Thankful Thursday: What A Week!!

This week has been one of the most blessed! Thank you, Jesus! It all began last Friday when we realized that the neurostimulator was successful. Then on Saturday Tim and I had a blast hanging out with just the 3 little guys while Miguel and Karizma spent the day at Spirit West Coast, enjoying all the Christian bands. They said Toby Mac was awesome.

On Sunday we celebrated Gracen's(My sweet niece-daughter of Natalie) 1st birthday. It, to me was such a highlight, because after all she went through during her time in the womb, and being born 8 weeks early...the doctors said she should be terminated. However, her God fearing parents would not budge, and look at our big girl now!!! Tia, Uncle Tim, and your cousins LOVE you Miss Gigi!!



Here are Natalie and I...her at 10 weeks pregnant... me at 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. Thank you, Lord, for giving us these sweet blessings in our wombs. We are so grateful for the honor of becoming mommy's to these gifts from you.



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MIGUEL AND KARIZMA'S SURPRISE BBQ IN THEIR HONOR:

Monday was a day that we celebrated not just all the men and women that have sacrificed their lives for our country, but we took this day to celebrate Miguel and Karizma and their servant's heart towards everyone they come in contact with. Can you believe I didn't take any pictures? But, I know the memory of the day will be engraved in their hearts because everyone got up to say something personal to them and it was so touching to see how many lives my 2 older children have made an impact on. We had family and friends present, Tim BBQ'd, Kimberly brought the BOMB desserts (Thanks for those preggie delights, Kimber!), and Tim's Mom always makes the most fabulous baked beans. The company and fellowship was amazing and I could tell that Miguel and Karizma were truly touched and surprised by the outpouring of love and thankfulness for all they do for not just our family, but our church, and others in our community. They are truly the best kids! Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being their Mom. I know Tim also is very thankful to call himself their Dad.

(This was them a couple of years ago.)
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BREECH VERSION:

Tuesday started out a bit rough. My breech version was scheduled for Tuesday morning, and I hadn't had anything to eat since midnight and there were problems with the scheduling when I called labor and delivery in the morning. I was just sooo hungry, that as long as they let me know if I could eat or not, I would be pacified. Thankfully everything got handled quickly (Thank you Nicole, Helen, Tim, and Paula for your prayers and support that morning!) and I was on my way to the originally scheduled appointment. My Mom met Tim and I there and I was preparing myself for a pretty uncomfortable procedure. I was happy to see that the doctor that would be performing the version was the same doctor that was there for us when Christian was born and I started to hemorrhage. Plus, since the procedure involved her having to straddle me and use her hands to turn the baby, I was glad it wasn't some burly, hairy doctor.

She did an ultrasound and our Isabella was still breech. So she assumed the position, and I made sure to focus on just breathing and had my eyes shut, as to try and not think about how painful this might end up being. She put a bunch of gel all over my belly and starting massaging. It was quite relaxing actually, especially along with my steady breathing exercise. Then, not even a couple of minutes later, I feel her getting off the bed. My eyes were still shut, and I was still doing the breathing, when one nurse says to me, "She's done, Sweetie." Oh, no, I thought to myself, please don't give up already!! I still keep my eyes closed, and the nurse repeats, "She's done. The baby is head down!" WHAT?!?!? How can that be? I mean, I felt absolutely NO PAIN WHATSOEVER! It was actually a very enjoyable time. Since I must have looked like I did not believe a word they were saying, the doctor asked the nurse to turn the ultrasound machine back on and show me on the monitor. Yep, Isabella Grace was finally head down, alright. And, God was so good to me to make this pain free. What a blessed moment we had!! Thanking God for his provision and for the wonderful staff that helped us through this all. Jesus, please keep her in that position! And thank you for being in ALL the details. You are such a loving God!

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OUR ANNIVESARY:

Wednesday was our 8th wedding anniversary. I am so blessed to be this man's wife. Not only is he handsome, hardworking, and loving... he thinks I am beautiful.



We went to our favorite chinese restaurant while all the kids hung out at Grandmom's and Grandad's (Thanks, Mom and Dad!!). We had such a sweet time together and I couldn't stop looking in those gorgeous eyes of his. I just adore this man. Happy Anniversary, Baby. You are my prince in shining armor! (Especially in those jeans!! You know the ones...)

This day was also the day I turned 38 weeks pregnant. Thank you, Lord, for carrying our little girl this far. We are so looking forward to meeting our princess soon.

(Sorry it is so dark..I told Miguel it needed a flash! But, you get the picture, literally. The big 38 week belly sticking all the way out there!)



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MY SWEET FRIENDS:

And today, Thursday, we had playgroup. I have SO missed the mommies. I haven't been able to go to a playgroup in over a month, because they were being held so far away, but this one was closer, so I had to make the trip...especially since it could be the last one I go to in awhile. I love that these women are all so genuine, that they treat eachother with such kindness and love, and that there has never been a catty moment... even among so many women. The Lord is really among our times together and I just love each and every one of these girls so much. Plus, all the kids play SO well together. Thank you, Jesus, for these gems of friends you have placed in my life.



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So, it has been a jam packed week; packed with lots of great news and things to be thankful for. Praising God!