“Known”

Jeremiah 1:5- “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”

We’ve always wanted a large family. We have been hoping for a third baby, and in October learned that number three was planning on making an appearance this summer! It was a tiny bit unexpected, but ever so welcomed!!

Things seem to be going well for us. I’ve had some morning sickness, but overall, it’s been good. We had a ultrasound and saw the baby’s heartbeat. And this was at 8 and a 1/2 weeks gestation (which is approximately 6 and 1/2 weeks past conception.) It’s so neat to see this tiny baby that I can’t even feel yet. If it weren’t for the test, the sickness, and the tiny bump on my belly, I’d never even know.

Yet, there is this baby forming. As I write this, I’m almost 11 weeks. Here’s some neat facts about my baby’s development at this point:

• Nearly all structures and organs are formed and beginning to function.
• Eyelids fuse shut and irises begin to develop – Eye color is also determined by this point.
• Fingers and toes have separated – Take a glimpse at how incredibly precious your child’s tiny feet are at this point.
• Hair and nails begin to grow
• The genitals begin to take on the proper gender characteristics – It will be just a few more weeks before your ultrasound can show if you are having a boy or a girl!
• Amniotic fluid begins to accumulate as the kidneys begin to function – This fluid, consisting primarily of water, helps provide a cushion for your baby while she’s nestled within your womb.
• The muscles in the intestinal walls begin to practice contractions that digest food.
• Your baby is about 1.61 inches (4.1 cm) long and weighs 0.25 ounce (7gm) at the end of this week.

It’s amazing that all this has happened, and yet I can’t even feel the baby yet!  But God knew.  And has always known.  He knows the name of this baby.  He knows the lifespan of this baby.  He has already determined his or her eye color, hair color, height, weight, body shape, and all the physical traits that this baby will have.  He also knows the future of this baby.  He has always known this baby, and He has given us the gift of life yet again. 

It’s awesome to think about the fact that God has entrusted two tiny little lives to us.  He is giving us the opportunity to have yet another little person to raise and love and train for Him.  I am so excited to meet this little one and see who God has given to us.  For He knows this baby and has always “known” him or her.  And He is a good God for giving us the gift of life.

“Overflowing Cup”

Psalm 23:1, 4-6- “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness  and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. “

I am just in such a great place.  God has really blessed me.  This Thanksgiving, I had a chance to reflect on all the blessings I have in life.

First,  I have a WONDERFUL God who has given me so much. Like I have said in previous entries, I know that every gift is from God.  He has given me life.  He gave me His Son and now I have eternal life through Christ.  That alone is so much to be thankful for.

He has given me an absolutely incredible husband.   We are so perfect together.  We complement each other so well.  My husband is thoughtful, sweet, funny, good-looking, compassionate, passionate, caring, sensitive, strong, and just all around- the man of my dreams.  He has supported me in everything I do and has been an amazing daddy!!

He has given me wonderful children.  Every day, I wake up with overflowing love for my two precious daughters.  My 3 1/2 year old is so sweet and smart.  She’s got so much energy and always loves to run and laugh.  Yet, in the same moment will just come over and give me a kiss because she loves me.  My 19 mo. daughter is so expressive.  She is so smart.  She loves to be wherever her sister is.  She loves to be outside and play.  She makes the cutest faces and has the most amazing expressions.  She cracks everyone up.  She is sweet and lovable.

He has given me a wonderful family.  My parents have been so great.  They loved me and raised me to love the Lord.  They support me in everything I do and are there for me.  My sister and brother-in-laws are great.  I love my mother and father in laws and we get along great.

I have the best job in the world!  I am at home with my girls all day, and I dye yarn on the side.  I love the influence I get to have on my children.  And yet, I have a creative outlet.  I  have been blessed with amazing customers, who have been so sweet to me.  In fact, this colorway was inspired by a customer who wanted a custom done for her brother for Christmas.  I have wonderful partners and am so thankful that this has been working out so well.

I am thankful for my health, my house, my husband’s income and his job that he loves, for my car that runs, for the food on our table, for my education and for so much more.  You see, “my cup truly overflows”.  God has given me so much, and I am so thankful!!