The Baby Chronicles: Log 9: Day 214

"Have a baby," they said. "It will be fun," they said. "It's only 9 months..."

LIES! 

Ok, I may have an increased level of changing hormones raging through my system right now that is bringing out the drama, BUT in all seriousness, let's just talk for a second about the things women never talk about in the last trimester...

When was someone going to tell me that my hands would go numb and be swollen and I would have no grip after I wake up in the morning? When was someone going to tell me that having a belly 3x my normal waist circumference was going to make it hard to sleep, exercise, move, breathe, to sit comfortably...actually, now that I think about it, just make everything hard! When was someone going to tell me that my feet would be swollen at the end of every day? ...that my eye sight would get worse...that my wedding ring would no longer fit...that my capacity for focus would diminish...that my whole world would change, including my house arrangement, eating patterns, exercise plan, and monthly budget - all revolving around a tiny 8 lb human entering my household. When...when...when...? I could go on, but...

There's a reason they don't tell newbies all these things. It's because it would scare them into not having kids...like, EVER. haha! 

Ok, to be honest, I did know about these things (or more like the "potential" of these things happening), but I wasn't prepared for the reality of them. I didn't think they would effect me so much nor change my world, my perspective, my speed, my dependence on the Lord, or my energy levels. 

All I've got to say is: 

1.) Shout out and big time PROPS to those mommas that have another little kid(s) under their feet while trying to keep house, cook dinner, stay a top chores, work outside the home, pay bills, be a good neighbor, and a thousand other responsibilities that come with adult life all while being pregnant again. It can be downright stressful! But we see YOU! (hang in there momma! this too shall pass...it's just a season).

2.) Godly offspring - keeping my eyes fixed on the vision of what legacy my husband and I want to leave behind on this earth for kingdom advancement in the form of godly offspring gives me the courage to move forward, to persevere, and to not give up or give in when the going gets hard. Having a vision will move you forward. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18) I am so grateful for a husband that provides that vision for our family and encourages me to keep my eyes fixed on what's important. 

And...God has a ridiculous amount of grace that He freely lavishes on those who press into Him...He's the source. I would strongly encourage everyone, in whatever season they find themselves, to tap into that resource that comes with abundant life.