Congratulations!

I read a favorite blog of mine recently, Raising Arrows, and found out that after a recent miscarriage, Amy was expecting again!  I am so very happy for her.  And since she is due in January, I felt that I would share something with her, too.  It's something that I hadn't shared with anyone else yet.  And it's something that I'm not sure about sharing now.  But a very nice lady named Sarah contacted me from that Raising Arrows comment about linking up to her pregnancy blogging and I just couldn't resist.

So, yes.  Baby #7 is on the way here at our house.  Unless you count the two miscarriages we've had, then it's Baby #9.  Even though I don't really mention those to others, in my heart they are still my children and I love them.  My heart just breaks at the thought of their loss.

Well, congratulations to us!  Here is a brief overview of how things are going, thanks to My Joy-Filled Life linky.





How far along are you?  I am 9 weeks 2 days.  My baby is the size of a grape.

Yes, it's a grape tomato, but it's the same size.

Prayer requests?  I'm putting off telling people because I'm tired of the culture of death that we have.  People just don't understand the beauty of life, birth, children.  Anything more than 2 kids is considered odd.  7?  I may be locked up.  Pray for my hesitation at sharing this news.  I have God's perfect peace about the baby, but I foresee many well-meant concerns expressed by others we know.

Medical Stuff?  I saw the midwives at an unseemly early date to have an ultrasound to determine dates.  This baby was a surprise not heralded by the usual restarting of the cycles after the birth of Chicky Punk.  My next appointment isn't until July.

Cravings?  I crave to keep food down without feeling sick. 

Gender?  I don't know.  I'm feeling so sick, just like I did with all my girls.  With the boys, I felt okay.  I think it's a girl.

What I miss.... Sleeping.  I can't sleep the night for the life of me.

What I'm looking forward to.... The birth.  I'm having my second home birth and I'm very excited about it.  I loved the last one, even though it was my longest labor.

Discussion Question:  More kids? Why or why not?

Here's my thoughts on the matter.  What children we do or don't have is between me, my hubby and my God.  Being Catholic, we don't believe in "standard" birth control.  Natural Family Planning (or fertility awareness) is the way to go and it's extremely effective (99%) when used properly.  No, it's not the rhythm method of the 1960's church, but a scientific method of recognizing and charting your body's fertility signals.  You simply abstain if no pregnancy is desired.  (Many people use it "backwards" in order to achieve pregnancy.)  I used to think that was dumb, abstaining for half of the month when I just wanted to be active with my hubby.  But the older I get, the more I see how NFP works with God's plans.

So those people who wish to lynch me for "overpopulating" and "geez, get cable tv" will be hearing my new party line, which is something along the lines of "Why? Will you be raising them?" or perhaps "How is that your business?".  I am feeling confrontational about this just now.  Hello mood swing.

What scripture is speaking to you this week?  I put off this question until the last because I just didn't have an answer.  What was God saying to me this week?  After that big blowout on the discussion question, this verse came to mind:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

What is more of God's purpose that a baby to further His kingdom?

(If you aren't a pregnant blogger, but know someone who is, please help spread the word about the link-up.  Also, if you aren't pregnant, or a blogger, please feel free to stop by the linked up blogs and offer encouragement and support if you feel led!  Thanks!)




grape tomato image via Rutgers.com