We are elated to announce that we are EXPECTING! Our sweet, rainbow baby is due in July. We have prayed for this little one for years, just like we prayed for our first miracle baby (who we hope to meet and hold in heaven).
I know you are probably wondering what that means for adoption. We know that God has called us to adopt. Adoption was never a "means to an end". With that being said, it is our agency's policy to place us on "hold" until our baby reaches 18 months of age and at that time we can pick back up from where we left off. It definitely seems sooooo long from now, but it's for good reason. We are still looking forward to adoption and the child God will bring us through it.
I was going to do a few separate posts to update you on the pregnancy but considering I am 25 weeks pregnant, that would be A LOT to catch up on. Instead, I will just give a brief overview of the last 25 weeks and specific things that stood out. Ready, set, go...
We found out November 5, 2017 via an at home pregnancy test. I was late (nothing really new) and I just had this feeling that something was up. I took the LAST test I had and BAM! it was positive. Insert all the heart eye emojis here. On Monday I called my OB/GYN and made an appointment for the next day (Tuesday) where they confirmed the pregnancy. From there we prayed and prayed and prayed .... and prayed that God would allow this little baby to make it past the first trimester, full term and into life. Of course, we are still praying for this babe - everyday. We had an ultrasound the day after they confirmed the pregnancy - I was 6 weeks. We had another ultrasound at 8 weeks and 10 weeks. My doctor (who is AMAZING) wanted to check on the progression of the baby. We had a regular check-up at 14 weeks and listened to the heartbeat on the Doppler. We had our "20" week appointment at 19 weeks. I have to say, I absolutely loved this appointment. We got to see the baby for more than 30 seconds and hear the heartbeat for more than 5 seconds. It was such a sweet time. At this appointment we also found out that our sweet baby is a GIRL! I went back at 23 weeks and heard the heartbeat on the Doppler - that sound will never get old. My next appointment is in two weeks, I'll be 27 weeks, and it will be the glucose test. Yay. Some tidbits of information, I had "morning" sickness from about 6 weeks to 17 weeks and I will still get nauseous if I wait too long between meals (or snacks) to eat. Other than that, it has been wonderful and I am blessed beyond measure to be called to carry this baby.
Now, let me just say that pregnancy after loss is not easy. At. All. It's been nerve wracking and at times, down right scary. (I may do a post on it at some point because I know there are many women who walk down this road and I would love to just encourage you through it.) I also want to say that this baby does not replace our first baby. Our first baby had a purpose and a plan, something we strongly believe. We thank God for that baby. God has been gracious to give us another baby to pray over and love. We are forever grateful. We are also very much looking forward to picking back up with Adoption!
Whew, that was a lot. Thank you for following along and I'll try not to wait too long to get back over here again. Happy Fri-YAY!