Goodbye, First Trimester

Happy Almost-April, everyone!  April is exciting for us - We're out of the first trimester!  Our 12 week sonogram showed a healthy, growing baby, so we are over-the-moon grateful.  I'm experiencing a lot less nausea, which has made a world of difference!  I'm still crying at every sappy commercial on TV (Darn you, Humane Society/Sarah Mclaughlin commercial!) and sad song on the radio, so I'm confident my hormones are still CRAZY!

Here's a picture of Baby Elam at just over 12 weeks.  At 14 weeks, I've been told by a sonographer at work that we'll be able to determine the sex of the baby.  We'll see if Baby Elam cooperates...Right now, he/she is quite the jumpin' bean!

A Word On Suffering 

(Infertility and Pregnancy Loss)

While I am astounded every day by what God is doing and grateful for this miracle I'm experiencing, I have not forgotten the suffering that comes with infertility and pregnancy loss.  I have many friends who have recently lost a baby or are still praying for God to allow them to start a family.  I know this pain.  I grieve these losses.  It breaks my heart and reminds me of all God is continuing to teach me about Himself. 

Friends, I pray for you every day.  You are on my heart.  This week, I have been focusing on Isaiah 53 through Bible study.  Isaiah 53 is one of the most quoted chapters in the Bible, which means it can lose some of it's significance when you've heard it many times before.  This week, I prayed for God to give me new eyes to see this chapter, and I pray you'll read it and experience the same. 

I know everyone reading this blog does not have the same faith background as I do, but Isaiah 53 is the foundation and basis for what I believe.   It discusses the incredible price Jesus paid and the suffering He endured that I might be made whole, no matter what I've done and regret or will do in the future.  Please take the time to read it, especially as we approach Easter and the true reasons we celebrate. 

So friends, take heart, because "though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16)."  Be reminded of our Savior, who suffered more than we can even imagine.  Know that He has experienced the pain you feel.  I love you and can't wait to see what God has in store.

Isaiah 53:5 - "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

Blog Update:

Thanks for reading, everyone.  Check back soon, because my hubby will be writing a guest post!  Are you excited?  I am!  I love the way that man writes...

Harlan also has a fundraiser for the March of Dimes coming up at work, so I'll be making several varieties of muffins for the event.  I'm trying to think of something more exciting than blueberry, so if you have any ideas or have tried something delicious lately, let me know!