Third Trimester...Here We Come!!!

Ready or not, it's here! The third trimester!! I know I've said it time and time again, but I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is going! To think that in 12 weeks or less we will be holding our sweet baby - it is just incredible!

We had our 28 week appointment today, and everything looks wonderful. I have gained 26 pounds as of today, and I honestly couldn't feel better. Baby girl was moving around so much that they had a hard time keeping the doppler on her heartbeat! She has been moving around more and more. It was hilarious, last night, we were sitting on the couch and my stomach was literally rippling like waves. My tummy is measuring at 27 cm, which is perfect! At this stage in pregnancy, I should be between 26 and 30 cm. So, I am happy to be on the smaller end of that. Nine and ten pound babies run in my family, but it looks like (hopefully, please) she won't be that big! My glucose tolerance test and other blood work came back completely normal. I am so thankful that I don't have to deal with gestational diabetes or anything like that! Also at our appointment, we had to watch a video on epidurals. Michael and I both feel that it will be the best way to manage the pain of labor and delivery, especially with my back being the way it is - we've put it in our birth plan. So, now I will see the doctor every two weeks, as I get further and further along.

  

I started back at work yesterday, and it was a lot of fun to be back. I'm really looking forward to a paycheck again, even if it is part time. Not being paid for the past 3 months has been quite the adjustment, and I've definitely made mistakes along the way. But hey, I am still learning! Many teachers and co-workers did not know that I was pregnant, so it was fun to show up and have my belly be a BIG surprise. They are all so excited for me! I hope to work as long as I can before baby comes, until I feel uncomfortable. And work has been so flexible and relaxed about it, telling me that I can leave and come back whenever I need to. 

Monday evening, we went to our first prepared childbirth class that they do at Sacred Heart. There were 8 other couples, and we actually really enjoyed ourselves. Being the planner and nerd that I am, I love to know everything that I can ahead of time and be educated. And I think it is really good for Michael - he said he learned a lot just out of the first class. There are seven classes total, so that will occupy our Monday evenings for the next several weeks. 

My grandmother couldn't attend my shower in Wisconsin, but she sent us a beautiful gift - the pack & play we registered for! It arrived on our doorstep last week, and Michael was able to put it together over the weekend. And I must say, it is the Cadillac of pack & plays. It has a bassinet and changing table that you can put on top, and it plays music and vibrates - it's awesome! We also decided to mount and try out our really cool video camera monitor. That thing is incredible. I can listen, watch, and talk to the baby all through the monitor. I can even pan the camera all over the baby room! Sweet!

I want to thank you for praying about my back pain that I wrote about in my previous post. Thankfully and incredibly, I had no pain last night and was able to get a good night's sleep. I definitely could feel the prayers from everyone, and I know that God eased my pain. So thank you. You are a blessing. And, it is an incredible blessing and feeling to know that when I ask for prayer, you, my dear ones, actually do it! 

I love you all.  

Prayers for Relief

Not too long ago, I wrote a blog post called "A Thorn In My Flesh" where I described a back injury that I have. This injury causes me to live in daily pain. 

And honestly, the last two nights have been horrendous when it comes to the pain. I've tossed and turned all night long, and I cannot get any relief. Then I am exhausted during the day and, I will admit, crabby.

It has been the worst pain that I have experienced since the accident. This morning, as I got up and got ready to go to work, the pain was so intense that I thought I was going to throw up. 

I know my body is going through a lot with the pregnancy, and I am definitely not one to complain about it. All of my bodily changes, slight aches and pains are totally worth it. But, the back pain has been so unbearable lately that I am just praying for some relief from it. I don't want the pain to steal an ounce of my joy. 

So, all of that to say, I am asking you to join me in prayer for some relief from the pain - that it will just go away. And if God chooses not to remove the pain, please pray that I can find purpose in it. Please continue to pray for our miracle, that she keeps growing and thriving, especially during these critical last 12 weeks! And pray for us as we prepare for her arrival - mentally, financially, and spiritually. 

"Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough for your prayers, but know that I am indeed incredibly thankful for all of you - you are sharing in our journey! I love and appreciate you all so much. 

The Man I Never Met

Michael has his eyes. Those beautiful, piercing eyes, that sing and dance when they light up.

I've been told that Michael has many of his characteristics and qualities - like father, like son.

I never had the privilege of actually meeting Michael's father, my father-in-law, 

but I feel like I know him.

Through his family and through my husband, I know him.

Through his legacy, I know him.

Through stories and glimpses in, I know him.

Is it possible to even feel his presence?

There are many storms in this life, many painful and heart-wrenching storms that leave our lives in ruin. Sometimes we hear God's voice in the storms; other times He is silent. Sometimes we are given reasons, explanations for the storms, and other times, we are given no answer. 

One of the most difficult, terrible, horrific storms that one can go through is watching your loved one experience a terminal illness, and that illness ultimately take his life. 

Here you have a loving Christ follower who had done great things for Jesus and he knew greater things were yet to come. But they were cut short by leukemia. 

He was in his mid thirties with two children in elementary school. 

I'm sure he prayed for healing. I'm sure his family begged God for healing. 

But healing in the way we wanted it never came. 

So young, so vibrant...

Why?

He received his ultimate healing in heaven, and now he is doing what God created us to do - worship forever at His feet. 

But there still is a family left here, without him. They had to go on. I don't think you ever "move" on from something like that, but they had to go on with life. You can follow the grief process steps and try to piece your life back together, but you know that things will never be the same. 

Nothing will ever replace your father, his legacy, the memories.

Throughout the past 24 years since he passed, Michael can see how his life has been molded, changed, and shaped because of his father. But through that storm, God has never given the Swift family a reason why he was taken. And they most likely will not be given a reason or understanding until we reach heaven and can fully understand God's redemptive purpose in it all. 

These are the moments where we just want to hear God's voice, and understand the plan and understand why. 

Even now, 24 years later!

And now, as we carry this child, our miracle, Michael's father's legacy will continue. Our children will know they have a grandfather who would want nothing more than to just hold them and love them. 

Is it possible that he knows his legacy is continuing through Michael and I?

Is it possible that he knows the love that Michael and I have for each other?

Is it possible that he will somehow be with us the moment she arrives and is placed in our arms as the rest of our families are able to meet her? 

Is it possible that I can love a father I never met, but feel like I know, and miss him? 

My Growing Belly (Part Three)

I'm (and she's) growing!!!!!

Over weeks 20-24, I had a major growth spurt, with a weight gain of 10 pounds! But, just in the past two weeks, I seemed to have slowed down in gaining weight, just as my doctor predicted. But baby is growing and growing, and my latest pictures show it! 

My belly feels so tight, and it is amazing to see how it can grow and stretch. Thankfully, I have no stretch marks (yet). I've been using a ton of Arbonne RE9 cream, which I love and recommend to everyone! 

She has been kicking like crazy, and also moving around. I can feel her shift and move from side to side, up and down. It's pretty fun and entertaining to watch my belly move in all sorts of ways! I love watching and feeling it. I am amazed every time! 

So, here is part three in the series "My Growing Belly."

20 weeks

June 25

132 pounds

 21 weeks

July 2

134 pounds

 July 9

22 weeks

137 pounds

July 16

23 weeks

140 pounds

July 23

24 weeks

142 pounds

(sorry, no picture! I was out of town!)

July 30

25 weeks

142 pounds

Where I Come From

Last week, I flew up to Wisconsin to visit my family. Hubby was in China on a business trip, so instead of sitting at home alone, I hopped on a plane and headed to the land of cheese!

While I was there, my Aunt Missy gave me my first baby shower. Twenty of my closest family and friends celebrated my sweet miracle! It meant so much to have each and every one there, they all hold a special place in my heart. I was given so many beautiful things - I feel so loved and blessed! 

Gorgeous roses to celebrate our baby!

Yummy treats! The cupcakes were so pretty. The little sweetheart is my cousin's daughter.

Opening sweet gifts! 

Every card made me cry - I had to stop reading them and read them later!

To my left is my dear friend Lauren and her baby, and my dear sister-in-law Jenelle and her baby! It was so good to spend time with them, talk, and just be together while I was there. 

My gorgeous mom

Lauren and her sweetie

The 24 week belly with my daddy

Aunt Missy - thank you so much for a wonderful shower!

Beautiful gifts...

During my visit, I was able to spend some much needed time with my family. My niece and nephews have grown so much since Christmas, and I was so excited to see them. 

My nephew Chase. He is one of the sweetest little boys.

My brother Ben with our newest nephew, Emry

And my niece, Ava. I got spend so much time with her because I got to watch her during the days! Since being home, I feel like I'm going through Ava-withdrawals. :(
She loves her Milwaukee Brewers!!!

I am blessed to be a member of an amazing and loving family. I love how I can see our rich heritage with God as the center, and see how He has blessed all of us. There have been trials, heartache, and pain, but through it all, God has kept us close and been our steady source of strength. We see evidence of His love and faithfulness woven deeply into our family.
I am so thankful for godly parents, who shared with us the greatest gift of all - Jesus.

I think of the testimony of so many things that our family has gone through - health issues, loss of loved ones, sending our dear brother to Iraq, challenges in school, testings of our faith, infertility, miscarriages, and many other things. And through it all,

He has always been faithful.

And now we can pass His love and faithfulness on to the next generation.
Oh, my sweet nephews, nieces, and my own children that are coming and yet to come: How I pray for you every day, that you will come to know Him and His love! I know you will do great things for Him! You are all gifts that have been given to us; you are His, and God has entrusted us to love and care for you! It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, but prayerfully! How I pray for God to use you greatly and do a magnificent work in your lives! 

 To God be the glory!

Politics...

We aren't supposed to talk about it...

Yes, I'm talking politics.

We are saturated whether we choose it or not, with the media and all of the debates. Left, right, Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal.

I will admit that I am, for the most part, very conservative. I look at our founding father's faith and the original intent of our country's documents, and see that our country's birth was fueled by not just a faith, but a belief, a trust, a reliance upon Jesus Christ. And I like to make my political decisions based on that - my faith in God. 

I was the one, oh yes, that person, who loved to talk politics, debate, and exercise my freedom of speech. I even was a political science major for a time in college. I would yell at the television, listen to talk radio, and get all riled up. 

But I've changed. I believe it's a change for the better. 

You see, I've come to realize that it is out of my control. Yes, I will exercise my freedom to vote and make my voice heard, but stressing and raising my blood pressure isn't going to change anything. That doesn't mean that I don't care, I still care deeply. But, God has ordained every single thing that happens. God has put in place, chosen Himself, every single person in office. And as believers in Christ, we know that there will be turmoil that gains momentum as the world continues to age and reach its end. Everything, all of it, is in God's master plan.

Yes, it is so sad and upsetting to see the moral descent and backsliding of our great nation, and is horrific to see laws passed that completely go against God's word and commands. Moral depravity seems now to be common. And, we know that "Blessed is the nation whose god is The LORD." And as America continues to remove God, we will see God remove His blessing. As believers, it is our time to truly come together as the church, be the church that He desires, and fight for our faith. We were born for such a time as this.

Getting in political fights, yelling at each other, and screaming at the television, and obsessing over it is not going to change a thing. You have your right to opinions, and I have my right to my opinions. But lets show the nation the love of God, through our actions, through our speech. And perhaps we will start to see that change that we so desire.

Let's not waste our time worrying about tomorrow; let tomorrow worry about itself. As I said before, God has ordained everything that is going to happen, and we know that in the end times, it is only going to get worse for us as believers. Persecution will come. We will be questioned, we will be beaten, we will be bruised, we will be martyred. But at the right time, God will give us the right response, the right words, if only we seek Him for it.

This has just been on my mind over the past days, and I hope you can see my heart. I do care about current events, but I care more greatly about God's redemptive plan and work in it all. We do not put our trust in our leaders and in our country's status and events, but in HIM alone.

Six Months

If I could sum up in two words how I am feeling today, it would be

SLOW DOWN!

I had my 24 week appointment today. Yes, that is 6 months!
(technically I will be 24 weeks on Wednesday.)

I truly am loving being pregnant. I love every moment, everything about it. But it is going by too fast! I just feel that I am going to blink my eye, and we will be delivering at the hospital. Then I blink again, and our sweet girl will be off to kindergarten. Time flying by, especially with the pregnancy, reminds me of the verse in the Bible where it says that we are but a vapor, a moment. Lord, help me to use my time wisely and really soak in every moment, and never wish time to pass, or go quickly.

All of my vitals and stats looked great, once again, and I am so thankful. I did gain 10 pounds since my last appointment (10 pounds in four weeks, WOW!), but the doctor was not concerned at all. He said that since I was underweight to begin with, this is very good and normal, especially during the sixth month. So, my weight gain to date is 20 pounds, which puts me at 142 pounds. Where is it all going? I don't feel 20 pounds heavier, and I am carrying a small belly. But, I have noticed that my butt and thighs seem to be expanding, especially when I put on pants. And speaking of that, none of my bottoms fit anymore. I have officially made the switch to maternity clothes. I am much more comfortable when I wear them too. 

I was delighted when they pulled out the doppler, because I did not know we were going to listen at this appointment. So, I again heard the most incredible, most beautiful sound in the world - her heartbeat. It was easy to find, loud and clear, and most definitely strong, beating in the 150s. 

Sadly, Michael was not able to join me at this appointment. He has never missed an appointment, and has no intentions of missing any. But, a business trip to Shanghai kind of got in the way. So, I had to be a big girl and go on my own. But, we have a skype date tonight so I can fill him in on all of the details.

We signed up for all of our classes at the hospitals - prepared childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn parenting. Our Monday nights for the next 2 and a half months will be learning all there is to learn! I am so excited about these classes, and I know Michael is too. I'm positive we will learn a lot. 

I have my first shower on Thursday! I am so excited! It will be mostly family, and my dear Aunt Missy, who I grew up with and consider a second mother to me, will be throwing it for me. Can't wait!

Six months! I still can't believe it!!

Love to you all...

My Michael

I love the way you look at me from across the room.

I love the way you wink your eye, only at me.

I love the way you know just how to hold my hand.

I love how you make me want to be a better person, to be unselfish, to seek God.

I love how you blow kisses to me every time I have to watch you leave on a plane for work.

I love how I sob when you leave on your business trips, because it reminds me of the treasure that you are, and keeps me thankful for the man that you are.

I love how you gently play with my hair.

I love how you hate touching feet, but will still rub mine, even if I have to beg.

I love how you rub my back every night.

I love how I know exactly what you are thinking just by the glance you give.

I love how you keep me grounded.

I love how you are an incredible guitarist and you don't even realize it.

I love how it drives me crazy that you are musically gifted without the help of any music theory or training.

I love how you worship God with the gifts He's given you.

I love how you lead others by example.

I love how you are a straight-shooter.

I love how you seek God in everything.

I love how happy it makes you to see me happy, even if it means taking me to Sea World and spending an hour at the sting ray tank.

I love how others look to you for advice.

I love how we seem to say the same movie quotes at the same time.

I love your aroma, without cologne.

I love how your quiet presence can fill a room.

I love how you listen and are slow to respond.

I love how you are patient with my shortcomings.

I love when we are leading worship together, I glance over at you, your hands are raised in worship, and you are singing out to God. 

I love how you are like a kid in a candy store when you get a steak.

I love how you kept all hope for God to give us a child, when I had lost all hope.

I love how you reminded me when I needed it most that God still heals, God still performs miracles. 

I love how you just let me cry, without me feeling embarrassed about it.

I love how strong you are.

I love when I can see your emotions, even when you come across emotion-less.

I love how you have been a father to our little friends.

I love how you look when you ride your motorcycle.

I love how you provide for me.

I love how you exemplify Colossians 3:23.

I love how your co-workers, peers, and friends respect and look to you.

I love how you invest in the youth.

I love how you come home from work, give me hugs and kisses, and rub my belly.

I love it when you grow out your beard in the fall.

I love how you kiss me.

I love how people think we are that "cute couple."

I love how my heart still skips a beat when I see you.

I love how we still feel like newlyweds.

I love how you make sure not to miss a single baby appointment, and your willingness to be there in every aspect of this pregnancy.

I love how you put up with my non-stop picture taking.

I love how you sit and watch the Bachelor with me.

I love how you love my parents, and consider them "mom" and "dad."

I love how you have your father's eyes.

I love how Ginger watches and waits for you.

I love how knowing our unborn baby is a girl already melts your heart.

I love how you found some girly baby outfits, and said "I'm getting these. She has to have these."

I love how I love to dress up for you.

I love how you make me feel pretty, seven years later.

I love your laugh.

I love how when you smile really big, you get "smile lines" on the corners of your eyes.

I love how I can always depend on you for wise, thought out advice.

I love how our baby girl kicks like crazy when you poke at my belly. No one else can do that, not even me.

I love how you love her already.

I love how you kiss my belly, and talk to her.

I love how she is going to be "daddy's girl."

I love how you think I am most beautiful now, when I am carrying our baby.

I love how you love me.

I am thankful.

I am blessed.

I love you, my Michael.

I've Been Working On The Baby Room...

I've been asked, "What have you been up to the past couple of weeks?" Well, I have been hard at work decorating and putting together the baby room. I had decided a long time ago that I did not want to go with a pink or blue theme based on the gender of the baby, so after much thought, I came up with: animal print theme with lime green and dark brown as my two colors. And I absolutely love it. I was able to do most things affordably, with purchases from Hobby Lobby, Ikea, Home Depot, Ross, and Target. Most of those purchases were made with coupons or were from the clearance section! Our splurge was the crib and bedding from Storkland. But, we made up for it by making the curtains and comforter ourselves!

So cute! I just love it.
Putting up all the different circles was a three hour long project, but it was really fun to just randomly put them up and discover that random really does work (when it comes to decor like that!)

I am so proud of myself - with my mom and mom-in-law's help, I made the curtains!!!

Blanket on chair from Bed Bath and Beyond, pillow from Hobby Lobby, curtain rod from Ross, curtain fabric from JoAnn, wall dots from Home Depot.

Changing table from Ikea, it just needs a changing pad. The mirror is also from Ikea. Aren't the safari animals cute? I found them at Hobby Lobby. I got the cubby drawers from Home Depot and the rug from Ross.

 Dresser from Ikea, lamp from Target

The comforter that we (me, my mom, my mom-in-law) made! The green side is organic cotton and the brown side is a soft, lightweight fleece. And the border is silky! I can't wait to snuggle under it with our little girl, and I'm sure she will enjoy it in her crib! 

Now in about 18 weeks, a baby will actually be able to enjoy this room! Decorating it was incredible. As I was working on it, I reflected back to the times that I would just stand in this empty and waiting room, and weep. There were times where I was face down on the floor of the room, crying out to God to give us a child. I will never forget those moments, those years. If you are facing infertility, or a similar situation, know that I pray for you every day. You are on my heart, my mind, and always will be.

Take Heart

Music has a way to express what we feel when we ourselves do not know how to express it. Music makes us cry, feel happy and sad, dance, worship. Music moves us to a place that most other things cannot move us to. Throughout the Bible we see music, and how it was used to praise our Creator. What an incredible form of worship, to play sweet things and sing beautiful songs back to Him who made it all. The Israelites sang praises to God; David played instruments and danced before the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 20, we see how the worshippers were sent out on the front lines of battle, and how the Israelites singing ultimately defeated their enemies. Throughout Scripture, we find that we are told to sing and play our instruments before the Lord. I love how Psalms even says to address God loudly! We worship God through music. I believe He speaks back to us through music. Just look at all of the beautifully written hymns, songs, contemporary songs. There is no way the authors of those songs did it themselves - they are God-breathed and created to speak to us with perfect words at the perfect moment. 

There is a newer Hillsong song that I believe will speak to you. It speaks to me every time I sing it and hear it. The words are rich and full of truth, and I pray it blesses you.

There is a light, it burns brighter than the sun

He steals the night, and casts no shadow.

There is a hope

Should oceans rise and mountains fall

He never fails

So take heart

Let his love lead us through the night

Hold on to hope

And take courage again

In death by love, the fallen world was overcome

He wears the scars of our freedom

In His name, all our fears are swept away

He never fails

All our troubles and all our tears

God our hope, He has overcome

All our failure and all our fears

God our love, He has overcome

All our heartache and all our pain

God our healer, He has overcome

All our burdens and all our shame

God our freedom, He has overcome

All our failures and all our fear

God our love, He has overcome

God our justice, God our grace

God our freedom, He has overcome

God our refuge and God our strength

GOD IS WITH US

HE HAS OVERCOME!

Amen and amen! He HAS overcome! Not He will overcome. He already has! Everything, all of it, the past, present, and future, He has overcome it all. All of your pain, all of your "why's." Be strong, take heart, be courageous - He is our overcomer.