Monday, December 01, 2008

34 weeks

34 weeks
Harper is weighing in at almost 5 pounds
I've had to make the executive decision not to hold any more fruits or veggies. There is not much left as big as she is besides a watermelon or a pumpkin and I can't hold those in one hand.

I went to the doctor today and all is well. I'm measuring right where I should be. I had to see a different doctor today because mine was doing an emergency C-section and this doctor said "well - you are just all baby" as she measured my stomach - so that made me feel good. I feel like an elephant. Ya'll know just how very thankful I am to be pregnant and how much I love it but I have to tell you - last 6 weeks = ROUGH.
I can barely make it around, everything on my body hurts, I can't sit comfortably or stand comfortably or walk comfortably. I don't sleep, I'm tired and I have no energy. But I've NEVER been happier!

Yesterday in church - the sermon was on this one verse. I'm sure I've read it before but it never really resonated with me until yesterday. I took note because I wanted to share it with all of you. Especially all of you who are waiting on something or trusting God for something:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

I know how easy it is as you wait to be angry with God or angry with others or just overcome with sadness. I also know how it feels to "overflow with hope" as you wait. And trust me - the last one is so much better. I pray that you will all be filled with hope and joy as you wait.



And then I went to Boomama's blog today and saw this video. And it expressed to me what this verse is about. Circumstances can't dictate our hope or our joy. Only the GIVER of good things and the GOD who is HOPE can give us joy.





I am more guilty of this than anyone but especially at this time of year when we want so many things and we get so many things and we think that things will bring us happiness - I hope we know that happiness is not Joy. And I'd rather have Joy any day.

May you find joy in what God has blessed you with already.

54 comments:

Jennifer said...

You look so great, Kelly! I can't believe you are 6 weeks away! Actually, Harper will be full term in just 3 weeks! Those last few weeks seem to last FOREVER but enjoy them and try to rest...if that's possible!

Thanks for sharing that verse!

Immeasurably More Mama said...

"Possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart"...this quote is so powerful and there is such truth contained in its words. Thanks for sharing this video, Kelly.

I can't imagine what it's like to walk around 34 weeks pregnant but I'm sure it isn't comfortable! (: Just keep your eye on the prize...she's almost here!!!

Jenna said...

Girl, you look SO adorable!! Praying hard for you as you go the distance these last few weeks!

And all that you shared about the verse and about hope & joy was EXACTLY what I needed to hear tonight. I just had a conversation with a friend about this very thing - apparently God is really wanting to remind me of this and confirm that idea in my heart! Love it.

Have a great night, my friend!

Amanda Ledford said...

You are looking too cute! I seriously hope I look like you when I am pregnant! I don't blame you for vetoing the veggies at this point!

Thank you for posting that verse. I needed that tonight. This time a year is going to be hard for me. I printed it off so that I can post it in my office.

Jessica said...

You are so cute!! I think that you are starting to show a lot more even in this past week. Must be all that turkey!

Your wardrobe is always so cute. I look forward to the clothes and shoes. Where did you get those shoes!? They are great. I'm a teacher and always on my feet so I'm always looking for cute flat shoes.

Have a great week!

Kendra said...

You look GREAT!! As always =-)

That's so funny that you put that verse on your blog tonight...I just love it when He shows up like that! I just bought Christmas cards this weekend and they say "JOY" on the front and then have that very verse inside. I swear I never remember hearing it before.
Maybe God is trying to get my attention!
(HA! And then my word verification is "dense". Yup, sure seems like God IS trying to tell me something!!!)

Rathi said...

Love the verse and thanks for posting that. I will remember to choose hope and here's to a great 2009! Can't wait to see Harper's pics in a few short weeks!! Have a great week!

Jenna said...

I am sooooo with you on the everything hurts comment! I am counting the days until it's time for us to meet our babies!

Fran said...

Ok...bear with me..long comment coming...

First of all, you look so great Kelly. Do you know that I'll seriously cry when this baby comes?
I'm all sentimental right now bc my baby turned 8 today and I really can't believe it. I want those "past times" back for just a moment so I can just truly love the moment and not worry about a thing. Thats my greatest advice Kelly...pray against worry as much as you can...its just not necessary...most of the time anyway.

Secondly...that verse from Romans is so dear to my heart. Each Christmas I take a bunch of families to church to a place called the "Dream Center." This place is for women and children who just need a place to live while they get their feet back on the ground. Thats it. I used that verse to close our time together last year after delivering "dreams" AKA CHristmas gifts to these kids and mommas. Its just so real. Its so emotional.
Its life for so many. We are beyond blessed. He IS our everything and we need Him and that amazing joy to take hold of our minds and hearts.

Love ya girl. Praying for your discomfort. I remember many 'o nights sleeping on the couch or chair.

Staci said...

You look great! I can't wait to see Harper!!

Thanks for the verse. You're always such an encouragement :)

Amy said...

I needed this today as I got back another negative pregnancy test. Since having a miscarriage in February at 13 weeks, we have been struggling with God's direction and not finding pure joy in God. Thank you for reminding us that the blessings we do have should bring us such happiness and joy. We have one happy, healthy 3 year old who brings so much greatness to our lives daily and we thank God for him. You look great and can't wait to see pics of sweet Harper.

Brittani's Holding Little Hands said...

What a timely verse for me today as I was tempted to wallow in the waiting. Thanks for being the mouthpiece God used to encourage me to not only hope, but OVERFLOW with hope!

I loved that you followed all the difficulties of pregnancy with.."I have NEVER been happier!" Just hang on, sweet friend, because the very moment you gaze into Harper's innocent little eyes, those aches and pains will be LONG forgotten! Praying for you.

R said...

i was wondering about you today--how you were doing. i go to the dr. tomorrow! i can't wait to hear my third baby's heartbeat again. :0)

Heather said...

You ARE all baby- there's no doubt! I remember the last few weeks with Connor...I was the same way. I remember specifically, one day, I was already off work and Todd came home and I was sprawled out in the recliner, wearing his clothes. (Shorts and a t-shirt). He said "I'm not gonna ask...." :)
You are getting so close, though, and try to just "ponder everything in your heart" because this is a precious time...and when she comes it will be another precious time...but so different!
I love this verse about overflowing with hope! It is so hard to do in the waiting...but I can already see how God used it in my life. He is so wonderful with how He works!
I am praying for you, Kelly. You are such a sweet friend! Thanks again for making my day today with your sweet message!

Mab said...

You look just too too cute!
All baby is right! :)
Not much longer!
You are just a ray of sunshine for so many people Kelly! Thanks for all you post!
Arlene

The Garners said...

6 weeks or less--you're so close now! You look great! I know what you mean--things get pretty uncomfortable those last few weeks though. You're almost there!

What a great post!

Amanda said...

Sister, do you have a Snoogle pillow yet?

Jacquie said...

WooWee you're looking pregnant now!! Love it!

Take some time to take care of yourself and REST these last several weeks. You'll be needing it.

I think of your list of "waiting" girls all the time and pray for them. You're a blessing and encouragement to them as they hope in the Lord.

Lianna Knight said...

Thank you for that verse Kelly. I really needed it today :)

Rebecca Jo said...

Amen!!!

And you look beautiful - sorry you are struggling but it wont be long & then you'll have little Harper in your arms!!!

Unknown said...

You look wonderful Kelly! Baby Harper will be here so soon!
Thank you for the verse. I had a hard time last week, with feeling sorry for myself. I actually skipped a birthday party because there were going to be family members there who are expecting a baby. I just couldn't deal with it. I know how bad that sounds. But, I just knew if I went I would be in tears. I want to be happy for them, and maybe on the surface I am, but my heart aches for a child. I have been dreaming about babies too! Anyway, sorry for the long rant...

Vashti said...

Kelly, as someone who works and living with the poor of Africa, thank you so much for posting this video!
It is the truest video I have seen for a long time and it really captures the heart of Africa and its people.
You look awesome and so does Harper! Sorry that we wont be having any more fruit piccies....I loved them!
Get some rest!
V x

The Allens said...

I think that is a wonderful post!

I was wondering, did you get maternity shots done, or are you going to? My photo shoot is scheduled for when I am 36 weeks. That seemed like when others had done it, but hearing how difficult it is for you to get around, I wonder if I should do it earlier. I am only 27 weeks now.

Thanks!

jennifer said...

Kelly I was wondering where you got that cute black dress and the orange one from the 34 week post.

CAMoore said...

You look great - and good luck with the last 6 weeks! It does seem like forever during those last weeks! Just try to rest up...well when I say rest I just sat on the couch and watched tv.

Kelly said...

Jennifer - the black dress I got at Gap this spring. It's not maternity but it works for me!
The other dress is actually red and I got it at Wal-Mart a year or two ago. It's not maternity either. Most of what I have are just dresses that have room for a huge belly but aren't really maternity.

Taylor said...

Can you believe it's only about 6 more weeks?! It's so crazy how fast it goes. I completely understand how miserable you feel, and I would like to suggest sleeping with a body pillow if you aren't already. It was the only way I could get just a little bit of rest those last few months. M husband ended up on the couch most nights because between me and my body pillow we took up the whole queen size bed! I slept on my side leaning on the pillow. It's definitely worth a shot!! Good luck and we're still praying for you!

Red and White Preppy said...

I just wanted to say that you are BY FAR the cutest pregnant woman ever! You are radiating and have such a positive attitude.

I wish you the best during these last few weeks :)

The Proctors said...

You look great Kelly!! Only a few more weeks! I remember those aches and pains in the end, but it is so worth it! I know you know that already! Harper will be here before we know it!!

magnoliabelle said...

Congrats on making it this far!!! Thank you for that verse...definitely need to be reminded of that today:)

TheDPGang said...

The pic of your this week is just absolutely adorable - Miss Harper is just growing! Enjoy your extra time with Scott now...

Love, love the shoes - where did you get them?

Mrs. Valente said...

You just look like the happiest Mama ever! So cute, and so ready for the future! I love how much joy you pass on to others. It's truly a gift!

Julia said...

Only about a month to go! I'll be praying for you :)

Megan L Hutchings said...

I know that you are not feeling well, but you look amazing ;)! The last few weeks are the hardest ones, but it will be worth is very soon!

Mommy2Twins said...

Kelly- I have been following your blog for several months now. It is such a joy to read about all your fun adventures. I discovered through my moms blog which is graciuossouthernliving.blogspot.com I can feel your pain, I remember 4 yrs ago my little ones were born. (yes I have twins). Can't wait to see what Harper looks like.

michelle said...

You look great!! And the next few weeks will seem so slow, but once Harper is here it seems like it went by so fast. I know what you mean about "rough" I couldnt sleep at all the last few weeks, I had a body pillow on each side of me so when I turned sides I would have one and it helped me sleep better, I even took them to the hospital with me :) just one though :) and I love the video, I went to south africa on a mission trip for the summer one year and loved it and that video made me fall in love all over again, it really changes you.

Kaitlyn said...

First, you are all baby-- and you look great!!

Second, I so badly needed that video. I'll tell you a little secret: I almsot never look at imbedded videos. But I did this one. It calmed my heart in a way I very badly needed. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

You look so adorable! I am so excited for you. :)

Unknown said...

You are one of the cutest pregnant ladies that I have ever seen and I am just SO excited for you. I hope and pray that you can REST these next few weeks before Harper gets here, but I know that you will have such great joy once she is here!

Kristin said...

Kelly,

I read your post last night before I went to bed, and I hope you don't think I'm some kind of weird stalker lady or anything, but right before I woke up this morning, I had a dream about you. It was very short, more just like a vision, but in the dream it was just you and a beautiful little girl about 4-5 years old. You were in front of her, kneeling down so that you could be on her level, and you were holding her hand and talking to her in a loving way. I'm assuming that she was supposed to be Harper.

I know it's weird that I had this dream, considering I don't even know you, but I guess after reading your blog, I can just tell that you are going to be a great mom.

Thanks for the video too!

Kristin

Joni said...

You look WAY too cute!!! Love reading your blog :)

Ashlie said...

Don't you love it when someone tells you that you don't look as big as you feel? You're looking great, but I'm sorry that you aren't feeling so hot. I hope the last few weeks pass really quickly for you!

Jaclyn said...

i am de-lurking after following your blog for SEVERAL weeks to tell you that i just love you and your blog. You look SO great, it really isn't fair! :) I can't wait to see pics of your sweet baby Harper!

Somewhat Southern Prep said...

Kelly - Thank you so much for posting that video. we are in the midst of some very big purchases and the idea of having peace in your heart over possessions, really touched my heart. The idea of being overflowing with joy was also especially touching.

Many thanks for your continued faith in God and each of us.

Anonymous said...

You look great! Praying for you these next few weeks!

Thanks for posting that video!

pinkmommy said...

You look great! The last trimester is the most uncomfortable. I think God planned it that way so the idea of a human coming out of you doesn't sound so bad...you are ready to do anything to get that bugger out of there! :)

Hang in there, you are almost there! The joy that you will feel when you hold your angel in your arms will make it all worth it. I know you know that.

Robyn Beele said...

I completely agree with being so uncomfortable! I am there!

Jessica said...

You look gorgeous! I went two weeks early, so make sure you are packed and ready! : ) I can't for you to experience it! It is wonderful and you will be the best mommy to Miss Harper! : )

Unknown said...

kelly~thank you so much for this verse. this was something that i really needed to hear today!!

Mommy In Pink said...

Awww...congrats on the pregnancy! Being a mommy has changed my life and I really love that bible verse!

A said...

I have been reading your blog for few months now, and I just love it! Thanks for posting that verse and also your wise words. It was just what I needed to read today.
I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your little one when she arrives :-)

les said...

Hi! I am new to the blogging world! I just wanted to let you know how much your blog is an encouragement to me. I found it through another friends blog! Thank you for everything you write... and how honest it is! I am not sure how to get added to the prayer list- but my husband and I have been trying for 2 years. We went through fertility treatment once already because of age...it didnt work. THanks again!

Shannon said...

Loved the video!

les said...
This comment has been removed by the author.