Precious Cargo

We have this precious little boy and this precious little girl. . .it's truly remarkable to look at them and know that our love created them. . .

Mackenzi is also known as Levi's other mommy. . .she literally knows about caring for him in ways I had no idea she knew about. . .she sees what he needs before anything is said and takes care of it! She's hilarious! Her understanding is unbelievable. . .she has wanted so badly to change a diaper - and we've told her that when his umbilical cord comes off - she'll have the opportunity. . .well, it came off, and maybe she's forgotten about that. . .because it hasn't come up again. . .but, here you can see in the picture how she's holding him and gazing at him. . .she told me the other night when she headed to bed and kissed him on the forehead that she LOVED him SO much! The sound of her voice when she said it was so sweet. She hasn't shown any jealousy toward him - although she has acted out some - wanting our attention, I suppose. She is willing to do whatever Levi needs - and doesn't seem to mind at all. It's still so surreal to have two children. They are definitely precious cargo!

One day shy of being 3 weeks old

This little life that came to us almost 3 weeks ago is absolutely precious! I can't even put into words how incredible it has been. With our previous history of miscarrying a baby - I think our poor hearts have been so burdened with almost not believing that he was real - my entire pregnancy was filled with worries and fears and at the same time elation that I was pregnant and that everything was going well. I kept believing that when I reached certain milestones I would stop worrying. . .like when I surpass where I was when I miscarried, I would stop worrying. . .or when I reached the sonogram and saw how precious he was I would stop worrying. . .and on into my 3rd trimester with when I had my last sonogram appointment, I would stop worrying. . .and sadly, I couldn't get past worrying. I tried - and I would cling to my faith to attempt to stop worrying. . .and to my credit, I did allow my saviour to comfort me throughout - unfornately I would allow the enemy to creep back in in no time. . .

And so now, we are at 3 weeks, and one would think I would have stopped worrying - and I guess in some ways, I have. . .but in other ways I have added new reasons to worry. . .the latest being that he wasn't eating enough to gain weight. . .when we took him to the doctor the day after we came home from the hospital, he weighed 6lbs 9 1/2 ounces. . .and the doctor explained that it was a little lower than they would have liked to have seen. . .and so, that created great panic in my mind. Thankfully when we took him this past week, he had surpassed his birth weight and had an additional 3 ounces to boot. . .and, I can almost say that today I had a wonderful day just enjoying him the way I know God wants us to!

I've known all along throughout this pregnancy that I would regret worrying so much and not trusting Jesus enough. . .and I have felt that way - I really knew I would. . .and so with today, I'm so thankful for this precious little boy - he's truly incredible.

Yesterday morning I took him into his room to change his clothes. I laid him in his bed and he was so content! We have been having him sleep in the bassinet in our room at night and during the day he sleeps in a little bouncer, or in the evening on Daddy's chest. . .and so when I laid him in his bed and he seemed so happy, I let him stay there - and look around. . .he did that for about 15 or 20 minutes. . .when I picked him up, he looked sleepy, and so I changed him and put him back in his bed. I put him a little on his side and he slept in there for about 1 1/2 hours. Here's a sweet picture of him sleeping in there.

Then later on that evening. . I was playing with yet another new camera (yes, I broke another one) and took some black and white pictures of Levi and Mackenzi. It was a lot of fun, Kenzi was cracking up because Levi was starting to get hungry and was rooting on her. This picture is one of the first ones I took. Mackenzi chose the way they were laying, so we can give her the credit for how sweet it turned out.

Levi Ashton Kreymer born June 27, 2008

JUST A QUICK RECAP SINCE I HAVEN'T BLOGGED SINCE BEFORE HIS ARRIVAL. . .

He was born Friday, June 27 at 10:19pm. He weighed 7lbs 4ounces and was 19.5 inches long. (Although after our pediatrician appointment on June 30th, he measured 20 1/4" long - so he must have been mismeasured in the hospital!)
I went in Thursday afternoon to the doctor for my appointment and she went ahead and sent me to the hospital for a treatment to help soften my cervix. Mackenzi and I headed over there at 3:00pm and started the treatment. The medication they gave me generally will have an affect about 6 hours after treatment. . .however, I started having contractions within the hour observation period. They discharged me and we headed out to Mackenzi's indoor soccer game. My contractions continued throughout the evening, finding us at the triage at the hospital that night around 11pm. They gave me a shot of demerol and sent me home. My parents headed into town and arrived around 2:30am. Throughout the night, I continued contracting, but did get some rest. Then Friday morning when we woke up, we started counting contractions. They continued throughout the morning and on into the afternoon. We decided to head to the hospital around 3:00 and was VERY disappointed to find out I was still only dilated to the same 1 cm I was the night before in the triage. However, they continued to monitor me for the hour as is standard, and within that hour, she came back to check me and I had dilated to a 3-4cm. I was so relieved to know that the pain I was experiencing was going to finally allow us to be admitted!
Unfortunately, Friday was a busy day for babies to be born and I was not the priority because I was not a high risk pregnancy. This meant that I didn't get a room right away, and didn't get an epidural very quickly either. . .so, I continued to work through the contractions until about 6:30 when my best friend came in to help relieve some of the pain! I was already dilated to a 6 by then. After the epidural, I was good for the wait. . .which, thankfully wasn't too long - I was dilated to a 10 by 10pm and he was born 19 minutes later! He is such a blessing!

AND BACK TO TODAY. . .

Today was our 2 week appointment. I was a bit concerned about his weight because he had lost a little more when we took him in the Monday after he was born - he had dropped down to 6lbs 9 1/2 ounces. . .When we took him today he had gained back up to 7lbs 7ounces - so he's gained an additional 3 ounces. He's doing really well, and the doctor doesn't need to see him until he's 2 months old. Unfortunately it's "feeding time" and so I'll have to finish this later!

Our first trip to the hospital. . .and 38 weeks!!

This past week was a bit scary. I felt tons of movement on Monday from our little Levi. He was just kicking away! Well, Tuesday there was less movement. . .well, not so much less movement, just lighter movements. . .I still had enough - they say to count 10 movements each hour. . .but, I was really keeping a close eye on things. . .figuring that Wednesday he would be back to bouncing around. This has certainly been a pattern for Levi - where he'll move tons one day, and will chill the next day - but then move again the following day. Wednesday I kept another close watch on movements. . .and felt like they were consistent with Tuesday's movements. . .Thursday when I woke up, I was determined to make him move - and move hard. But, I couldn't get much results. I started to panic some. . .and asked Brian to come talk to him to see if he would move. He did, but just not hard enough. It's difficult to explain, but I just didn't feel comforted by his movements. I decided to go ahead and stay home that day, and just lay low - laying down and resting. Kenzi woke up and I was certain he would bounce around when she talked to him. . .he always does. . .but, again, it wasn't much - so I decided to call the doctor. They called me back and said they wanted me to go ahead and go to the hospital for a non-stress test. Of course not long after I called the nurse, he started moving quite a bit. . .and although I felt better with that - I still wanted to hear and have definitive information that he was doing just fine. We went to the hospital and they put us on the monitor. He was moving like crazy - his heartrate was fluctuating like they like to see, and so, it was just a matter of time before we were discharged and sent on home with the reassurance that everything was going to be just fine! I was so relieve to not have to rely on what I was feeling - but could HEAR that he was doing just fine! You can listen to his heartbeat in this video. . .the most precious sound!!

The next morning I went to see my doctor, Dr. Finke, and everything looked really great! She does want me to come back this next week to have a sonogram. She's concerned that he might be getting too big. His heartrate at the appointment was 136. There was no protein in my urine as there was last week, and my blood pressure continues to look good. I have gained a total of 17 pounds. Dr. Finke also said my cervix has softened more than it had the previous week - but there is still no dilation at this point. I am definitely ready to hold this little boy. . .and am trying to keep my mind open to this week's sonogram and appointment. I don't want to get my hopes up that I'll be induced!

Mom and Dad came into town this weekend to take Gary and Tony back to Spring with them for the week. We had a great weekend. . .I have a beautiful computer that is working so wonderfully now! (which explains all the posting! I will tell you a secret though - I'm in my recliner with my keyboard in my lap so I can have my right foot elevated. . .it's taken on a new shape and is quite FAT and swollen!!)

Mom and I washed all of Levi's clothes for 0-3 months, blankets, washcloths, towels, bibs, and sheets. . .We also packed his bag for the hospital. It's just hard to know how big he'll be - so I'm not quite sure what he'll wear home. I have a couple of options. Kenzi's going home outfit was easy because it was a dress, and it really was easy to not be too concerned. . .but, I really don't want his outfit to completely swallow him! So, we'll just wait and see. We also bought letters to make up Levi's name and painted them for his room. They turned out cute.

I really just need to get my bag ready for the hospital. I can't believe I haven't done that yet. It's hard to pack ahead of time. I did have Mom take a picture of my belly. I even took a couple bare belly shots, and I'll share this one with you. . .

Gary (17) and Tony (13) are growing up. . .it's awesome to get to see them both. . .and so here's a picture from today before they headed to Spring with Nana and Papa. I love that they'll get to see Levi after he's born! They'll be here in Texas with their mom through the middle of July and then will head to Virginia together to be with Brian.

Well, that's all for now - we're just waiting for God's little miracle to be born!

Mackenzi turned 5. . .and graduated from Preschool!

Somehow I missed posting that Kenzi turned 5. . .and then also that she graduated from preschool!!! I started a post, but then didn't finish because it woudn't upload my pictures. . .and now it won't let me go in to fix it. . .so, I'll just start here. . .

She had a wonderful birthday on May 28th. We had her party the weekend prior at the Don Misenhimer park. She wanted a soccer theme. . .and this was after she told me, "Mom, I can just have a princess party since we already have princess napkins at home." Well, the princess napkins were from her 4th birthday party. I assured her we could change the theme up, and buy new napkins for her party this year! How precious is that? I think we're being successful in teaching her to be frugal. . .although maybe I need to work on that as well! Ha!

We really had a great time at her party. I never book the pavilion there, it's pretty expensive, especially on Memorial Day weekend. . .but, we've been successful in being able to utilize it for two years - her 3rd and 4th birthday party. This year, however, there was a huge party there - so we walked on over to the other side of the park where they had a picnic bench, and tons of trees. We always have come prepared to have chairs for seating, so it really turned out just fine. Kenzi wanted a pinata this year, and so we found one at Party City that was a soccer ball. She also wanted a cookie cake instead of cake. . .she's the only child I know who doesn't like cake. . .but, she doesn't. So, after much thought and pricing of cookie cakes, I figured I could make this cake myself! So, I did! It turned out very yummy, and Kenzi was really excited about it. I'm sorry I don't have pictures to upload from her party. Unfortunately my computer crashed, and so I don't have them saved on this computer.

On her actual birthday, Brian decorated for her - so when she woke up, she would realize that it was her birthday. It's funny, but this is the first year for her to realize that her birthday party was on a different day than her birthday. . .each year before she has been really confused, and tells us very adamantly that she already has had her birthday. . .or basically just that her birthday party day is her birthday. . .this year she figured that out. She kept saying at her party that she wasn't 5 yet - it was just her birthday party day. But, on her birthday we bought a cookie cake at Kroger to take to school for her to share with her friends. . .and then when we got home that afternoon, we took her to On the Border for dinner where she wanted them to sing to her, until she saw someone else being sung to - the problem was that he was older, and so they had him doing silly things - like waving his arms like a bird while they sang. . .and putting a cone cup in his mouth as a beak. . .she didn't care for that and didn't want us to have them sing to her. . .only they had already been asked. . .and were headed our way. She just had a terrible look on her face as they sang, but was fine afterall.

We also took her afterwards to buy her a betta. She had been wanting a fish, and since I've had bettas before, I figured that was a good fish for her - one that would last, that is pretty easy to take care of. . .and one she would enjoy. She named her betta, Kate. We nearly managed to kill Kate with the change in water. . .or scenery. . .or whatever. . .I'm not sure. We didn't think she was going to make it - but I did a few things - put her back in the bowl she came in - and used different water. . .and after a week of not eating. . .she finally started to eat and really looked much better. Now we have a pretty purple fish who is eating and doing just fine. Oh - we didn't really tell Kenzi which fish to pick out - and subsequently, she picked a "boy" fish as is labeled on the bowl. . .only, we refer to Kate as a girl.

The Thursday after her birthday was her preschool graduation from Cross of Christ Lutheran School. It was a very exciting day for Kenzi and for us, too! Kenzi got to wear a little blue gown and a hat as well. The kids sang a couple of songs for everyone too. Kenzi really enjoyed the year with Mrs. Hinckley as her teacher and Ms. Candy and Ms. Stella as the aids on her room. She made quite a few friends, and is really missing them this summer. She is such a big girl!!! She is definitely ready for Kindergarten - only she will be going to public school in Mansfield at DP Morris Elementary.

ROCKWAY SHOWER - June 8th

ROCKWAY SHOWER

Our hometeam hosted a shower for us on June 8th. It was at our pastor and his wife's house, Keith & Sarah Wiginton. It was a lot of fun. We had several stories to tell from the shower. . .after we got there, our friend Kelly came rushing in with the cake. She had her little daughter Bayley with her. She and Sarah were talking and then Sarah looked at me and said that Kelly had been through quite a bit to get the cake there! Apparently Bayley wanted to see what the cake was about and leaned over it and destroyed the top of it! Kelly was so frazzled by the time she called Costco and managed to get it taken care of. She apologized that it didn't have Levi's name on it - and told me how cute the top of the other cake was! I felt sorry for her! I hated being the reason she was so frazzled. The cake was a very yummy, yummy cake!

Our hostesses also prepared a couple of scrapbook pages for the guests to write blessings/prayers for baby Levi Garrett. When I saw that, I just knew right away that I wasn't going to say anything, and that I knew how easily it would be to cover up Garrett, since that isn't Levi's middle name. I wasn't too worried about it until I overheard someone asking Brian what Levi's middle name was. Then I stepped into the kitchen, and walked back in. Sarah looked at me and said, "What is Levi's middle name? Did we get it wrong?" And I just smiled and told her that his middle name is Ashton, and that it would be no problem for me to fix that on the scrapbook page. She said the person who told her that was POSITIVE of his middle name. Which was funny because it happened to be a friend of mine, Stephanie, from my Bible study. Then she came over and said she was sorry, she knew we had just talked about his name the previous Monday at our study. It was funny.

We are truly blessed to be a part of a church family who is so loving and caring. I believe wholeheartedly that God put us there. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I wanted them, especially our hometeam, to know right away that we were pregnant because I felt that we needed as many prayer warriors as possible to be praying with us for a healthy pregnancy. The love and support that we have been shown throughout this entire process has been truly incredible. I wanted so desperately to share how special they all are to me at the shower, but I knew I wouldn't make it through telling them. . .I did, however, ask that a group picture be taken. I want to be sure to tell Levi how much he was prayed for by all of them. They are very special to us, and to him. Here is a collective picture of Levi's gifts from the shower.

The addition to our family. . .

37 Weeks!! Time has flown in some senses, but in others - it seems like I've been pregnant forever! I did go to the doctor this past Friday and she said that I'm starting to efface, but not dilating quite yet. I did have a trace of protein in my urine, but she wasn't concerned of that. My blood pressure was 116/60, so with that, there was nothing to worry about either. I go back this Friday. . .I think it's fun and stressful some at this stage when we're just waiting. . .each week we hope to see some progress, but with this not being my first pregnancy, I know that it can be a matter of an afternoon that all will progress, and so I'm not worrying too much about it. I do know that I feel like I can't make it the next 2 weeks. . .just the normal backaches. . .my big fat foot. . .and just not being able to sleep. . .but, we'll keep waiting on God's perfect timing!

BOYS VS GIRLS

Okay - so I found this onesie today on Oldnavy.com - "Mommy's little FIRECRACKER '08". Isn't it the cutest? I know that so many are already telling me, attempting to prepare me, warning me, whatever you want to call it - that boys are SO different than girls. I agree, don't get me wrong. There have definitely been some differences that I've noticed already in just getting ready for this little prince.

This pregnancy has been completely different than with Mackenzi. Who knows whether it's because I'm having a boy this time or not - all the parental researchers out there (meaning the ones who have birthed children) are telling me that's the reason. . .boys vs girls. . .medical professionals (meaning my doctor - who by the way has had a boy and a girl) tells me that it's basically just the additional hormones - loosening of all the things inside that get moved around when having another baby. . .and not necessarily boys vs girls.

Another notable difference is in the fact that my priorities are somewhat different. Again, is it because of the whole boys vs girls thing - or just second child? I don't know. I had so many things still saved from having Mackenzi - crib, swing, carseat, etc. . .that I didn't have to worry with those things. I don't know if "worry" is even the right word, to "occupy my attention" may be better. Still no definite answer as to the reason - with Levi, we have a room available for him, we're not just trying to make a tiny space work. So, I have the luxury of planning how I want his room to look - painting, furniture, window treatments, etc. . .

Clothing is definitely a difference. When I was pregnant with Mackenzi, so many told me how wonderful it was that I was having a girl, because girl clothes shopping was SO much more fun than boy clothes shopping. I have been blessed to be a recipient of many hand-me-downs for Levi. I was given many clothes with Mackenzi - but I guess there was that excitement when I would walk into a store and see all of the sweet little dresses, bows, shoes, socks, etc. I have definitely been enjoying checking out all the little boy things - plaid shorts, cute little baseball hats, precious shoes, fun little car toys. . .and so I am not feeling the pain of shopping for boys yet that everyone has told me about. They seem to have a variety of things. . .maybe it's just been the 5 year time span, I don't know, more variety. But, it seems to me that I'll have fun regardless. I know I've helped with my nephews' clothes shopping and that's a lot of fun.

One thing though, with the clothing - and it has encouraged this blog - is that I haven't been too anxious about what Levi will wear home from the hospital. I seriously have an abundance of hand-me-downs to go through and I've bought a few little outfits. One, unfortunately I bought and left in the shopping cart at Kohls, never to be seen again - even after my mom's attempt to go back within 30 minutes and my phone call to the store the next day. But, nevertheless, I wasn't too terribly upset. It was frustrating, mostly that I left it there. . .I was attempting to coordinate a little onesie to go under the little jumper. Oh well. Brian and I have sort of coined the phrase, "Our little firecracker!" and so when I saw this onesie at Old Navy, I just had to buy it! I called the store to see if they sell them in there, and they don't. So, I bought it online. It is so cute, and so appropriate! Much cheaper than Kenzi's going home outfit, that's for sure. So, I guess in some ways, that's one of the differences between boys and girls. Which, for those of you who know me, saving money on something is always a plus! I do love that it has the year he's born too.

Shower at Grace Presbyterian Village 5-9-08

We had a great time on May 9 at my shower at my work, Grace Presbyterian Village. Mom came into town on Thursday and spent that time with us. It was a lot of fun. Many people came together and collectively, they bought us much needed items like diapers, bottles, lotions, etc. . .little things a little boy needs. We have kept many things from having Mackenzi, but some of them are girl specific, and so we were grateful to receive some little boy items. Mom made a blanket and is working on a little lap blanket as well. Mackenzi especially had a great time. She was very excited to get things for little Levi. She is excitedly showing off the sign a friend of mine's husband made for Levi where everyone signed. We'll plan to have the sign at the hospital for our visitors there too. What a sweet idea. Thanks, Jeanice and Randy! Me, Mom, Kenzi and Aunt Carolyn This is my sweet friend, Jeanice. Her husband helped with the sign for Levi!
Kenzi showing off all that little Levi got at the shower! She's not excited at all! :)

30 Weeks

Well, I finally had access to a camera this past weekend - my mom and sister were in town. We got a hair-brained idea to add some more color to Levi's room and painted about a 29inch border around the bottom of the room in a darker blue. It has really made a difference in the room, and I'm pretty pleased with it. Things are continually coming together. Kari brought back some items that she had borrowed with her latest little one and so Mackenzi had a great time playing with them - the car seat, megasaucer, more clothes, shoes. . .etc. . .she was even dressing up a couple of her babies in Levi's clothes!

We also had a soccer game on Saturday - we have quite the little star! She scored 7 goals this past Saturday. It was great to see her so enthusiastic about the game. She was definitely having a great time. Here's a great shot of her scoring one of the goals!

1 day shy of 28 weeks

Goodness. . .two blogs in one week. . .I'm not sure what that's indicative of. . .I've spent more time on my computer the past couple of days, I guess. Nothing more than that.

Last night I worked on Levi's baby book. There were some pages that I really liked about Mackenzi's baby book, and so I've managed to create them for Levi's book. It's made me feel better about his book. I love it - don't get me wrong, but I know that I want my kids' baby books to tell a story for them. One of the pages I've included is how mommy and daddy met. I wrote it when I did Mackenzi's book, and just basically copied it for Levi's book. There are things about Brian and I meeting that I had forgotten. I was a little frustrated about that fact. As time grows on - some of the details of our memories fade, I guess. Which is all the more reason I want them recorded, especially for our children. It's so important in this day and age for them to know and see how our love for each other began and grew in the Lord through our wedding day and each day we are together. So, now that I have the pages created, I just need to print them, and put them in the book. There are some where I'll need to write things in - and as crazy as this sounds, I can't find the "right" pen/marker. It seems like that was much more available when I had Mackenzi, but I've been to many stores and can't find the right one. I want to be as consistent with it as I can, but goodness. . .I just need a good pen. I was hoping to go to Hobby Lobby today, but didn't get there.

Another thing I've been feeling this week is some anxiety toward my delivery. At the top of the blog is a ticker for the time remaining until my due date. Just 12 weeks and 1 day - it's amazing to me how this little one is growing inside of me. I don't think that feeling will ever change - I felt it with Mackenzi and I feel it with Levi. I guess, though, because I have experienced a miscarriage, and I've seen how God's plan was different for that baby than for Mackenzi and Levi, I have a tainted view of things. I have that fear that wells up inside of me and it takes a concerted effort for me to really work to play that down. And at the same time, it's frustrating for me to feel that fear, so then I get upset with myself. It's a terrible cycle that has lasted throughout this pregnancy. There is such a joy in feeling this baby move and roll and slide under my pelvic bone that I know it's all going to be fine. God has a plan. People have babies all the time. Women are in labor all the time.

Mackenzi's playing in Levi's room right now. Our computer is still currently in his room as well, so that's where we are. I hear her reciting scripture as she's playing with her babies - pretending to be at school or church, I don't know specifically because I don't want to disturb her, or make her aware that I hear her. She'll get embarrassed - but what an encouragement. As I'm writing about my fears, she's speaking of fearing no evil, for Thou art with her, His rod and staff they comfort her. Then she's saying, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Mom and I were talking yesterday about the awesome privilege it is to bring up our children to know and hear of the Lord. Mackenzi has a great interest in knowing what God desires of her and following what he commands. We love our church, Rockway. She, along with us, have developed wonderful friends there, and I know Levi already is loved by them. They have prayed with us, and the girls in my Bible study rejoiced with us when we found out we were pregnant. One day in church Kyle, our community pastor, was talking about our church as a community - and tears flooded my eyes as I realized that this little boy inside of me is God's child. Not mine, I'm just the carrier of him. The mother of him. . .the one designated to lead and guide him to do God's will. That's why he's growing inside of me. To serve our God. I also realized how much Rockway has played a part in this pregnancy - and will play a part in his growing up there - just as Mackenzi has. She is so comfortable there, and loves her Sunday School teacher and those who work with her in her class. In August when we have promotion Sunday, she'll move on up into Kids Rock. I can already see the molding that is taking place inside of her heart and her mind. She has learned so much about Jesus this past year. She inquires, she is retaining, and she's repeating. I pray so intensely that she will carry this love she has all of her life. She's a strong girl - we've known that from day one - and she has the potential to lead others. She showed it today on the soccer field. One of the little girls is new to playing, and Mackenzi took it upon herself to explain which way they were going for that quarter. She pointed out her goal. She pointed out which way they needed to be looking and running.

I pray for Levi too - that he'll be strong like she is. According to the birth order book, we are technically starting out with a first child again - five years will have elapsed between Mackenzi and Levi - While I know how difficult it was with a strong willed one, especially that first year - I know the payoffs that are involved as well. I just pray that Brian and I will be the parents that God has designed us to be for these two little ones.

Sorry to be so long winded this time. . .maybe I'll get my camera fixed so I can start adding pictures of my belly again. I'd love to add some of Levi's room that we've started on as well. I hate that my camera has broken in the middle of this. Until next time. . .

27 weeks and 4 days

Okay, okay, okay! I don't have much of an update. I don't have a new picture because unfortunately I broke my camera and still have yet to get it fixed! But, I am doing well. . .other than the normal, exhaustion, tiny bit of swelling, irritability, oh - and did I say exhaustion? I went to the doctor almost 4 weeks ago now when I was 26 weeks and everything was going well. They did start me on iron pills because my iron level was really low, explaining the exhaustion. Unfortunately I still don't feel all that energized most of the time, but hopefully that will pass! Who knows! The baby was doing just fine. He does get the hiccups here and there, and tends to stay down in my pelvic bones!

Kenzi has had a great time watching my stomach move around like crazy. At first she couldn't feel him move with her hand, but then one day put her face to my belly and felt the movement on her cheek. It was so fun to watch her feel him move. Now she refuses to just feel with her hand and wants to bury her face into my tummy to feel him move. He does respond to her voice, and moves almost every time she does put her face to my tummy. She always says, "Hi, Levi!" It's precious.

We did paint his room last weekend too. Again, no pictures to show yet. We got the crib put together and also the curtains put up; however, we need to rehang the curtains. We tried to use the existing holes from the previous curtains, but that obviously didn't work - so maybe this weekend we can get that taken care of.

I go to the doctor this next Wednesday for my 28 weeks and then I'll start going every other week. Time is starting to speed up some. I'll try to post something after my appointment next week!

22 Weeks Pregnant

What an amazing opportunity it is to be carrying a baby perfectly forming in my belly. It has truly been a blessing thus far, and I know that it will only continue. Sure, there have been times that I've been scared, scared, and well, more scared. . .but, God has always been in control. Even in the times that I wasn't aware or allowing myself to believe He was in control, He was. It's easy now, that I feel Levi moving all the time to let myself get caught up in other things. . .like, the nursery - what color will we paint the walls, what bedding will we choose. . .how will we take care of all the things that already are in Levi's room - that need to be put somewhere else?! Where's the trust in all of that? Believing and knowing that it will all come in time. . .and to not worry myself so much about it. Friends at work tell me I'm feeling this way because I'm pregnant - and while that may be true - I am reminded that this little prince in my belly is the most important part of this pregnancy. . .not whether I'll have his room perfect for his arrival, or whether everything will work the way I plan it to. . .but, I'm reminded of the miracle that God has formed. . .growing. . .kicking. . .moving. . .and I'm humbled.

I decided to finally take a picture of me - it was the Friday before I was 22 weeks. . .pretty good depiction of my belly. . .although the shirt is very concealing. . .this growing belly is evidence of God's goodness in our lives and I don't want to let a moment go by that I let myself lose sight of that!