How Do I Say This?

I’ve been thinking about this post for quite some time, hoping and thinking that I would discover the perfect way to say this.  Well, I haven’t.  I have never considered myself creative, nor an especially good communicator.  Since loosing our sweet Andrew, I have also become far more sensitive to the feelings of others.  Not that I’m perfect at it, but it’s made me a lot more aware of the fact that many people are hurting.  Although the reasons may not necessarily be related to the death of a child or infertility, I’m so aware that pain is real and suffering happens far too often.  And I pray that this post will not in any way add to any of the pain you may be experiencing, whatever it may be.  I have appreciated all the support and prayers we have received from so many of you, so I feel like it’s time to share some things. 

It’s with great joy that we’d like to announce that Andrew is going to have a little sister!

I’m officially 16 weeks pregnant and we are due 12/28.  Needless to say, we feel incredibly blessed to have another baby in our lives, but this news comes with such a mixture of emotions.  I’m trying my hardest to enjoy this baby one day at a time and not get too far ahead of myself.  I wish I could say that fear hasn’t been an issue, but it has.  I’m praying daily for the Lord to protect this precious life inside me and to give my fears over to him whenever they creep in.  I’m determined to not let the enemy have a stronghold during this pregnancy.

So far things look good.  We had 2 ultrasounds early on with my fertility doctor, which was nice.  That’s one nice thing about conceiving under a fertility doctor – early ultrasounds!  That first appointment brought on the most anxiety yet, fearing that this baby would be dead before I could even see the first heartbeat.  Luckily, it was there and was such a relief!

We have had 3 more ultrasounds since I have been released to my OB.  I had one at 10 weeks, one at 13 weeks when they performed the nuchal translucency screening, as well as today’s 16 week fetal scan.  Things have looked good at all the ultrasounds and I’ve enjoyed hearing some good heartbeats in between the ultrasounds.  So far, I’m seeing both my OB and my hish risk doctor, and this will most likely continue throughout the pregnancy, with even more monitoring at 32 weeks.  I’m finding that having an appointment every 2 weeks has helped my anxiety.  We will also most likely deliver this little one a couple of weeks prior to her due date, assuming all looks healthy.  All of our doctors have been more supportive than I could ever ask for, so I’m really grateful for that.

So, here we are.  Joyful to be pregnant again, but all too aware that not every pregnancy ends with a baby in your arms.  We’re hopeful and trusting the Lord each and every step of the way.  We want Him to get all the glory!

With that, I’d like to share the most recent pics of our little girl. 

Would you be praying for us as we navigate this next stage of our grief journey?  And for the health of this little baby girl?  We’d appreciate it so very much.  We want so much to honor the memory of our sweet firstborn while also bonding with this new blessing.

And please, let me know how we can be praying for you!  We’d consider in an honor to be lifting you up to our Father!