23 Weeks

The three of us (and Jupiter too) are settled into our temporary home and anxiously awaiting our move to North Carolina. Our offer was accepted and we will be moving into our new home in two short weeks!

After a lot of ups and downs last week, this past week was a bit better, a bit quieter. We went to the doctor today and heard the little man's strong heartbeat. Everything from our last ultrasound looks great-- a healthy baby boy!

I feel encouraged today after finding out I have "uniquely low blood pressure." I know that sounds silly, but it helps explain some of my dizziness lately and help me to understand how to keep it at bay and keep myself strong.

I continue to be a bit worried about Braxton Hicks contractions versus real contractions and what I might be experiencing. I left the doctor with two things for my to-do list: rest and drink even more water.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own..." 1 Corinthians 6:19

I feel like I've really gotten to know my body more during these past weeks. And every day I fall in love with it a little bit more. It's amazing really. What our bodies know how to do, what they can do, what God created them to do.

I have not always loved my body, and have had some seasons of weighty body image issues. I am so thankful for this time that I have to watch my body grow and change and really feel beautiful. This is rather new to me, feeling beautiful, and I praise the Lord for this new perspective.

***

Oh baby, we're getting so excited for your arrival! And now that we have a home, I have been spending lots of time daydreaming about your little nursery and how I want it to look when we bring you home. I want it to be sunshiny and warm, light and airy, comfortable and cozy. I want it to be simple yet fun. I have so many ideas -- I can't wait to get there and get to work!

You just keep getting bigger and stronger. We heard your heartbeat again yesterday and everything sounds so great! Keep growing healthy, baby!

I keep getting bigger, too! You daddy actually painted my toe nails last night because it was uncomfortable for me to reach them. And you know what, he did a pretty great job. If you ever have a little sister, I know what job we'll give daddy. Hopefully he can braid hair too!

When we found out we were pregnant, your aunt Annie said that she hopes you are a boy because everyone needs an older brother. Your daddy and I would love to be blessed with more kids to make you an older brother. But I guess all we can do is see what the Lord has planned for our family. For now, it's the three of us, a perfect little family.

Oh, and I've been telling Jupiter that she's getting a little brother. She doesn't seem too impressed right now, but I'm sure she'll love you. Just don't pull her tail too hard, ok?