"The feeling"

When I was almost 38 weeks pregnant with Benjamin I got a feeling that he was coming very soon. I was so confident that I would give birth, I actually called my parents and told them to come to Maryland. This being my first pregnancy it was a risky move, but everything changed in how I was feeling. I woke up on a Sunday morning and did not want to get out of bed; I had been tired before that day, but never so tired that facing the day did not sound appealing. I fought this feeling for 3 days and on the morning of the 4th day my water broke and Benjamin was born hours later. On Saturday this same feeling came over me. This time I'm not so confident that giving birth is imminent. I have had doubts as to whether I actually knew that Benjamin would be born or if all the excitement surrounding my announcement induced my labor. I flattered myself yesterday by saying that I am just a little more self-aware and that is how I could tell something had changed in my body. Bram brought me back to reality by responding that I just assign meaning to every little thing, and that can be both a good and bad thing (he knows me very well.) I am very hesitant to say that I am going to have this baby anytime soon. Let's face it - I'm still a little under 2 weeks away from my due date. The average pregnancy goes well into the 41st week. There is more evidence that this pregnancy will go on for 3 more weeks than that it is about to end. But still, I have "the feeling." I'm hoping that it's not wishful thinking. Please pray for me that I would have patience and confidence in God's plan for my life and my baby's life. I know that His timing is best - and nothing can thwart His plan - not even "the feeling."

Baby Watch - Taking a break

So baby watch will have to take a break for a few days. Hopefully we will have more to report on next week, but as of right now things have slowed down to a snail's pace. The baby obviously is in no hurry - please pray that I would take the baby's approach and sit tight for as long as is necessary. If I can get more sleep, I guess I have nothing to complain about :)

Little one, I know I will see you very soon.

Baby Watch - Day 3

Things have slowed down around here. I'm back to having very irregular contractions, so I guess what I was experiencing yesterday was "false labor." It's really funny how different this stage of the pregnancy has been compared to this stage when I was expecting Benjamin. I had zero contractions, and while he dropped early on (about 32 weeks) I had no indication he was coming except for a strange feeling that came over me about 5 days before my water broke. I was definitely expecting something similar this time around.

Again, I am having to remind myself that expectations are dangerous things. I am very good at not having expectations when circumstances are unknown or unfamiliar. I'm not so good at it when I have some experience to draw from. The good in all of this is that I am having to rely on my faith that God is sovereign over all aspects of my life. He is not surprised by little course changes or even complete "turn-arounds" - he planned it. If I believe that he is good and that he intends good for me, I have a responsibility to trust him. I too often do not act on that belief. I act as if he cannot be trusted - instead relying on my own limited wisdom for comfort. I am so glad that I am being reminded that my wisdom is foolishness in comparison to his wisdom. I do want him in control - now I need to act like it. While I am having to fight disappointment, as I was getting very excited to see this little face I have been dreaming about for 8 months, I can rest in the knowledge that God's plan cannot be thwarted and that it is the best possible outcome for me and my family!

I would so appreciate your prayers in this time. That God would renew my strength for the inevitable arrival of baby #2 and that he would continue to show me where I am not living out my beliefs. But most of all, please pray that I would let go of my pride and trust God's timing for all circumstances in my life. Thanks!

Baby Watch - Day 2

I just came back from a check up with the midwife and things are progressing, for sure! My contractions are getting closer together, but still are not painful - though that's not saying much because I have an unusually high tolerance for pain. The baby is very low - about +1 station (I can hear the collective gasp from the moms out there as I write this!) There is no good indication at this point when labor will pick up, but I think it's safe to say I'm not getting all the way to my due date (July 12th.) By God's grace we will see little Christopher Abraham or Bridgette Lyneve before the end of the week!

You can still give us your predictions on sex and birthday!

Baby Watch - Day 1

It is time to commence Baby Watch!

I got some news from the midwife today - apparently this baby is making it's way into the world in the very near future! Right now, my contractions are still really far apart and pretty irregular, but all that could change in a matter of minutes :)

We will keep you all updated each day until Lillard Baby #2 makes his or her arrival.

Anyone willing to make a prediction as to whether it's a girl or a boy and the birthday?

More cuteness...

How many people do you know who can cook dinner, dance in a diaper, and still look cute?

Musical fun and silliness

Took this video of Benjamin yesterday - thought you all would like it.

(although the sound quality is poor) Thanks to Bram's dad for 

buying Benjamin the musical table - he loves it!

I'm not sure who's more entertained ... Sarah and Jenny or Benjamin!