First Ultrasound

I will probably never forget when we first saw our baby on the ultrasound. I think we were only 8 weeks pregnant, so it really looked like little more than a peanut shaped blob with a rapidly beating heart. But it was AMAZING. Incredible to see that little heart beating on the screen, to know there is a new life being formed!

I think in those early weeks, having a good pregnancy book was a great way to get excited and learn about the baby’s development. I really enjoyed What to Expect When You’re Expecting and also the website www.parents.com

Was It Planned?

Ah, another popular question. People can be so nosy! When you are young or have not been married a long time, everyone wants to know if the baby was planned. Usually, I think, so they can decide if you are worthy of judgment or not. Honestly, though, whether planned or not, whether desired or not, it is a new life and worthy to be rejoiced over!

Finally I came up with an answer to this question: Yes, it was planned. Perhaps not by us, but certainly planned by God! He planned this one’s life and is currently forming her features, her personality—everything.

For those who are trying to get pregnant or planning to start a family, I think it is wonderful. It is an incredible journey. The March of Dimes website (www.marchofdimes.com) has some great tips for determining ovulation and helping with conception. Here is their ovulation calendar.

Reflections on my Pregnancy

I decided that, for the month of February (and possibly into March), I will look back and reflect on my pregnancy with Layla. It was, after all, a year ago this month that I became pregnant, so it seems fitting.

At the time, I did not have really any friends in town that were also pregnant, so it was extremely helpful for me to have a couple friends in other places across the country who could empathize and walk the journey with me. My hope is that these reflections will be a blessing for you, the reader, allowing you into my journey and coming alongside yours.

Pregnancy is a time of such immense change. Both the actual changes occurring at unbelievable rates as well as the expectation of change to come. In the midst of the whirlwind of growth and newness, it is wonderful to have that solid rock to come back to.

Whether you are expecting, wanting to get pregnant, just curious, or none of the above, I hope you enjoy the upcoming month of blog posts! If nothing else, I will enjoy processing it through writing. :-) And please, please, feel free to ask any and every question. :-)