Week 18 Photo Journal

18 weeks and feeling great!  Loving my growing bump and the precious little one that's making it bigger.  Another active Morse baby, just like it's brothers and sister.  I guess this baby has the desire to keep up with the others already.

Taking advantage of our yard.

Taking advantage of our tiger lilies this week.  They bloomed just in time for this shot!

Tip of the week:  Have you started an exercise program yet?  Exercise is important as you prepare for labor.  You'll want to start slow and listen to your body more now than ever.  Don't forget, you're breathing for 2!  Some great exercises are walking, swimming and yoga.  I personally love my Holy Yoga video since it's yoga exercises but it is rooted in worshiping Christ.  Exercise and worship all at the same time! 

Being in better shape (usually) helps your labor be easier to tolerate and perhaps faster.  People have known from pretty much the beginning of time that the better shape a momma is in, the more likely (not necessarily BUT more likely) your labor will be faster and easier. 

For Biblical proof look at the first chapter of Exodus - "The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 'When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.'  The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, 'Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?'  The midwives answered Pharaoh, 'Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.'  So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own."  (Exodus 1:15-21)

Similar to us knowing for sure that Christ was definitely NOT in the tomb because the pharisees made up excuses for why He wasn't there instead of saying, "Um, no, he's still there."  We know the Hebrew women were definitely stronger and in better physical shape than the Egyptian women or this excuse would not have been accepted.

Of course, as with all things, be sure to talk to your ob/midwife about what is okay for you to do.  Certain conditions may require more or less activity.

Week 13 Photo Journal

This week we went on a mini vacation to Amish Country in Pennsylvania.  What a great vacation spot for a pregnant mommy with little ones.  Lots to do but lots relaxation thanks to the simple life the Amish lead.  Also, loads of love and acceptance (and advice from some very experienced Amish moms).  I'm used to getting dirty looks and comments because our 3 blessings are all under 5.  It was so refreshing to here positive words about our family!

At 13 weeks the baby is about the size of a peach!

Tip of the week: When going on a long care ride be sure to stop often to get up and stretch.  Sitting too long while pregnant can allow fluid to build up in your feet and ankles leading to swelling.  You'll probably have to use the bathroom often anyways!  Keep snacks and drinks on hand as well.  Don't forget, even though you aren't doing much you still have to eat and drink for 2!

Why do I want more?

Have you found yourself asking this question even though you're holding your precious little bundle?  My husband and I have been struggling back and forth with the same issue.  Is it really wrong to desire more even though culture (and sometimes close friends and family) say you have enough (and possibly too many)?

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."  Mark 9:37

A newborn is a fresh act of God.  The latest revelation of His creativity.  A new image of the Lord.  It is so amazing to be allowed to steward these precious little image bearers.  Is it wrong to desire more of these amazing little blessings?

I suppose, as in all things, we are to pray and listen carefully for His guidance.  He will light our paths.