Quick Takes

 

-1-

My big girl turned two years old yesterday. It was an absolutely amazing day and I teared up at least a dozen times. I have a post in draft capturing the sweet details that I don't want to forget. Let's just say that her present was epic and we are the best parents ever. The Chik-fil-a was delicious. And hearing her dance around the house saying, "Happy Hannah Birthday!" will never get old.

Two years old and almost a big sister.

-2-

Baby is head down but sunny side up right now. I know that's not the end of the world, but I'd like to avoid the extra pain and hassle that comes with a sunny little babe. Especially after reading this birth story this morning. The tricks I've been trying haven't worked yet, so I decided to see a chiropractor yesterday in hopes that little guy/gal will rotate.

Oh my.

I've never been to the chiropractor and had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be similar to a relaxing massage. So instead when I was man-handled for about 50 seconds and told I was finished, I was a bit shocked. But wow did it feel good! By the time I got home, I didn't even feel pregnant. Not sure if it's worked yet-we are still trying everything we know at home. I wish I could go back twice a week like the doctor suggested-but goodness that's a lot of money.

I always heard that you'll get addicted to the chiro once you start. Now I understand why! I would give up chocolate, coffee, facebook-anything! If it meant I could regularly feel this good.

-3-

A dear friend and one of my favorite bloggers got some super exciting news yesterday! After being told at an early ultrasound that she was definitely pregnant with only one baby-the gender reveal ultrasound definitely showed TWO! Her husband's flight was delayed and he missed the appointment. I can't imagine her shock when those two heads flashed up on the screen. And then having to wait several hours to tell him??? What a crazy day for her. I'm so excited for her-she's such a great mom.

-4-

And even though I'm head over heels happy for her, it doesn't take away the sting of remembering that that should be us. I miss the baby that we won't meet until heaven. I'm sad that his or her little life won't be celebrated and remembered the way that other twins are celebrated. Maybe it's hitting me harder as we approach our due date. I should be pushing two babies out. We should be the parents of three children. I'm beyond grateful for the little life within me-but I'm sad I won't get to meet his/her sibling in a few weeks as well.

-5-

Um, Lent starts in a few days. What the heck? It is really sneaking up on me. I asked Ted what he thought we should "do" for Lent and he said "have a baby." A fine idea. But I better come up with something else too. I'm thinking about trying to do a daily rosary. I have never been able to stick to that. Am I absolutely insane for thinking I could do it while welcoming a newborn? Lots of hours awake at night nursing right?

-6-

I've been listening to this song a lot the last few days. Trying to remain calm and focused on Our Lady and Jesus in the days/weeks leading up to another life changing birth of a child. So beautiful. My patron saint for 2013 is Mary, Queen of Peace (yet another post in draft) and this song is about as peaceful as it gets.

-7-

I'm making beans and rice with a ham hock for dinner tonight. I make beans and rice all the time but I've never used a ham hock. It's from the pig we got last Spring and I'm just now getting around to using it. I consulted a few recipes online-but for the most part-I'm just making it up as I go along. I do this all the time and 95% of the time-it turns out great. Then I pat myself on the back and tell myself what a good chef I am. And when I fail miserably I cuss the recipes. Yes-the ones that I didn't listen to.

It's simmering on the stove now. We shall see!

-Bonus-

I can't help myself.

Learning from Miscarriage

It seems that I'm surrounded my miscarriage lately. My own loss of our sweet twin baby. The heartbreaking miscarriage of a friend who almost shared my due date. Another friend telling me about the miscarriage she just had before she even had the chance to tell me she was pregnant. Two dear bloggers who have lost their babies and are now painfully waiting for D and C's. And the anniversaries of two different friends loosing their babies before birth.

That's a lot of miscarriage.

I read this article yesterday and thought it was beautiful. It says it so much better than I ever could.

But for my own, simple reflection-I will say that being surrounded by miscarriage serves a very real purpose for my life. It's easy to fall into the mindset that babies come easily. We got pregnant easily the second time around. Both of my pregnancies have been without any major complications. It's not hard to starting thinking that I'm in control. That we'll be able to have children whenever we want. And that we'll never suffer major heartbreak.

But that's just not reality. The suffering of so many of my friends serves to remind me that God is in control. He gives and He takes away. And really, I must surrender everything to Him-because it belongs to Him anyway.

The suffering of others forces me to be more grateful. To appreciate the gift of life within me on a deeper level. Because it's so fragile. Even in a normal, healthy pregnancy. And when we meet this baby on his birthday it will be because God has BLESSED us. Not because we deserve it.

Please pray for all those suffering from the pain of miscarriage. Especially S, J, M, J, M, and L.