Thankful

I would consider myself a pretty patient person...except when it comes to really exciting things like holidays, vacations, gift giving and apparently having a baby! I've been known to give Will his Christmas gifts weeks early or start counting down for summer break at least a few months in advance (what teacher doesn't)...but now, as I sit here on baby girl's due date, my patience is being tested like no other time in my life before. So...instead of whining about still being pregnant, hoping to see my girl and wishing our families could just get here already, I thought I would try a new approach and reflect on how thankful I am to be here right now. Throughout the past 9 months I (we) have been incredibly blessed. There is really no other way to look at it.

-The Lord's protection over us with a very healthy and uneventful pregnancy, most doctor's visits were refreshingly short and sweet. We know that doesn't guarantee a smooth birth or mean our baby will be 100% healthy when she arrives although Lord willing those things will be true, but it certainly made a worried first time mom a lot more relaxed.

 -Amazing friends and family who "showered" us with love! First of all, this starts with the fact that we have such strong ties to our hometowns and friends and family there that we grew up with over the years as well as our Kansas City community! From a beautiful tea party in Wichita, to the cutest birdy shower in Kansas City, a sweet pea pink and green party (with incredible food courtesy of Carey) to a fun diaper-themed breakfast at my school...each celebration was unique, baby girl received wonderful gifts and I felt incredibly loved as I know Will did too. I also have to add as an avid lover of parties and themes and all, my friends are so creative and talented in hostessing--it is not always easy to host a shower and they all did such a wonderful job! By the way, we have some crafty people in our lives...this girl has more wonderful handmade gifts and I can't wait to tell her about the amazing women that made each blanket, hat, bib, artwork and more!

 -My husband. Period. Just thankful for him in general. His genuine excitement, kind words, willingness to do the dishes (my main aversion at the beginning of pregnancy that has lasted the whole time...hmmmm), constant reminders to take care of myself and the baby, pursuing me and how I was really feeling even if it often lead to tears, and so much more. All this while completing his dissertation and PhD, starting the challenging 3rd year of medical school and more. I know he is going to be a loving, steadfast and wonderful dad to our girl.

 -Being pregnant. I really didn't think when we started talking about having a baby that we would be anywhere close to this point right now. I had convinced myself that it might be a bit of a challenge to get pregnant due to some weird cycles and all that. In a season of life where many of our friends are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, dealing with pregnancy loss and more, I again just have to be thankful that we are even where we are right now. We are hoping and praying for all these babies and soon to be babies and their parents too. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair, but we trust a God who is bigger than our plans could ever be. His story will be the perfect one in the end.

 -So many other things...helpful and supportive co-workers, a summer off to prepare and rest up for baby, a new car that makes me feel safe, grace from Jesus and others, a home to bring our baby home to, pumpkin spice candles, hilarious questions from junior high kids, Latte Land, hamburgers (probably my biggest pregnancy craving) and much much more.

 Pray for us as this baby will be coming sometime soon--who knows when!
 Love,
The Messamores