

but it was amazing, nonetheless.

First of all, the tech confirmed that she is "still a girl."  

Even though I had just eaten lunch and drank Hi-C, Josie was asleep and all snuggled up.

She had both arms in front of her face,

so the ultrasound tech poked, prodded, jiggled my belly,

and had me lay on my side in attempt to get her to move.

Josie finally moved one arm down,
but for the most part she kept one arm near her face the whole time. 

The tech asked if we slept with our hands at our head ... and yes, both Chris and I sleep on our hands or with our hands above our head.

The tech said she wouldn't be surprised if Josie sleeps just like this after she is born.

The tech called her stubborn and strong-willed.

However, once Josie started showing off, the tech also said she had a fun, big personality.

I guess time will tell ... but we might have our hands full.

Finally, Josie started cooperating a little ... and we even got some smiles.

She has her Mama's chubby cheeks for sure.

And we were impressed that you can even see the "nose-to-mouth" lines.

This is the most precious face I've ever seen.

Sleeping away ... with her mouth open like Daddy does.

(I just hope she doesn't snore like him.)

 Then she put her hand under her chin as if to pose.  

I love those sweet lips and that little nose!

I cannot wait to kiss all over them.   

She "waved" to the camera ... or was probably trying to block our view.

Anyway, it looks like she is waving "good-bye."

The tech commented on her long fingers, which made Chris happy.

The better to play instruments with, you know.

I asked the tech if she could tell if Josie had hair;
and sure enough, she could tell that she's got a little bit.

The tech also told us that Josie is head-down for the moment; 

which explains the pressure I've felt in the past few days.

She also said that Josie was "healthy." (aka: prediction of a big baby)

(I weighed 9lbs at birth .... guess it runs in her genes)

This was such a wonderful experience.

I could stare at these pictures all day and watch the video over and over.

As I've typed this post, I'm overwhelmed with emotions, thankfulness, and awe. 

To say I am thankful for this tiny little person seems like such an understatement.

Josie is the biggest, best gift I've every received in my life.

I'm so undeserving of all God's blessings, but I'm so grateful God chose me to be this baby's mama.

Now, we are on the countdown to delivery.

This ultrasound definitely has made us anxious to meet our girl face-to-face.

We are ready to hold her in our arms, kiss on her, and fall more in love with her.

78 days 'til due date!

it's her 30th

Today is my sister-in-law, Heather's, 30th birthday!

She lives life on the edge.

She is definitely optimistic; always thinking and hoping for the best.

She will say off-the-cuff remarks and have a conversation in a riot, in a minute.

She is rarely every sad or mad (or maybe she just hides it really well).  

Here is a little acrostic that I wrote just for #30

H - Hilarious, ridiculously hilarious
E - Easy-going, generally laid back
A - Always smiling and laughing ... and she'll have you doing the same
T - Thrill seeker; the more risk the better (or Talkative; sorry I couldn't resist)
H - Happy
E - Enthusiastic about life
R - Rare, definitely one of a kind

The world definitely got a little crazier and sillier March 15, 1983.

And when I married Chris, my life definitely got more interesting and blessed.  :-)

And just for good measure, here is another oldie goldie ... 

Happy Birthday, "Smurf"  :-)

Love ya bunches!

throwback Thursday

I love digging up the oldies, yet goodies!  

That is a sign I'm getting old, I guess ... cause I have "oldies."

Church Youth Group Trip to Gatlinburg, TN

Year 199__

Chris looks so mean.

I look like I'm 12 years old.

Sisters @ annual beach weekend

Maybe 2002 or 2003

And sweet little me.  :-)

twenty-eight weeks

28 weeks

Starting 3rd trimester!

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  An eggplant - At about 13.6 to 14.8 inches and about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.  She's starting to develop more fat, so her wrinkly skin will start to get smoother.  Her lungs are mature enough that she'd probably survive if she was born now.  Being in the third trimester also means much of baby’s anatomy are ready to go -- she's prepping for breathing.  Baby will keep getting bigger -- and smarter -- after week 28, and other than that, she just needs a few more finishing touches. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Even or a little more.  will know at next week's doctor appointment.

Cravings:  Chocolate ice cream.  Subway.  Chicken Alfredo and bread sticks.  And I don't really call these pregnancy cravings ... most people have occasional cravings or hang-ups when they aren't pregnant.  I've definitely not had the "eat or die" situation sending Chris out at midnight or strange combinations that I've heard about .  =)

Symptoms: Aches and soreness from hormones and muscle changes, but nothing too horrible.  Experiencing some slight indigestion.  And I "think" my breath may be getting shorter.

Sleep:  Pretty good except changing positions often (right side, back, left side, back, right side, back, left side).  Still making maybe one, sometimes two trips, and even sometimes no trips to the bathroom.

Movement:   All the time.  It is the most wonderful, wonderful feeling. 

Gender:  Sweet baby girl - Jocelyn Faith "Josie"

Maternity Clothes: Yep! 

What I miss:  Still don't really miss a thing.  I waited so long to be in this place ... it's all worth it! 

What I'm looking forward to: Completely completing nursery - hopefully the room will be complete this week.  And we'll just be waiting on bedding to be sewn.  3D/4D ultrasound on Friday.   Baby showers.

Best Moments this week:   Starting our childbirth classes.  Seeing the doctor and hearing baby girl's heartbeat on Doppler (fundal height was 27 cm).  Learning that my great-grandmother's step-sister and best friend that she loved dearly was named Josie.   Also, this weekend my almost 4-year old niece, Aubrey and I were talking about Josie.  She said, "I'm going to teach your baby how to play this piano (toy) when she grows up."  I said, "She is growing now in my tummy."   Aubrey replied, "I know, you gotta fat belly."

faith in His timing

 Source: sugartotdesigns.blogspot.com via Olivia on Pinterest

" But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  Romans 8:25

I've had to remind myself of this fact often throughout life.
Holding on to faith for healing of loved ones.
Waiting to hear results after applying for a job.
Being still as decisions were being made regarding financial situations.
And most often during our wait for a baby.

This past weekend, I recalled those times of waiting.
Sunday marked my 28th week of pregnancy.
Just 2.5 months left.
Only 12 weeks to go.
A mere 84 days til due date.

While pondering on the short time remaining until my due date,
I recalled days when we didn't know if I would ever even be pregnant.
I wished for a round, growing belly.
I dreamt of knowing the feeling of life forming inside me.
We held onto faith that we would one day hold our baby ... but, when?
How long would we have to wait for our baby?
We didn't know God's timeframe.
The how's, the when's, they why's ... so much was unknown.
We couldn't put a finger on anything for certain.
We spent hours in pleading prayer.
Putting full trust in God who knew the desires of our hearts.
And ultimately, we put our faith not only in Him, but in His timing as well.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14

And here we are.
Some 6+ years later in the journey.
Faith in God.
Faith in His timing.
It works.
Now, I know the pregnant-feeling.  I feel those kicks and punches often.
And in a short-time, Lord-willing, we will hold our precious miracle in our arms.

"...blessed are all they that wait for him." Isaiah 30:18

twenty-seven weeks

27 weeks
Last week of 2nd trimester!
86 days 'til due date!

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby: A rutabaga - At about 13.6 to 14.8 inches and about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.  At 27 weeks, she's practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs ... (it's amniotic fluid, not air, but it still counts)  And baby's showing brain activity and her brain will keep on getting more complex. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Well, I've been wrong the past few weeks.  I had a doctor's appointment yesterday ... and rather than trying to figure my weight myself as the nurse quickly slid the markers around; I asked and clarified my weight from the past two appointments with the nurse.  Yesterday, I was the exact weight that I was at my first appointment with the fertility specialist.  So, I'm even (for now).  I did have heavy boots on which probably account for at least 3-4 lbs.  :-)

Cravings: Still eating chocolate ice cream; which obviously I'm going to need to slow down on.  I've also been eating Subway once a week, which is unusual for me, because I do not typically like Subway and I think the restaurant smells funny.  Just ask Chris, I never want to eat there when he does.

Symptoms: The occasional "twinge" or "catch" when I'm bending over, standing from sitting position, etc.  Had a little indigestion this week, but that may be from eating late at night and also the particular food(s) that I had eaten.

Sleep:  Had a few restless nights this week - just couldn't seem to get comfortable.  Still making one or two trips to the bathroom most nights.

Movement:   All the time.  She has been really active this week, many times throughout the day.

Gender: Girl - Jocelyn Faith

Maternity Clothes: Yep!  I had a friend loan me some which has made for nice change-up from what I have.

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach.

What I'm looking forward to:   Completely completing nursery.  3D/4D ultrasound.  Baby showers.

Best Moments this week:  Chris sending "us" (me and Jocelyn) a text message.  Buying her first "Sunday dress."  One evening, Chris came home from work and patted my belly and "talked to her" and she moved ... almost as in response to his voice.  Maybe so.  Maybe not.  Sweet, none-the-less.  An older gentleman at church told me that he thinks pregnant women are some of the most beautiful women on earth.  

throwback Thursday

Me with my baby brother, Kevin.

Probably 28 years ago.

(pardon me, but aren't we adorable little kiddos?)  =)

I've been missing him lately.

I haven't seen him since Christmastime.

And I hope to remedy that come April.
As much as we argued as teenagers, and still sometimes do, I love me some baby brother!

Tuesday tidbits

• Friday I came home from work to find a dozen roses from my sweetheart ... for "no reason" except love.  :-)  Goodness, I love him so!

• This past weekend wiped me out.  Friday night, Chris and I went shopping and had dinner with my mom afterwards.  Chris needed new boots; which was a difficult task.  He looked at every pair and tried on several before making his final choice ... it's a good thing he doesn't need shoes often.  We also picked up the last few items needed for decorating and sewing the bedding and such for the nursery.  Saturday, our Bible study group served lunch to the needy at our local Salvation Army building; which took up most of our day with preparation and cleaning afterwards.  We took a 2-hour nap Saturday afternoon.  I worked a few hours Saturday evening.  And we enjoyed dinner from our favorite Mexican restaurant and waffle cones from our favorite ice cream spot.  In the crazy weekend rush, our house started to look like a tornado came through.  Sunday, between church services we found a few minutes to tidy up a bit.  We enjoyed Sunday lunch with my mom and Sunday supper with Chris' parents.  We were in bed by 9:20 PM Sunday night.

• Sunday was my niece, L's, 9th birthday.  I got a little nostalgic and sappy while looking at her baby photos.  It's hard to believe that next year, she'll be two-digits ... and only 4 years until she's a teenager.  Time flies so fast.  She was the first to call me "aunt."  I babysat her as a baby.  As a little toddler, she begged to come to my house and even wanted to "live with me."  She would cry when we parted ways; sometimes hysterically.  Broke my heart (and her mama's, I think).  And the sweet thing ... she still calls me aunt, she still begs to come over, and she still gives me a "goodbye kiss and hug" EVERY TIME she sees me.  I love her to pieces.

• I'm so over this weather. I'm not trying to rush the days or be ungrateful; I know we need winter and rain. But, I'm longing for warmer, brighter days.

• Monday night, we had our first of four childbirth classes  ... sort-of fun, definitely interesting, and quite "real."  Chris and I had both agreed this was something we want to do to educate ourselves more.  Don't misunderstand me, I knew what I was signing up for when I wanted a baby, but seeing delivery on video of a mama without pain medications was enlightening and slightly gross for my weak stomach.  After the class, Chris said he "enjoyed it" and he is glad we are taking the class.  We even learned stuff the first night.  (ie average contractions last 90 seconds each ... that's good to know.  LOL) 

• I locked myself out of my office today.  Took my car keys with me to the restroom instead of my office keys.  On the bright side, at least, I was able to drive my car and get a spare set from someone.  Of course, I had to watch my speed carefully since I didn't have my purse and/or license.  (While I can, I'll blame it on the pregnancy brain ... I guess, in a few months, it'll be the sleep-deprived brain)  :-)

• This week I've been wearing maternity clothes loaned to me from a sweet friend -- what a blessing!

twenty-six weeks

26 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby: A "head" of lettuce - At about 13.6 to 14.8 inches and about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. She's developing her senses, features, and talents (Chris says musical abilities). Her eyes are forming and her eyes will soon start to open.  And her eyelashes are now grown, too.  She's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up antibodies from me.  She's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Lost 18 lbs initially; gained back 6 lbs.  Still down 12 lbs.  While I'm thankful and slightly happy about it; it does concern me a little.  Guess, I'll ask doctor about it this week.

Cravings: I eat a bowl of chocolate ice cream almost every night.  This week, I've had a few cravings for dinner ... but once I cooked them, (rice, stewed potatoes, and green peas) I didn't really want them.  I did devour an entire box of Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties.  =)  And they were worth every calorie. 

Symptoms: Still no symptoms ... except the ocassional "twinge" or "catch" when I'm bending over, standing from sitting position, etc.  Otherwise, I feel great and "normal."

Sleep: Sleep is okay - making one or two trip to the bathroom most nights and changing positions often. Even slept all night a few nights. Trying to drink my water earlier in the day and not so much in the evening.

Movement:   Awesome!  Some days she is more active than others. 

Gender: Girl - Jocelyn Faith

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity clothes more and more ... probably 90-95% of the time.  I have a few non-maternity knit skirts with fold-over waists that stretch and still work well. 

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach.

What I'm looking forward to:   Completely completing nursery.  3D/4D ultrasound.  Baby showers.

Best Moments this week: Working on the nursery.  Washing all her baby clothes in Dreft.  :)  My sweet niece Laurel gave me a goodbye hug Sunday ... and then, of her own accord, she patted my belly and said "Bye, Josie."  (melted my heart)