Beautiful Surprise

I have to say it...and I know that every mother thinks this about their children...but I don't care...

I have the most beautiful baby in the world

I saw him today...and he is just perfect!

I went in for a normal doctor's appointment today. My blood pressure was great...urine looked awesome :)...I've gained 25 lbs...and I am measuring perfectly. But when it came time to check on Eddie's heartbeat my doctor couldn't find it! She looked and looked and looked. Usually she just puts the dopler thing on my tummy and finds his heartbeat without having to search. So when she couldn't find it today I got a little nervous!

She finally found my sweet man's heartbeat...however she found it up high on my tummy. She looked at me a little funny and said "this means one of two things. Either this is the echo of the heartbeat or the baby is breech. I am going to do an ultrasound just to see. Don't worry just yet..."

Ok...thousands of things were running through my head...ESPECIALLY since she said "don't worry just yet." :) So I laid back and asked the Lord for peace.

She brought the ultrasound machine in and there he was...Head down and butt up :) perfectly positioned! No need to worry...I guess he just wanted to surprise me :)

The last time I was able to see him was during the 27th week ultrasound...and that was 10 weeks ago. So to see him again brought on so many emotions. My doctor showed me his feet and tiny little toes. She showed me his belly and his arms and fingers. And then...his beautiful, perfect, precious, little face. I have never seen his face...just his profile. He has my nose (i think) and the most adorable cheeks. And his little ears are way too cute :) His head is full of hair and his mouth is just right...

He is my beautiful surprise...the sweetest thing on the planet...my son

Edward Charles Weimer

Edward Charles Weimer. Yes, this is my child's name. However this blog is about his father and the love of my life:

I remember sitting out on the porch one snowy Colorado night back in 2008. I just needed some time to myself. God had been asking me the same question over and over that month

"How much are you willing to give me?"

I thought it a silly question...I was in Colorado training to be sent overseas to share Him with the people of Nepal. I gave up school, family, friends...I gave Him my trust, my hope, my dreams. What else could He possibly want?!?!?

My friends had gone snowboarding (yes, at night...crazy people who I love dearly!) and I could hear them laughing and joking. I longed to have that kind of freedom. But instead I was "stuck" on the porch dealing with this silly question.

"What more do you want, Lord? What else is there to give you?"

And as soon as those words left my mouth He replied:

"I want everything. I want to know that if you never held a child again....if you never saw your family again....if you never became a mother or a wife...if you ended up scrubbing toilets for the rest of your life...if you never traveled the world...would you still follow me?"

I don't know how long I sat there...but I pondered these things. I weighed my options and the only thing I could say was “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

The next and last thing He said to me that night was

"Then take notice of the man that comes to the mountain."

I met Ed the next day...

I knew almost from the moment we met that this was the man God had in mind for me. He waited for and pursued me for 6 months (three of those months I was in Nepal and three months I was home in GA). And I guess the rest is history :)

I love this man. And I am honored to be his wife and the mother of his child. I look forward to our future knowing that wherever we are...whatever we are doing...and whatever happens...I will have him by my side.

The Worry Wart

When my doctor told me that I would have to have a c-section I immediately, and magically, turned into a worry wart. I watched videos (not recommended), read mommy blogs, asked my mom and my friends about their c-section experiences, etc. Sleep never came easy and my brain seemed to never stray far from the thought of a c-section. I tried to look on the bright side...but I just couldn't. I didn't want a c-section...and so I did what every grown woman should do...I pouted :)

*Side Note: It is not a pretty sight nor is it productive to pout...*

I pouted for about a week or so...then I got a grip and just started praying. I prayed that my baby would be happy and healthy and beautiful. I told the Lord that I didn't care anymore how he got here I just wanted him here safely. If I had to have a c-section then so be it. 

I had an ultrasound yesterday to determine (once and for all) where that crazy placenta was.

*Another side note: If you haven't read the other blogs...my placenta is stubborn. It has not moved one bit over the past 7 1/2 months*

And wouldn't you know...IT MOVED!!!!! It is completely out of the way. In two weeks...the impossible happened.

How good is our God?

I keep a journal for Eddie. I share with him my excitement, my joy, my pregnancy experience (the boy version), and lessons I have learned along the way. I tell him about his family and my friends and our God. Today my lesson was simple:

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

1 Peter 5:7 

Even when things feel impossible..."with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:26)  I want him to know that the Lord is always in control. Even when we don't feel like He is even there, He is always watching our back. He is the ultimate parent.

So, dear friends, there is no need to be worry warts. Warts are not pretty, productive or necessary. Our Daddy always takes care of us.


Blessings

The Kicking Machine

 

YAY! finally got it working! Enjoy...

And, yes, that is Grey's Anatomy playing in the background :) I had to do SOMETHING for that 1 hour 1/2! :)

30 Weeks and Counting

Today I went for our 30 week check up. Momma and Baby look GREAT! :) I have gained 10 pounds (very impressive...or at least I think so!), Eddie's heartbeat is good and strong, my blood pressure was a little higher than normal...but nothing to worry about, and I am measuring perfectly.

I go back next week for another ultrasound to check on the placenta. They say there is still a chance for that stubborn thing to move...so please be praying it moves! Because I have been watching c-section videos...and that is NOT something I want to do :)

Other than that...life is good. I am feeling great (better than EVER!), Ed is loving his new job, Shira is being herself and Eddie is kicking/turning like crazy lately.

Thank you for all your support and your love. I cannot wait for everyone to meet this precious child!



P.S.
I actually caught Eddie on camera the other day! Every time I want someone to see or feel him kick, he decides to be shy :) So after about 1 hour 1/2 of filming my belly, I finally caught him moving. As soon as I figure out how to edit the video (because I seriously doubt you want to watch a film of my belly for 1 hour 1/2) I will upload it!

Our Fur-Child...Shira

I have to take a minute and tell you about our fur-child, Shira. I have never really been around cats before. I owned a cat at one point in my life...but that sucker was so mean and hateful. So I have really never cared for cats.

When Ed was living in Montrose he needed a companion. So he adopted this furry mess...

I remember going with him to pick her up. I was so unsure about her. She didn't jump up on my lap and cuddle with me...she didn't beg for my attention....she didn't play "nicely"...she really couldn't have cared less to know me...

Ed kept telling me that she was not like a dog (go figure!) :) And she would get more "lovey" with age. I was still skeptical.



That first year with her was actually very entertaining....have a look:

Shira's name means "song or tune." And if you are around her for one second you know this name suits her PERFECTLY!  She loves to be center of attention...but doesn't want you to know that she loves it. She literally dances around the house so gracefully that it is sickening :)I think I have heard her "meow" once or twice...instead she chirps (I guess because "meowing" is below her). haha... It is a beautiful sound...except for in the middle of the night when she doesn't want to be alone :) When we have company over she will sit on the outskirts to listen and watch intently. She loves to snuggle...but this cannot be forced...she comes to you whenever SHE is ready. (I've had to get use to that). She understand practically everything you say but is so stubborn when it comes to doing what you ask of her...

She is who she is and makes no excuses for it....

But after 2 1/2 years...she is finally "growing" on me :)

This past Monday, Ed started his new job. He is up and out the door by 5:30. Shira is not allowed to sleep with us or even be in the room when we go to sleep (she likes to wake us up 5-200 times at night). But Monday morning I awoke to Shira curled up next to my belly! I guess she weaseled her way in the room when Ed was leaving...but every morning this week Shira and I snuggle for 30 minutes before my alarm goes off.

I have come to love this furball. What would I do without her...

The Picture That Changed Our Lives

Today my phone decided that it had run out of space for my pictures...which is fine because I don't usually use the pictures I take on my phone. So I decided to relieve my phone of the unnecessary pictures. As I was going through the pictures, I came across this one...

:) This just made me smile. I leaned back in my chair...closed my eyes...rubbed my belly...and said a quick "thanks" to the Lord.

I will never forget the day I took this picture. It was the day after I peed on about a dozen pregnancy sticks. I was not convinced. I mean...'comeon! I had only been married for a few weeks! And we had the "proper" protection (sorry, mom if this is TMI)

But as soon as the nurse handed me this paper, my soul was overwhelmed with emotions...and now we are... on our 29th week with only 10 more weeks to go (if you are wondering about my math skills read "Baby Update" below). And I couldn't be happier...

Baby Update

I was anticipating our doctors appointment today. Two months have gone by since we found out that I had placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is "lost." Instead of being in the right spot, my placenta had a mind of it's own and decided to complete cover my cervix. I was placed on complete pelvic rest--no lifting over 10 pounds, no intercourse, no heavy housework...etc. So it has been a tough couple of months.

Today we found out that my placenta has a stubborn streak and has not moved at all! So this was our first "downer" of the day. But the baby looks great! His heartbeat is strong and he is growing beautifully.

After the ultrasound I had to get my blood pressure checked, weight taken, blood drawn (testing for gestational diabetes) and finger pricked (to test my iron). Everything looked great. My blood pressure was perfect, I've gained 6 pounds, we get the blood results tomorrow and my iron was normal.

We then waited to see the doctor. She informed us that since my placenta has not moved that a c-section is likely our only option. There is still a slim chance the placenta will move...but unlikely. But this means that I am still on complete pelvic rest (bummer #2). She also informed us that there is a possibility of early bleeding (between week 30 and 32). We don't know what could cause this but if it happens I would go to the hospital and have a c-section that day.(Bummer #3)

Because the baby's lungs are not fully formed until 37 weeks, the doctor  ordered a set of steroid shots that will help speed up the growing process of the lungs just in case I do start bleeding early and have to have a c-section. This way he will be able to breathe mostly on his own.

So today has been a tough day. But we are focusing on this beautiful life inside me. We just want him healthy and happy.We love him more every day and are honored to be his parents. Please continue to pray with us as we go through the last phase of this pregnancy. We love all of you and are so thankful to have you in our lives...

Mel, Ed and Eddie :)

Baby Bailey

What a beautiful morning I had today! My cousin Nick and his wife Alex are expecting their first child in January. I had the opportunity to go with Alex this morning to the anatomy ultrasound...here is the result! :)

Nick and his brothers grew up with me and my siblings. They are more like brothers than cousins...
When I found out that Alex was pregnant, I was so excited. Not only would I have someone to walk through pregnancy with me, but our children would be close in age (she is about a month and a half "younger"). I cannot wait for our children to know each other.

So, hello Baby Bailey! I cannot wait to love all over you!

My Elizabeths

It was the perfect day to sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and a good book. The sun had just come up, the wind was gently blowing and the birds began singing. I pulled my rocking chair out of the nursery and put it in just the right spot on the porch...right where the sun was shinning to warm me just a bit. I made the best cup of 1/2 caf coffee :), grabbed my bible study, threw on a little jacket and headed out to enjoy the morning with Jesus.

Luke 1:30 "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;and His kingdom will have no end..."

Ho-ly.Cow. I have read this passage before and have heard it time and time again at Christmas...but soak this in for a moment:

Mary--a 13 or 14 year old CHILD...minding her own business when out of nowhere an angel appears and dumps this news in her lap. Bless.her.heart! Not only is she young but she is not married yet and still a virgin. What will people think? What will they say? How are they going to treat her now? Will she ever be accepted? Will her betrothed still want her? How is this even possible? What will her parents think?

Could you imagine the emotions that ran through this girl's body?

The Lord knew what he was asking of Mary....He knew the pressures she would face, the glances she would get, the "aloneness" she would feel. He knew all of these things...so He did not overlook her emotional needs.

"And, behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age..."

We read about Elizabeth in the first part of chapter 1. She had been married to her husband for years and had never conceived. So can you imagine the rumors that flew out of people's mouths when she conceived John! The Bible says that she even kept herself in seclusion for five months. I bet the same emotions that ran through Mary ran through Elizabeth.

So the Lord gave them to each other...to walk through life together. To share their feelings, desires, fears, joys, and woes with each other...they shared things together that they couldn't share with anyone else. No one else could empathize. What a great God we serve! He didn't HAVE to meet their emotional needs....He WANTED to!

I have had many Elizabeths in my life. Women who have come along side of me and loved me and walked through life with me. What would I do without you girls?

So this blog is for you! My friends, my sisters, my family...My Elizabeths

I love you, respect you and cherish you

Busy Hands

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."

I have never thought of myself as "crafty." But I got into crocheting at the beginning of the year. I learned everything I know from a beautiful man on youtube.com! :) Thought I would share what I have been working on for the baby. 

 Eddie's First Blanket

Cute High Tops

Baby Outfit

 

More to come...

"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes....

...eyes and ears and mouth and nose..."

Today it's official...I no longer can touch my toes! 

I woke up this morning, rolled out of bed and jumped in the shower. As I was washing my hair the "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" song popped in my head. I giggled a little because what adult has this song stuck in their head at 6:00 in the morning (besides ones with children, maybe)?

As I was drying my hair, Shira (our cat) decided she wanted some morning lovin'. She was rubbing up against my legs and wouldn't stop until I gave her what she wanted. So I bent over to pet her only to find that 

                                                       I couldn't reach her! 

Now, I knew this was to be expected...but I was not ready AT ALL! :) I sat down on the edge of the tub and took a moment for this new information to soak in....then I laughed, started humming that crazy song, and got ready to go to work as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Wonder what body part is next?!?!?

On another note...

I have really enjoyed being pregnant...even though it has not been a breeze like I always imagined it to be. I even love this enormous belly, these gigantic ankles and the clumsy over-swollen hands I have acquired. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world. 

We are 25 weeks today...only about 105 days until we finally meet this little one! Time has flown by so fast...but we are trying to savor every precious moment.

Bliss

Bliss

supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment; profound satisfaction.

I am sitting here in bed and have come to the conclusion that this is one of my most favorite places to be. It is not because I am sleepy or comfortable or lazy...It's because it is my alone time with my child. 

I am surrounded every day by people and tasks and distractions. But when I am here in bed, there is nothing but me and my baby. Ed will come in soon...but in this second, Eddie is all mine. I think he knows that too. During these precious moments he is the most active. I love watching his tiny foot move from one side of my belly to the other. So I sing, talk, pray or simply just close my eyes, put my hand on my tummy and feel. :)

I never imagined I could love something so much.I crave this time with my son. I wouldn't want anything to come between our time together. 

This makes me realize how much the Father craves time with me...and you!

Thank you, Lord, for a better understanding of your love. I know you crave those uninterrupted moments as I crave them with my son. Help me to cherish them...

Just as my son is my bliss...We are the bliss of the Father. 

Lessons Learned

So many people have asked me why I have not sent out emails updating everyone on my pregnancy. Honestly, I didn't even think about it! But I guess if I send out updates of my many travels I could at least send out updates of this life forming inside me! :)


                          My mom says that I write like I talk...so y'all bear with me.

As I sat here thinking about how to update everyone on the past 6 months, I just stared at a blank screen for a couple of hours. So many things have changed that I didn't even know where to start. So I decided to make a list of things that I have learned over the past 6 months. Hopefully this list will entertain you as it did me while I made it :) So...enjoy!

1. First lesson I learned...being on the pill AND using a condom doesn't always prevent pregnancy :)
2. Too many emotions run through you when that stick turns blue
3.. The look your husband gives you when you tell him you are pregnant is priceless
4. The look on your family's faces is also priceless....especially if you have only been married for a couple of weeks :)
5. Finding a good doctor is SO important...
6.ALWAYS have an extra pair of panties and pants in your car...those sneezes sneak up on you!
7. It is always a good idea to know where the bathroom is in your first trimester...it is not fun to get sick in front of people
8. Chewable prenatal vitamins are just as effective as the others you have to swallow...and they taste better!
9. Always carry deodorant and/or smelly, spray stuff with you...especially in those HOT months :)
10. Listen to the advice of everyone...but you ultimately know what is best for you and your child
11. Your husband can actually cook for himself! Even if it is those microwaveable dinners...
12. Your body is basically invaded by a foreign lifeform that controls almost EVERYTHING.
13. People seem to be much nicer and much more annoying all at the same time
14. You are constantly praying (about any and everything!)
15. Feeling the baby kick is probably the BEST feeling in the world.
16. Your tummy is the most remarkable thing in the world...it just keeps growing and growing and growing!
17. Sleeping on your side sucks (sorry mom...that is the only word that works) :)
18. The love and connection that develops between you and your child is unlike anything you have ever experienced.

I could go on and on and on...but you are probably tiered of reading this :) So...there ya go y'all! Some of the things I've learned so far. I hope you enjoyed. Keep your eyes out for more

Until all have heard,
Mel