Turner Girls

Meet the Turner girls! The newest addition, baby Sarah, is just a few weeks old here. Her beautiful sisters, Rachel & Lauren, love her dearly. Their mom, Christina, is a co-worker friend of mine who also happened to be one of my preceptors a few years ago. The Turner family (minus dad) was such a joy to photograph on this foggy Saturday morning.

 

  

Baby Reyna | 14 Weeks

Welcome 2nd trimester! I sit here with a grateful heart and hopeful spirit. When this journey started many months ago after the loss of our first baby, I didn't think we'd make it this far. With month after month of trying to achieve pregnancy (with treatments of course- thanks to my infertility issues), my spirit was darkened. Month after month brought bad news. More issues, more concerns, more hormone imbalances, more negative tests...  We are very thankful to be where we are at and know many that have been trying with treatment for years without success; so, our "trial" is nothing compared. But, trials aren't to compare. Struggles don't size each other up. A struggle is significant no matter the severity. After becoming pregnant, I actually don't think I thought much past the 12 week mark. Even now- I'm just beginning to let myself get excited and think of the weeks, months, and years to come. It's amazing how the mind takes over to try and protect the heart. Upon hearing this little one's heartbeat the first time on ultrasound around 6.5 weeks, it still didn't feel real. As my mother was present and we discussed how I was feeling after the appointment, she understood my lack of excitement--my stoic self. "You've been here before." Yes, I had. That heartbeat is amazing- and a huge step to get to. But I'd heard and seen Gabriel's heartbeat a couple times before we heard it no more. So, all of this to say, I'm just now starting to get excited and feel like this is real. Thankfully, our risk of miscarriage is statistically much, much lower at this point.

Many times, I feel badly that I've felt this way for much of this pregnancy. I've felt badly that I'm just recently starting to bond with this little one I'm carrying. The Lord already knows my heart. He knows my thoughts, my fears, my feelings. I think he understands. Through my fears, God has granted me peace. He has allowed me to understand that this truly is out of my hands. My heavenly father has drawn me near and asked me to trust in Him like I never have before. It's been a journey. It continues to be a journey. But I'm learning what trust looks like. I'm learning what truly surrendering looks like. I'm learning what it looks like to live in step with Christ day in and day out- praying in the elevator at work, while I'm driving, while I'm filling up a water pitcher... Those moments when my mind would normally turn to fear or worry, I pray.  I'm giving up my need to control and just trying to enjoy this time the Lord has set before me. And, what a beautiful time it is...

Our little biscuit is 3.5 inches long and weighs 1.5 ounces this week. Keep growing sweet one.

13 Weeks | Baby Reyna

 Week 13 flew by! My favorite sound in the whole world is still our baby's heart beat. It always brings a smile to my face. My energy level is improving & nausea remains an infrequent guest. Even though I feel like I'm showing, I guess these photos mostly prove otherwise. 

Our baby is about 3 inches long, has fingerprints, and weighs about an ounce. This mama was craving all things sandwich this week. Egg salad and grilled cheese with tomato soup were favorites. Gluten free of course! I'm thankful to have found a GF bread that I like. Opens up many new menu options!

Mostly, we are just thankful that all looks healthy and well thus far. We are praising God each day for this little one and asking Him to prepare our hearts to become loving, godly parents.

Baby Eliza Pearl | Newborn

  

Baby Eliza Pearl is quite the little angel. She is dearly loved by her Mom, Dad, and big brother, Isaac. What a gift this little one continues to be. I'm thankful that I get to hold her every once in a while too! Don't be surprised if this little one makes frequent appearances on this blog. She and her brother are the cutest members of our extended family and are well-deserving of their camera time!

We love you sweet baby girl!

12 Weeks | Baby Reyna

Reaching the 12 week mark was a big deal around here. At least it was to me. I know that it's never "safe." I know this especially since I work in high risk OB. I will never truly stop worrying- that word is synonymous to parenthood, right? But, last week brought on a whole new level of hope and excitement. I also have such peace knowing that I'm not who is in control of this. This baby really is in God's hands. I'm the vessel. I am learning that worrying accomplishes nothing beneficial. Ever. Twelve weeks also brought what I hope to be the end of the nausea and vomiting that has been my right hand man for the past 6 weeks or so. Whew! Though it was miserable, after each "sick-moment" I couldn't help but smile and thank God. What reassurance it brought.

All that being said, I hope to grab a photo each week of pregnancy. 

Though there's not too much belly there, here's week 12 (actually taken closer to 13 as I'm playing catch up).

This week, we got to see our little one (the size of a plum) on ultrasound again. Always a joy to hear and see a good report. Having a doppler at home also helps. Our baby's heartbeat might just be my favorite sound. Andrew wins best hubby of the year award as he really stepped it up over the past 5 or 6 weeks when I was feeling extra crummy. With major food aversions and being unable to be in the kitchen, he was so loving, patient, and kind. He really is a gift and I'm ever so thankful that those weeks fell when they did while he had a lighter work load and vacation time. Another blessing indeed. 

 "12 Weeks. Size of a plum. Feeling better, loving fruit, and comforted when hearing baby's heart beat."

We are so thankful for everyone's excitement for us. Thank you! 

Exciting News

It is with great joy and thankfulness that we share our exciting news of expecting a baby in July. This babe has brought us such peace and has been a testament to God's faithfulness. With close monitoring these first 12 weeks, all has been looking great so far. On ultrasounds, our little one is found dancing around like his/her father would only see fit. We are praising God for this little miracle and I am continuing to surrender my fears about this pregnancy to Him each day.

We owe a heartfelt thanks to those who have been in prayer for us over this past year. Thank you. We humbly ask that those prayers continue for this gift of life. There is certainly no denying that pregnancy is a miraculous thing. What a gift it is to carry this baby in my womb, to pray for him/her each day, to love him/her so much- even while just the size of a little plum. 

Stay tuned for more pregnancy updates as the months continue!

"He makes the barren women abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 113:9