Saturday, March 14, 2009

12 Weeks

Thank you to all my sweet friends who have been checking for an update on the blog and commenting that you are praying for us and thinking about us. We appreciate it so much!

I'm not good with keeping secrets, so it was hard to post until now. We are incredibly excited to share that we are 12 weeks pregnant! God is faithful.

There are so many differences with this pregnancy. With Chloe, I felt fear and dread from the very beginning. Even before we knew there were problems, I felt like there was a dark cloud over the pregnancy and that something was going to go wrong. I don't feel that way at all this time. In fact, it is the opposite. I feel peace and assurance that everything is going to be OK. It is strange. Of course, these feelings are definitely not scientific - the only way I can explain the current peace is that it is from God. After what we have been through it is the only explanation.

The other difference is the amount of morning sickness I'm experiencing and how tired I am. Both are more extreme this time. I'm hoping they will pass soon, if not, they'll be gone around September 28 when the baby is due. :o)

To say that there haven't been moments of fear and anxiety would be untrue. Last week was particularly difficult. I had the first trimester screening done on Friday (ultrasound and blood work). This was particularly difficult because this is the test that alerted us to the problems with Chloe. And it was March last year when we found out how sick she was. God's timing doesn't always make sense to me, but I know it is perfect.

The blood work results won't be in for 10 days, but the ultrasound results were good. Really good. There is no cystic hygroma and the thickness on the back of the babies neck is normal (Chloe had both and they are strong indicators of Down Syndrome). We didn't have any reason to believe that there would be a problem, but it is such a relief to know that things look good so far.

The Genetics Counselor that we worked with last time came in during the ultrasound and was happy to hear the results too. It is amazing how many people remember our story - even use Chloe's name when we see them. It is so touching.

I feel pretty emotional most days - the pregnancy, anticipation of the 1 year anniversary of Chloe's delivery, the anniversary of my Mom's death this month and regular life stuff. I find the tears just start flowing. Maybe because of something that is on t.v., but I know deep down that they are tears for much more. It's really hard. I have a lot to be hopeful for, but it is still hard. The positive results on Friday were a huge relief.

The baby is due September 28 - my mom's birthday. Jose's 40th birthday is September 25. And Chloe's due date was September 4. It will be another emotional month - but a wonderful month.

For those of you have have followed our story, you'll remember the moms I met in Atlanta who had also experienced the loss of a child. They were a huge comfort and encouragement to me each step of our journey. They were gathering in June in Atlanta for a Beth Moore conference on the weekend of the 1 year anniversary of Miller Grace's passing. Miller Grace's mommy, Emily, had coordinated the get together and the mommies came together from several states. I happened to be in Atlanta the same weekend and was able to meet the ladies face to face - what a blessing! That is why I refer to it as the Miracle Mommy Meeting. See the picture on the right side of the blog.

It brings (more) tears to my eyes to share that all the women from the Miracle Mommy Meeting are either pregnant or already have a new baby in their arms. It is incredible - it has been less than a year and look how God has brought such restoration. There really are no words to describe how amazing God has been to replace our mourning with joy so soon.

We have been holding on to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And He has been faithful to fulfill His promise. We have hope for today and a future that includes a healthy baby due in September. We are blessed.

Thank you for your prayers and for checking in on us. You encourage us. The next month in particular will include lots of emotional ups and downs. We appreciate your prayers as we take one day at a time. God bless you!

11 comments:

Kenzie said...

You know that we are just overwhelmed with excitement for you two!! The Lord is SO AMAZINGLY FAITHFUL and I too feel such great restoration through this last year. I love you and am praying for your sweet babe.

Rachel said...

Yay!!!!

Blessings to you all!

Emily said...

Oh Kirsten, I am beyond thrilled for you and Jose!!! How incredibly awesome to have another sweet September baby on the way. I have such joy and peace about your sweet baby and I'm so excited just to get to watch this incredible story unfold! God is SO good, all the time. I love you and I'll be praying you through the days, weeks, and months to come. :)

Corie said...

Congrats! So glad all is going well. I have thought of you often. What good news to hear. Blessing to you! Many anniversaries in September, but a blessed both it will be. So excited for you.

Karin said...

I think about you and Jose frequently, and I was so excited to see your news today! While I am sure it is not always easy, I am glad that you have been able to enjoy this pregnancy. Please keep us posted-we will pray for a happy and healthy pregnancy!

boltefamily said...

I am so THRILLED for you Kirsten. I think about you so often and have really wondered how you have been doing. We will be praying.

boltefamily said...

I am so THRILLED for you Kirsten. I think about you so often and have really wondered how you have been doing. We will be praying.

Penny said...

How exciting.......... Your little Chloe left a fooprint on my heart and I have followed along every since. I am thrilled that God is giving you another blessing.

Enjoy your pregnancy, even if it is between trips to toss your cookies. :)

asplashofsunshine said...

I will come out of the bloggy hole that I have been hiding in. CONGRATULATIONS! YAYYYYY!

Jennifer said...

Yea!! I am so happy for all of your good news! I will be praying for a peaceful, quick pregnancy.

Chrissy said...

A post I have been so waiting to see! Very happy for you! Praying for your newest blessing!