Brandon + Catherine + baby boy bump | Maternity

I cannot wait to meet this special little baby. We've been incredibly blessed by Brandon & Catherine's friendship over the past almost 3 years. This darling little one is quite loved & has much to look forward to being a son to this dynamite, god-fearing, generous, & beautiful couple. We love you guys! 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Weeks | Baby Reyna

 15 weeks down, 25 to go. Still not much of a baby bump and feeling much better for the most part. I still have my crummy days, but overall am thankful to be feeling pretty fantastic. 

This week was extra special because we celebrated two of my best friends and their soon-to-arrive baby boys at their baby showers. Aka- automatic baby friends whether they like it or not. Otherwise, life continues on as normal. I'm learning that rest is important and necessary. I now am adjusting to make resting, napping, putting my feet up, etc., an important part of most days if possible. Even this early on, I can tell a big difference when I do too much and don't rest enough. I keep reminding myself that my "job" right now is to grow this little human as best I am able, and that includes giving into resting when able. Thankfully, I can do many things that "need" to get done while taking it easy- like hours of photo editing from recent photo-shoots.

Baby is measuring 4 inches long and weighs 2.5 ounces this week. I still love fruit, sandwiches, and hearing our baby's heartbeat on the doppler.

Keep growing little love!

Around here

Our home is happy around here these days. It's a nice change from what seemed like a very long and dark summer. Perhaps it's happy because I woke up this morning with the craziest boost of energy for which I used to deep clean the house. Windows, floors, and all. Whew! I'm liking these 2nd trimester little bouts of energy. When it comes, I run with it!

 

Perhaps it's happy because we've had a few loved ones as visitors over the past month.

My sister and nephew stayed with us for a few days in early January. What a joy to have little Reid around. His smile is contagious. His little baby cheeks are irresistible. I wish you could see this child eat real food. He's quite the patient & polite little fella. He sits with his mouth wide open, ready. What a sweetie. We also learned that baby-proofing the house needs to happen asap. This little guy is quite the explorer and got into everything. Children truly are a gift. I love watching my sister delight in her son. And I love being Auntie.

 

 Perhaps it's happy because little bits of life surround us. From photos of favorite spots, to each of our baby ultrasounds on the fridge, to a few lively plants, to the above meaningful painting of "Rock Gabriel" from my Dad. The day Andrew and I told my family we were expecting our first baby, Dad and I took a daddy/daughter date, chased the light, and painted this view as the sun was setting. What a meaningful little gift this was to me. A day to be remembered, a moment frozen in time. Dad, thank you  for this beautiful piece that livens our home.

Perhaps it's happy because Andrew always seems to be happy. He even wakes up happy. Sweet, giddy, and happy. Every morning, it still catches me off guard. I can't help but start the day with a smile waking up next to him (a nice change from the past 2.5 years of working nights and not being on the same sleep/wake schedule). 

Andrew is currently in the middle of his Psych rotation. This means that he spends his work days on the inpatient psych unit. As you can certainly imagine, it's quite the interesting place. He continues to keep a positive attitude and amazes me with how he takes each rotation and tries to find every way that it can apply to his future as a family practice physician. Andrew is already planning his next (& last!!!) year's schedule. It's exciting to think that the light is in sight and that this med-school journey is nearing an end. This week's sermon addressed the idea that besides salvation, people are the best gift God could give us. I couldn't agree more and am thankful every day that God gave me Andrew. What a gift.

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.