Farewell 2013

It is with much love I bid farewell to another year.  For this family, 2013 has been absolutely beautiful.  I am in awe at what has transpired over the past 365 days.  Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the blessings bestowed upon our family.

After five years of ups and downs, extreme heartaches and much needed healing, the Lord reunited our family.  Hands down this was the best thing to happen to me in 2013.  By the looks on my children's faces, I would have to say they agree...

It's pretty customary to look forward to the new year ringing in and focus on what we'd like to change.  I can't help but do the opposite.  I can't help but look back on 2013 and smile.  I haven't focused much on resolutions for 2014 because I am too amazed at what 2013 has been.  They say you shouldn't waste time looking back at what was but I think I'm going to ignore that little piece of advice.    

It's overwhelming to think what 2014 will be like.  How can we possibly top 2013?  Something tells me that as much as I believe 2013 has been over the top amazing...the best is still yet to come.

Much love 2013...2014, let's do this!
  

30 Week Check-up

My 30 week appoinment on Friday was quick and uneventful.  Probably the best kind of appointment to have at this point in time.  My weight is up to 164 and baby's heartbeat was around 156 bpm.  I discussed the severe sciatic pains I've been having and he recommened warm baths.  I haven't tried it yet as they seem to have let up the past few days.  That's not to say it doesn't hurt, it's just a lot more tolerable right now.  Graham is a lot more active so I'm guessing his repositioning is what allows me some relief from time to time. 

 

31 down, 9 to go!  The end is in sight.  I've had a few emotional roller coasters this past weekend but the hubs was on his game, as usual, and really talked me through it all.  I'm getting tired, sore and just plain worn out.  Mental and physical exhaustion are settling in.  I recall getting to this point with my last pregnancy.  Only it wasn't quite as hard.   We had a focus of another kind.  We were anticipating the arrival of our child.  We were distracting ourselves with shopping and preparations.  None of which we are doing this time around.  It's just all so very different.  We're not upset.  We're not even sad.  We're filled with the excitement for what's about to happen.  I just wish I could get there a little quicker...and so does my body ;)   

 

Next appointment will be in 3 weeks, then a couple 2 weekers then I'll be seeing him once a week until Graham arrives. 

Week 31

Well, would you look at that...10 weeks to go! 

I was asked over the weekend how it's been thus far.  According to D it's simply a matter of memory loss, but I would have to say being older has made it harder on my body.  I do realize I'm still fairly young but my babies were both born by the time I turned 25.  Here I am almost 10 years later.  I feel the difference.

Would I do it again...well, it depends on what you're referencing.  Would I do this journey again with E&G (now having the hindsight)...absolutely I would.  Would I ever consider being a surrogate again in the future, at this point my answer would be no.  I feel like there's a new journey of a different kind waiting for me.  I have more to give but I feel pulled in a different direction.  Part of me feels like maybe it's a career shift but who knows.  Patience, prayer and an open heart will make it clearer when the time comes. 

However, if I've learned anything these past 5 years, it's that these are not my plans I'm living.  Haven't you ever heard the saying...

 

If you would've told me 5 years ago I was going to carry a complete stranger's baby someday I probably would've thought you were out of your ever lovin' mind but here we are.  It hasn't been an easy road, but letting go of control and trusting He will give me strength is the key.  I'm not claiming to be great at it but I know when I do let go, He always takes care of things and puts me right where I need to be.

Make a Wish!

So I added another candle to the cake this weekend bringing the total to 34.  The hubs did a fantastic job of making the day extra special.    

 

Week 29

Graham Cracker is hiccuping daily.  It's typically mid-morning then again in the evening.  I know how nuts it drives me when I have the hiccups, I wonder if he gets annoyed at his hiccups too? 

Click here if you're curious at to why babies hiccup in the womb.

I'm ready for that little lady in the ticker above to get her behind past the 30 mark.  Little Graham (from what I've been shown thus far) has some really cool stuff awaiting him at his home!  He will not lack in style that is for certain.

My New Best Friend

"Most likely. Many women experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy — and though it's common and generally harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable.

Heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. It's caused by some of the hormonal and physical changes in your body.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. This hormone also relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing gastric acids to seep back up, which causes that unpleasant burning sensation.

Progesterone also slows down the wavelike contractions of your esophagus and intestines, making digestion sluggish. Later in pregnancy, a growing baby crowds your abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach acids back up into the esophagus.

Many women start experiencing heartburn and other gastrointestinal discomforts in the second half of pregnancy. Unfortunately, it usually comes and goes until baby is born."