On Sept. 11th, I started my countdown to Maciella’s arrival. She was already 4 days past due, and although I had not felt anything but Braxton Hicks contractions; I was definitely sensing she was going to be making her appearance soon. However, if at all possible, I really didn’t want my baby girl to be born on a day our nation mourned. I wanted her to be free to celebrate her birth without the pull to memorialize the tragic event of 9/11.
Honestly I’m shocked! Perhaps not for the reason you think. No, our little Macee hasn’t arrived, which I’m ecstatic about because I really want a September baby. What I am amazed about is my weight gain!
My husband and I were married 8 years before we decided to start trying for a baby. I think we had many of our family members and friends convinced we were never going to have children. Yet, we honestly delayed what we felt was inevitable because we were enjoying each other’s company as a married couple. Before we were married, we spent a majority of 6 years dating alongside each other studying for hours. With my pursuit in science and his in engineering, it was rare for either one of us to have any spare time. Not to mention, the numerous jobs we’d work to avoid student loans and our devoted hours to church involvement. It felt like we entered a whole new world once we were married with our degrees, careers, and a new home. There was a freedom to experience life and explore the world together. So we did.
If you haven’t heard or haven’t quite read my baby shower blog post, we have announced our baby girl’s name: “Maciella Amore” (pronounced “Mas-e-Ella”). We decided to continue with the “M” theme for all our kiddos. I admit it felt difficult at first trying to find an original name beginning with the letter “M”. Even after we came across “Maciella”, I wrestled with it. I wasn’t sure if I wanted a name for my daughter that others would struggle pronouncing. Nevertheless my husband insisted. He loved the uniqueness of the name and its meaning.
A couple weekends ago we had my baby girl’s baby shower and I couldn’t be more pleased with how everything was setup. Quite honestly, we had a few hiccups with one of our vendors the night before, but by the grace of God, it all came together.
After a wonderful Babymoon in Alaska, we have been eagerly preparing for the arrival of our 2nd baby girl. We’ve made sleeping adjustments, closet organizational changes and updates to our registry. The next step is celebrating with our friends and family at the Baby Shower! We can’t wait to begin to celebrate! In the meantime, I am ready to begin my last stretch of this pregnancy!
I’ll admit after going through such an intense labor and delivery with my son (you can read about it here), I felt ready for anything with my daughter. I had confidence in God and an assurance that with His help, regardless of what may happen with my second born, my daughter and I would pull through it healthy and in peace. Still I held on to my faith for an easier labor and delivery. I prayed I wouldn’t have to labor strapped to the gurney again, in fact I hoped to labor in the water bath. I was believing God would give me double the blessing, for the trouble I experienced before.
I can not believe how fast this pregnancy is going! I’m already passed the halfway point!! I’m 21 weeks! Ahhh! I’m seriously trying not to think of it to avoid preparation anxiety. Everyone who knows me well, knows I’m a planner. Last week I barely started my baby #3 preparation list. I’m already feeling behind! A note to my overly critical self: I had both of my toddlers’ birthdays and Easter all in a span of 9 days, slowing me down before I could get to the grind of preparing for Baby #3. Now I’m ready to start the hustle!
Continue reading “Baby #3 Bumpdate: I’ve Reached My Halfway Mark “
Rather than attempting to scribe clever words, I thought I’d let Big Brother and soon-to-be Big Sister share the exciting news… our Baby #3’s gender reveal!
Continue reading “Baby #3 Bumpdate: Gender Reveal 👧🏻 💓or 👦🏻💙?”
Can you hear the voices of a thousand of angels singing? I can! They’re ringing in the start of my second trimester! Why? No more nausea! No more fatigue! No more morning sickness! I say to my second trimester, “Bring on the ENERGY and SLEEP!”
Continue reading “Baby #3 Bumpdate: Bye-Bye First Trimester!”
It All Began With Two 