Pure Joy!

This pregnancy has been a bit different than my last two pregnancies. I guess I can safely say that they've all been very different. Because of our pregnancy challenges (Ryder's cleft and my miscarriage) I now see a perinatolgist (aka a high-risk doctor) and we have an ultrasound/appointment every two weeks to closely monitor baby's growth and my health. It's pretty incredible to see our bundle of joy grow and develop at every ultrasound.  I'm in continuous amazement of what an absolute miracle it is to have a baby. If having a baby isn't proof that God exists, then I don't know what what else could possibly convince someone that there's a Creator! 

Every ultrasound comes with feelings of anxiousness and moments of holding our breath. Almost as if we are just waiting to hear something bad. The last two pregnancies were filled with such heartache that we can't help but feel this way. Whenever the ultrasound starts, our breath is held until we see/hear our baby's heartbeat. You can almost feel us exhale as we let out a big sigh as soon as that heartbeat is seen/heard.  The doctor confirmed I have placenta previa with this pregnancy so I'm on pelvic rest, can't exercise or do heavy lifting and have to "take it easy" with this pregnancy. I'm not quite sure how "easy I can take it" with a 16 month old but I'll try my best.  Because I've already had spotting issues with this pregnancy I have to be on bed rest as soon as I start to spot. Bed rest isn't any fun but thank God my mama comes to the rescue every time I'm put on bed rest! 

Yesterday's ultrasound showed a 13w3d baby who is growing healthy and strong!   We pray this continues!  Baby is measuring a day ahead of its 5/18/15 due date. Ryder came 2 weeks early so I'll be surprised if we make it out of the month of April without having a baby. With placenta previa, most women have their babies at 37 weeks so I'm pretty certain an April baby is coming our way. Hooray! 

The doctor was able to get a close up of our little lovie's face but it's still too early to identify any cleft concerns. Our chances of having another cleft-affected baby is 1/100 compared to the 1/1,000 chances we had before Ryder. Regardless of what journey this new baby may hold, our hearts are filled with pure joy as we anxiously await the arrival of our baby Stocking!