Patiently Waiting; Eagerly Anticipating

Waiting...still waiting. ;)

Well, I have gotten lots of comments from people waiting to here something about Baby May. Adam and I are eager as well, but I have no idea when our little one will make his appearance. My due date is looming in the near future (couple days). The house is clean and ready (for now). Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and sweet comments of anticipation.

 I am (still) working full-time on limited duty, which means I get to sit and do "secretarial work." Right now, it is just a struggle to get up and ready for the morning, but I am also thankful for this "stage" in the pregnancy as well. I think I would be scared to death of delivering this baby, but since I'm so miserable, I am anticipating labor! (Adam you can remind me I said this during 2nd stage of labor...haha) As much as I would love (I think) sitting at home at this stage, I also feel like sitting and waiting is more painful. Who knows, I could go in to labor tomorrow or in 2 weeks...so right now I am just keeping myself occupied.

Right now I have a peace, a calmness, a wonderful husband, a refrigerator full of food, a clean house, and a baby that will be coming soon! This nearly 40 week pregnant person is happy and content!!

Psalm 139: 1-4:" O Lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know if completely, O Lord."

Psalms 139: 13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

I woke up with the thought today about how wonderful it was that my God KNOWS me. He formed and created me. He is a personal God who cares for me. He personally created me how he wanted me...my nose, hair, and personality. I was created with a purpose and a plan before I was even born! I pray you will feel encouraged knowing that our God is not distant, but knows every part of you. A baby being created and growing inside me is a reminder of this everyday. We can't wait to see how he created our little man...looks, personality, etc.

Until then, we are patiently waiting, but eagerly anticipating his arrival...whenever that will be. :)

38 weeks (last weeks picture)

 

Busy Lives, but Happy Ones

We decided to take our maternity pictures while on vacation in late June with my sister . She did a fabulous job! These were all taken at Multnomah Falls in Oregon. 

This picture was taken on the coast in Seaside, OR. 

Add caption

Just thought I'd share some of my favorite maternity pictures with you. I am nearly 33 weeks and I can't believe it. This pregnancy has gone by so fast and so slow. :) Adam and I have been busy getting things ready whether by attending our weekly birthing class, cleaning our apartment, reading and researching "baby topics," meeting with pediatricians, or attending a cloth diapering class. Soon will be our showers and I can't wait to start adding things to our nursery (aka Adam's office, our bedroom, and living room...haha) We are excited to meet our little boy. Do you know the feeling when your life is about to completely change, but you have no idea how exactly? There is an element of surprise, wonder, and eager anticipation for a coming blessing.

Our marriage has been strengthened as we have been having to make needed adjustments in anticipation  to our baby boy coming. Adam switching jobs and leaving ministry for now, changing to a midwife after 20 weeks pregnant, and making some decisions that have definitely put us against the grain of society have been a few, but I am so thankful my husband and I are unified on our decisions (not always at this same time, but eventually :) I knew choosing a man who was confident in his relationship with Christ and sensitive to the Holy Spirit would be the most valuable attributes to me. I could not be more thankful for a man who has stood by my side, supported me, cared for me, and sacrificed for me (and our little one). This pregnancy has made us dig deeper in our marriage and we have both discovered a new part of ourselves and a strength in our relationship with Christ. Am I the only one that thinks it's exciting that marriage is in a constant state of adjustment? I love going through changes with my husband. I know I can depend on him and his character and eventually we'll find what works for us after seeking God together and independently.

Just wanted to update you all with the happenings of the past few months and share a few pictures. 

Last week: 31 weeks.

Did some baking the other day after craving mom's blueberry muffins. I was proud of the outcome that came from substituting vegetable oil to coconut oil and using coconut palm sugar instead of cane sugar. I even had to "claim" some for my own before Adam ate them all. :) I would say this was a success!

This has been my nursery project. I just painted the hoops white and added fabric of my choosing. So cheap and inexpensive and a cute way to decorate a nursery. The picture is one that my mom sent me as a gift and a reminder of Jesus' love for children. 

Boy or Girl?

Well, Adam is already scheming at what cubs outfit to put our little BOY in! And 90% of you already guessed it, so to be honest, we weren't surprised...haha! Our ultrasound technician had a hard time getting all his measurements because he kept moving and flipping around. I predict having an Adam May Jr....lots of energy! :) Not feeling flutters/movement yet, but soon. Baby is healthy and the best news...no big head!! We had to include Ginger in the announcement, so I hope you enjoyed it! I was giggling the whole time I was trying to get her to pose. 

At 19 weeks on 04.17.2012, we found out we were having a boy.

~Feeling bigger, but excited! 

~Reading lots and taking naps throughout the day (unless at work of course). 

~Adam and I definitely foresee change coming our way...

~Was so neat to see our little one moving around on the ultrasound

~Adam was sure it was a boy

~Feeling incredibly blessed!

~Now to figure out a boys name...

A Crown of Love and Compassion

I just finished one of my favorite books! Joni Eareckson has such a powerful testimony. At seventeen after a diving accident (and near drowning). Joni became a quadriplegic, unable to move her arms and legs. Her world as she knew it was shattered. She struggled with depression and anger, but eventually reached out to her loving Savior for the strength to go on. Not only did she go on, but she learned to use her testimony to share of God's redemptive love. She also was blessed with finding out she had an amazing gift...painting/drawing...with her mouth.  

Joni had a love for drawing horses.

I have really enjoyed this book. Mainly because one of my passions is working with teenage trauma patients, especially teenagers with spinal chord injuries. I knew I liked taking care of the teenagers, but didn't know spinal chord injuries were a passion of mine until I had taken care of a handful of patients with this type trauma. Teenagers are awesome! I think I found this out even more when combined with my job as a nurse, I started becoming involved with the teenagers at our church. I love them! There is so much they question and experience. They may not always tell you everything, but you get little glimpses of their thought processes every once in a while. Those you hold onto like priceless rubies!

After reading this book, I learned not only how to better my nursing skills, but was encouraged in my walk with the Lord as well. I was amazed at how many "stupid" responses and "advice" Toni received from people after they found out she was paralyzed. I can't believe people would be so insensitive and not think before speaking the first thing that comes to mind. But she showed such patience and love! I want to use one example that spoke to me:  

(After speaking at a conference) "Someone asked me,' Do you suppose you were so strong willed and stubborn that the only way God could work in your life was to 'zap' you and put you in a wheelchair?' I shook my head. 'In the Psalms we're told that God does not deal with us according to our sins and iniquities. My accident was not a punishment for my wrongdoing- whether or not I deserved it. Only God knows why I was paralyzed. Maybe he knew I'd be ultimately happier serving Him. If I were still on my feet it's hard to say how things might have gone. I probably would have drifted through life- marriage, maybe even divorce- dissatisfied and disillusioned.'" 

(Tada, 1976)

So many people that struggle with an illness, sickness, or injury at some point or another usually questions if God did it to them to get their attention or deal with them in some way. My heart breaks when I hear the person question it or hear others put this disbelief in their minds! I become angry! If this were the case, we would all deserve death (and we do). But thanks to our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ who died in our place for our sins, we now inherit the righteousness of Christ when we trust in his sacrifice on the cross. Eternal life is ours! Accidents, trauma, rape, abuse, tumors, cancer, etc. are in no way punishment, but the result of a fallen world. If you are struggling with this I want to give you a Psalm to cling to. This is the Psalm Toni quoted:

Psalm 103: 2-5, 8-12

"...Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things...The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger for forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. "

That's just me getting a little something off my chest and out there. I pray daily for those I know going through loss and suffering. I believe the Lord reveals himself in special ways to those who are experiencing suffering. To those of you that are healthy, I pray the Lord will use you, abilities and all, to serve those in need. God called us to be servants to each other out of the example he set. Praying you have a blessed week ahead.

Love, 

             Michelle

It's a Beautiful Day

I woke up this morning hearing the birds chirping and singing their songs to the Lord. I love birds! I just laid there in bed listening to the sounds I have longed to hear all winter. Glorious! I feel like all of a sudden things are starting to come alive with Spring approaching. I just love this weather. Even people are coming out of hibernation. Adam and I went for a walk on the Monon Trail, and people and their pets were everywhere. I enjoyed seeing all kinds of people walking, running, rollerblading, and biking. I think Ginger would have enjoyed it more if she didn't stop to sniff EVERYTHING! (Oh, the joys of having a hound dog.)

I was also blessed this past week to spend a day with my mom (and part of the day with my brother). That came as a huge blessing. I have just been missing my family so much. Mom and I stayed up late in the morning talking, drinking tea, surfing the internet, talking about raising babies, shopping, and eating a good amount of food. I just love my mom so much. She means the world to me and I am blessed to have her in my life! Then, we realized I hadn't been home since Christmas and wondered where the time went?!?! My job teaches me to value to relationships and loved ones I have in my life on a daily basis. You never know when the Lord will "give OR take away."

This week I had another special blessing. I met an elderly man at work who was getting ready to celebrate 60 years of marriage with his wife. He learned later that day that his wife's prognosis was poor and her quality of life was diminished. He chose to remove her from life support and keep her comfortable until she passed. I had a chance to meet each of his children and learn about their family and the marriage of this wonderful couple. Sadly, his beloved passed, but he sincerely thanked me and congratulated me on the new life being formed within me. I saw tears come to his eyes as memories with his beloved flooded his mind. I prayed for his family, and then they left the hospital knowing their mother and wife went to be with the Lord. I formed a special bond with this family and feel so blessed to have gotten to know them. My prayers are with them as they continue to deal with their loss.

I had a doctor's appointment this week also, everything continues to look good and healthy. I have my ultrasound scheduled for next month! Adam and I laughed the other night. I said, "It has taken me this long to get used to having a baby. Now we have another surprise to look forward too. A boy or a girl?" The doctor asked me if we had any suspicions, and I said that we had no idea.

As far as Adam, he's continuing to train for his half marathon in May. I am so glad he has an outlet for all that energy! Also, he might be the only one I know who is disappointed about how mild the winter was and still keeps trying to convince me to move up North. NO WAY!

Follow Me

Well, I am already almost 13 weeks, but it's not official yet until Saturday...sooo...here's the official 12 week update.

Baby May is the size of a plumb and growing fast! I am definitely celebrating being done with my first trimester after I work this weekend. I made it! Hoping the nausea starts eventually settling down and my energy comes back. (At least for the 2nd trimester). I am not in denial that I will eventually feel miserable again once I near the end of my pregnancy, but I don't need people reminding me of that...so I am just taking one step at a time.

I am incredibly thankful for a healthy pregnancy thus far. For those of you waiting for 'the bump' it's coming slowly. But it's in that awkward stage right now, no pictures for me until it looks a little more prominent...

Adam and I laid awake in bed last night talking about the baby. It is amazing that out of our love for one another, God created something. All I have to do is eat and sleep and this new life is constantly being created and developed in me till one day this baby is introduced to the outside world. All of a sudden we are a family of two to a family of three. I am looking forward to experiencing different milestones with our pregnancy like feeling the baby kick, finding out the sex of Baby May, and seeing a growing belly, but all the while, enjoying each stage.

Today is leap day! It's also my half birthday (who says a 26 year old can't celebrate their half birthday, especially when it only comes every 4 years?!) and the day Adam proposed to me 4 years ago. We were cold sitting on the steps of Lake Michigan overlooking the Chicago Skyline, but it didn't seem to matter at that point. We were getting married and I had the best fiance and the most beautiful ring! It was a time God was showing me to let go of my plans and trust him and when I chose to do that, God revealed that he desires to delight and guide his children. God's plan turned out 10 times better than mine. He carried out all the details of getting married within 6 months, going to Ethiopia that Spring, and allowing Adam and I to find jobs in Indianapolis while I finished my last semester of school. I couldn't have planned it better!

 So I want to encourage you. Maybe you are a planner like me...that's ok! It's good to be cautious and organized!! But don't snuff out his best plan for your life just because you are afraid to hope or even ask him if it could be possible. God called many people to follow him and said come...not go home and pack, say goodbye to your families, or bury a family member. Follow him when he calls you and be ready. You may miss an incredible blessing from him if you say, "wait." This was one of the biggest lessons God taught me! So our engagement story is a reminder to me of the blessings God will bring when you trust in him.

And every day of our life since then has been doing the same thing. Trusting him. With our finances, our jobs, our marriage, a baby on the way,..(to be continued) What a blessing and joy it has been!

A wonderful day!

Our Big Announcement

Possibly one of the hardest secrets to keep of my life...we are expecting Baby May in early September!! Our whole world was changed when I took a pregnancy test before I left for work on Friday the 13th of January...and then took another one when I got home. I think two positive pregnancy tests had me convinced that Baby May was on the way. Needless to say, we are so excited!!!

 First, I have to give a shout out to my wonderful husband. I am so thankful for the stronghold he has been for me during my first trimester...(hey, it's a little scary when your body is changing and you've never experience pregnancy before, you're sick all day long, you're still working full time, and you're tired (and crabby). But he still was/is such a servant. I have avoided grocery shopping since the sight of food and the smell of it can trigger my nausea, so he has run all the errands. Unfortunately, my poor husband had dinner all fixed for me when I got home from work, and I just looked at my favorite food and said I'd rather have ramen noodles...haha. Thankfully he forgave me. So thank you hunny for being patient with me and keeping up with my demands. (I really am quite impressed...I knew I married a good man. :)

We have been married going on 4 years...and have experienced so much in those years. Moved to a different city/state. Started ministry together at a small church and met many wonderful people. I grew in my knowledge and skills of being an Emergency room nurse and now, an Intensive Care nurse. Of course we have great memories travelling. We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and camped in the Smokey Mountains. Climbed the peaks of South Dakota and visited Mount Rushmore. Viewed the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and survived the Phoenix heat in the summer. Celebrated in countless friends' weddings. As well as spent many family vacations in Cancun every January. Adam and I would never take back those years we had to travel and develop our marriage...(and those will continue). God has taught us in our individual lives and helped us work together as a married couple. But all the while, we eventually wanted to have kids. So here we are in the eventually. We consider this another unknown journey. Our world is about to change for the good and we can't wait to add someone else to our family!

To our wonderful friends and family:
Your excitement, shrieks, screams, dances,  and speechless expressions have been priceless! :)

We feel blessed! Just wanted to share our news. I wish I could tell each of you in person, but it's taken nearly two and a half months to tell the few people that know already.... :)

Love,
Adam and Michelle May

After two of these, I was convinced. 

The cake we brought to surprise the Dennison Family. Their reactions were priceless!