Day 263

I've been pregnant for 263 days.  So strange! Not that long ago I thought it was never possible and now I'm packing a bag getting ready to go to the hospital any day.  God is so good. 

I can't express what God has been doing and the ways He's been blessing us.

Since my last post we've had 2 surprise showers.  Yes, 2! (Yes, if you're counting that makes 6 showers! and I didn't even want 1...haha) We have been blown away by our friends that are walking this journey with us.  It is so humbling and we stand in awe of God's love and the love of our friends. The feeling of this love is very hard to explain.

Here are a few pics from the showers.

The first was a shower thrown by our friends at work.  We were called to a department meeting and when we walked in everyone yelled, "Surprise!". We were shocked.  Our entire department and those around us chipped in and got us our baby monitor and a wagon full of goodies.  Many of the instructors were there as well and blessed us with so many special gifts.

 

We thought we were done with showers at that point, but Ryan and Laura put together a card/gift shower from our friends we met on the road and those that live far away.  We've met so many people that are like family to us through the years of ministry.  Many of them walked this infertility walk with us and I love that we are able to celebrate together!  The Macs sent them all a facebook message asking if they would like to send gifts, cards, books etc. for a virtual shower we would walk into.  We thought we were getting together with a few of our dear friends Darryl and Montina (and we did!) but when we walked in we also were greeted by our great friend and mentor Rob McClelland, his mother and brother who worked out their schedule so they could be at the party.  Rob and his family just moved to Colorado and he wasn't even there 1 day before he got on a plane to come to Michigan.  I don't understand that kind of friendship.  That is so crazy! I screamed from excitement and it was an awesome night hanging out and opening gift after gift from our friends across the country.  They are all so special to us and we so wish we could hug them all!  Here are a few pics....

all gifts we got in the mail!

The theme :)

Rob and family

I've been feeling pretty good. We cleared our August schedule on purpose not really knowing where we would be in this stage of pregnancy.  I've been very busy writing thank you cards, organizing, cleaning (kinda), taking baby classes, doing hospital tours and finishing up the nursery. I'm not done yet putting the nursery together.  I know lots of people are asking for pics but we have a few things left to do.  Here are a few sneak peeks though...

hospital bag for baby smith

drew on the left, me on the right

Special bunny from Instructor. She knitted it! 

slowly coming together

Our amazing neighbor Molly came over one night and took one look at our wall and decided we needed a picture that she had.  She literally took the picture off her wall and put it on ours.  She said our baby needed this picture to remind us that God is watching over him.  The pics I took are bad, but it's the best I could do with our lighting etc.

We had our weekly appointment today.  Nothing has changed as far as my body.  I'm still waiting although she said that could all change in a day, but for now the baby is still cooking.  The appointment was a good one, she took lots of time to talk to us and answer every question.  I like that she believes our body should be the one to determine when and how we go into labor.  She said she doesn't like to do C-sections unless it really is an emergency. But the final goal is happy healthy baby, happy healthy mama.  I like that.  :)  Our next appointment is next Thursday and we get an ultrasound to measure the weight of the babe.  I'm gonna guess that he's closer to 7lbs now.  It feels like it at least, but we will see! Can't wait to see his face again!

Tomorrow we are doing a tour of the hospital where we will deliver.  That should be fun.  At least we will know where to go and what to expect.  I guess we are getting as prepared as we can.  It is hard to imagine not having this big belly with a little guy bumping and poking me. When we get this close it's hard because it's just a waiting game and I could have 2 more weeks so I'm glad to have a few things on my schedule to help the time go by.  And work of course.

I was feeling a bit discouraged Sunday because I always thought my pregnancy would bring me super close to God and He would be speaking to me and I would be having amazing dreams etc.  but to be honest, none of that has happened.  When we first found out treatments worked I had a very special time with God and He told me things were going to change and I was moving into a nurturing time. He would be with me but things would be different.  I would have Peace, His Peace, and that's what I've felt this whole time.  I'm not a "Peace" person.  I'm a "lets get things done and move forward and have energy" etc person.  But I really think God wants this baby to be a son of Peace.  That's what I've felt this whole time and I'm so thankful.  Although different for me, it's ok.  I know God is with us, covering us.  He is good.  His blessings never end.

I'm off to bed now.  I sleep with a pillow under my belly to balance things out and I usually wake a few times a night. They say that's my body getting ready for when the baby is here.  Whatever it is, it makes me a tad bit tired in the morning.

Drew is working on his grad work. He has a huge paper due tomorrow so he's spent the night locked up reading and writing.  Although he's loving it, it's a lot on his plate.  He's amazing.  He's working full time, doing grad school (Getting all A's!) and taking care of me.  He really is one of the best men I know.  I'm so thankful to have him in my life.

Not long now......

35 weeks, August 1st and 70's

I would love to tell all of my summer loving friends that I'm sorry the weather has been so cold in Michigan the last few weeks, but I really think it's a gift from God helping me not be completely bloated!  Although, I am bloated a bit, I think it would be a million times worse.

So much has happened in the last few weeks! I had 2 more showers which brings my shower experience to a close.  Now for the task of thank you card writing, putting things away and resting.  My lovely cousins, sister and aunt threw me a shower for my family and a few friends.  It was awesome.  It was fun just being with everyone, but they all spoiled me the whole weekend.  I even got to take a bath in an amazing bathtub where my belly was actually covered. sigh...it's the little things!  I'm so thankful!  We were showered with so many gifts, love and advice.  I love my family and friends. Here are a few pics from that shower. (waiting to scan the rest of the actual shower!)

During the weeks we were blessed by far away friends that send us gifts through the mail.  We weren't expecting any of them and we felt so blessed to have friends that we don't see often loving us and sharing in this miracle.  God is so good and we are humbled.


Our last shower was thrown by some of my favorite people at my church.  WOW! I can't believe the people that came to celebrate with us!  It seemed like the presents wouldn't stop coming!  This baby is so loved and spoiled already!  It is amazing to know that just a few short years ago God brought Drew and I to this church to heal and find ourselves again.  We were going through a hard time, and in the midst of healing our hearts many had dreams, visions and words from The Lord that told us we would have children. Even in the struggle of waiting and giving up the dream, many of them still believed and had faith for us.  And here we are...watching it happen.  Unbelievable.  I don't even know the words to say as I think about all we've been through and how these people, our family, have and continue to bless and love us.

As we get closer to the due date I feel more tired.  Over all I've felt great!  I can feel the baby moving a lot and his head moving into place which is a strange and scary feeling!  I really need to be more active, but we've been so busy the past few weeks when we DO have any down time I'm sleeping.  Which I guess isn't all bad, but I want to not look as bloated as I do.  Its frustrating! But I'm thankful for our healthy baby!

We had an appointment last Wednesday and they "checked" me to make sure my cervix was not opening.  Which would be bad at this point because Drew is in California for 5 days for grad school. :)  But after "checking" (which I quickly learned is NOT a fun thing to endure) we are in the clear.  She did say she felt the babies head which kinda creeped me out a bit.  haha.  We are now on a weekly appointment schedule.  And a weekly "checking" schedule.  SO strange! The baby's heartbeat is right on track as well as my measurements.  She said we will probably get one more ultrasound as the due date gets closer.   I don't feel ready but not sure what I need to do to GET ready.  Maybe I will never feel ready.  I guess that might be normal.  Just small details to make sure things are good.  Insurance, clothes for the baby,  maybe think of getting a bag for me ready soon?  Idk.  Sounds so strange, but I know I wont want to think about that stuff when I'm FREAKING OUT because the baby is coming.  It's just so hard to believe!  I'm having a baby!

This season has been so good. I'm getting ready for the start of the next.  Drew's mom came and helped us get the nursery ready.  It's not totally set up yet, but we are working on it!  This weekend I have my 2 nephews and my niece staying with me.  We are trying to do some fun things but it's a bit challenging as I can only do so much and go so far.  They are pretty easy kids though and don't mind just hanging out which is nice.  We've done a few fun things and hope to try a few more.  I have a history of my "fun things" not really working out with them though.  sigh.. at least I try!  They are awesome kids though, it's always great to spend time with them.  Even if I'm watching Veggie Tales for the 50th time.  ;)

I for sure feel like I'm living in a dream bubble.  Every day this little guy reminds me that he's getting bigger.  As I feel his hiccups and squirms I'm realizing I don't have much time left with these feelings, so I'm trying to enjoy them every day. Even the sleepless nights with hurting hips.  I know it will all be over soon and then he will be here changing our lives.

I currently have one nephew sleeping, one bouncing a punch ball and my niece watching a cartoon.  I supposed I should get up and do something productive.  I think they might be getting restless.  :)  Until next week!