My Hero

The finishing touch to Mack's nursery was a painting done by a dear friend of both Micah and I. Her name is Michele Struss and she has one of the most amazing testimonies I've ever heard. I wanted to give just a bit of background in hopes you would see why this painting is so special to us.

Michele was born with a form of Dwarfism that has limited and challenged her life in many ways; yet it is the very vehicle that God has chosen to make Himself known to her. As a result, Michele sees the treasure in the way God created her, fully aware that some things cannot be known about God apart from pain, weakness and need. These circumstances have been the stepping stones in her life towards a passionate relationship with Jesus and a resolved faith. "My faith is often tested when I'm in the heat of the battle; but while this world has no effective weapons to offer the weak, knowing Jesus, gives me weapons to slay giants." Michele is a giant slayer.

Having been born with a form of Dwarfism known as SED Congenita which causes daily physical struggles, pain and the need for multiple surgeries, Michele sees it as a precious gift as she watches the trials of her life grow her faith and deepen her relationship with Jesus. For that she calls herself blessed for being created as she is.

In 1987 as a result of neurological damage, Michele became fully dependent on crutches for the next 13 years. Michele says, "I remember in hope and utter frustration declaring, 'If the day ever comes when I don't need my crutches, I'm going to burn them!' When I asked my doctor if he thought that day would ever come, his wisdom spoke 'Most likely, no.' But I never stopped believing in the One who could heal me. On September 29, 2001 I threw the very crutches that 'man' said I would always need into a bonfire. My doctor of 28 years was there and said, 'There are many doctors but only one Healer. The Healer is the Lord above us. We have to acknowledge this.'"

From this experience came the painting "My Hero"

About the Painting (In Michele's words):

My hero was inspired by the words of someone dear to my heart. He calls me his hero because of the strength he sees in my life, but what he doesn't see is the source of that strength. In this painting I've portrayed myself as the little girl who has fallen while walking with her crutches. She looks up to the One behind her as if to say,"...but it hurts." His strong but gentle look reveals His response, "It will be okay, I am with you." On my own I am weak, but His strength is always there to pick me up. He is my hero and His name is Jesus.

After countless prayers, tears, and three attempts, which took a full year and a half, I was able to fulfill the vision God gave me and complete the work, My Hero. Those two failed attempts taught me more than any successful painting I created. Without the leading of the Holy Spirit I would never have had the strength or courage to try a second and then a third time. My prayer through it all remained the same: "Lord I cannot do this alone; I need You to be the artist and simply use me as Your paintbrush through which you reveal Your heart."

This is just one of several of Michele's amazing works of art. If you'd like to see more of Michele's work you can visit her website.

35 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in my womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How my life's changing:

My uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside my pelvis when I conceived — now reaches up under my rib cage. If you could peek inside my womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. My ballooning uterus is crowding my other internal organs, too, which is why I probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn a little more.


From here on out, I'll start seeing my Dr. every week. I've created a birth plan to help us focus on specifics - like who'll be present, what pain management techniques I want to try, and where I want the baby to stay after I deliver. My greatest hopes are to deliver this baby as naturally as possible. Nowadays that can mean a lot of things, basically people say if you deliver vaginally you've had a natural birth experience. I on the other-hand would like to attempt to go as drug free as possible. Childbirth is unpredictable however, and chances are I won't follow my plan to the letter, but thinking about my choices ahead of time — and sharing my preferences with my caregiver — takes some of the anxiety out of the process.

34 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. Our baby can, and does, respond just as a newborn would by opening his eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. He can also grasp firmly. It's comforting to know that if our baby was born now, he has a 95 percent chance of full and normal survival with medical intervention, however we'd still rather hold out until at least 37 weeks.

How my life's changing:

Fatigue has definitely set in again, though not with the same coma-like intensity of the first trimester. Given the physical strain I'm under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable, it's said to be quite understandable. Now's the time to slow down and save up my energy for labor day (and beyond).

And the belly keeps growing at 8 months/34 weeks.

33 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

This week my baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with aconehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How my life's changing:

We're in for the home stretch of the pregnancy. Getting a little anxious as I think about how life will be with this little one. Not too much has changed, well we did get the nursery completed for those of you who've been wanting to see it. Remember, it's not your traditional nursery...

This little lamp was actually made by Micah's grandfather, Mack. When you pull on the tail, it turns on and off. Karen, my mother-in-law simple covered the lamp shade to match the other curtains and lampshade she made. Karen also painted the number canvases for me - she did an amazing job!

32 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

I should be gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to my baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

How my life's changing:

To accommodate me and my baby's growing needs, my blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since I got pregnant. With my uterus pushing up near my diaphragm and crowding my stomach, the consequences are shortness of breath and heartburn.

Starting to have some lower-back pain as the pregnancy advances. Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing me, I can probably blame my growing uterus and hormonal changes for my aching back. My expanding uterus shifts my center of gravity and stretches out and weakens my abdominal muscles, changing my posture and putting a strain on my back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen the joints and the ligaments that attach my pelvic bones to my spine. This can make me feel less stable and cause pain when I walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

In the eight month and on the count down with 8 weeks to go. Up until now, I've bee seeing my doctor about once a month. Now I am starting to see him every two weeks, until the final month and then it'll kick up to once a week. Keep me in your prayers as we make the final preparations to the nursery, purchase the last few things we need and pack bags for the hospital. We're so anxious to meet this little guy!

Together 5 Years!

In the beginning of our

marriage we had no idea

what the years would

bring, or how clearly

we would see God's grace

in the love He'd given to us.

He's been with us

every step of the way...

nurturing, growing,

and strengthening

this incredible

gift of

lifetime love.

It feels good to travel

through life with my best friend -

a man I admire, respect, and

love more than anyone

else in the world.

I know good things are ahead of us

because God is with us...

and I look forward to

seeing His best Together.

Our gift to each other was the Willow Tree Together Figurine
"For those who have found their true partner in love and life."

31 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

This week, my baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs 4.1 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's moving a lot, too, so I'm having trouble sleeping because my baby's kicks and somersaults keep me up. I can take comfort though: All this moving is a sign that my baby is active and healthy.

How my life's changing:
Had some pretty severe cramping the other day... wasn't sure what to think when I began to time the pain every 4-6 minutes apart for over an hour. I thought surely I'm not having contractions, this baby can't come yet. It could have been a sign of preterm labor but thankfully Micah prayed over me and it subsided.

We had our next Dr's appointment this week and got another ultrasound. As I mentioned before he weighs 4 pounds 1 ounce, not too big yet although heading into a growth spurt could still change that. Here's a picture of his face.

As I mentioned last week I had a Baby Shower this week. It was absolutely wonderful, we had a great turn out of guest! The decoration was lovely and we were very blessed with many gifts to help us as we prepare for Mack's arrival. Thank you so much to all that attended and helped make this day so special. Here are a few pictures from the shower.

The sign-in table.

As a party favor each guest got a small Tazo tea bag with a note that read "Please Enjoy this Tea from Baby and Me".

Instead of your typical finger foods we did an ice-cream social.

The gift table.

Opening gifts!

We didn't play games but each guest got a card to give me advice on.

I've begun making a Pregnancy scrapbook!

30 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in my uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How my life's changing:

I'm feeling a little tired these days, especially since sleeping is becoming a little more difficult. I find myself taking more naps these days. Other than that things continue to be smooth. Just 10 weeks left to go!

This Saturday I will be having my baby shower at Juana Hernandez'. I included a copy of the invitation however the color is off for some reason... oh well.

29 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, I'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, I need to be sure to drink milk (or find another good source ofcalcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in my baby's hardening skeleton each day.

How my life's changing:

My baby's very active now. My practitioner has asked me to spend some time each day counting kicks. I'm to let him know if I ever notice a decrease in activity.

An old friend — heartburn has taken center stage now. You could say Tums and I are tightly aquatinted at this point. We're not scheduled for another sonogram until the 28th - then we will get a more accurate reading of his weight and length as well as his positioning.

If you will please be praying - I am hoping he comes early (not b/c I can't handle a couple more weeks of pregnancy) but my Dr. is scheduled to be gone on my due date. Aside from a medical reason I don't want to induce which I think my Dr. would opt for as oppose to me going late. I've just been really set on trying to have this baby as natural, med free as possible. Well what I do know is God has ordained this child's days long before I began my planning so what will happen will happen.

Here's the next picture - 7 months/29 weeks.

My 28th Birthday

I turned 28 on September 10th! It was a wonderful Birthday... Micah got creative this year and took me on a progressive date. We started with an appetizer at Taco Rico (the funny thing is, earlier in the week he had asked me what my 3 favorite resturants were and one of them was this fast food taco place). So we began by splitting a plate of bistec tacos. Throughout each part of the evening there were questions that we had to answer - it was a lot of fun!

Between courses Micah took me to get my gifts that he had already picked out. The first one was a Willow Tree figurine of a husband, wife and baby - I'd been wanting to collect these.

Next on the agenda was dinner at Chili's (another one of my favorite restaurants). It was rainy that day and I love the rain, particularly when you get to stay inside but it was fun nonetheless.

Next was a stop at Toys R Us... I wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived here b

ut it ended up being quite fun. We each got $5 and had to split up in the store and find a gift for the other person. We then exchanged gifts and had to explain why we got that gift for them.

After that he explained that he had a couple chick-flicks picked out for me... since I'm in the 3rd trimester and slowing down he figured I would need some entertainment while I sit on the couch. How cute!

We ended the evening by picking up Marble Slab ice-cream and going home to cuddle on the couch with a movie.

I also got a couple of my favorite Yankee candles (Sage & Citrus and Autumn Wreath) from some friends, a new book, money and a few really sweet cards. A couple days later Claudia took me lunch and my in-laws made me a special birthday dinner in addition to money for a prenatal massage - looking forward to that! What a wonderful day!

28 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

I realize I've just posted 3 times but I've had a little catching up to do. So I am officially 28 weeks today!

By this week, my baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink His eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

How my life's changing:

I'm in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. If I'm like most women, I'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester, hopefully not any more... At this point, I'll begin visiting my doctor every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, I'll switch to weekly visits.

Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. This sensation is temporarily relieved when I move, and is what's known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it's relatively common among expectant mothers.

Master's students get back this weekend, classes start Monday and I'll begin leading a Beth Moore Bible study out of my home on Monday evenings. I'm looking forward to the months ahead with my 28th birthday next week, and Micah and my 5th anniversary approaching!

27 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

This week, my baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, my baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. I can chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements I may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so I can just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How my life's changing:

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as my body gears up for the final lap, I may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, I'm finding that my leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and my expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from my legs to my heart as well as on the nerves leading from my trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as my pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give me some relief. Straightening my leg and then gently flexing my toes back toward my shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging my calf sometimes helps, too.

Well the nursery is almost done. Just waiting on the canvases my mother-in-law is painting and the curtains and it should be complete. Here's a preview of the room, I will post more once it is all done.

26 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

The network of nerves in my baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both my voice and Micah's as we chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat.

How my life's changing:

We had a wonderful vacation to Kansas City to see my family. I mainly took it easy while Micah picked up a new hobby not only in the sport of golfing but one called frisbee golf as well. He also was able to shoot guns for several hours with my step dad and brother. I think he had fun.

My mom threw me a baby shower with the family - I am so thankful to have gotten to see all the family that attended as well as the gifts for Mack. It was a great start to the things we will need going into this journey. My favorites were the baby blankets both my mom and grandma made - they are priceless!

My your lower back seems a little achy lately, I can thank both my growing uterus — which shifts my center of gravity, stretches out and weakens my abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen my joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight I'm carrying means more work for my muscles and increased stress on my joints, which is why I may feel worse at the end of the day. Sleeping in several different places on vacation without my normal pillows surrounding me didn't help. Oh well, I figure from this point on I'm probably just going to be uncomfortable anyway...

And lastly the promised 6 month picture.

25 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Head to heels, my baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half (we should know more exactly next Dr. visit) — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How my life's changing:

Mack has quite the kick (perhaps this little guy will be a soccer player). It's been fun for Micah and I to watch my tummy as he moves around. We haven't seen any distinct body parts yet but he's definitely kicking and punching. There have been several times where it feels like he is pulling on the umbilical cord, it is the weirdest feeling I've ever felt.

Well Micah and I head out in the morning for a much needed vacation, looking forward to relaxing with some good family company as we venture to KC.

I know I'm overdue for my next belly picture - it's coming!

24 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. His body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

How my life's changing:

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure. Had my GCT this week and everything came back normal.

Was able to identify my first Braxton Hicks contraction. They are a normal part of every pregnancy and start when a woman is still in her first trimester, at about 6 weeks pregnant into the pregnancy. However, most women don’t feel them until at least late in the second trimester, or for first-time mothers, in the third trimester. A Braxton Hicks contraction is a contraction of the uterus that is normally painless, but can sometimes be quite irritating. It consists of a localized tightening in your belly, which does not travel, but stays in one spot. These are considered to be practice contractions, to prepare you for the real thing when labor does start. Braxton Hicks contractions can be intense enough to take your breath away, and make you stop and take notice, but they generally do not cause any change in your cervix, nor are they a sign of preterm labor.

Here's a few facts just for fun...

My Due Date Is Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I am in Week 24 of my pregnancy

and my baby is 22 weeks old.

My Third Trimester will begin 8/26/2009

168 days down, 112 to go!

Fun Facts For Birthday 11/25/2009 Half Birthday: May 26 Birthstone: Yellow Topaz (Fidelity) Astrological Sign: Sagittarius Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum orChrysanthemum (Dark Blue, Red and Yellow) This time next year my baby will be 36 Weeks Old! My baby will start kindergarten in 2014, be old enough to drive a car in 2025, graduate high school with the class of 2027, and will finish college in 2031, give or take a year. Can you imagine?