It's been a while since I last posted and much has happened. We are in our apartment and it's slowly coming together. We finished unpacking the kitchen last week, and are now on the lookout for a baker's rack as we need some more storage space.
Since coming to Memphis, it's been somewhat difficult in finding a job. I wanted to find a job so that I'd have something to keep myself occupied, meet people, and have a little more motivation in getting things done around the apartment. Alas, no one wants to hire a pregnant woman who wants to stay home with her baby after delivery. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to find something and should put my energy into settling the apartment and getting ready for Ella to arrive.
There were a couple of weeks where I was having a hard time as we don't know many people around here. I've been praying for opportunities to meet people, but it's rather difficult. I'm coming to see that neighbors aren't as friendly as they once were (I wonder why that is?) I remember growing up and we were always hanging out with the neighbors- families would come over to our house, cookouts, riding bikes, adventures in the woods, etc. Then while I was in college, it was so simple meeting people in the same walk of life and instantly connecting. I sometimes miss having all of my close friends in one place. Brent and I have been discussing why it was that we were able to make connections after we were married, especially in such a busy time of our lives (working late nights at one point, opposite schedules at another, all while Brent being in grad school). We came to see that our closest friends came over a period of time, and in a variety of environments. There was overlap in our interaction- whether it be church, work, school, common interests, or any combination of these or others. This gave us ample opportunity in getting to know these people. It takes lots of time and effort, but God made us to be in community and thus worth it. I've joined a MOPS group in the area and I'm hoping to make some lasting friendships with other moms in the area. I look forward to when Brent and I have some other couples to hang out with. However, in these changing times, I've been able lean on God and my husband. I really enjoy the times we have together- it's a lot of fun. We walk to the library, go to the park, we play Just Dance, grill out, sit on our balcony, etc.
On March 31st, we started our childbirth class. I'm so grateful for a husband who is willing to go with me even when he doesn't necessarily want to. We've had two so far and discussed contractions and labor and delivery. This week, we get a tour of the hospital. Over the last few weeks, I've had some worry over what the labor and delivery experience will be like. I simply want to do a good job and have a healthy baby girl at the end of it. I'm worried about the things that could go wrong and whether I'm capable. It's something so unknown to me. My prayer has consisted of asking for God's provision, God's presence, and God's guidance. I know that He isn't going to leave me when I go into labor, but I'm so fearful and know I cannot make it through without my heavenly Father. I'm so thankful that God has provided me with a man who will stand by my side through this life changing experience. I know that I can count on Brent for support and encouragement as we draw near to July.
We traveled back to Knoxville last weekend for our first baby shower. It makes it seem that much more real. It was absolutely beautiful and we are so blessed by the gifts for Ella. I cannot thank the ladies enough who helped put it together.
I'm now 27 weeks and 4 days along. I cannot describe in words to you the beauty of pregnancy. What an amazing gift that God gives us!! I absolutely love feeling her jabs, kicks, and punches. I'm still trying to talk her into moving more when Daddy is around to feel her. Most of the time, she will stop moving as soon as Brent gets his hand to my belly. He has felt her, but not as much as we'd like. :) It's so cute to see him talking to her through my tummy.
Yesterday, Brent put together Ella's crib. It's beautiful! (except the factory sticker right on the front that we're working on removing). I'm so excited to start getting her nursery together. I spent some time in there last week, going through her gifts and imagining what it will look like once she joins us. I want to finish getting the apartment settled so that I can focus on her nursery and work on her scrapbook. :)
Love to you all!
Since coming to Memphis, it's been somewhat difficult in finding a job. I wanted to find a job so that I'd have something to keep myself occupied, meet people, and have a little more motivation in getting things done around the apartment. Alas, no one wants to hire a pregnant woman who wants to stay home with her baby after delivery. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to find something and should put my energy into settling the apartment and getting ready for Ella to arrive.
There were a couple of weeks where I was having a hard time as we don't know many people around here. I've been praying for opportunities to meet people, but it's rather difficult. I'm coming to see that neighbors aren't as friendly as they once were (I wonder why that is?) I remember growing up and we were always hanging out with the neighbors- families would come over to our house, cookouts, riding bikes, adventures in the woods, etc. Then while I was in college, it was so simple meeting people in the same walk of life and instantly connecting. I sometimes miss having all of my close friends in one place. Brent and I have been discussing why it was that we were able to make connections after we were married, especially in such a busy time of our lives (working late nights at one point, opposite schedules at another, all while Brent being in grad school). We came to see that our closest friends came over a period of time, and in a variety of environments. There was overlap in our interaction- whether it be church, work, school, common interests, or any combination of these or others. This gave us ample opportunity in getting to know these people. It takes lots of time and effort, but God made us to be in community and thus worth it. I've joined a MOPS group in the area and I'm hoping to make some lasting friendships with other moms in the area. I look forward to when Brent and I have some other couples to hang out with. However, in these changing times, I've been able lean on God and my husband. I really enjoy the times we have together- it's a lot of fun. We walk to the library, go to the park, we play Just Dance, grill out, sit on our balcony, etc.
On March 31st, we started our childbirth class. I'm so grateful for a husband who is willing to go with me even when he doesn't necessarily want to. We've had two so far and discussed contractions and labor and delivery. This week, we get a tour of the hospital. Over the last few weeks, I've had some worry over what the labor and delivery experience will be like. I simply want to do a good job and have a healthy baby girl at the end of it. I'm worried about the things that could go wrong and whether I'm capable. It's something so unknown to me. My prayer has consisted of asking for God's provision, God's presence, and God's guidance. I know that He isn't going to leave me when I go into labor, but I'm so fearful and know I cannot make it through without my heavenly Father. I'm so thankful that God has provided me with a man who will stand by my side through this life changing experience. I know that I can count on Brent for support and encouragement as we draw near to July.
We traveled back to Knoxville last weekend for our first baby shower. It makes it seem that much more real. It was absolutely beautiful and we are so blessed by the gifts for Ella. I cannot thank the ladies enough who helped put it together.
I'm now 27 weeks and 4 days along. I cannot describe in words to you the beauty of pregnancy. What an amazing gift that God gives us!! I absolutely love feeling her jabs, kicks, and punches. I'm still trying to talk her into moving more when Daddy is around to feel her. Most of the time, she will stop moving as soon as Brent gets his hand to my belly. He has felt her, but not as much as we'd like. :) It's so cute to see him talking to her through my tummy.
Yesterday, Brent put together Ella's crib. It's beautiful! (except the factory sticker right on the front that we're working on removing). I'm so excited to start getting her nursery together. I spent some time in there last week, going through her gifts and imagining what it will look like once she joins us. I want to finish getting the apartment settled so that I can focus on her nursery and work on her scrapbook. :)
Love to you all!
You are beautiful!!
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