I wasn’t able to put together a pregnancy post for yesterday because we had a big rainstorm here, and living way out in the middle of nowhere means no internet when that happens. Such is life, but it did give me one more day to collect my thoughts about the past week and where we are heading this week.
I am definitely feeling better and more like myself. I can pull my thoughts together better, but I still feel a little foggy, especially early in the morning and later at night. 4pm continues to be the hour that things go downhill, but things don’t go as far as fast.
It was a good thing I was doing better because I spent the last two weeks on my own without my husband. He was at Phase 1 of OCS for the Army National Guard. During this phase, we had no contact with him.
We are all very thankful to have him home!
This week, I have a doctor’s appointment. I really enjoy Dr’s appointments. It is something to look forward to every month or so because we really like our OB and often spend time just chit-chatting about life in general. And of course, it feels like we are actually getting somewhere in this pregnancy!
I also hop a plane to the Dallas Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Convention! I am excited to see what God has for me to share because there is no way I’ll be doing any of this in my own strength.
In fact, as I was driving home from the city the other night, I was listening to Casting Crown’s Thrive. There is a stanza in the song that says,
Just to know You and to make You known, we lift Your Name on high.
I heard an interview with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns in which he said,
“We aren’t supposed to be great for God, we are just to know Him and make Him known.”
The last several months, there’s been no great about anything I’ve done. Pregnancy is tough. Pregnancy is humbling. Pregnancy doesn’t make me look good. Yet, this is where God has me.
I haven’t blogged regularly. I haven’t read many emails. I haven’t answered many comments here or on other social media. School has been on the back burner. My to-do list each day doesn’t consist of much of anything. I’m feeding my kids food that comes in boxes. I’m feeding myself whatever sounds good. The house is sort of picked up and sort of clean some of the time.
But…
Am I getting to know Him through this?
Am I making Him known through this?
That is what really matters.
Virginia says
This is wonderful. I know exactly where you are coming from. I just heard that song on the radio and it really hit me this morning for various reasons.
God knows the things that will really make us “thrive”. We have this idea of what it is and often we are wrong. Ever since I have put myself on a certain path, I feel like my life is thriving because of His love and guidance. The “world” may not value what I do, but what does that matter?
Much love to you. Just do what matters most in times like these. Actually…at all times! 😀 xo
Missy says
Oh sweet sister – welcome to Army life! I am an active duty Army Chaplain’s wife and I feel you about our husbands being gone for large chunks of time. Where is your husband going for OCS? We just moved from Fort Benning, GA and are moving to Fort Jackson, SC this week. Praying for your family as you move into the National Guard way of life! If you have any questions about Army life, please feel free to email me! God’s blessings on your family!
Amy says
Hi Missy! Ty was in the Reserves and did 2 back to back deployments after 9/11 when we only had 2 children. He’s been out for 10 years now, but decided too many things were pointing him back to ignore. 2 weeks is nothing compared to what we used to do, but I’m out of practice! lol
Regina says
Thanks for your posts, Amy!
I’ve only been following your blog for a month or so… but it was good timing. I’m 14 weeks pregnant also … with our first. I don’t look pregnant like you do in your picture, but I feel 100% of what you’ve written. It helps to know this is someone else’s normal, too.
I found, to my surprise, great comfort a few weeks ago when I realized I haven’t done a thing to make this baby grow. I haven’t been eating healthy because I reach for anything I can stomach (mac & cheese and watermelon, pretty much), and the thought of regular exercise makes me laugh… after my nap, I think. The thought was comforting because it seemed to be a call to let go of the pressure of trying to do everything right.
I guess all I have to worry about is letting God take care of His business here — which is good because I can’t handle much more than letting it all go anyway. He’s so good to us 🙂
God Bless you and your growing baby!
Jenny Coe says
God bless the new addition to your family. I am right with ya! 14 weeks, due Dec. 18.
Godly Indian Mom says
Wishing you a safe delivery.Praying for his mighty strength for you as you handle your day.And you got the most important thing perfectly right sister 🙂
Andrea says
Amen and Amen, and thank you! I am right in the same spot, only 9 weeks so you are going to leave the fog before I do. But the kids eating processed foods, me eating what I want, house is semi clean, school is not about books at all right now. But I am striving to honor God, to value life. I remain calm and peaceful, just feel like my finger is down my throat 24 hours a day. Too much? Sorry! Thanks for the post. You do so much for so many just by being honest.
Hugs and much love and gratitude!!!!
Barbi says
So glad to hear Daddy is back home, I always feel better with my sweetie home. My husband proudly served some time for our country also and I was prego while he was gone, so I can relate. For all you pregnant moms out their, keep up your iron (there’s good liquid forms of this) and protein, it helps in big positive ways. I cannot stress this enough. Also they say God never gives us more than we can handle….I say he must see stuff in me I don’t most days. I wonder how I’ll manage and then somehow I do. God creates things and we need to count our blessings and be glad to get through. I pray for pregnant mothers everyday during my prayer time, so I will say an extra one just for you. Blessings, Barbi
Amy Sparks says
Just saying, I think you look great! I’m glad you are feeling better!
Rebecca says
Your attitude is exactly as it should be. You are so right to not put stress on yourself to live your life as you usually do. You are creating life within you! You are literally making one of God’s children! And that is your most important job right now. Good job keeping your priorities in order!
Anita says
You’re doing an amazing job Amy! Remember, all the other things can wait til you’ve grown a precious life, and harboured a special and unique soul in that hiding place of your womb. You are doing a most valuable work right now, while all around you, outside of you, nothing seems to be happening much. Bless you, mighty woman of God!! xx
Kristine says
It’s like you took the words right out of my foggy, jumbled mind.:). I just made that 12 week hurdle with my sixth and thankfully am actually accomplishing something today.:). I don’t care how many times you’ve been through it. Pregnancy is hard!!!!!:)
Amanda says
Reading your pregnancy updates has been so encouraging! I am 2 weeks behind you with our 3rd child on the way. With each pregnancy, I have been terribly sick. There have been moments when I break down in tears wondering how I can make it through the day. It has been refreshing to read hear your honesty–and to even to read the comments from other mothers out there who are also struggling–all while trying to keep the right mindset and priorities.
Pamela says
I’m 39 weeks pregnant with my third, and I understand what you say about pregnancy being humbling.
I was listening to a talk yesterday that says in order to grow in humility we must be humiliated. So God is working on our souls during this season of life, and we should thank him for it. I hope you find this comforting as I do.
Renee Brown says
Thank you for this post! It is really encouraging to hear someone being real. And although it can be risky to be so vulnerable, other mamas need to hear it???? Blessings to you and your growing family????
Renee Brown says
all those question marks were smiley faces!
Ruth Adams says
Amy,
It was nice to meet you at the conference this weekend. Thank you for sharing practical helps on managing the large family. I am going to look into those drink bands. May the Lord grant you strength and joy as you carry your new blessing through this pregnancy. I really enjoyed your session. Thanks again!
Ruth Adams