April 1st, we started a new routine where a friend and her kids watch Emma for about 3-5 hours a day, 4 days out of the week, so I can rest more...in bed. I have been on bed rest for the whole pregnancy, but I have never actually stayed in bed. It has been too difficult because Emma and I had so many doctors appointments, probably averaging one a day, and we needed a full-time nanny. So, getting a friend to help is so good. The first week went well, but lately Emma has been having some attachment issues. She doesn't want me to leave her. I've noticed some behavioral changes, too, as she has started throwing more tantrums. She also doesn't want to eat her dinner very much. It's really sad, but I know it's for Baby #2's good. At the same time, I am going to start going over to my friends house with Emma more, so at least I'll be with her and she can see/talk/play with me, even if I am lounging on their couch. Overall, I think we've struck a happy medium here: I still have my Emma time alone, but I still can get some needed bed rest and help.
I also have another good friend, who has become a friend through service, really. Before being pregnant with Baby #2, I never knew her. She signed up at church to come over and help Emma to the park. She shared how she had a similar experience with her pregnancies. We had a couple of rainy days where we couldn't go to the park, but she still stayed...and talked and cleaned and listened and put Emma down for a nap and rocked Emma and...She is one of those people who just knows how to help another person. Over my life, I have come to realize that this is truly a talent. It is not as easy as one may think to walk into a situation and see what someone needs and proceed to do it. I know because I have been that person who has tried, but I am sure has failed on many an occasion because of lack of knowledge, wisdom, experience, guts and my personality. I think, often people want to help, but they just don't know how. Anyways, this friend has helped by bringing me food, cleaning (my bathroom, my kitchen, vacuuming, sweeping, doing mirrors, the list goes on), doing laundry, taking Emma and I to the doctor, helping me with my allergies and pregnancy-induced asthma, bringing Emma toys, and just talking with me. She even texts me daily to see how I slept and if I and Emma are doing fine. I don't know how she does it, but she does. She really cares. It's amazing. And I am thankful. Yes, you know who you are...
It is people like her who have brought me to this point that I have never been to in pregnancy. I didn't think it was possible. I had learned to not get my hopes up too high during pregnancy thinking that would take the sting away if things didn't work out. Now, I feel lucky, but I know it is more than luck. I know that God has given me this wonderful chance, and whatever the outcome, I am grateful to have made it this far and experience more of everything--more flutter kicks from the miracle in my belly, more time to ponder motherhood, more acts of service, more faith and trust in my Heavenly Father, more prayer, more love between husband and wife, and more precious moments with Emma. I just love it. I love being pregnant and the experience this has been.
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| 24 Weeks Over a large milestone: this is when we had Emma! |
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| 25 Weeks Uncharted territory ;) |
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| 26 Weeks (technically this was the end) Baby is 2 lbs, 11.5 inches long! |
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