Friday, January 16, 2009

Seeing Pink and Other Sundry Matters

On Tuesday, I had my first ultrasound and found out that we are having a girl! It was amazing and sweet to be able to see the child inside me. I am 20 weeks along -- halfway! In one sense, I can't believe I'm that far along already, in another, I do feel like I've been baby-stepping along each day. Besides the sickness of the first 17 weeks (praise the Lord that has really subsided!), I have found myself stumbling along in dependence on the Lord's grace -- one day desperately aware of how much I need Him -- how weak and frail I am -- and the next day so confident in myself, that I trip again and stumble into the godlessness that manifests itself in ungratefulness, complaining and discontent. Several of you have told me that you also struggle with discontent and comparing yourself with others. Do not think I have finally beat this sin just because I blogged about it! I continue to churn in my mind -- battling the sin day after day. Your words have been encouraging to me -- we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to spur us on!

Here are some other, lighthearted pregnancy-related things I wanted to share with you (hence, other sundry matters). First, check out my friend Carrie's new blog! Hers is fun to check every day to see what she's linking to -- sort of like reading a quick magazine. Today she links to something I really need!

Wednesday night, Caitlin and Chelsea, 2 girls from my church, brought me my first gift for my baby girl -- a newborn sleeper! This is the first clothes I have for my little darling. I know girl clothes are so fun to buy (as everyone has mentioned), but I'm fighting the urge to even browse right now! I appreciate so much the kindness of the Murray girls. I can't wait until she's here so I can put it on her! I posed the picture of this sweet gift with the picture of my baby -- they gave us this little frame when we went to get our ultrasound.

I'm reading my first book on babies, and thinking about the whole issue of scheduling. Since I will be going back to work after my maternity leave, it's a MUST! My First 300 Babies is really old and pretty old-fashioned, but I like it already. I decided to read this first, and then read Babywise, which everyone tells me I should at least read "like a recipe" and take out what you want. :) Elisabeth Elliot recommends 300 Babies in her book Shaping of a Christian Family, and I'll have to let you know my final thoughts on it after I finish it off. It's pretty short, so it shouldn't take too long.

11 comments:

sara said...

Congratulations! You will have so much fun with a girl :)

Mandy said...

Yeah, I'm excited your getting a girlie! Are her initials going to be E.E.N...? : )

So glad you are feeling better. I can still so vividly remember how VERY sick I was with Maddie...and I can't imagine getting through a work day that way!

jillybean said...

Gretchen,
Just was introduced to another book that I thought you would find interesting. You probably are already aware of it, but the title is "Honey for the Child's Heart". It's all about developing reading in your child's life. Let me know if you've heard of it before.

Love you,
Jillia

Unknown said...

Hey Gret...Congrats on having a girl!! I was excited to find out it was going to be a girl. It is so much fun shopping for girlie things and this is a GREAT time of year to stock up on things for next winter. You can get some really good deals out there right now!!

Gretchen said...

Sar -- I see how much fun you have with your girlie! It makes me look forward to it!

Mandy -- mmm. I think my mom would kill me if I gave you any hints on our possible names and not her. :) Your comment to me about being sick was SO ENCOURAGING. You can't imagine. :) Silly, I know, but just knowing someone tough like you thinks it was bad too, makes me feel better!

Jill -- I have not read that book, but I'm really excited to! I've heard of it, because the el ed students at MBBC read it. I'll have to look for it!

Manda -- You are so right. I need you to take a shopping trip to L-ville and help me find such deals. We have GREAT shopping here. It's as good as Indy. I DID get a gorgeous ornament at Pottery Barn (crystal snowflake shape with an opening for a picture) to use next year as a baby's first Christmas ornament. I didn't know if it was a boy or girl then, but I'm glad it's a girl because it's pretty fancy! I'm also looking forward to shopping in Cede's hand-me-downs!

Anonymous said...

Gretchen! I'm exci-ted about the bibble girl! I can see her dressed in red, yellow, etc. :) I do not really picture you with a poofy pink baby. :) Although you may have to alter those thoughts slightly if you select through Cede's hand-me-downs! :) fun, fun, fun. the only sono pic I've seen is the "girl parts", I haven't seen her face-y. :(

Glad you're feeling better. Nightmare to barf. Miss you guys

~Anna

Anonymous said...

Gretchen! I'm exci-ted about the bibble girl! I can see her dressed in red, yellow, etc. :) I do not really picture you with a poofy pink baby. :) Although you may have to alter those thoughts slightly if you select through Cede's hand-me-downs! :) fun, fun, fun. the only sono pic I've seen is the "girl parts", I haven't seen her face-y. :(

Glad you're feeling better. Nightmare to barf. Miss you guys

~Anna

periwinkita said...

Yay for baby girls!! Congrats! I'm with Mandy on her question. :)

James and Christen said...

Parabens!!! We are so excited for you guys. I am also praising the Lord you sickness has finally ceased!

Love you and are praying for you.

David and Sharon Taylor said...

Congratulations on the news that a little girl is on the way! She is blessed to have you and Josh as parents. I'm glad you're doing better. And thank you for the post on discontentment. I know you say you haven't conquered it, but your testimony is an encouragement to those of us who struggle with the same sin. Thank you for being vulnerable and honest.
Love,
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hey Gret, keep reading all you can to help you stay focused on a Godly approach to your child. However when the time is here know that you will know God's love for His children in a whole new exciting way. Prepare your herat to receive the blessing that this alone can give to earthly parents. We are excited no matter what the name may be!!!!!! DAD