Absent For Good Cause...

To You:

Starting sometime in October, I would sit down to type (or read or pay bills or do just about anything) and almost immediately fall asleep.  I allowed sleep and taking care of myself to be the priority–even if that meant sleeping ridiculous amounts of hours during the night and day and pretty much putting the rest of life on hold!  You will not hear any complaining around here though because we are all nothing but elated to have Baby #4 on the way!!!

I am one of those rare women who does not get sick during pregnancies.  I am exhausted, and experience a few other changes of note yes, but not sick.  My mom was incredibly sick for all nine months when she was pregnant with me, so we like to think she used up all the sick gene in me.  Thank you Mom!

I truly respect the women like my mom who go through so much to bring a baby into the world.  There really is no better reason to feel crummy, but it still takes an amazing amount of selflessness to give your body and health for another.  If you have not thanked your own mother in a while, please do.

I have spent a lot of time contemplating the experience of those women who desire to bring children into this world, and yet for any of various reasons cannot.  My heart and prayers go out to you.  It can be frustrating, saddening, maddening, heart-breaking.  Of course I cannot sum up in a few words the experience, but please do know that you are loved.  Know that your desires, talents, and love will be used for good.  Know that Someone understands perfectly what you are going through, and He will see you through.  Hold on to good.

I stand in awe at the ability of the human body to grow another human and then provide for its needs.  I am grateful for the privilege to participate in that incredible process again.  It is humbling, refining, and exciting.  I already love this little one so much and am so grateful to be a mother.  Although every stage of motherhood brings challenges, there is nothing more fulfilling.

While I have been absent virtually for good cause, I am back!  I look forward to sharing some of the lessons I am learning (and relearning!) as we revisit these early stages of parenthood.  Do you have questions about pregnancy?  I am an open book.  :)  What is your best pregnancy advice for me, my hubby, or the kids?  I will be sharing more throughout other posts, but I will finish with my own "Best Pregnancy Advice" and that is, Enjoy It.  There will be a time when you will lay in bed, and although you may be more comfortable, you will not be able to put your hand on your tummy and feel that kicking.  There will be a time when eating healthy, moving, drinking your fluids, and even sleeping will not hold the same significance as right now, when taking care of your own body means directly taking care of another.  There will be a time when watching your belly grow may not be quite so exciting.  :)  There will be a time when this pregnancy is over, so enjoy it now.

Here's to babies!

Love, Marielle

What Every Dad and Mom Should Know

To You:

I just watched the lunar eclipse.  I sat out on my porch, listened to the crickets, and watched the moon change colors.  It was pretty incredible.  I came inside and was elated to see the family messages start rolling in.  We just welcomed a new nephew into the world today!  And we are getting our first pictures right now!  There is a pair of hands over this little bundle; I recognize them as my brother's.  The new family.  The first bath.  The tininess nestled into his daddy's chest.  There is nothing better!  It's exciting and fun and real.

Do you ever feel like the space inside your chest has grown bigger?  Like you've been enlightened or filled up?  It's hard to describe, but I think it's what people mean when they say, "My heart is full."
Full of gratitude, full of love, and full of awe.  There is so much that is good around us.

So with a full heart, I'd say to the new parents, I don't know anything you don't know, so just keep in mind
What Every Dad and Mom Should Know:

• You are the most important people in your child's life.  Live worthy of that role.
• You have the ability to give to your child what you can't really give to anyone else–you have complete stewardship over this baby.  Now is your chance to put all your learning and talents and all that you have become to good in this new baby's life.
• You did it!  You birthed a baby!  Woohoo!!!  It's pretty amazing that you grew a person inside of you and then got that person out!  You ought to take a bow.
• Snuggle.  Then snuggle some more for me.  Snuggling a baby is good for the soul: yours and theirs.
• Life is about to change...roll with it.  As much as you can, laugh at the splattered poop, the sleepless nights, and the "I don't know what to do!!!!" moments.
• You don't have as much control as you want at times, but you have more than you think at other times.  Figure that one out.  :)
• Ask for everyone's advice and then take what you feel good about.
• In the end, I believe the best thing anyone can do for a child is help them know that they are supremely, unconditionally loved, not just by you, but also by the Creator of all.

I can't wait to watch these two incredible people parent.  I can't wait to see this little one grow into a big one.  To see him develop and discover.  To watch his personality unfold. To watch him build relationships and find joy in life.  Love you little man!

Love, Marielle