My 3 Kids...

Braxton-pregnancy:
Started experiencing morning sickness during Val and Cole's wedding prep.  I couldn't figure out why I was so exhausted and had no energy to help.  Very frustrating.  I couldn't stand the smell of Nathan's deodorant, his body wash, or the stale smell of bacon in our beautiful Bed and Breakfast.  July 3 I took a pregnancy test and it was positive.  We told family by giving them gift bags with baby items in them.  Apart from drainage in my throat and smell sensitivity, I didn't have too many complications at the beginning and swelling and pregnancy carpal tunnel towards the end.

Lundyn-pregnancy:
It was springtime and I started experiencing smell sensitivity (especially to our "new" house smells) and was very tired again.  Shortly before Melanie's baby shower, I took a test and it was positive. We told our family by having Braxton wear his Best Big Brother shirt and then did a test to see how long it would take them to notice.  This pregnancy was full of many different symptoms.  No carpal tunnel, not a lot of swelling, but kidney enlargement (stones?) and hospitalization.  A stint helped relieve the pain and increased the drainage.  I had terrible bladder control and was very uncomfortable in the lower region.

Baby #3:
The week before Arts and Crafts Fair, I got the flu and just couldn't get my strength back.  I decided that Friday to get a preg. test and took it the next morning (failing to mention to Nathan that I had bought it). While taking the test, Braxton walked into the bathroom and asked what it was for.  I told him that it would tell if mommy was going to have another baby.  He said over and over emphatically, "I DON'T want another baby!" Nathan awoke to this screaming and thus the news was told to him!  Braxton proceeded to announce it to neighbors and friends who happened to be walking by outside, so we decided to tell people right away.  We told family by skyping with them and the kids held their baby dolls with onesies that said "Baby #3 coming in May".  This pregnancy has been much worse as far as morning sickness and throwing up.  Fortunately it has only lasted for the first trimester.  I am also experiencing swelling and carpal tunnel so was very convinced that we were having another boy.  After much deliberation we decided to find out at 20 wks. and we are having another girl. 

Romans 12:2

I am most motivated to be free from self-doubt because I so desperately want to make an impact on the kingdom. I desire to experience the richness of life that comes from living for the Lord (free of guilt and frustration with my weaknesses). 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 (NIV)

If I was free from the power of self-doubt, I would have more people over to my messy/dirty house. I would spend less time cleaning and more time with my kids.  I would try new things even if I didn't know how they'd turn out. I'd live my life w/o guilt and insecurity and live in the boldness of the Lord with confidence in His power and strength.

Lord- help me to release every day to you and live in the freedom that you give.  If the truth has set me free, then I am free indeed.  I want to find balance in my life...to keep my home clean and comfortable, to have quality time with my husband, kids, and most importantly You; and to invest in the people around me that need encouragment and friendship.