the pregnancy

week 32

What a journey this pregnancy has been in our family's life.  The night we found out we were  pregnant was filled with unspeakable joy, questions and even unbelief that the Lord had granted me a life within. A pregnancy test (actually two) and a Chinese character program on our computer, we experienced a moment we had only dreamed of. We laughed, cried and danced around because of our Maker's wonderful plans.

Week 5: I feel great just in shock.

Week 7:  the constant nausea and occasional sickness begin.  This didn't make full time language study, raising two toddlers and work easy tasks, but as the awareness that a life was growing within me,certainly outweighed any temporary sickness. 

Week 12: We learned that I have placenta previa and was placed on restricted activity. One of the hardest things was during this time was not being able to travel with hubs to meet Tesfaye and Yohannes.

Week 14: Restless leg syndrome in full force, sleeping is no longer a simple task.

Week 17: I had began to feel her movements several weeks before but at this point I could really feel her kicking.
Week 20: We find out we are having a GIRL!!!  Later that week the contractions commence.  Irritable uterus is now my constant companion  That topic deserves its own blog post.  On my son's third birthday I laid by myself in a lonely hospital room late at night pleading with our gracious Lord to protect our sweet baby girl.  A peace only from Him resounded in my heart.  He led me to a passage in His Word that I have claimed countless times these past months.

Week 24: Placed on bed rest.  Within a matter of a few weeks, we would leave our home  twice for another country, so that she would have every advantage if she decided to come too early.  The first time we left was for a matter of days. The second time our doctor instructed us to leave it would be for four months.  In a day we packed our bags for four people knowing that we would be returning a family of seven.  On that same day  we were able to unexpectedly take our language exam.  The next day we were sitting at the airport texting and calling our friends letting them know that we were leaving and wouldn't see them until later in the fall.  Our hearts were torn, yet most of all we felt His peace that it was His plan.  Only about a week before, as I was meeting with the Lord He gave me a word of preparation. 

"I am going to send an angel before you to protect you on the way and bring to the place I have prepared." Exodus 23:20 

Week 28. We find out that after 14 months of waiting for our big boys "Gotcha Day" we get the big email that they can come home.  In order to work on immigration, have support of family, a healthy place to transition and for baby girl, we decide to travel back to the US.  Loving every hiccup and movement in my belly...she is an active little one.

Week 31: Given steroid shots for baby girl in order to help her lungs develop if she happens to come early.  I also find out I have gestational diabetes and must poke myself four times daily and really monitor what I eat.  All those dreams of enjoying Tex Mex, big glasses of lemon aid and bowls of cookies and cream ice cream in America have not been fulfilled...but she is definitely worth it all. :O

Week 32 our big boys come home and we start home school with all four boys.  Well, Ezekiel and Nehemiah get a lot of play time in but when you are two and three school should be fun.

Week 35: Now, here we are trying to patiently wait for baby girl's arrival.  One doctor is thinking we will have a c-section (due to placenta previa) at week 36 and the other is hoping we can make it to week 38. We shall see. 

We are so thankful that the Lord has granted this sweet one to remain safe in the womb.  Through all the travels, bed rest, living in three countries, depending on my husband like never before, pain, two new sons, adjustment...He has surrounded us with  His PEACE and His PRESENCE.  Constantly we are reminded by loved ones of their prayers and even by those that we don't know that have been faithfully praying for our family.

As I think back tonight I see His handiwork in it all and am truly thankful that this sweet one is held by Him. We just can't wait to meet our sweet baby girl!  My heart overflows with joy.


Some photos from a few weeks back.

I think this picture gives you a glimpse into each one of their personalities

My boys

Daddy showing all four boys how to properly roll down the hill

A  picnic on a beautiful fall day

L.I.F.E.

Happy 8th Birthday Tesfaye