24 Weeks!

As of today, we have reached 24 weeks! I honestly thought a switch would flip, and I would no longer feel anxious or fearful. I am so thankful to reach week 24, but I still struggle with worries and fears. 

We ended week 22 with a check up with the doctor. Our sweet little Samuel has a healthy heartbeat and is looking good. Since we are doing well, we are only seeing the doctor monthly. Admittedly, the month-long wait to see our little man seems to take forever, but feeling his kicks and movements helps to ease my fears. We continue to praise God for His provision through this pregnancy. We have wonderful understanding nurses and doctors and have enjoyed a pretty quiet summer together.

About a month ago, Kyle’s parents came to visit and helped us start prepping the nursery. Since we are currently living in a two bedroom apartment, the “nursery” is actually a corner in the guest room. They helped with touch-up  and repairs on a vintage sideboard we repurposed as a dresser/changing table. We found it at a furniture consignment store, and the height and storage were comparable to a baby dresser. (It can also be used in our future dining room!)  I found a Pottery Barn changing table topper on Craigslist that converts the “dresser” into a changing table. Mom and I took advantage of the drive to Raleigh to pick it up and stopped by the fabric outlet! I always enjoy our time together and look forward to living closer to her and dad. Kyle and Dad enjoyed hanging out and repairing things like the wood slats on our antique guest room bed, another consignment find!  Though our time together was short, we all had such a great time and were incredibly sad to see them leave.

A week later, we traveled home to Augusta and were blessed with several items to prepare the nursery including a crib from my mom and a carrier/stroller travel system from my sister and brother. We had a wonderful time during our stay with my brother, sister, and our nephew. We arrived just in time to celebrate our nephew’s 2^nd birthday and had so much fun playing with him for the weekend. One of the sweetest sounds was waking up and hearing him greet Abner with, “Hey Abber!” He really enjoyed Abner so much, and Abner enjoyed him, too. We continue to pray that Abner will be a great puppy friend to Samuel, as we have fallen in love with our super pup. I had so much fun going through baby stuff with my mom and my sister, and Kyle enjoyed spending time with my family. I can actually say, for the first time, I am planning and preparing for the excitement of bringing home a sweet little baby! It has taken a lot of prayer and time, but I finally have the desire to look ahead to January! Samuel’s little corner in the guest room is coming together, and we are having fun playing with the items we already have and thinking about what he will need.

Over the last few months, we have had a lot of conversations with friends and family about pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding. I am so thankful for the honesty and advice. I know the upcoming months will not be easy, but we are prayerfully determined to run this race!