Happenings in Georgia

It's been a couple weeks since I've written an update, so it's about time. We are all moved into our new home in Norcross and we LOVE it! Getting used to the traffic and the fact you can't get anywhere in a short amount of time.... We are in no small town anymore.  We are excited that there is so much to do here! And big-belllied-mama loves having access to a pool daily ;)

We are also beginning our routine weekly doctors visits to keep up with Ivey. Once a week we go to my OB and also to her specialist. At the OB they give Ivey a stress test (which she passed this week with flying colors) and at her specialist they monitor her through ultrasound and keep an eye on her bowels and growth.  This week it showed that her small bowel is out and also 1.6cm of her large bowel is out. This is good that it's only her bowels that are out which also means the plan is still a natural delivery.

Today during her ultrasound she looked like she was trying to talk to us. She had her lips all puckered up and was opening and closing her mouth.... And then she stuck her tongue out at us!  That little goober is so precious.  We also found out today that there is a good possibility of inducing at 37 weeks.  We learned that they prefer to deliver the babies a little smaller because this makes it easier for them to deal with the Gastroschisis outside of the womb. We meet with Ives pediatric surgeon specialist next Wednesday to discuss her procedure and what to expect. He will also advise us, based on her current condition,  whether he would like her to come at 37 weeks or wait a couple weeks later. It's hard to imagine the time is almost here to meet our bundle of Joy!

We are so thankful for your continued prayers and concerns. We know that our Father is in control and our trust is in Him no matter what.
I ask that you keep my friend Megan, her husband Seth, and their sweet son Joses in your prayers. If you haven't read their story yet you can read it here. They have been such a huge encouragement to so many.  We continue to pray for Gods comfort and peace upon them both.

Update on Ivey Joy.... " When is Your Baby Due? "

This is a question I get asked A LOT. Especially now that I am in my 3rd trimester and the weeks are getting closer and closer to Ivey's arrival. When we found out we were expecting, my doctor gave me the estimated due date of July 12th. After finding out about Ivey's condition we were then told that date is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to when she is "due".

Because of Ivey's Gastroschisis, the 3rd trimester is crucial for her. This is the time babies really start to absorb nutrients and gain fat. Sometimes, babies with this birth defect do not grow in the 3rd trimester like they are supposed to and/or their bowels become inflamed. They monitor her more during this time and next week when I hit 32 weeks they will start doing weekly ultrasounds to keep a good eye on her. If for some reason she is not making the progress that she should be, they will "pull her"....now, whether or not that means they induce me and I go for a natural delivery or they do a c-section really all depends on Ivey. If she is handling things well, they encourage natural delivery. Because of the Gastroschisis, they will not allow me to exceed 39 weeks, at most - and that is if Ivey continues to do well. As of now, she is doing GREAT and thankfully has an appetite like her Daddy and she is gaining weight well for her condition.

So really, Ivey could come at any time! So when Gods ready for Ives to enter the world, that's her "due date".

Prayers for our family as we move to Atlanta next week and prepare our hearts and home for Ivey to come. We go see her new specialist in ATL on the 23rd, praying that she will still be doing well at that point.

You can keep up with Ivey through this blog; I will be posting periodically and probably will be using this for updates through out her stay at the NICU. We are so thankful for all the prayers, cards, texts, and words of encouragement. Our heavenly Father is faithful.


Rebekah

40 #PregnancyProblems

Humorous observations through-out my pregnancy:

1)  you can never have too many pillows.  (Boppy, I love you)
2)  2am snacks are common.
3)  or 4am breakfast.... And then second breakfast at 7am.
4)  leg cramps are a real thing and are not my favorite.
5)  thankful to have a husband who can sleep through a hurricane because a lot of nights I'm up and down and up and tossing and turning.
6)  getting up 3 times through out the night to pee is normal.
7)  you never realize how much you loved sleeping on your tummy until you can't anymore.
8)  sometimes breathing can be difficult.
9)  you actually debate on whether or not it's worth it to sit on the couch because getting up is an adventure.
10)  thankful it's finally sandal weather because my feet can breathe when they swell.
11)  baked chicken is nasty.
12) chick-fil-a chicken nuggets are more than acceptable. And so is their sweet tea.
13) chick-fil-a lemonade, oh my goodness.
14)  I can't turn down a smoothie, Icee, slushy, or ice cream. If it's cold, I'm on it.
15)  at some point you go through the stage where people give you the 'not sure if she is pregnant or just ate a lot' look.
16)  I'm happy to be out of that stage.
17)  strangers touching your belly really happens.
18)  random people will hold you up in the grocery store asking you when you are due, if it's a boy or girl, what their name is, where you live and your social security number... Ok, the last 2 aren't true but you get the point.
19)  yes, there are real people who can't believe you would choose to breast feed. As if God didn't know what He was doing or anything....
20)  naps. naps are my life.
21)  I can sleep anywhere at anytime.
22)  bonus: you don't miss your monthlies. Hallelujah.
23)  getting down to sit on the floor is just not an option.
24)  I now have the attention span of a 2 year old.  It really is hard to focus most times.
25)  watermelon, I love thee.
26)  doctors offices are like your second home... At least it is in my case, 2 visits each month.
27)  ultrasounds are awesome. I love seeing Ivey so much.
28)  sometimes you wonder if there is a monster inside of you or a karate kid.
29)  Ivey doesn't play when it comes to kicking my bladder. She thinks it's funny or something.
30)  dropping the keys or a sock on the floor is a tragedy.
31)  there comes a time when you have that one cami that refuses to corporate with the new belly and you walk around like Pooh with your tummy out. The struggle.
32)  where did my belly button go?
33)  yes, people will be surprised when you tell them you plan to stay at home with the baby after it's born. And yes,  - oh my goodness - I actually WANT to.  Take me back to the 50's.
34)  working out is HARD when you swallowed a 3lb watermelon.
35)  you get hot. A lot.
36)  talking to your baby is the best.
37)  you can literally sit for hours and just watch your tummy. It's kinda awesome.
38)  laughing is great. But sometimes not so great.....
39)  sneezing is a no no.
40)  it's all WAY worth it.

Enjoy one of my favorite clips from The Office here.

The problem with my generation: "Hippie Love".....

Courage - The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; bravery.

Goodness - Moral excellence; virtue; generosity.

My generation lacks the true knowledge of these two words.

Let me first say that when I say "my generation" I am speaking from a worldly stand point. My generation, as a nation, as a whole. I am thankful and blessed to know and be so close to those of my generation who are my brothers and sisters in Christ who are goodness and live a life for Him.

My generation cowards behind what I like to refer to as.... The "Hippie Love". This kind of love is spreading and sadly becoming a norm. Let me try and define this kind of love.... where do I begin? This love is the "peace and blessings" love. That ALL is wonderful and their is no wrong. We should accept everything and everyone because no matter what anyone is doing, it's all for love. We do not point out the wrong because that is not love. This love encourages you to fall into the crowed and just follow. Whatever you choose in life is for your happiness and we should all just love you for it. "Hippie Love" holds no responsibility or accountability, because at the end of the day we should all just love each other. This love is all about not "offending" anyone. This love does not show humility. The problem is, my generation is listening to this kind of love and they are accepting it. If by now you aren't picking up on what exactly this kind of love is, then you should just stop reading.

"Hippie Love" is not true love. It is not AGAPE love. It is not a selfless love, it is every bit of a selfISH love. This lie-of-a-love holds no pure goodness. It has no worth. It encourages you to "just roll with anything, man". It does not encourage any true conviction of any kind. It is a cowards love. This kind of love paints everything gray. This love will be the downfall of us.

This country was not founded by men who didn't listen to this kind of love. These men had back-bones. They wanted to learn more of goodness and virtue and they stood for it. They fought for goodness. They had humility. They had courage. They respected our Heavenly Father and feared Him. These people did not just do these courageous things, but they taught these courageous things. These men offended people daily - (and please note what I mean by "offending" people, we can't step on people toes and say what they believe in is wrong because heaven forbid we offend them, this is the kind of "Hippie Love" that is suffocating.) Our society has twisted what "offended" means.  If men had listened to this kind of putrid lie, we would never have had men like Abraham Lincoln or Ronald Reagan. We wouldn't have had a C.S. Lewis. These men are human and are great with their own short-comings. But most importantly we wouldn't have had people like Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, David, and Daniel, just to name a few....

These men revered the Holy One. These men had a rock they built their life on. Their purpose was much greater than themselves and they spoke words of life. This "Hippie Love" stuff is built on sand, it has no truth. It has no hope and we will all crumble if we just "go along with it". Instead of just saying we disagree we must stand for the GOOD. We often say what we are against but how about we stand for what is and what is everlasting? How about we live our lives with virtue and don't coward down. We need to blot-out the evil with truth. Because the "Hippie Love" is wrong - there is truth, there is a right and wrong. If you stand with Christ you will offend people. Christ offended people. "It is not the popular thing to stand for whats right", this is something my parents would tell me when I was little and it's every bit true.

" The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". - Edmund Burke


P.S. If you read this and were offended, well.........

Live Beautifully

Recently, for Christmas, my Mom gave me a journal. Not just any regular ole journal, but it was a special journal to log my pregnancy journey and the happenings of the first few months after the baby is born. I'm really excited about it and Ive already covered the first several pages.

On the front of the journal it says, Live Beautifully. The other day I started thinking about what that meant. What does it mean to Live Beautifully? Many people would have different ideas of what it means. Some would say to travel the world and live free, because of course, that's beautiful. Some would say just have fun and enjoy yourself. Others would say just do what you love and make yourself happy - whatever that takes.

I have seen a lot of people live, what I would call, beautiful lives....
 My parents. I would say they have lived extraordinary beautiful lives. Not because it has been perfect. Not because they have traveled all over the world (okay, maybe the country). But because they chose to serve. They have lived a life of service. They have lived a life of happiness, even when at times happiness isn't so easy. They have lived a life for our Father and they have shared that with others. That is a beautiful life.

The elderly couple I see at Barnes and Noble all the time. I have no idea what they might have encountered in their life, tragedy or struggle. But they sit together and they read together. I see them laugh and hold hands. They are content. And this is Beautiful.

The family with 4 children who run around in circles, with messes and screaming and running and playing. Life is hectic and sometimes crazy. But they teach their children. They teach them about their Creator and they teach them to pray. They teach them to love. And this is Beautiful.

These are just a few of so many I see Live Beautifully daily. But I think of the man who Lived Beautifully more than anyone, ever. His life was hard, and He had nothing. His family was not wealthy and He had no real home. He was not some educated scholar. He was a humble man who lived to serve (Matt. 20:28) and to teach. He lived His life simply. He was mocked and bullied and hated by many. Some wouldn't call that a beautiful life. But it truly was the most Beautiful. If someone doesn't know how to Live Beautifully, we have a wonderful Perfect example.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
                                                                                                                 - Matthew 6:33
"He has shown you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
                                                                                                                 - Micah 6:8

Let us Live Beautifully :)

A Pinterest Problem: Choosing The Easy Way Out

I will be the first to tell you: I love Pinterest. It's got some pretty awesome stuff on there, there's some helpful, some inspiring, and some funny that site has. I've got several boards all organized and put together. It's all because "I'm gonna need that someday, so I'll save it", haha. I've found some very helpful and insightful things on Pinterest. When I was doing gluten free I was able to get a lot of ideas and tips off there. When I broke my leg in March and sat on the couch for two months, it was entertaining. I've found some great homeschooling ideas on there, cute clothes, crocheting patterns, great meal recipes, witty sayings, beautiful pictures - you name it, you can find it on Pinterest.

Pinterest has its purpose. It can be useful for much good. But I feel like more than not, it can be a hindrance and a cop-out.  What does Pinterest feed us?
   - A picture of a "hot", tan, slim chick- who has to also have beautiful luscious hair -with a description that says "10 week challenge: 10 squats a day, 10 push ups, and a fruit and veggie diet".
  - ANOTHER picture of Ryan Gosling for girls "inspiration" during finals saying something like "I believe in you, babe".
  - The latest fashion of .... Wait for it.... Leggings and boots with everything.
  - Another picture of Peeta.
  - Another Harry Potter quote. (I'm not hating on HP, I love it).
  - "40 freezer meals in 2 hours"..... Which might have been the 100th one you've pinned. (I'm guilty).
  - "10 steps to organize your house fifteen minutes everyday"  (that one sold me).
I could go on fo dayyyzzz....

So you see a trend here? There's nothing wrong with these things on the surface. They're pretty harmless. Again, there really are things on Pinterest that are good and helpful, I've found some great things. As women we fall into this trap of "wow, one website to organize my life!" And then it becomes almost an obsession. Maybe you're not on everyday, but when you do log on you end up being on for hours (guilty again). We get caught up on searching and pinning "new and better ways to organize your closet" while you sit in front of your laptop or computer and your closets down the hall... As women, we get sold on the idea to make out lives better. Where's the action? No, not the click and pin. But the action of walking away and to get moving. What happened to women learning by trial and error and to learn what works best in your own home? Pinterest is easy. The answers sit there on this page of everyone else's ideas. That cute outfit you just pinned really isn't realistic because it's way out of budget when you're a college student scraping by. Pinterest plants the idea of not being content. Think about that for a moment......

One thing that I really started thinking about was the whole trendy meal idea on Pinterest. What's easiest? What's fastest? What can I prepare the most of in the least amount of time? I'm no mother of 4 trying to clean a house, give love and attention to the kids, being attentive to the husband, all while making sure Johnny and Susie get to soccer practice, Bobbie practices the piano, and little Lucy decided to paint the wall with my lipstick. I'm aware that Pinterest holds ideas that are helpful for mothers, and that's grand. But what about take the time to prepare meals? I believe back when, that used to be the thing. Now it's a burden because we are just so busy. What about the time to teach the children to cook? I have some great memories in the kitchen with my mother, and I'm thankful. Cooking is a time for memory making and connection. Is this making any sense? Pinterest is an aid to  compartmentalize our busy lives so that we can make it more busy. Are we using it in that way?

I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty for being on Pinterest. I'm still going to use it because I've seen some true good it offers. Every now and again let's re-evaluate our use of it. I chose Pinterest because I found it easier for me to sink into, but I reckon this problem can be in other social media. We just need to help each other and remind each other as Christians everything we do needs to have a purpose - and make it a good one :)

P.S. Thankful to so many who I've seen use Pinterest for a pure purpose and have used it for encouragement. Thank you :)
Happy New Year!

The Real Reason For The Holidays.

  So this is about my most favorite time of the year as far as Holidays go. Christmas and Thanksgiving are absolutely wonderful. There's scarfs and sweaters, hot chocolate and movies, and a lot of merry festivities. This is a time for Family and Thanks. A time of joyful memories. A time of reflection and prayer as well.

People are so busy with getting things and buying things. Its all about things and stuff. More and more. What did you get last Christmas? Can you name them all? Can you? Most of us don't remember everything. Maybe the "big" things. Was their a family quarrel? Maybe some stressed tension from the hustle and bustle. Just think about that for a moment....

Most of society says, "Jesus is the reason for the season". But I say, Jesus is the reason for every season. He is the reason for everyday and every moment. Although, we don't celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas, we celebrate Christmas as a time for Family and Blessings. And we thank Him for all that He has done and does. It's a time to celebrate LIFE. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday. It should be a LIFESTYLE. We need to celebrate Thanksgiving everyday.

With these reasons for these seasons stop and slow down. Think, and breathe, and pray. Take it in. Don't rush and push and fuss. Smile and hug and laugh. Savor this Holiday season. Cherish it. Remember this 2013 Holiday season with fondness and with no regret.

This Holiday season is very happy indeed for our family! My sister-in-law is getting MARRIED! This is a time for much celebration indeed. Two lives become one and are following the Lord, now that's a reason for overflowing joy! So these next few weeks will be filled with fun events and activities. Our family is beyond blessed. We are THANKFUL to Him always.

James 1:17
Psalm 95: 2-3
1 Chronicles 16:34