Peanut Update #2

Not much to report on the Peanut front. She is a strong, strong kicker and probably isn't getting enough food. I tend to forget to eat this time around (which wasn't a problem with the first pregnancy, or actually at any other time in my life!), so every time I actually do get some sugar in my bloodstream, she goes nuts and starts getting really active. I can imagine her saying "Oh, thank you Lord, you reminded Mama to eat again". At this point in the pregnancy with Madeleine I was about 4 lbs heavier, but I am still being careful to keep weight in check, with Mads, I gained 15 lbs between weeks 24 and 34 =) Maybe I'm being more intentional because I just feel like I look so much bigger with peanut. I might want to give myself some more time for my uterus to contract before starting baby #3..or, maybe we won't. The Lord knows. I have tried researching how to strengthen your uterus, but with limited results. If you know any good uterus contracting moves, let me know. One friend told me that in Europe, upon delivering, they wrap you really tight in something akin to Ace bandages...she said it helps shrink things down tighter while you are still pliable. I might try it with this baby, mostly for the muscular support in the belly area. Plus, I've been threatening myself with signing up for the Rock 'N Roll Marathon, it happens 6 months after delivery and I've wanted to do it for a while now. It just takes a lot of motivation and effort to train for a marathon (who has time to run 18 miles a day with two kids under 2?) so...we'll see. Tim even said he should to the Temecula Turkey Trot this year as his 5K, since I already ran one in May. Then we could do the Carlsbad 10K in January and work our way up to the 1/2 or full marathon in June. Of course, running with somene (especially Tim) is a dream. I still hold out that I will force one of my children to run with me. Even if I have to drag them or push them in a wheelbarrow, one child will be my running companion =)

12 weeks and already showing!

15 weeks, just after a run and asking Tim to take my pic because "...we don't have any early pics and I'm afraid I'll forget what it looks like at this stage ."

16 weeks- my mom usually takes my pics- we were trying for every 4 weeks, but we will have to take them more frequently as the baby is now growing in earnest.

20 weeks at home with Tim & Mads

20 weeks, my mom taking one for her documentation.

We have a first name, and probably a middle name; you'll only have to wait another 16-18 weeks to know. I'd love to hear guesses!!!!! I always love hearing what other people would choose- for us or for themselves. Holy cow!!! 16-18 weeks?!?!? Oh dear Lord! I think it's in the moments when Mads is down for her naps and I'm sitting on the couch with my feet up, resting (actually, trying to not kill any annoying animals due to excessive neediness, shedding, meowing, barfing, scratching, panting, licking of the crotch or barking) that I think, "In four months time I will have another baby who will need nursing and tending to, and when she's asleep, Madeleine will need feeding and playing with, teaching and tending to...Good thing I find my strength in God Omnipotent. It made my heart glad when Tim reaffirmed his desire and attempt to take a month off when Peanut comes.

It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. Ps 18.32

The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Ps 29.11

In quietness and confidence shall be my strength. Is 30.15

I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph 6.10

I have put on the complete armour of God. Eph 6.11

God gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Is 40.29

I shall renew my strength. I shall receive God's strength as I wait upon Him. I shall mount up with wings like eagles. I shall run and not be weary. I shall walk and not faint. All this shall happen to me because I wait on the LORD. Is 40.31

God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps 46.1

The Lord is my strength and my song, And He is become my salvation. Ex 15.2 Ps 118.19 Is 12.2

Like Moses, my eyesight shall not be dim nor shall my natural vigor be abated. Deut 34.7

God has commanded me. I am strong and very courageous in Christ; I am not afraid, nor dismayed, for the LORD my God is with me wherever I go. Josh 1.9

I strengthen myself in the LORD my God. 1Sam 30.6

God has armed me with strength for battle; He has subdued under me those who rose against me. 2Sam 22.40

The joy of the Lord is my strength. Neh 8.10

I will love You, O Lord, my Strength. Ps 18.1

The LORD is my strength and my shield, and my saving refuge. Ps 28.7 28.8

The LORD will give strength to his people. Ps 29.11

God is my defense. Ps 59.9

The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Ps 68.35

God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps 73.26

A wise man is strong. Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. God gives abundant wisdom to me without finding fault. Pr 24.5

The Lord gives strength to those who turn the battle at the gate. Is 28.6

I keep every commandment which God commands me today, that I may be strong and possess the promises of God. Deut 11.8

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Php 4.13"

from http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/confessions-on-strength

Love, Lauren