Arrows & Applesauce: Motherhood Monday: Sing Joy

Progress:

One year, eight months, and one day....how bout we just say a long time. We've been waiting a long time.

Mood:

Expectantly and cautiously optimistic. Life seems to be lining up nicely and beginning to point toward a peaceful future. Nothing specific has happened but we seem to be feeling more calm and hopeful these days. God is preparing our hearts. I'm only cautious because I don't want to assume I know God's plan.

We had the pleasure of meeting Gingi on Saturday. For anyone who hasn't followed my blog long, Gingi was the kind recipient of some of the breast milk I pumped for our future child after our daughter passed away. We have developed a friendship online, through email, and through texting. Last Saturday she flew back to California from Florida to spend time with family. We finally got to meet in person and have dinner with her, her mom, her sister, and sweet baby Tessa. It was lovely! Holding Tessa and feeling her fall asleep in my arms was soothing to my soul. Gingi was an answer to prayer for me and I can see our friendship growing stronger.

My best friend Kristi had her beautiful baby boy this morning! Attending Kristi's shower last month was a big day for me emotionally. I could not be happier for Kristi! Her little boy is so precious and so loved. I can't wait to cuddle him and watch him with his beautiful big sister when they get home from the hospital. I look forward to the day when Kristi and I can watch our children play together.

Cravings:

Hot chocolate. Josh and I have been on the hunt for the best hot chocolate mix. We've tried a few. Organic. Peppermint. So far, the best is good old fashioned SwissMiss. We're open to suggestions. :)

Thoughts about our child:

It's officially the Christmas season! Josh and I decorated our tree on Sunday and our ornaments are always something I look forward to unpacking. Growing up, it was a family tradition each year to get a new ornament that represented that year. Josh and I have continued that tradition. We have copper stars from the year we visited friends in Texas. A giraffe from the year we went to the animal park and fed the giraffes. A sea turtle from the year we went to Hawaii. Josh has a Superman ornament from the year of my car accident (he was my hero. He took such good care of me!). A sweet little baby peanut for our little peanut, Evelyn. I can't wait to add the "baby's first Christmas" ornaments, take family pictures in front of the tree, and watch little hands unwrapp presents with excited faces.

Thoughts about our expectant mom:

If I could commission a choir of angels to sing at the birth of your child I would. That's how much I already love your baby. If I could send an angel to comfort you as proof of God's love and provision for you, I would. In a heartbeat. God, give this woman peace.

This week God:

Filled us with Christmas joy. Christmas is a huge reminder that ALL things are possible with God. For example, a teenage girl is visited by an angel who tells her not to be afraid, she has been chosen by God. Although she is a virgin, she becomes pregnant (out of wedlock, for which she could have been stoned), travels by donkey, and goes through labor in a barn. Her son's birth is heralded by a choir of angels, attended by lowly shepherds, and anticipated by wise kings from hundreds of miles away. All while a jealous and paranoid king plotts to kill her child only to be thwarted by a dream warning her son's adoptive father of this danger. Oh ya, and her son is Christ, the savior of the world. Seriously!!!?? God can do anything and He is ALWAYS in control. Joy to the world!!!

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Read about why I started Motherhood Mondays here.