My Story

I hope Katie and Jake enjoy every moment of Katie's pregnancy. I know they won't but I hope for the very best. Every pregnancy is different, just as is every delivery and every child that enters the world. The first pregnancy is special because… well, because it's the first and you have nothing to compare it to, no point of reference. Everything is scary and strange and wonderful all at the same time!

For my first pregnancy I did not get to share the wonders of having a little alien growing inside of me with a husband. I was but a scared 16 year old girl surrounded by family and a few friends but no "baby-daddy." Don't get me wrong, it wasn't any less miraculous. It was just lonely, particularly at night lying in bed talking to my stomach all by myself. There were plenty of good times shared with my family and especially with my brother's wife, Jan who stuck by me through it all. Katie brought joy to the whole family and everyone adored her. But being pregnant, 16 and in high school was difficult.

I never got to share the excitement of doctor visits with anyone. Even after I was married Kenny never went with me to regular pre-natal visits. He worked and it just wasn't practical. He did get to go to the ultra sounds and he was there for the births. Jake has already gone to several doctor visits with Katie. I know Jake will be as involved as possible. They will love every moment of it, okay almost every moment. The vomiting, mood swings, weight gain… not so much.

For me every pregnancy has had its own unique story with happy and sad moments. Rachel (baby # 4) is the miracle baby-I got pregnant with her 9 months AFTER Kenny's vasectomy. With Kendra (# 3) I was very hormonal and crazy. I think that is why Kenny decided to get that vasectomy in the first place. My pregnancy with Rebekah (baby #2) is a special gift to me from Jesus. It was everything I missed with Katie. My pregnancy with Katie is a story of loving someone I hadn't even met yet more than I loved myself and doing the right thing even if it wasn't the easy thing to do.

My personal story of repentance, redemption, submission and restoration has just had another chapter added to it…..REWARD! My own daughter being a wife and mother is beyond priceless! Adding more children into our family is going to be a great joy. Kenny and I have the reward of watching Katie and Jake as their story is being written.