Made it to August

I cannot believe that it is August already and our boy is 6 months old (well, that happened 30 July)! This month, the girls are trying out dance class and had their first trial today! AJ was shy at first, but after a few minutes, she was jumping right in; E absolutely loved every minute, but we will see if we have room in our budget to commit to registration, or if we can do some toddler stuff at home and then start each one at 5 for their birthdays. Now that we have Disney passes again, it may be something that we wait for, we will see.

Last month, PJ and I went through Proverbs, I believe we only missed 1 week total, so we are going through it again. Our parenting book is also coming along great. We have been really enjoying some deep discussions on how the gospel is influencing our parenting tactics. We both are working to not depend on harsh tones, but to depend upon grace to train them. I am so grateful for PJ and his continuous desire to love and serve our family well as he seeks the Lord.

The Lord has been so faithful to me, as well. My neck spasm is beginning to heal and - as I have also been going through The Listening Life by Adam S. McHugh - I have begun to truly prioritize my time, efforts and energies. I am slowing down significantly and truly working to listen - to others, to my body, to my children, my husband, friends, and family. I highly recommend this book and feel that everyone would benefit from the last few chapters in particular!

Anyway, PJ is doing so very well at work and I am so proud of him! He is officially a 2-time winner of the Paragon Award (which means he is the top pharmacy manager in his entire district). He is such a great manager and truly cares for his team.

AJ may be growing out of nap time soon, so we are working on reading so she will be equipped for an hour of quiet time. We were hoping to enroll her for Pre-K this year, but after speaking with a friend, I think hubby and I will have to further discuss our goals for official enrollment. We are currently and will continue to work through Pre-K Curriculum with her and E, but may put off enrollment.

E is doing so well with her Pre-K assignments! It helps that she has had her big sister to look up to. She sits and colors for at least 10 minutes and enjoys doing puzzles. She is definitely the more hands on, active learner, while AJ is the audio/visual learner. I am really looking forward to making our own filed trips.

T is growing like a weed! I just put a size 4 diaper on him today and he's pretty comfortable in 9 month onesies! He has one 7 hour stretch at night, but has had some sleep regression this week due to teething and a growth spurt. He has his 2 bottom front teeth in already and is still my happy boy.

Almost Done, 2017

We just finished our last vacation of the year and I would render it a complete success, except, we worked harder than either of us do when we are not on vacation... Starting on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, PJ came home and we were GO GO GO!!! We started by heading to the mall and changing our phone plan, which took far too long with 2 toddlers in tow. They were quite gracious and we were able to enjoy dinner and settle the girls down before the long drive to San Jacinto to start the festivities with Jessy's parents.

On Thursday, Jessy battled the temptations of several different pies and extra Thanksgiving starches. PJ indulged in all of the potatoes and mac n cheese, and the girls were basking in all the attention. We had wonderful family time and welcomed in the Christmas season with movies after dinner.

Thursday night we headed up to Reno to visit PJ's family. Though his parents live in our area, they and his brother (Peter) were there to visit his sister (Christine). Christine just moved there this fall after landing her first position as a psychiatrist! She was so excited to host everyone and it was such a beautiful place to visit. We weren't in the touristy area, but close to the Reno-Tahoe Airport in a nice neighborhood. All that to say, the drive was not too bad and the girls slept wonderfully!

It was a calm few days up there playing games, cooking lots of food, and catching up since we don't get to see PJ's siblings very often. It did not take long for AJ and E to warm up to and love their auntie and it was so precious to see her enjoy her time with them.

After a long trek home, Jessy had doctor and dental appointments, PJ had a DMV appointment, we ended up having maintenance done on the family car, we had a dinner and lunch with our small group then Jessy took AJ to Disneyland with her parents to top off a fun week. In short, we committed to too many things and I lost site of our schedule until it was too late to change anything. We over-committed and ended up more tired than before. It's okay, though, we were thankful for all of the family time we had as well as the ability to take care of things (like vehicle maintenance).

PJ found out that there is going to be some corporate management changes, which may or may not alter his leadership program, but definitely has altered his manager over him. Hopefully, he will have the opportunity to meet his new manager soon. In the mean time, we are praying for wisdom as PJ seeks to get his store back to normal after his absence. Please be praying for him, as there are a lot of changes happening and he is uncertain how to encourage his team through all of the issues they are having lately.

Jessy is overwhelmed with trying to get everything back to normal at home, update the schedule and organize. Please be praying for discernment and intentionality with time. AJ seems to be coming down with something, so prayer for swift healing would also be appreciated. They both also seem to be teething and going through growth spurts continuously, hopefully this will be a short season of growing pains.

August 2017 Life Update

It is official, we are moving! As many of you know, we have had a few issues with our current rental property, and have been seeking living arrangements elsewhere. Yesterday, we found a new place that is less than our current rental and we will be signing a new lease today! Thank you for all of your prayers and support as we know that without the godly encouragement of our friends and family, the success of finding a new place while growing and learning in our financial stewardship would not be possible. We are not moving far, so keep an eye out for an invitation to help us on moving day ;)

PJ started his leadership courses this month and is very encouraged by the direction of the program. He will take a class each month and have the opportunity to implement what he learns in his store. He also found out that he may have the chance to move to a higher volume store and grow as a manager in new capacities! He is very excited for this possibility and we would appreciate your continued prayers as he prepares for the move. He really loves his team and would be sad to leave them.

We love extra snack times on Disney Days! 

AJ and E are growing quick, as you would expect. They are both teething and seem to be going through growth spurts at the same time. AJ is struggling with patience (as many almost 2 year olds are) and trying to communicate hunger verses pain have also been a challenge. You would hardly be able to tell that anything was wrong with E, she does not seem to share any grumpy tendencies until she is tired. Even if we display unhappiness, she glows with joy.

Jessy has been having a difficult time balancing everything (weight loss, home management, training the girls, and her general spiritual health) lately. She joined a gym in June and may have jumped the gun, since we are moving and have a lot of expenses hitting at once. We are grateful to be in the middle of Financial Peace University with a starter emergency fund (baby step 1), as well as having paused baby step 2 in order to prepare for the move. However, we have decided to cancel the membership for now so Jessy can refocus on her priorities with the girls and embracing her time at home with them.

That is all for now. Thank you again for doing life with us!

<3 The Molina Fam

For the Grandparents

Dear Grandpa & Nonna and Lolo & Lola,

I want you to know how incredibly grateful PJ and I are to have you so close and so willing to love on our family. Thank you for dropping everything and spending time with the girls. AJ and E will never understand how valuable it is for them to have their grandparents so close and so ready to spend the day with them.

PJ and I do not know what we would have done these last few weeks without you! With me going to the hospital, needing to go to dental and other doctor appointments, having to run long errands that stretch through nap times... It would be so stressful without you. We have so many friends who are far from family or have to drive long distances from home to see their families/ We also have friends who have lost or are in the process of losing their parents and are facing the challenge of seeing their little ones grow without their grandparents in their lives.

I grew up with so much family, it's ridiculous. I never understood (and probably still don't truly comprehend) how immensely blessed I am to have known 4 grandparents - and even 1 great grandparent until I was 13. At 27, I still have 3 living grandparents and so have the opportunity to see my babies loved by 4 grandparents and 3 great grandparents!

Knowing what I am going through and understanding the stress I am experiencing in this season of motherhood, I am grateful for all of you and the difficulties you had to face in your season of rough parenting. Mom, you faced single motherhood for 14 years! Ryan and I were adults (for the most part) before you married again. Dad, we have had our disagreements and rough patches and seasons of growth in our relationship, but I am so grateful that the Lord brought you into our lives when he did. And you are such an amazing Grandpa! Daddy and Mama, you guys had a few siblings here in the states, but you were on your own! Your parents were in the Philippines and passed without having these opportunities to love on their grand babies like you are. Thank you for the many sacrifices you made for Baba, PJ and Pete.

I just want you all to know how much it means to us to see you enjoy your grandbabies and that you are so willing to drop your days off, vacation days, and weekend plans to help us with them. Besides expressing myself through this blog, and tearing up as I do it, there are not enough words nor is there enough money in the world to compensate for the amount that we appreciate and love you for your support and encouragement as we tackle this parenting thing.

We love you guys!

Familial Healing

As many of you know, last week I was in the hospital for an infection. I had surgery on Saturday and was able to come home Sunday afternoon. It was a rough week, but I am so incredibly grateful for my parents and in-laws for taking the time to come and take care of our little ones while we were gone. It was so hard to be away from them under such a stressful umbrella, but I am happy to be home. We are also blessed by our church community! They are bringing dinners over for us this week so that I can take the time to get back into the swing of things and not have to worry about cooking and meal planning.

God is definitely using this time to humble me, as I tend to get a little ambitious and stubborn in trying to work toward goals and having good schedules. I have been forced to rest, unable to push my limits in my workouts. I have been forced to consider my goals for long term fitness and what this looks like for our family and evaluate my inclusion of hubby and the girls in these goals. I have been forced to pause, which many of you know I struggle to do, so that is the way the Lord has seen fit to get my attention.

I have to say that I am grateful to take this time and have the opportunity to re-evaluate how I can manage our home in a more God-honoring way. As I was able to finish my women's study while in the hospital, I can also re-focus my spiritual goals in the form of devotions and Bible study.

This has been a great time to reflect on God's sovereignty and the call of humility He has placed upon us. I appreciate the chance to repent from my selfish ambition and desires and will probably spend this next week looking at Proverbs 31, embracing this time of rest and honoring this season of motherhood.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. I am excited to see how the Lord will use this time of healing and refreshment to strengthen our family.

-Jessy

Welcome 2017!

It is becoming increasingly apparent that I am a selfish woman. I know, go figure, my humanity and pridefulness are real and life is tough. Life has been quite the adjustment since bringing home E and continuing to train up AJ.

What?! You mean that you're NOT Supermom and you DON'T have it all together?

That's right. I cannot keep the perfect schedule, have a hot breakfast on the table every morning, my husband's lunch ready the night before, be chipper and patient all day everyday, and geared up for a workout each morning.

Sometimes, I don't have the bottles ready when E wakes up from her nap. Most days, I'm not sure what AJ and I are having for lunch until after she has already signed several times that she is hungry and I'm still standing in front of the fridge looking for something decently nutritious for her which is filling enough for me. A majority of the time, I don't even remember what was on the menu for dinner and I'm looking for something to throw together when PJ calls me on his way home asking me what we're having, because the menu item was supposed to be put in the crockpot several hours before or the oven should have been preheated 20 minutes prior to said call.

All in all, it would seem (in my own, control freak, OCD brain) that a windstorm blew through our house. The elf of disorganization might have taken up residence in our bookshelves. The goblin of "what was the plan again?" is the chef who took over my kitchen. "Was I supposed to scrub that?" has camped out in the bathroom. The rainbow unicorn of magical disasters has visited AJ's room several times this week. I am not sure that I can keep up with all of these mystical creatures, they have powerful enchantments.

Alright, so I know that I am being ridiculous, also, Pinterest and Instagram are not the guidelines for everyday life... They are the ideals for homes with inactive children. I am proud to say that 4 of the last 5 days, my girls and I have walked at the mall, 3 of those included stretching and conditioning workouts. The Lord has provided yummy meals every night this week. Three nights this week have been filled with games and enjoyable company (PJ's parents and brother, my parents and brother, as well as friends from small group). Today was amazing because I was able to enjoy an afternoon with mom and some alone time at Starbucks journaling and doing Bible study while PJ enjoyed a "Daddy Day" with our littles.

Yesterday, when I thought my life was over because PJ forgot his schedule and I was denied my alone time; I enjoyed a relaxing day on the couch with the girls, bonded with them, taught AJ her ABC's (sounds and familiar words), extended tummy time with E, an incredibly encouraging article sent over my another mommy from small group, and a sorely needed discussion with friends about my struggle with discontentment.

We have filled this year with lots of goals and stated our desires for family growth, but I can already see that God is going to be stretching us a ton, encouraging us through many difficulties, and loving us right where we are.

Lord, thank you for revealing another incredible piece of your amazing grace. Thank you that I don't have to have it all put together and Your Spirit is my Help. Thank you for the desire to grow, communicate, and seek Your truth. Amen

We would covet your prayers, dear friends. That 2017 would bring our family:
Self-control, Patience and Kindness (all the Fruits of the Spirit) for Jessy
Good scheduling to OUTLINE (not DICTATE) our days
Speaking words for AJ
Walking and no allergies for E
Growth in leadership and strong management for PJ

Love,
Jessy
Numbers 6:24-26

This is a Tough One

I am 39 weeks pregnant.

It is hot, well, today it is still overcast at 10:40am, so I am grateful for that.
EE is heavy and resting quite low, I can feel her in my lower hips, and she doesn't have much room to move around.

I am extremely hormonal, emotionally labile, needy, and irritable. Everything makes me want to cry, and I am ready to meet this little one. I hate feeling this way and I hate asking for help everyday because I'm having trouble keeping up with my developing walker.

I am prayerful that the midwife will send me straight over to Labor & Delivery on Thursday morning, in the mean time, I am doing everything I can that is safe here at home to encourage my body to go into labor naturally.

I write this with tears because I know the Lord has blessed me and given me so much grace through this pregnancy. I have been able to keep exercising, I have been eating better than when I was pregnant with AJ, and I have been able to spend more time managing our home and reading godly insight instead of giving into many lazy temptations.

I am grateful to be home with AJ to teach and train her. I am so proud of how well she is doing with her schedule and of her independent spirit. She is 11 months old now and she enjoys playing in her room for large chunks of time; has moved up to the toddler room at church early, as it has aided her separation anxiety; she sleeps 10-12 hours at night, waking up at 6:15 each morning; she loves food and will try most new things with a pleasant response, but is not shy about letting us know her preferences; she drinks her milk and water from a straw cup like the big girl she is; and we are so blessed beyond measure that she is our daughter. We cannot wait to see her love on her little sister.

Please pray for us as we continue to await the arrival of our little girl. That we would be prepared and grateful for this time we have. That I would not be anxious or push myself beyond measure for my preferences and desires when we bring her home. For a safe delivery and short hospital stay. For my parents as they take time from work to take care of AJ while we are in the hospital. That AJ would not be overwhelmed, and the transition will not be too difficult for her. Also, for PJ, that he is able to prepare his store well before he goes on leave starting this Thursday.

Thank you, friends and family, for your prayers and support. We would not be able to do this without knowing we had such an incredible community around us!

Bump 32

Hello Friends! Thank you for your patience as we have had a surge of life change going on over here these last couple of months. I was glad I was able to post AJ's 9 month update, even if it was from my phone.

32 Weeks

Anyway, it has been a while since I've updated you on the whole "Embracing the Bump" journey. I will say, though, that I have appreciated and felt very loved by all the encouragement and support, particularly in the last couple weeks. It has been rough to push through schedule changes with a little one and keep doing daily workouts, but we have managed.

AJ goes between an early morning nap or late morning nap and then a long afternoon nap. I have been able to get away with the late morning nap and an early walk, but it is a bit more challenging to keep her engaged on the walk and not throw off the rest of our morning. So, we will be sticking to the early morning nap and the late morning walk for now. Hopefully the heat will continue to await the later parts of the afternoon (that is, max out in the 80's around 9) - yes, I know that I am dreaming.

However, I have hit a bit of a motivational snag as my fitness watch (The Withings Activite Pop) is currently dead and awaiting a new battery! It has been so nice not to depend on my phone for the pedometer, I can't go back to it - partly because it's just too big now :P

Almost 7 Weeks Postpartum AJ 

Food wise, I will be honest in sharing that motivation, self-control and moderation have escaped my vocabulary and I have gone a little crazy, particularly over the weekends and eating out with family. Fortunately, God has blessed me with the energy to keep walking and do a little prenatal yoga a couple nights a week; this has kept my weight down and my doctor is still impressed with me as far as my gain has gone for this pregnancy! Yay!

I will also share that as I have looked at photos from just 9 months ago, when AJ was just over a month, I can say I feel better and healthier than at that point and anyone can see the difference! It feels good to see the physical change, even if I don't feel it sometimes. It is particularly difficult to take control of any aspect of your life when you have a little human growing inside of you, so I think that I am doing pretty well! EE is 32 weeks in and I am pushing through with flying colors and an almost 10 month old! =D

Thanks for loving me, everyone! Until next time...

Love,
Jessy
Numbers 6:24-26

5 Months Old

Yesterday, our daughter turned 5 months old. AJ is such a precious baby, and I am humbled every time we go out and friends, family, and even strangers go on about how adorable she is. I am also very grateful for the mesh of her features. I was sincerely convinced that she would look more like her daddy: with the color of her eyes, the shape of her eyebrows, the darker skin color she had when she was smaller, and other things. However, the shape of her eyes, her nose, her mouth, and her feet definitely point to the fact that she is my little one, too :) Her skin is also getting lighter as time goes by, and her hair seems a lighter brown, too.

PJ and I have learned a lot as parents: we do not know anything! And the Lord has humbled us both at every turn - just when we think we have it down, AJ changes it up on us. The growth spurts and teething have been rapid this last month. It seemed like she went from size 3mos to 3-6mos overnight! One morning, we went to put on her sleeper, and she was too long! Toes were pushing through the feet and the neckline was being pulled to her chest o.0

It has been difficult for us to spend some time alone. We are happy to report that her last feeding is around 5pm/6pm and she goes down at 8pm. This gives us a solid hour in bed before we go to sleep to talk and catch up with one another about our days. I am also grateful that PJ is able to call me during his lunches, it makes for a fun midday break.

AJ's favorites:
*Rolling over: both ways and both directions!
*Getting "scared" and laughing hysterically: she loves it when we shock her a little, she waits for us to pop open our eyes and say "Boo!" >D
*Biting: EVERYTHING
*Waking up early from naps for extra play time!
*Taking her sweet time finishing her milk: pretty sure she enjoys taunting mommy and daddy lol

I guess that's it for now. Thanks for enjoying life with us!

3 Months Old!

Life is hectic, so I'm a few days late, but I still can't believe that AJ is already 3 months old! She is already such a big girl. Sometimes, when she smiles or gives me a mischievous look, the Lord blesses PJ and I with a quick glimpse of what she will look like in a few short years. Our little one is such an adorable and stubborn girl!

As far as progression and growth, AJ is now approximately 13lbs and wearing 3 month clothing (to specify, not 0-3mos or 3-6mos). She just hit the sweet spot, which means that I will probably be needing to reorganize her dresser soon and pack away the 3mos clothing! People are not kidding when they say these little ones grow so fast!

Baby Molina is trying to hold her bottle, but does not quite have complete control of her muscles. This means I let her try and it drops/squirts her face in about 3-5 seconds. This, to me, is still pretty impressive. Daddy is a little bit more active in pushing her, though, he often props her bottle up w/ Sophie the Giraffe or a blanket+a burp cloth for the first half of the bottle. It works pretty well as long as she is hungry and has a good latch.

Mommy was a little bit drained and inconsistent with pumping, so, she stopped at 2 months, but AJ seems content (most days) to have her formula. Other days, she simply wants to take in just enough for fuel (1-2oz) and play until she's tired. It's a challenge for mommy to be disciplined and patient to work with her, but she does keep to a relatively consistent schedule when we work at it.

It has been 3 nights in a row that we have had a solid 7 hours of sleep! That means AJ has a great schedule for us all to get good rest before our long days. Typically, we're waking up at 6am, eating, playing, sleeping and starting over at 10am. After that, through the late afternoon, her feedings are 3 hours apart.

AJ has her tough days, but we all do, and when I take a moment to step back and look at this beautiful life our Lord has given us, I have no cause for complaint. More and more each day, I am utterly grateful not to have a job to go back to. As difficult as it is for me to get everything I would like finished around the house, I know that it would be much worse if I weren't here. As a bonus to managing our home, I have this wonderful, smart, beautiful, joyful little girl to take care of.

Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement and support. We couldn't do it without our incredible family and friends!

Love you all,
Jessy

One Month Old

                                      

AJ turned 1 month yesterday! What a roller coaster it has been. PJ has been back at work for a week and a half now and it has been somewhat of a tough transition, but we are hanging in there.

When I refer to the roller coaster, I am mainly talking about my emotional state. I never realized how difficult being a mommy was going to be. Nothing comes naturally- feeding, sleeping, schedules, feeding patterns- nothing. 

I'll start off with the fact that I was not (and still have not been able to) produce enough milk to feed or keep up with her. It was really difficult to talk about and there is still some fear and anxiety about the fact that I have to suppliment and bottle feed her. She will not nurse and the screams she cries out when we try do not help my body's stress. (*Please note: I love and appreciate you for wanting to know how we are doing, but please do not advise me in this regard, I have spoken to lots of friends and family who have or are currently experiencing these decisions, and we have already made ours). 

We started to get a somewhat consistent "routine" down and then she began her 3 week growth spurt, so everything was thrown off. When the spurt was over, she decided that she liked the shorted periods between feedings, so she took advantage of the suring the day. I can't complain too much about her sleeping, though, because she does AMAZING in the car/out and about. She also goes for long stretches at night, so PJ and I are both doing well with the amount that we sleep.

We have had our ups and downs, but I cannot say that we are without tons of love and support! I have had a few diffiult days where I don't seem to be myself, even when we're out with friends. Yet, the Lord has been faithful to remind me how much of an incredible blessing my family is. AJ is healthy, we have not had to deal with medical issues, hospital stays, medications, or any other complications. She is a good sleeper, she can't (as a newborn) sleep through the night, but she sleeps well enough to give hubby and I the sleep we need to get through the day and she rests prety well in the morning; this ideally would be a good time for me to do my Bible study and catch up on my chores.

PJ and I have a beutiful, healthy baby girl. We have a huge support around us to give us date nights and encurage us in this new adventure. We really cannot complain about this stage of life we are in. We can only pray and ask God to grant us the patience we need as new parents and the discipline we need to be intentional with our time. 

                                     

Thank you for your love, encouragement and prayers! We would not be able to do this without you!

AJ's Arrival

Wow, it's been almost a month since I've updated everyone! I can't believe how time goes by so fast! 

Well, after I told you all about the tough time I was having with the anticipation, I went in for a NST (non-stress test) on Friday morning. It was non-responsive, the nurses were unable to get a consistent read on AJ's heart rate, so the doctor sent me over to be induced. I was admitted around 10:30am. 

My parents were there soon after, and PJ finally arrived around 11:45. I was not dilated at all, so they started me on Mesoprosal (1 of 3 doses given every 6 hours) at 11:30. Having the moniters on to watch my contractions and her heart rate, it was difficult for me to move around and the nurses had to keep adjusting my position. Needless to say, I wasn't resting very well, and I wasn't progressing very quickly. 

By 1am, I was almost dilated 2cm, they still weren't reading her heart rate very well, and I had already had my third dose of medication. The doctor needed to insert internal monitors, which required him to break my water so he could attach one to her head. She was still really high, and I was determined not to have an epidural... It was a painful procedure, but having my water broke, I was up to 4cm by 3am. At 4, they started the pitossin. 

Now the medications were forcing the start of my contractions, which were consistent, and causing back labor because AJ was facing forward. However, I was stuck at 4cm for quite a while. Until about 10am Saturday morning, to be more precise. Now, I had been up since 5am Friday, not expecting to be induced; I had been in a hospital bed for 24 hours and awake for about 29. 

After the internal monitors were put in and the midwife informing me that AJ was still pretty high, I was able and encouraged to move around. So, I did. From about 2am on, I was moving, repositioning, dancing, doing squats, everything. I was exhausted and in more pain than I could bear, having such little strength left and the inability to eat since I was already on pitossin. I caved. I knew I didn't want IV drugs because AJ would get them, too, and would be lethargic and difficult to bond with once she came out. I had the epidural at 10:30am. 

Now, I thought that I would regret it, but I do not. I was able to take a 2 hour nap, allowing PJ to get some rest, as well; and my labor started speeding up because I was so relaxed. By lunch time, I was starting to feel the contractions a little more, so the nurse checked me so she could try to get the doctor back to set up more medications, as long as I wasn't at 8cm, yet. I was! 

I was so excited to be so much closer to meeting AJ! The nurse checked me again at 2pm and I was fully dilated. She told me that they were going to let my body labor doown for about an hour, then I would start pushing. It all felt so surreal. Just a couple of hours earlier, the doctor told me that I may have ot have a caesarian section, now I was progressing well enough and would be pushing her out within an hour. 

3:00pm hit, 5 contractions and 10 minutes later, AJ was out and I was able to cuddle with my little bundle of joy :) Induced on Friday morning, baby by Saturday 10/03/2015 afternoon, home by late Sunday afternoon. not too shabby! 

Anticipation

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and support through this entire journey. Pregnancy has been quite the experience, especially paired with being a newlywed. I am incredibly blessed with a supportive and encouraging husband who loves me and leads me well. We have been overwhelmed with the wonderful church family God has given us and cannot imagine being anywhere else right now. Our family have been amazing through our marital transition and we are both blown away by their generosity. 

With all that being said, I am still a fleshly human being, and it has been a very difficult week as we wait to meet our little girl. PJ and I both came early, so naturally, our families assumed that I, too, would deliver early. I expected myself to be late, but deep down, I have realized I did want her to come early and I hoped to be holding her in my arms already. When my birthday came and went, when the weekend came and went, when my expected due date came and went... I was pretty disappointed.  

The hormones have been taking over my reactions and I have pretty much been at the brink of tears for the past week. I have been tryng so hard to be grateful for the extra time the Lord has given me to spend alone with my husband; to welcome the pregnancy overtime, thanking Him that we are both healthy and there have been no complications; and still working hard to become a better house-wife, finding a routine for myself that will be completely altered once AJ does arrive. 

I have challenged myself to pray through my discouragement, to smile and accept the love coming from our friends and family when they ask me the same questions, to dive deeper into the Word and distract myself until the contractions come, but it has been a difficult week. I have been filled with discouragement and impatience without allowing the Lord to soften my heart and accept that those who are asking the same questions and sending me the same messages are showing their support and wanting to be encouraging. 

Through each time I've sat down to pray, I have confessed my hardened heart and saught out His grace to give to others and the fruit of His Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Last night, He answered my prayer, and it was as if He flipped a switch. 

PJ and I were reading and I realized that He is granting us more time to prepare, He is giving me people who want to love on us and bless us and do life with us, He is reminding me what we are to be characterized by and what the fellowship of His church is for. I woke up feeling so refreshed. God is so good and I am so grateful to all of you for your prayers! 

I also want to apologize if any of you have felt that I was giving you the cold shoulder or was being rude to you. Thank you for your grace and understanding. 

Love, Jessy :) 

Almost 10 Months

PJ and I have been married for almost 10 months now, and our little one is due in just a day! How incredible the blessings of the Lord and His faithfulness? 

PJ's work is going so well! He is ahead with the schedules for his store, preparing his staff for his vacation/family leave, and he has just been so much more encouraged lately. It has been so nice that he's been able to come home on time most every night and seeing him in a better mood. There are still difficult customers and slow floaters, but the store is in a good place. 

These past 2 weeks have been the longest out of the last 9 months! AJ is due tomorrow, mom has been encouraging me that she thought she would be early, and now I'm just exhausted and uncomfortable. We also found out that our neighbors are expecting, too! She is due around Christmas. In my looney state of mind, I had a dream that she had her baby before me and he was perfectly healthy. 

I felt like Rachel from FRIENDS when she has Emma and she is in labor for hours upon hours and mother after mother keep coming into triage and leaving for delivery, "I've been here longer!" 

Please be praying for a safe delivery, hopefully one without being induced next week, but if that does happen, pray that AJ still comes safely. Thank you all for your love and encouragement and prayers. 

:)

Maternity Session

Hubby and I had a wonderful time on Sunday with our "Family Photographer," Darren. We spent the morning at the park taking maternity pictures and enjoying the wild geese :D

I want to take the time to share my absolute appreciation for Darren. He spent his week camping and drove home late Friday night. He shot a wedding on Saturday. Then he woke up early, so we could all get to church, on Sunday morning to take these photos! This guy is a champ!

Monday night, after his first day of classes, he finished posting our session on his website; having finished posting the wedding photos from Saturday as well, and they were all ready for Facebook Highlight posts when he texted PJ around 10pm!

Darren also shot our wedding, and the amazing thing was that he had his computer ready with a slideshow mid-reception, having never eaten his meal until after we left. His girlfriend, the lovely Ladonna, saved him a plate of food which had to have turned ice cold by the time he got to it.

We are calling him our Family Photographer because he takes beautiful photos, has them done as soon as he possibly can, and alerts us via email and text with the download information as soon as it's ready. In his consideration, he also asks permission before posting to his FB page, even though these are his work. We will continue to support him with our business for all our big moments :)

Thank you, Darren, for all your hard work! We are so grateful for you, friend!