My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

Sometimes (often), things don't work out as I planned. As of today I am one week over my due date.  Do I really have anything to complain about?  No.  Was my plan and schedule different than what has transpired?  Yes.  Is it the end of the world?  No.  Has it been a frustrating week?  I'd be lying if I said no. 

41 weeks and baby is content in the belly...

I am reminded of our house hunting/moving process last summer, when we had to move our belongings into storage and live with a friend for two months as we found the right house and went through the rigorous process of getting a closing date set.  It is in times like these that I find I have to make a choice about how I will respond.  How will I handle the unknown or better yet, Who will I allow to handle the unknown.  Is it up to me alone?... or am I able to relinquish control over the situation, realizing that an attitude of surrender to One who is greater is a far better choice!  Ahhh waiting...it always builds character, but it's not always easy.

It is easy to let fear, anxiety, discouragement, frustration, annoyance, etc. hold mastery over us.  But I am reminded of James's words in James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  Now this week hasn't been full of huge trials, but it has surely tested my patience.  I have learned that everyone has an opinion and everyone means well, but at the same time it's not always helpful or encouraging...a great opportunity to practice patience and grace.  I am not typically one to be fearful, but when you're thinking about the well-being of your baby and your well thought out plans that aren't turning out the way you'd hoped, is easy to let the voices of fear and anxiety speak loud and clear. 

So, tomorrow morning we are going in for an induction.  And maybe we will have a baby tomorrow, and maybe we won't, but he will come when he is ready.  As I was reminded last summer during our moving process, it is always better when I have surrendered to the timing and terms of my Creator and Heavenly Father because ultimately He sees the big picture and His perspective is eternal while mine is limited, finite.  It is in the surrender that I find peace and comfort.

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

39 weeks and getting sassy!

Love having pregnant friends. Bethany at 28 weeks and me at 39. 
Sabra wanted to get in on the fun too!

Baby Boy has been the token male at many bridal showers this spring.

41 weeks and still going strong.