The Duggar's

Tonight I watched the season finale of 19 Kids and Counting. I knew what I was in for watching it. Having gone through my personal tragedy. This episode Jim Bob and Michelle were going for the big ultrasound, 18-20wk scan. They were supposed to find out the gender. Instead they got devastating news. Every pregnant woman's nightmare. There was no heart beat. Their response was this, "The Lord gives and takes away, Blessed be the Lord.". The way they handled that showed so much strength, yes they cried as expected.

How many of us were able to respond like that? When I got the news that Faith had a lethal form of dwarfism all I can say, "Why God?". I had so much anger and resentment for that. I didn't understand why He would take my baby girl away from me. The child we wanted, the child we love so much. Through this though Will and I are stronger. We learned to trust God. That is the hardest thing to do. The other day it came to me, we went through the test of Faith. Even though we have had to endure sorrow and grief, at the end will be Joy.

Thank you for reading my thoughts. Thank you Duggar family for sharing that difficult area in your life. If you only knew how many lives will be affected by this episode. Hoping that the viewing audience will find hope and healing as they go through their loss.

Anna

Preparing for Baby Joy

I am 31 wks pregnant now. I am just so excited!!! It is getting closer to her arrival. At the same time the discomfort of pregnancy is getting to me. The feet swelling is really starting to puff out. Actually the swelling has just really started. My sleep patterns is not normal, and I do not expect it to get any better. It is so worth it! I have been on medical leave now for almost 3 wks. I thought I would get antsy, but I am enjoying this time to relax. Getting Joy's room ready.

This past weekend the painting of the room got done. It is a really nice color. It is CIL brand Paint and Primer in one, English Meadows. The crib is set up, Winnie the Pooh decal stickers are on the wall, furniture arrived yesterday. The room is almost ready.

As I am getting closer to Joy's due date I am trying to wean myself off coffee, that is not going to be fun!

Anna

JOY!

Yesterday was my 3D Ultrasound. It was just awesome! Seeing what my baby looks like. Looks like Will, and I also see the resemblance of Faith in the facial features as well. So precious. It is a girl! I just broke down in happy tears and was so happy! During the ultrasound she was always putting her feet and hands in face. I think she did not want to be bothered. The technician would put her hand on my belly to get her to move her hands and feet away from her face. Joy would move them for a second but right back. I can tell that Joy already has a personality. Less than 12 wks to go until my due date! I am so excited!

Anna

Trimester 3

Whoo Hooo!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited. I am in my final trimester of my pregnancy. Hard to believe it is here. In less than 13 wks we will be welcoming our baby. Everyday I feel the movement and kicks and love it.

I am trying to get rid of this cold and I seemed to notice that after a huge coughing fit baby gives me a good kick. So I do not think baby likes it too much.

Next week I go for my 3D Ultrasound. I just can't wait. I want to start calling the baby by the name.

Anna

25 Weeks

I cannot believe it! Less than 15 wks to until I welcome my little one. I have so many fears. After losing Faith, I am just afraid I will be over protective of this little one.

Yesterday I put on the device to hear the heartbeat and the little one has quite the kick. Baby made the device move. I could not help but laugh.

Anna

Kicking

Well I am 23 weeks and 3 days pregnant. It is just exciting. I am now starting to feel the kicks a lot now. Today I was relaxed on the couch enjoying a snack I noticed the kicks are getting stronger. What an awesome feeling. When I was pregnant with Faith I did not feel the kicks like this at this point of the pregnancy. I felt them more at around 30 weeks. I am now also experiencing the discomforts of pregnancy such was being winded so quickly. Today at work I had my lunch and just as my lunch break was finished I was running to the washroom because the sudden urge to get sick came. It was so embarrassing as interviews were being done. I am thinking maybe it was the Twix bar I had. As I was trying to work I am feeling the pressure around my waistline. I finally clued in, the baby has the foot or had at the waist and the pressure was making feel sick. Again, I experienced that a lot when I was pregnant with Faith. It is like the baby is saying, "Mom you need to sit down and relax". How can you do that when you are at work? So when I got home I just got comfy on the couch and relaxed then I started to feel better. My hubby even put my feet on a cushion and put a blanket on me just to make sure I am comfy, I know I am spoiled rotten. Hurry up May! Hurry Up!!

Anna

Getting Ready

As it is getting closer to the baby's due date I am getting more excited. It is also a reminder that we need to start to get the baby's room ready. Honestly, it has been a struggle to do that. I have been afraid to go a head with it. Baby had a clean bill of health. So many mixed emotions, so excited but so scared. This weekend we were supposed to see a movie together but I really had the desire to start to get the room ready instead. We had two movies in mind that we wanted to see but none of them were playing in the area. I guess we are supposed to get start getting the room ready.

Getting really excited we have booked our 3D ultrasound. I cannot wait. Hopefully we can find out the gender.

I would just like to send out a congratulations to all expectant Mom's out there! I am so happy that you get to share the joy. Those who are trying to conceive, I hope and pray that this is the year it happens!

Anna