Sunday, January 04, 2009

39 weeks

39 weeks
I'm posting this one day early because I was already dressed up after church today and just wanted to go ahead and do it.
I can't believe I'm down to my final week. I have a sneaking feeling that I'll go past my due date. Hopefully once we get past next Monday - my doctor will suggest inducing.
I start my maternity leave Friday at 5:00. I'm pretty proud that unless something happens - I'll be working all the way up to 40 weeks.
I wanted to share two really neat stories about adoption. These are our friends Jason and Michelle. They have two school aged children. Their youngest son has cerebal palsy but to look at him - he is a healthy, handsome boy with no issues. They have been able to provide him with great therapy over the years and he looks perfect to me. They just returned from Russia where they will be adopting a son who is almost 3. He is precious. We were at their house the other night and they were showing us pictures and sharing about him.
Jason said the only reason he was joining their family was God. They didn't want to adopt - their family was complete. Then God laid it on their hearts - so they requested a healthy child. The agency sent them back this little boy - he has CP. He has almost the same degree their son has. They already know all about CP and have wonderful therapists they can use for him. God knew the perfect family for this boy! They will get to bring him home in March.

Renee is a very special person who I've enjoyed meeting through the blog world. She has 4 precious children - Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy and Keeghan. Kennedy has downs syndrome and leukemia. She is beautiful. As if she didn't have enough on her plate - her husband has been in Afghanistan. I just found out they are working to adopt a little girl, Kellsey (pictured above) from eastern Europe. She has downs sydrome. Renee shared that they already know so much about this condition and they can provide her a loving home - where she might not live long in the conditions she is in currently. I am so in awe at the story of this family. They are working to raise the money to adopt Kellsey and you can help! Go here to see how you can donate!

Giving a child a loving home is one of the most amazing things anyone can do - I love these stories of adoption!

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54 comments:

Jenna said...

What awesome adoption stories - I am just in awe of how God works. So amazing!! I will praying for both of those sweet families!

And you go girl with your 39 week self! That is just wonderful and that picture is gorgeous! When Harper comes out her first thought is sure to be, "wow I have one pretty mama!!!"

Have a great last week at work!! Love you friend!

Lana said...

Amazing stories! You just gotta love hearing stories like that! :) You look great! I'm sure Harper will be here soon!

beckylbranch said...

Oh that is so precious. I love hearing these stories of families adopting. I don't talk about it very much, but I have cerebral palsey as well. Bonnie and I were almost 2 months premature and had a LOT of problems when we were babies. Bonnie has a shunt in her brain, and it's a miracle we are both alive today. You really can't tell with me either, after years of Occupational therapy no one can tell anymore...though it was hard to grow up with and Terence always takes good care of me and looks out for me :) I'd love to do the same someday for a child...my prayers are with these familys. You look lovely as always and I can't wait to see baby Harper grace us with her pictures on here :) Much love, Becky

Katelyn said...

I was a nanny to a little toddler that has Down's Syndrome and they are such blessings. I have grown a special place in my heart for families that have children with downs and care for them lovingly and give them every opportunity they deserve, but are unfortunately sometimes denied. Good luck on your last week! Kudos to you for working up until your due date!

Kristen said...

It's amazing how God uses very difficult situations to bless others. I love these stories...I was bawling the whole time while reading.
Also, I read your last post about wanting a pedicure, and thought about a post I read recently. The girl in the post was 38 weeks pregnant and got an acupressure pedicure and it helped put her into labor...just a thought! :)

Kelly said...

those are special stories. Thank you for sharing them.
Congrats on getting (almost anyway) to your 40 wks and still working. I am so happy for you and can not wait to see Harper in all of her adorable outfits. I hope that she has some hair for you. :)
I also wanted to say I LOVE the dress you are wearing in your picture this week.
One more thing...thank you for sharing your Father's daily devotional blog link with us. I have enjoyed following it so far and look forward to the rest of the year.

KLC said...

Hope you have an easy last week at work! Every time I see your name in my google reader I get so excited because I can't wait until the day very soon when you blog about your first moments with your daughter!!!

julie & joe said...

Thanks you for sharing the adoption stories. You never know where God will lead you. I was resistant to fostering to adopt after working so many years in the system but that was the way our path lead when I finally decided to listen.

Courtney said...

Sweet Stories..........Adoption is the BEST thing that has ever happened to our family. Courtney

Ingram Gang said...

Those really are great stories.
And I know just how stories of sweet, innocent babies finding a home takes on a whole new meaning for moms and moms-to-be.
I've read your blog for a few months and I have loved following you in your pregnancy journey. It is such a sweet special time. I remember the first time that I touched a friends big, round belly after I had my son. I just wept at the memory of my sweet, perfect boy inside my belly. I didn't even realize that I missed the feeling of pregnancy until that moment. There are few things quite as amazing as feeling a baby move in the womb.
Enjoy your last few days with Harper in incubation!
~Ashley~

The Garners said...

My goodness, those are sweet sweet stories of God's love and how he can use us when we're willing. Thank you for sharing--reading this gave me chills.

I can't believe you are 39 weeks!

Unknown said...

Kelly, you look great! I'm sure am going to miss these weekly updates, but it will be worth it to see pictures of baby Harper every week instead!! :) Enjoy your last week at work!

Meredith said...

Kelly, you look precious! Wow, it's almost time for Harper to come! Praying for ya'll! Also, I think it is so sweet that Michelle and Jason are adopting. The little baby girl is so cute! AWW

R said...

your fresh hair color looks great!! i think you mentioned you were going to have it done recently? :0)

Tara G. said...

Thanks for sharing these stories- PRECIOUS. We lived in Kyiv, Ukraine for 2 years and have been in the orphanages there...what a gift for all involved.

Praying for your upcoming days!

Julee said...

Bless your heart! You look like you are about to pop. I hope that Harper makes her arrival this week. I know you are getting so excited for her big arrival and we are too over here in blog world!

Vashti said...

Kelly you look awesome!
Im an adoptive mommy and I love hearing how God moves on behalf of these precious babies. Thanks for posting these stories.
X

Southern Fried Gal said...

You are one of the cutest pregnant gals I know. I can't believe this is your last week. Congratulations on working the full time! Thanks for sharing those amazing and uplifting adoption stories.

Unknown said...

You look absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for highlighting adoption--I hope to do that (someday)!

In His Army said...

WhooooaaaH, Momma!!! You are definitely about to have a baby but you look fantastic!

These stories are amazing--I'm so glad you shared! Have a great week!

ilovepink said...

You look great! Thanks for sharing those stories. I'll keep checking back this week!

petrii said...

Kelly,
You are the cutest thing going in a black dress, boots and 39 weeks pregnant ~~ you go right on girl!!!

These stories are so precious!! My cousins leave on Thursday for China to pick up their adopted 13 yr old son. My heart is just full to overflowing with love for them and the decision they made to adopt this child. They have a 9 and 12 year old of their own and felt God leading them to adopt from China. So Nick (Mingzhi) gets his new fam soon!!

Have a Blessed week,
Dawn

Kim H. said...

Your picture makes me smile... you are ALL Harper!

I love the stories about adoption - especially that they are special needs children being found by just the right parents. You are so lucky to be surrounded by the best miracles!

Amy said...

Thanks for sharing these stories, I love to hear about selfless people doing incredible things like adoption! What a completely SELFLESS act!

I will be praying for you and your upcoming delivery! I know that God will bless you and your baby.

CAMoore said...

Kelly,

You are a doll at 39 weeks!!! She is going to be here any day!!! I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for you to post about going into labor!!

PS. Don't worry the L&D isn't that bad (don't get me wrong I had a epi and it still hurt) but it was such a fun day. I would do it over again ANYDAY! You will do great!

AHHH - I am so excited for you and Scott!

Amanda Ledford said...

You are looking too cute! I am loving how you are all baby!!!

Jules said...

Those are such sweet stories about adoption.... thanks for sharing.
I can't wait to see pictures of Harper soon :0)

The Proctors said...

Kelly...you look so great!! I can't believe you have a week left! It seems like it has flown by! She will be here soon! So exciting!

Jenna said...

Can you believe how close we are? I think you should be induced the same day as me! Too bad we wont be at the same hospital - I can't wait to see little Harper!

Lauren said...

Kelly, adoption is an amazing thing, thank you for sharing these sweet stories. And you look amazing at 39 weeks!!!!!! Not too much longer, YAY!!! Have an awesome day!!! :)

Wes and Leah said...

Just wanted you to know you look great! You have a glow about you that makes you look happy and energized.I know your going to be a great mom! Good luck this week, being your last!

Leigh Ann said...

You are so cute and NOT at all swollen like I looked at that stage. You are just all baby! Lucky you!

You know I have a special place in my heart for adoption. Our family just wouldn't be complete without our Sarah. Before EG was conceived, Derek and I had thought about adopting a child with special needs. I sure admire Renee and Michelle. That's just amazing what they are doing for those babies.

Mary Kate said...

Well, the day is getting closer! I wish you the best of luck with Harper's upcoming arrival! It is such an amazing experience!!!!

Kristin said...

Girl, you are looking so good for being almost due! Beautiful!

LOVE the adoption stories. I was adopted and know full-well the amazing plan that God has for adopted children and was so blessed to have been given the gift of such wonderful parents. My heart too longs to adopt, but with 3 girls of my own, I'm not sure. I'm leaving it in God's hands. If you have time one day (yeah, right, huh!) you can read my adoption story on my blog.

I am so excited to "meet" sweet little Harper. Praying for you to have a safe and as painless as possible delivery!

Kristin from TX

Megan L Hutchings said...

I just got through reading all of your posts since the new year and it sounds like you have been very busy!!!

I must say that you are still glowing in all of your pictures and you look absolutely beautiful ;). It looks like sweet Emily had a great birthday and is definitely a princess in the making!

Love the tutu, the hats, and I promise your nurses will LOVE their gifts. You are so sweet to do that!

Those adoption stories are AMAZING! It is so inspiring to me to know that there are such selfless people in this world ;)!

The Shabby Princess said...

Hope this last week of work goes well!! I love that dress you're wearing--you have the cutest wardrobe. Thank you for sharing these stories of adoption. It takes a very special person to adopt a child to beging with, but, an even more amazing family to adopt children with special needs. I have a place in my heart for special needs children as I spent 3 years teachign Sunday School to a boy with autism and I love him so much. His family is so inspiring and I love hearing about families who have accepted those challenges with open arms and open hearts.

Happy Monday!

Anonymous said...

Wow- you look amazing & are such a cute dresser! I hope I look as great as you when I am pregnant!!! The adoption stories are so touching - I am so happy there are such great people in this world! :-) Hope you have a great last week!!!

Lydia said...

I was exactly where you are, and I went into labor 3 days b/f my due date....I was so sure I would have to be induced...I wasn't even packed for the hospital! Yikes! :)
So,You never know when that little girl will introduce herself to the world! You are going to have so much fun with baby Harper! My baby girl is only 3 months old, and it's hard to imagine what life was like without her. :)

The Hickmans said...

I have been out of the blog world for so long, and just realized how close you are getting!! You will continue to be in my prayers. =)

TheBrookshires said...

Kelly - You don't know me...I found your blog off my friend Julia's blog and have been reading your blog almost everyday for about six months. I just wanted to tell you how inspirational you are to me. I've been trying to get pregnant for about 8 months...and reading your blog constantly reminds me that the Lord is in control in all things. I wanted to let you know that I am excited to see pictures of Harper soon! You sound like you will make a great mom. Congrats!

Mrs. Valente said...

What an amazing story!

And again, you look gorgeous. I love that dress!!

Lori said...

Helping this family is a great cause!

On a side note, I just have to share what my first thought was when seeing your picture, Kelly...

SHE COULD. GO. ALL. THE. WAY!!!

Can you tell I'm on football overload?

Rebecca Jo said...

Love that people have the hearts & are willing to do God's work!

Hannah Elisabeth said...

You are SUCH a cute and stylish little Mom-to-be!!! Congrats on your sweet baby, you are a beautiful lady and I have been very inspired by your story. May God bless you and Scott and baby Harper!!!! Also, from reading your story I have fallen in love with the name Harper.....so however many years from now when it's my turn I might just be "borrowing" her name!!!!

Mom of Three said...

i know your super busy but i left u an award!

Yoli said...

Kelly! You look soooo beautiful in your 39th week! I can't believe it is time for Harper to make her appearance! Lots of love!

Heather said...

You face looks as radiant as your "fresh" hair!!! You look awesome! These stories of adoption are amazing, too.
I am thinking you will go into labor on your own this week...:)

Kim said...

You are just too cute pregnant! Any day now!! I'm excited for you!

April said...

so sweet to hear of your friends stories, but as I know because I am a mom to 2 wonderful and beautiful little girls that we adopted from Guatemala, they give us back a million times anything we can provide for them, my husband and I always say they have blessed us so much more than what we have done for them..

April said...

oh forgot to say you look great for 39 weeks, lol, I love your recipes on your other blog, and found this one too, hope all goes well!!

Jacquie said...

It's SOOOO hard to believe that our weekly updates (at least with Harper still in your belly) are about to come to an end.

Great adoption stories! I believe God hand-picks people for those precious children.

annalee said...

wow, incredible, incredible stories. thank you for sharing. and thank you for sharing your amazing prego journey with us. i squealed with delight when i saw you are 39 weeks and got a glimpse of your too cute belly pic!

Amber said...

Thanks for sharing these two sweet stories! What amazing families! I love to hear about adoption stories and how God pairs families with the children He desires to belong to them!!!

Clickin Mama J said...

Oh I love adoption stories! I adopted my little guy and it's just such a miracle. Speaking of miracles congrats on your little one on the way. You look fabulous for 39 weeks!