The Smith's Lately

I've decided to jump on the blog bandwagon! Be patient with me as I figure this whole thing out. :)

God is doing so many big things with our family and I'm really excited to share them! Before I start with the fun and exciting stuff, we need to back it up a little. In June of 2010 while Jason and I were with our Youth at Mission Fuge, we were surprised to find out that we were expecting our 3rd baby! We were both really excited but a little scared. We kept thinking about our girls, who were still 3 and 1 at the time and how we'd manage 3 babies under 5. We also worried about how the finances would work out- things like insurance and more diapers were big concerns. God used the time that we were at camp to remind me of a very specific (but sometimes cliche) verse- Jeremiah 29:11. He reminded me that this baby was not a surprise to Him and that this was His plan for us. I had such a precious time with the Lord, so lovingly reminding me that He is the Author and Creator of life. Jason and I felt at peace about our new addition and waited excitedly. 

Five weeks later at almost 10 weeks, we lost our sweet baby on August 3, 2010. An ultrasound revealed that whatever had happened with the baby had happened very early on and my body just didn't register the problem until that point. We were devastated. Heartbroken. I had definitely heard of women having miscarriages, but I always just thought that it was just part of life and didn't realize the emotional and physical pain. The next three weeks were some of the hardest in my entire life. I am very grateful that my miscarriage happened naturally and that I did not have to have a procedure, but nothing could've prepared me for what I went through.

 My miscarriage was the epitome of bittersweet. I was just crushed that I wasn't pregnant any more. That I'd never get to meet that sweet baby, this side of Heaven. That March 8, 2010 would forevermore be our baby's due date, but not his/her birthday. But it was also a sweet time. Our family, church, and friends surrounded us and encouraged us. My sweet friends brought me ice cream and dinner for our family. They were there to hold me and cry with me. My sweet mama and sister stayed with us to help with Layla and Kylie. We had people all over the country praying for us. And most importantly, I experienced the Lord in a way that I didn't realize that I could! He so clearly reminded me that Jeremiah 29:11- a verse that we love to use at weddings and graduation- is true even in the difficult times. His promises are still true! He STILL has a plan for us and losing this baby fit perfectly in it. I truly had a peace that surpassed all understanding.

Even though that baby caught us a little off guard, we decided that we wanted to try again as soon as possible- since we'd already prepared ourselves for a new baby and I had baby fever. :) On November 4, right before Layla's 4th birthday party, I took a test at home that came back positive! We were very excited but also very hesitant to share our news. We decided that we'd make our big announcement at Thanksgiving to our families, since that'd be after our first doctor's appointment and I'd be nearly 8 weeks. We didn't make it that long. My mama claims that she can look at me and tell, so she guessed it the very next time I saw her! Since my immediate family knew, we asked the Smith's to lunch so we could share the big news with them. Everyone shared our excitement, as well as our reservations. We all prayed.

Praise the Lord! I am currently 13 weeks pregnant and everything seems to be going perfectly! Continue to pray for me and this baby, throughout our journey through the next 6 months. I feel so blessed to have been given the gift of another precious baby. Here are some pics to bring us up to date! 

6 weeks! 

6 weeks again. Our little bean. :)

8 week belly

11 weeks- arms and legs extended :)

11 weeks- curled up

12 week belly pic