22 Weeks Pregnant!

Whew...22 weeks already! Sometimes it feels like the weeks are crawling by...but then I realize I am over half way there and baby Moots will be here before we know it!

How Far Along: 22 weeks...5 months pregnant!

Size of baby: At our 21 week ultrasound baby Moots was about 13 ounces!

Gender/Name: Baby Moots is still a girl!! Our 2nd ultrasound confirmed her gender once again! After much deliberation and talk, Christian and I have decided on a name for our precious bundle of joy...her name will be Aubrey Lane Moots. Lane is Christian's middle name and Aubrey is just a name we love and think already fits her perfectly!!

Sickness/Feelings: I feel great for the most part...I feel extremely stretched out and uncomfortable at night time. I also have had some acid reflux that has not been enjoyable. But for the most part I cannot complain! One thing I am finding that helps to relieve my uncomfortableness and heavy feeling is swimming. I am so enjoying swimming laps at the Y a couple times a week. Hopefully the baby is enjoying the swimming as much as I am.

Appetite/Weight Gain: Still not too huge of an appetite...it just hurts too much when I am full, so I am learning to eat smaller portions. My belly is definitely growing and making it's appearance.

Cravings: I am finding myself craving cold stuff...like ice cream, snowballs, slushies, cold drinks. Could be the 100 degree heat has something to do with that particular craving!

Movement: Baby Moots is moving like crazy. She is very active at night (around 4:00) and in the mornings around 8. Christian got to feel her move for the first time the other night and it was so special. His face just lit up like a little boy, filled with surprise and delight!

Big Daddy: Speaking of the devil...Christian is doing great at pre-daddy duty. Still making sure I am comfortable and at ease. He has been busy putting together furniture and making sure her room is situated just right. (As soon as we finish decorating, I'll post pictures of the nursery!)

Upcoming Events: Glucose testing is in a few weeks...so not looking forward to that...say a little prayer for me.

Thank you Lord for this precious life...may this baby be a blessing to You, Father!

Summer days!

Oh my...I love summer...especially with my two loves! Hope you are enjoying your summer as well! Stay cool!

The Power of Prayer

I'll be the first to admit that my prayer life isn't as strong as it could or should be. In fact, to be honest, I find myself getting into ruts where I say the same prayer before meals and before bedtime...just simple prayers that I have repeated over and over again until now they become redundant and rehearsed. However, since becoming pregnant and with life seeming to take on a whole new meaning for both myself and my little family...prayer seems so much more urgent and valuable. Christian and I are fast coming to realize just how powerful prayer truly is. Not just any prayer, not a prayer that is said flippantly or just out of habit, but prayer that is offered up with the utmost of faith and expectations.

God has shown Himself to me through answered prayer in the last few months time and time again. I think He is teaching me a lesson in that when we pray, expecting Him to answer...we see results. I am not saying He always answers in the exact way we wish or hope for...but in the long run I see His answers are always better and more appropriate than anything I could ask for.

I am also learning that no prayer is too small or unimportant to our God. Yes...He is a busy...almighty God...but not too busy or powerful to care about our personal needs. I know for a fact that He longs to give us the desires of our hearts...He wants only the best for us.

Before becoming pregnant, I prayed repeatedly, begging the Lord to spare me from morning sickness (if you know me...you know one of my biggest fears is getting sick). I saw God answer that prayer beyond anything I could imagine...not once did I feel nauseous or sick while being pregnant. Answered prayer. Yes it was a small, somewhat petty request...but I believe God knew it was a huge deal to me...therefore, becoming a big issue to Him as well.

A close family member lost something incredibly important...and was in dire need of finding this item. The stakes were extremely high and the chances of finding the lost item was slim to none. Christian and I immediately joined together and began to ask God for a miracle...a needle in a haystack. We prayed together...joined in faith that this lost thing would be found. We got a text the next day stating that the lost item was found! Another miracle.

There are so many other examples of God answering my small, simple prayers in mighty ways. I could go on and on for days with examples. I think those simple requests and answers can lead to huge advancements in our faith.

I find myself coming to the Lord with more and more daily things. A family member in need of help, a common sickness to be healed, a lost item to be found, favor with a coworker...just simple requests that before I didn't feel God wanted to be bothered with...now just seem to naturally need to go before my Creator. He cares. He longs to show Himself faithful when we ask of Him. I believe He gets great delight in showing favor to His beloved children.

Am I saying God always answers the way I want? Absolutely not...but I am learning and discovering His intense love and desire to do good for us. I am learning that no matter what, He desires that we bring it all to Him. Let the load be unpacked at His feet. I am so thankful we serve a God who cares about the small details...who doesn't think I am crazy or weird when I bring Him mundane things, but rather He delights to hear my voice.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4