Pregnancy Photoshoot

A great friend of mine, D'Nae Reber, offered to take our sweet family out for a pregnancy photoshoot. At the shower, there were several pictures, as well as a collage of them, decorating the house. It was so special to me to have documented such amazing pictures for such a sweet time in our family's life! There were many many to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites...

Jude's Shower

Last Tuesday I was so wonderfully blessed with a beautiful baby shower for the new little one. My mom and sister came out to Abilene to celebrate, and we had so much fun together! I think one of the best parts to the shower though, was getting to see some more old friends! Baby Jude got almost everything he needs to be all set (minus a few of the bigger items), and I've now spent my weekend washing clothes and preparing his little room for his big arrival in 4 short weeks!! Here are just a few pictures from the shower and our girl's day together.

My beautiful hostesses!

Traditional cake pose.

Erin drove in from Irving!! How great it was to see you!

Tamara also drove in from Dallas! She was my best friend and college roommate.

The blessing blanket- a staple in the baby showers around our church.

My great friend Amity and I. Her sweet little Ella is due July 24th. Almost there!

As you can see, silly runs in the family.

Mom, Di and I getting pedicures the next day. I neglected to tell you the Zookini's story: we ate there for dinner the night before and that night Deron threw up throughout the night and had diarrhea all day the next day. Thank you, Philip, for watching him while we got pampered!

33 weeks

A couple of weekends ago I went to visit my family in Irving, since my grandparents were in town from Arkansas (for a dental appointment nonetheless- I just think that's hilarious). My mom and I and one of her friends took my niece, nephew, Deron, and her friend's 2 grandchildren to a really cool water park in Valley Ranch. It was fun for the kids- even though bug almost pooped in the pool... *major phew!*

That night I caught up with a couple of old friends, Kara and Kristin! We had fun talking about our kids and jobs and future. Boy, how our conversation has changed over the years! It was great seeing you girls! And you others, who know who you are... you'd better be ready in the fall for another reunion!

3 years ago...

3 years ago I was part of a miracle.
3 years ago I was tired of waiting.
3 years ago I gained an experience that I had no scope of how it would impact others.
3 years ago I held my little boy for the first and last time.
3 years ago I was the center of my Savior's attention.
3 years ago I experienced a love that I had never felt before.
3 years ago I received the Healing that He freely gave.
3 years ago I understood a deeper meaning to His Faithfulness and His Love.

Though hard, I want people to know through the experience we had losing Jedidiah, there is a path of healing and even restoration through our Father's love. How deep is His love for us and how vast beyond all measure? For us, we celebrate His life and rejoice (really!) that He never had to enter this earthly world, but is living in the presence of an Almighty and Ever-Wonderful God.

Jedidiah means "beloved friend of God". We named him this for that specific purpose. While I carried him, I felt his spirit so close to his Maker's. It was strange, but awesome. Now, we still remember him and are excited to one day meet this amazing close friend of God's.

There is another child waiting for us as well, but Jedidiah will always hold a specific special place in our heart. We're proud of him. I'm proud to be his mommy.

For those of you who have gone through a miscarriage, LET Him do a work in you. It is a unique loss, no doubt, but His concern for you and your emotional healing is important to Him. God desires you to thrive and grow! There is sadness, but there is JOY. Don't choose sackcloth and ashes for a lifetime. Resist the urge to depress yourself into a pit. Grieve and receive His healing...