3.26.2007

28 weeks pregnant and other random things...

Well the title says it all, 28 weeks down which leaves exactly 84 days until my due date! I'm still feeling pretty good although the last week or so my body has been prompting me to slow down quite a bit. I wake up in the morning feeling like I could take on the world and by 3:00 or so it's all I can do to keep my eyes open. I've been taking an afternoon nap whenever possible, but even with that I'm still exhausted by 9:00 at night. Thankfully Andy continues to be wonderful and encourages me to rest when I can. I have also noticed my ribs are starting to get really sore. It's especially bad when I'm sitting straight up. The last couple times we've gone out to eat I haven't been able to make it through the meal without having to get up and walk around. I know it's only going to get worse, so I'm trying not to complain too much about it now. All in all, I guess I could say that I'm really just feeling *pregnant* these days.

Bella has been a charm as usual. She seems to have really gotten used to the idea of having a baby sister and even though she still says she wanted a brother, she talks very affectionately about her sister. She is also constantly on the look out for cute things for the baby to wear and play with. Jessica gave us some "a baby is on the way" type books when were were visiting and has been having us read them to her over and over. She is very intrigued by it all.

Some of you may think I have fallen off the face of the earth due to my lack of communication. Well, I'm still here, just extremely busy. Of course there is the fact that I'm pregnant (read: TIRED) and all the stuff we are trying to get done around the house in a short amount of time, but the other reason is a recent change in my job. I have been so busy I haven't had time to post about it, but about a month ago I began the transition out of Married Life Coordinator/Counselor into the position of Pastor Arts Assistant. It was a surprise as first when they asked me if I'd be interested in this new position, but after talking it over with Andy and praying about it, it really felt like the right thing for me to do. I honestly had no idea what it would entail, but I quickly learned that there was more to it than I ever imagined. I am now working very closely with Art and Rhonda and in my short time in this position have learned more than I did in the entire year before. I have to say that sometimes it is completely exhausting, but at the end of the day it is well worth it. I am seeing the inner workings of our church and getting a better understanding of just how much time and dedication goes into leading a church. We have been dealing with some pretty heavy and emotional issues recently and by the time I leave work my brain is so overwhelmed with stuff that I can hardly think straight. I don't know how to put it in words, but as taxing as it has been recently I wouldn't trade it for anything. I absolutely LOVE what I'm doing! I've never had a job (other than being a mom) that I've felt so called to and I'm just so grateful to have this opportunity in my life.

Of course the unfortunate part of this is that I've neglected many of the people in my life that I care about and I feel terrible for that. I would love to say that I've made a decision to change things and that I will be better at keeping in touch, but honestly I know it won't happen. I have had to really prioritize things in my life and have found it one of the most difficult things to do when having to chose between the things and people in my life that I really love and care about. It's not been as easy as cutting out things like TV and trips to the mall unfortunately. So, with that, please accept my apology for not being able to keep up with everyone like I used to. I love all of you dearly, but have found that with our decision for me to work (even part time) that our life has had to change some what to accommodate my role as a workin' woman! ;)

Last week I sat down with Art to discuss my maternity leave and things of that nature and am happy to report that I was very pleased with the outcome. They are being more than generous with my leave and transition back after the baby is born. I also got confirmation that I will be able to take the baby to work with me on a regular basis for as long as it works for me. Several times I've read in my Mothering magazine about how they and a few other "family friendly" businesses allow their employees to bring their children to work (babies in particular) and always thought how cool it would be to work at a place like that. Now, here I sit with the same opportunity as the women I've read about and feel more than blessed. I know that it won't always be easy, but I'm really trusting that God will continue to provide a way for me to not only work in this position He's called me to, but to also allow me to take care of my family in a way that is uncompromising to my dedication as a mother and wife.

I'm on a roll and could probably write another few pages, but Andy is requesting Beef Stroganoff for dinner and since I am missing a few key ingredients he has offered to go to the store to get them. He always does the best he can, but since I'm kind of picky when it comes to groceries, I told him that I would be happy to run in and get what I needed if he would drive me to the store. With that, we are off to get what we need for a fattening, but tasty dinner of Beef Stroganoff.

I have plans to finally get a decent pregnancy picture this week. If I'm successful I will be sure to post it. Also, stay tuned for another glimpse at our little one. I have my next appointment on Monday and we will be having an ultrasound to check my fluid levels (they were low with Bella towards then end of my pregnancy). I'm hoping to get another picture of her and most importantly confirmation that she really is a girl!! ;)

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