Loving Ourselves as God Loves Us

Hey, hey, hey!  Happy Wednesday, guys!

Today I want to talk about something that's been on my mind and heart lately; something that God helped me to overcome (or work towards overcoming) this morning during my devotional.  I want to talk about loving ourselves the way God loves us.  Ready?  Let's go! :)

As every pregnant woman knows, our bodies change and grow rapidly over this forty-week period.  It is amazing to see how our bodies adapt to the growing being inside, isn't it??  Well, while some of these changes are nicer than others (hellooooo, tahtah's!), but then some of them can be downright depressing (can you say stretch marks, weight gain, and widening hips?)!

For me, it's been extremely hard to watch the scale go up every week.  Last week I hit the big ten-pound mark, which means I've gained ten pounds in the ten weeks since the second trimester began (right on track, according to my doctor and all of the pregnancy info I've read).  I know that means Peanut is growing like she should be, but I'm not gonna lie, it's still hard to watch the number rise and watch my belly, hips, and thighs grow!

I've always been leaner (well, except for nursing school...I think that stress will put weight on anyone! lol) and fairly in control of my weight, but I've also always struggled with a lack of self esteem when it comes to my body. Basically, I don't see what other people see when I look in the mirror.  I am always going to be harder on myself and nit-pick at the "problem areas" I think I have.  I know it is a problem I have, and it's something that I have to work on on a daily basis to overcome...even more so now that I'm pregnant and my body is changing for my precious little girl.

So of course, as He always does, God spoke to me through my devotional this morning about this very topic.  He shared Matthew 22:39 with me, which says "Love your neighbor as yourself".  My devotional (Celebration of Life: Everyday Encouragement for Expectant Moms) broke it down for me like this: "The Bible affirms the importance of self-acceptance by teaching Christians to love each other as they love themselves...God accept us just the way we are.  And if He accepts us--faults and all--then who are we to believe otherwise?"

This message really hit home for me when I read it this morning.  I want nothing more than to be a light for other people and to show them God's love, but how can I do that if I'm not even loving myself properly?? I immediately had to stop and ask God to forgive me for demeaning His creation (me) and for not always seeing the beauty in the masterpiece that He's creating (my growing body that's carrying this miracle).  I also asked Him to open my eyes and to allow me to see myself as He sees me: a beautiful and always-growing child of His, despite all of my imperfections.  It felt absolutely wonderful to lay this burden at His feet and ask Him for healing in this matter!

Of course, once this happened, I knew He wanted me to share it with all of you guys.  Now, the verse above and the message He spoke to me doesn't just apply to pregnant women.  It also applies to anyone (including men) who has a hard time seeing the beauty in God's creation through the fog of doubt and imperfections that Satan tries to put in front of us.  If this is a struggle that you, like me, are dealing with today, please remember that God put a lot of work into making you just the way you are, He loves you just the way you are, and He delights in watching you grow in your faith day by day!  :)

Twenty-Three Weeks

Why, hello again!  I hope you all had a great week and have been able to enjoy this beautiful Easter Weekend so far!  It's been pretty low key for the hubs and I...just doing stuff around the house, working out, etc.  Better cherish this quiet time while it lasts, because next Easter will be filled with lots of egg dying, egg hunting, and Easter Bunny pictures! Oh boy, I can't wait! :)  

So, this week we're celebrating twenty-three weeks of pregnancy---woohoo!  I swear, is it just me, or does time seem to go by faster and faster with each passing week??  I'm definitely not complaining; I get more and more eager to meet our little Peanut every day!  Come on, July!  

As always, let's take a peek at little Miss' progress...

Symptoms:

-heartburn/indigestion (O. M. G.  I can't drink water without getting one or both of these anymore)

-backache/achy hips and legs

-fatigue (definitely noticing this more lately...but I still can't seem to take a nap during the day!)

-nausea (mostly when I'm really hungry or when I get those wicked heartburn attacks)

-increased hunger 

-mild hot flashes (mainly at night or when I'm wearing socks...odd, huh?)

Size of Baby:

Pomegranate (about a foot long still and a little over a pound...this weight should double within the next four weeks, though!)

Milestones/Happenings:

Reagan is starting to recognize our voices and familiar sounds/songs!  I swear she starts to move around more when her Daddy is talking (not necessarily to her, even), but he thinks the opposite because she will stop kicking when he puts his hand on my belly.  (Guess she's just being stubborn...wonder where she gets that from?? ;) lol)  She also likes it when I play music on my phone or in the car.  Certain things startle her, like the house alarm going off or if someone honks their horn. It's so funny to feel her reaction to different sounds!

Belly Pic:

I know I have a ways to go, but man, do I feel like a beached whale already!  As my super sweet husband informed me recently, I no longer look like I have a "beer gut", but now "actually look pregnant".  I know, sweet, huh? lol  But he did follow that up by telling me I don't look pregnant from the front or the back, just when I turn to the side.  Awww, thanks, Baby Daddy! ;)  Anyway, here is our weekly picture from this morning...

That's it for this week, guys and gals!  I have some things to accomplish in Reagan's room (organizing the closet and putting up her adorable name decal that came in this week---eek!), and then I think I will lay on the couch and watch Food Network reruns till my little heart is content while the Mister is out playing golf.  Doesn't that sound divine?  The only way it could get better is if a chocolate cake with fudge icing magically appeared in my kitchen...uh oh, I've done it now.  I've started a craving that I might just have to go to the store to satisfy...lol.  

I pray you all have a fabulous Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of our Lord!  Even with all of the yummy food, family time, easter eggs, and candy, remember the reason we honor this weekend: the sacrifice that was made and the promise that was fulfilled.  "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said He would!" (Matthew 28:6)  To God be the glory! :)

Thankful Tuesday

All too often, we get so busy with life and all that it entails that we forget to stop and be thankful for the little things.  So, today I thought I'd take a moment and give God the praise for just a few of the many, many things He has blessed me with!

I'm Thankful For (in no particular order)...

-another day to wake up

-a warm bed and beautiful home to wake up in

-this tiny miracle that woke me up kicking away this morning, and who is healthy and continuing to grow every day

-the financial stability to be able to take time off work while our miracle grows

-a husband who loves me unconditionally, supports me in all of my endeavors (including all my moments of "I totally think I can do that!" and then give up shortly after...like making homemade hair bows...), and is a shining example of a Godly man

-an amazing group of people that I get to call "family" (seriously, y'all rock my socks off!)

-a multitude of friends who never fail to let me know I'm loved and being prayed for

-Burger King sweet tea (what??? I'm thankful for it! lol)

-God's never-ending love, mercy, faithfulness, and forgiveness

-a man named Jesus who gave His life on the cross so that I (and you!) can live for eternity in heaven, and for God's willingness to send this man...His one and only son.  Romans 5:8 says "God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (To read more about this ultimate sacrifice and how you, too, can live for eternity with Him, click here!)

The list could go on and on, but these are just some of the things that are on my heart this morning! What are you thankful for today??  How has God blessed your life?  I hope you get the time today (even if it's just a few minutes on the elevator, in the car, or during your lunch break) to stop and tell the Father how grateful you are...He's a humble God, but He does like to hear a "thank you" every now and then! ;)

Have a blessed day, you guys!  See you back here Saturday!

Twenty-Two Weeks

Goooood morning, y'all!  I hope everyone is enjoying their day so far!  Mine has been spent taking our obese cat to the vet for his checkup (he's down four pounds in two years...now he's only thirteen and a half pounds! lol) and doing a little online browsing for cute baby stuff (I've got a serious shopping problem...but the first step is admitting it, right?? ;) )  Other than the yucky weather, it's shaping up to be a great weekend!

What makes this weekend even better is being able to say we're yet another week closer to meeting Miss Reagan!  Today marks twenty-two weeks---where did the last two weeks go?!  Even though we're still eighteen weeks away from her arrival, it's starting to feel a little more "real"---we're actually going to be parents!!!  I've been feeling her move even more over the last few days, and my husband and I have been talking to her so she can recognize our voices later.  (I have to say, nothing melts my heart more than hearing my husband say sweet things to our daughter while she's in there baking...it's soooo sweet!)  I just pray these next few months go by just as quickly so we can meet the little girl who has already stolen our hearts and has us wrapped around her tiny little finger! :)

Ok, so let's see what Peanut has been doing the last few days (I know I just posted my late weekly update on Tuesday, but I have to get back on track, so bear with me, guys!)...

Symptoms:

-headache (more frequently...the lovely thick layer of pollen everywhere might be to blame for this)
-heartburn/reflux
-restlessness/fatigue (the two go hand in hand)
-gassiness/bloating/constipation (oh, the joys...lol)
-backache/achy hips
-bloody/stuffy nose
-increased hunger

Size of Baby:

Papaya (11-12 inches and over 1 pound!  Way to grow, Baby Reagan!)

Milestones/Happenings:

With her eyes and lips being more developed, Peanut's definitely resembling a newborn now!  She also is sleeping more often---as much as fourteen hours a day!  Her more active times are throughout the night and first thing in the morning, which means Mommy and Daddy are in for it once she gets here! lol  Her movements are definitely starting to be more noticeable since she's gained weight and is getting stronger...I think she even gave me the "people's elbow" this morning---ouch!  Every movement is such a blessing though, and each one makes me smile (even the painful ones)!

Belly Pic:

As baby grows, so does The Bump!  The top of my uterus is now about an inch above my belly button (which is struggling to stay an "inny" as the skin gets tighter and tighter! lol).  She's still lying fairly low though; I usually feel her a few inches below my belly button.

Well, that's it for this week, folks!  As I end today's update, I want to (once again---it never gets old!) give God all of the glory for yet another week of health and blessings.  He has brought us so far, and blessed us beyond belief.  He has made my faith stronger than I ever thought possible, and He is using me to touch others in such an amazing way.  My heart is steadily trusting in Him, and I believe He will see His perfect plan through to the end!  I'll leave y'all with a verse that makes my heart smile every time I hear/read it...it reminds me that every child is a gift from our Father and that He truly does hear our prayers! "For this child I have prayed for, and You have granted me my request." (Samuel 1:27) Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers!

Twenty-One Weeks and Peanut's Name Revealed!

We made it back safe and sound from NYC!  Woohoo!  We had a blast (minus the cold weather/snow/ice), but I know I, for one, am sooooo happy to be back home again!  I missed my huge pregnancy pillow and my sweet tea! ;)

So, now we get to celebrate my twenty-first week of pregnancy!  Yaaaay!  And I actually did remember to take a belly pic Saturday morning, so we're still on track!  Let's take a peek at Peanut's progress, shall we?

Symptoms:

-backache (even worse during our long walks in the city---no surprise there!)
-reflux/heartburn
-bloating/bubbles
-headaches (on and off)
-fatigue
-intense hunger (at times)
-frequent pee trips (still mostly at night...thanks, Peanut!)

Size of Baby:

Pomegranate (about 10.5 inches and 13 ounces)

Milestones/Happenings:

Peanut is starting to put on a little weight, and it's just the beginning!  From now until she's born, her weight will increase to roughly eight times what it is now (that's estimating she will be 6.5 pounds on delivery day)!  No wonder I'm so hungry all the time---she's using all of my fuel to grow! lol

She seemed to really like our little vacation, especially the Broadway play (we saw "Wicked"---highly recommend it!) and the plane ride!  She kicked me nonstop during both, lol.  I feel her on a regular basis now, and can tell when she's flipping over, kicking, or punching.  (She's actually practicing her jabs as we speak!) What a wonderful experience it is to feel a little life moving inside of me!  I can't stop thanking God for this opportunity He's blessed me with!

Belly Pic:

I sure do feel bigger this week, but don't notice it too much in the picture.  (Please excuse the horrible hotel lighting, as well as the marks all over my belly from fighting with the sheets all night, lol.)

Alright, now for the part I'm sure you've all been waiting for.......the reveal of Peanut's name!!!  We officially decided on it the day before our trip, and wanted to share it with our parents before we told the world (I'm sure you guys understand! ;) ).  Once we got back, I rushed to the monogramming shop here in town to have them make her first little personalized outfit so I could properly "announce" it! So, without further ado...here's our sweet baby girl's name!

Sooooo...what do y'all think??  We are so in love with this name, although it still sounds weird to call her anything but "Peanut"!  The poor child...she'll have that nickname for the rest of her life!  LOL! "Reagan" is just a name my hubs and I both liked (we had it narrowed down to either that or "Madelyn"), and then "Elizabeth" is after my Mom.  This will make the third generation of daughters named after their grandmothers---I love that!  I can't believe our little miracle has a name now...it makes things seem that much more real!  Eeeek!

Well, with the trip and deciding on her name, this week has definitely been an exciting one!  I thank God for a safe trip, healthy baby (and Mommy), and a decision made (which is not as easy as it sounds if you know my husband, lol)!  I can't wait to see what exciting things are in store for us over the next nineteen weeks!  :)