YES! We are having another baby!! We are so excited and have been for many months. Our baby is at 25 weeks now and doing very well. I have enjoyed this pregnancy the last several weeks, but I have to be honest and say that I didn’t start this pregnancy with any lack of worries. Quite the opposite.
I recently read an article on worry. I realized I needed to stop worrying and rather trust God and His provision, whatever that might be. You see, we’ve had a rough time the past few pregnancies.
It was in the Spring of 2010 that we experienced our first miscarriage – after publicly announcing it to the world and sharing our excitement. We had no reason to not shout it from the rooftops from the very beginning. And then the unthinkable happened – yes something that happens to many, but a first for me – we miscarried. It was awful to be going through a miscarriage – but it seemed ever more so after announcing it publicly. It hurt so bad and it was so embarrassing.
No matter how much doctors, online research and other sources tell you that it was not your fault, it is really hard not to feel responsible in some way. One thing that I did realize was that many moms and dads had experienced this utter heart break and many offered comfort to us, which we were thankful for. But it is still hard and emotionally still too difficult to come to terms with.
That brings us to the Spring of 2011. It took well into the second trimester before I had the guts to shout it out. I had close family, friends and our local church that knew, prayed, supported and were excited, but I couldn’t let the world know until I felt more comfortable. Well, we announced this beautiful blessing but lived in fear the whole pregnancy as I bled or spotted the whole time. But even with that our miracle baby was born at 35 weeks, although the doctors and nurses communicated to us that he escaped death by just an hour. We shared his amazing story in 3 parts (part 1, part 2, part 3). And although this baby had a wonderful and happy entry into the world and has brought nothing but pure joy into our lives ever since, it was a very stressful pregnancy from week 13 onward.
So, now to our last pregnancy that you never heard about. We kept it quiet, except to close friends and family and our local church. Alex wanted to tell others, but I begged him to not. He was excited but I was just as scared and worried. And it happened again – our second miscarriage. It was heart-breaking yet again and we mourned and our kids mourned for their sibling. It was another difficult time in our lives.
And now we are to today – this joyful pregnancy! And it has gone amazingly well, despite my worry. Our baby seems to be right on track and I haven’t had any problems. I still kept it quiet until 10 weeks and then continued to slowly tell friends and family. Well, we are now only 3 months away and couldn’t be more excited!
It is really hard to keep a secret when it is something that your heart and mind cannot stop thinking about! Our kids are so excited to have another baby in the house and our family is so excited to be welcoming another family member.
In fact, this will be really fun because the day that we announced to my parents that we were having another baby, we found out that my sister had just announced to them that she is also having a baby – her first! We are both due within a couple of weeks and who knows, in the end, they could share a birthday!
Now that we are nearing the third trimester, my “honey-do’s” list is growing, my plans are growing, my ideas are expanding, my heart is exploding – not to mention my belly!
And so…you may be wondering what we are having? The picture probably makes it obvious, but IT IS A BOY!! And boy, oh boy, are our boys excited to have a brother!
Our girls are excited now, although they really wanted a sister. Their initial (if only but for a few minutes) response stated: “Brothers are annoying!” But as quickly as it was stated it was then forgotten, and now they just simply cannot wait to have a baby to hold and care for. Our girls are a little older now and this will really be the first baby that they are old enough to really help. They can’t wait. I can’t wait! My job as a mother might be pushed aside a little with their overflowing excitement and eagerness. One of our daughter’s crochets and she has been busy making all kinds of blue and green goodies for baby.
And although I am feeling much more comfortable and calm about the continuing pregnancy and upcoming birth – I can’t say that I still don’t worry. I am at a place where my worry is not nearly as much. But I am really working in my heart and life to not be filled with so much worry as worry just robs of joy and trusts in self rather than my Savior. It is a hard thing to give up. I really appreciated the article on worry that I had recently read and hope that I can fully trust and set worry aside. Despite my struggles with worry about this pregnancy (amongst other things) I thank my God everyday for His continued provision in my life and for my family despite my lack of faith.
All in all, I am one very blessed mom to have this precious gift of children and they joy they bring, even if it is sometimes a bumpy road.
Shannon H
Congratulations on your little boy! We just had our first at the end of July, and my best friend was expecting at the same time and it was really exciting to go through our pregnancies together. How exciting for you and your sister to do the same!
Cassie
Congratulations to you as well! It is such an amazing thing to be a parent. Yes, it has been fun so far and looking forward to seeing these two boys/cousins grow up together. 🙂
Jenny Gerdei
Huge congratulations. Mine are all grown up now and I do miss being a “Mum” they are both independent but one lives at home and one is engaged to be married next year. Enjoy them while they are young. Make them the centre of your world and love them to bits. I did and loved every minute of it.
Cassie
Thank you Jenny! Great reminder. 🙂
Norma
Congratulations, I know you will treasure this precious life as much as God treasures you.
Cassie
Thank you Norma!
Paula
Congratulations on your upcoming baby boy!!! My children are grown and on their own. However, I do watch my sons two children. My grandson will be 3 in April and my granddaughter is 6 months old. They lost their first baby, and that is the first time I have been close to someone that lost a baby. I can fully understand you worrying. I’m very happy for you and your family.
Cassie
Thank you Paula! Yes, once you have been through it or close to someone who has, it is easier to understand. Those are really fun ages. We have a 3 year old now and he is a hoot! He’s quite excited to be a big brother. 🙂
Rosanne
Congratulations! There is nothing sweeter than a baby lotion smelling bundle of new life! I am so happy for you all. Numbers 6:24-26
Cassie
Thank you Rosanne and thank you for the encouraging passage. That is also the benediction we hear each week during worship, but it is a great reminder of Who is in control and who to take comfort in. 🙂
cheryl
WOOT!!! WOOT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
Enjoy the preset, remember the past and look forward to the future.
In my opinion every breath and every child is a GIFT.
Advise I have to remind myself of …..worry has not solved any problem, yet…..action makes changes.
I try to keep things very simple….helps with my anxiety.
My 2 cents.
Have a fantastic day!
Cassie
Thank you Cheryl! That is a really good point – worrying doesn’t solve anything…. Good thoughts. 🙂
Janel
God’s richest blessings be yours. Congratulations as you welcome this precious one into your lives. I will be praying for you as you experience yet another of God’s greatest gifts.
Cassie
Thank you so much Janel! That means a lot to me! 🙂
Debbie
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!
Cassie
Thank you Debbie!
Karen
I’ve been a worrier most of my life, but in recent years God has enabled me to put my trust more in Him. My favorite verses He’s given me are Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for NOTHING, but in everything with prayer and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” May these words bless you as much as they have me!
Cassie
Thank you so much for this reminder Karen! I memorized this many years ago and the reminder is very encouraging!
Dione W.
Thank you, Cassie, for posting the link to Pastor DeYoung’s ever relevant article! It was refreshingly biblical, straight to the point and a much needed reminder for all, no matter the season of life you’re in.
I’d like to share one of my favorite hymns which came to mind after reading it:
“Like A River Glorious” is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of His Blessed Hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love,
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
God bless you & Alex, your children and this new little one on the way:)
Cassie
Hi Dione – what a beautiful hymn! Thank you so much for your encouragement and sharing this with me! God is so good!
Freida Page
Congratulations!
Cassie
Thank you Freida!
Jerilynn
Congratulations on this new life. Thank you for sharing your journey. May your story be an encouragement to others. God bless you and your family in rich and many ways.
Cassie
Thank you JerilynnI
Sherry Godfrey
Congratulations !
Cassie
Thank you Sherry!
Claudia Sanders
God’s blessings to you, your family, and new baby boy. What a thrill for you to receive this precious gift! Thank you for allowing us to share in your joy.
Cassie
Thank you so much Claudia!
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