MLP (Maternity Leave Project) 1

I have the JOY of being home with Owen for 12 weeks. I was thinking... it is nice to have some goals in the day. Back when I was in the hospital there was a white board and each morning the nurse would come in and ask me what my goals were for the day. My goals consisted of rest, shower, and even silly things like meet the Spice Girls. The point was, it was good to have some type of goals. So, I decided to set a Maternity Leave Goal...

12 Projects in 12 Weeks

Project One:

I recently read an article in Parents Magazine about how to create avid readers. One of the steps was having books out, available, and seen. So when I saw this DIY book rack on Pintrest I knew I just had to try it! (http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2009/02/tutorial-hanging-book-display.html) The fabric used is an old shower curtain and the hardware cost me a total of $27.00. It was a fun project that only took me an hour. Funny thing is that my sewing machine is broken so I used heavy duty stitch witchery. That stuff can hold up an elephant!

Overall, Project One was a huge success!

A special thanks to Papa Wojcik for helping me hang my display!

Peek-A-Boo Toe

I groaned and got up to do the 2 am feeding. It was time to change the little mans diaper. I plopped his sleepy half-full body down to unsnap him. He wiggled and whimpered with realizing that he would soon feel the cool air. I looked down to unsnap him... and there it was... a cute little escapee toe!

This toe reminded me that my son is so cute, that we will only be in this stage for so long, and I need to enjoy even the small things!

Thank you God for using a cute little toe to remind me to enjoy my current season.

May God bless the escapee toe ALWAYS!

Owens First Christmas

Our house is usually very busy during the Christmas season. This year, as you can imagine, was much crazier than the norm. It was our first Christmas as parents. We had more than the average amount of visitors with the arrival of baby Owen. It was a wonderful Christmas and I could not have asked for a more perfect Christmas gift.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." 

-James 1:17

This Christmas has made me realize some things about the characteristics of Jesus, God, and even Mary. First of all, now that I have a son, I realize just how difficult it must have been for God to send His only Son to earth. God knew what Jesus would have to endure here on earth, that must have been painful as a Father. I could not even think to send Owen out into such a life for the sins of others. Jesus was sent to this earth to die for our sins. God must love us in a MASSIVE way to do this for us. The way I love Owen, has made me realize how much God loves me!

Christmas also reminds me of that silent night. (P.S. Silent Night was the first song I sang to Owen.) The image of Mary and Joesph in the manger with Jesus. Well, now that I know what labor is truly like and what having a newborn in your life is like, it makes me wowed by Mary and her character. The fact that Mary delivered Jesus in such a place. I remember the pain of labor and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to endure such a pain when she did not "ask" for it. God knew what he was doing when he chose such a woman to deliver His Son.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

-Luke 2:10 - 12

Lastly,  thinking of silent night has also made me very thankful. Thankful to have great medical staff and services. When Owen was born I tore 3 times. I received over 100 stitches. If I had the same delivery during Jesus' time chances are that I would have bled to death. Again, I am so thankful and blessed to have medical advances during my time. 

So this Christmas was a Christmas full of gifts, blessings, and thankfulness! I enjoy thinking that next Christmas we will have a little man jumping around, breaking ornaments, and tasting our Christmas dinner!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Cristmas!

There is something special about a child's first Christmas! (And I am not talking about his special outfit!) We had a great Christmas morning. Owen of course did not really know what was going on. I enjoyed looking at my Christmas tree and thinking... next year he will be ripping ornaments off and dancing to the Christmas music. I think he is the best Christmas gift a mommy could ever ask for.

So Little!

Psalms 127:3-5  

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,  

the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior 

are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver 

with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Owen truly is such a reward. We are so thankful for our gift! Thank you God for blessing us with this sweet little boy. I cherish every moment with him!

Owens 1st Smile

Okay so this picture is not of Owen's first smile but it is with the person he saved his first smile for. How precious and cherished, a babies FIRST REAL SMILE! And Owen decided he would give this precious gift to his Grandpa Wojcik! Owen loves his Grandpa Wojcik and to show it he gave him a hammy smile. His face lights up with that gummy smile. So precious. So, Grandpa Wojcik- I am beyond jealous that you got the first smile! I hope you know how special you are!

Owen's 2nd Smile was for Daddy! Then he gladly gave his 3rd, and 4th, and 5th, and so on to EVERYONE ELSE! Finally, about a week later he decided to smile for mommy! I cried with joy! I guess he just wanted to "save the best for last."

1 Month Old

Owen is one month! I can not believe how fast time flies! He does not smile on his own yet, only gas gives him a smirk. Which I think is so funny! He is about to have his first Christmas! He has started to realize that he has hands. He will gaze at them and wonder what they are. It is incredible that this little baby has been with us for a whole month. It only feels like a week.

You know you're a mommy when...

You know you're a mommy when you find yourself wishing for multiple arms.

You know you're a mommy when you pick boogies out of your sons nose.

You know you're a mommy when spit up always adorns your clothes.

You know you're a mommy when you jump in the shower at 3am because that was your only chance.

You know you're a mommy when you rock your baby to sleep and he farts in your hands.

You know you're a mommy when you type your blog with one hand.

You know you're a mommy when a rainbow of pee flies by your face. (Baby boy!)

You know you're a mommy when you have to heat up your coffee three times before actually drinking it.

I am sure this list will keep going and going. All I know is that I would not change my life for anything! Look at that sweet baby boy asleep in my lap! Precious! I am so blessed!

As We Go About Our Day

(From: Words to live by... Jill Savage)

As we go about our day my husband is amazing at reminding me about the small things about sharing a life together. He is constantly brushing my shoulder as he walks by with a loving smile on his face. He takes the opportunity to kiss me at stop lights. He is wonderful at reminding me that we are a team. 

I am grateful that God chose Mike to be united with me! I can only pray that I make him feel loved in the same way that he does for me. I pray that we never stop doing the little things listed above.

Eyes wide open...

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking , I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I would always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take time and effort to save other marriages and families, and realized that marriage is important for the family.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought i wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but its all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.

~Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

There is such a sense of responsibility with being a mom. I remember the first week of bringing Owen home everyone in the house got sick. Mike had a horrible stomach flu, one sister had a double ear infection and a sinus infection, both my mom and other sister had colds... I would lay in my bed at night and hear cough cough cough and my heart would stop beating with each sound. I worried that my sweet baby would get sick. At some point I just broke down in tears worried that my house was a germ infested slop. I had such a sense of responsibility to keep Owen healthy and safe. I could not control the germs.

But I must remember that God has us in the palm of his hand. My help comes from the Lord! I pray that God continues to guide me in being a mommy. I pray that I may be an example of Christ to Owen, when he is looking... and when he is not looking.

Introducing...

Owen Michael Wojcik

Born Thursday, November 17th 2011

at 6:23 pm

8 Pounds 14 Ounces

20 Inches

Labor Log

November 17th, 2011

It all began at 3am. I woke up for my usual bathroom routine but noticed some real pain going on down there. I decided to wait a few minutes. The pain went away and I laid back down, and then it came back again. I realized HOLY COW... these are contractions. I woke up Mike by saying "I hurt" and he immediately started timing my contractions. Sure enough, these were the real deal.

We live in Northern Virginia, right outside of DC. My goal was to make it through rush hour traffic at home and not have to endure the parking lot called I95. Around 10am I took a bath and we started to pack things up and prepare for the hospital. After I got out of the bath my contractions were 4 min apart. We knew it was time to hustle our way to the hospital.

We had practiced the drive several times. However, we had not practiced the drive from the HOV lane. Long story short, we missed the exit because we were in HOV and ended up past the hospital and in DC. I giggled through the pain and said "wouldn't it be funny if we visited a monument..." Well, as you can see we did! The photo below is me, in labor, smiling at the Washington Monument while contracting! 

We made it to the hospital around noon and I had made up my mind to walk all the way up to the Labor and Delivery wing. The front desk lady asked several times "are you sure you don't want a wheelchair?" I was certain that I needed to walk through these contractions. And walk I did...

After I was admitted they "checked me" and I was 4 cm dilated. I was then given the all clear to move and walk around the hospital to progress my labor along. Labor was difficult. I totally relied on Mike and Judi to get my through each contraction. As things progressed they really had to be directly in my face coaching me through each one. The doctor came to check on me at one point but decided not to "check me" because I had not been hooked up to the monitor and she didn't think that I had progressed all that much. She said she would be back around 5pm to check me again.

5pm came and went, I was in so much pain. Occasionally the thought of pain meds and an epidural would creep into my mind. But I never said the words out loud. I always reminded myself that God had equipped me for this! At around 5:30 the doctor finally came. I was expecting her to check me and say I was 6 cm dilated. She checked and to everyone's surprise I was 9 cms!! My water still had not broken so she broke my water. (Which was an interesting sensation and so much water came out that it soaked the bed and I ended up having to push Owen out in a puddle of amniotic fluid- GROSS!) Anyway, once she broke my water things moved very quickly. They brought in the delivery cart and my doctor got dressed in her head to toe blue plastic gear. She explained to me that soon I would feel the sensation to push. I sat and breathed through three contractions and then out of nowhere it hit me like a two ton truck- I needed to push! Mike screamed to get the attention of the doctor and the nurse. They rushed into the room, I was 10 cm and ready to go. Mike and Judi grabbed a leg and they told me to push hard at my next contraction. I looked at Judi and asked, "is this like the real pushing its time pushes?" She smiled and said "yeah, Chel, this is the real pushes." 9 pushes later, after much screaming and pain, the most handsome little man was placed on my chest. I felt his warm body, I could hear Mike next to me, I touched his little checks and counted his fingers, I cried in the miracle that God performed, I realized that I was a mommy. But not just any mommy, the mommy of Owen Michael Wojcik.

I praise God for Owen every single day. He is a joy! I never imagined love in the capacity that I now feel. November 17th is a day I will never forget. I am humbled that God chose me to be Owen's mommy. I am proud that I delivered a 8 pounds 14 ounces baby completely naturally. I have a deeper love and admiration for my husband, because he is totally built to be my other half. I am filled with so many feelings, I just tear up when I think about this special day.

When asked, would you do it again? The answer, without hesitation, is YES! I would endure the pain, contractions, tearing, stitches, pregnancy, and everything, in a heartbeat! Owen was worth all this and MORE!

Waiting Game

Judi (Mike's Mom) arrived and it was time to get the ball rollin'. I had already had my "membranes stripped" and was totally banking on this procedure to really work. Everyone I spoke to started labor within 24 hours after it. The bags were packed and I was ready to go.
But little Owen can not be rushed...
12 hours passed, we went to Outback so that my last meal could be memorable... Nothing...
24 hours passed, we walked the mall back and forth until I could not feel my feet... Nothing...
36 hours passed, we again walked through a whole nature park, I led the pack saying "lets go"... Nothing...
48 hours passed, I gave up... Nothing... Nothing was going to force this baby.

I started to come to terms with being induced. My scheduled induction was set for Friday morning. I was crushed, I truly thought that stripping my membranes would work.

Wednesday night we went out to Chick Fil A and had a quiet night at home. Little did I know, Chick Fil A would be the KEY!

Due Date!

40 Weeks Pregnant

Baby Center Update:
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

My Due Date (11-14-11)  has passed and this little man has still not made his grand appearance. They "stripped my membranes" on Monday in hopes to speed the process along. I feel like I am listening to every single ache and pain that my body goes through. With each one I get excited and ask myself "what was that!?!" But nothing yet...

Estimated: 8 pounds 3 ounces

The two BIG happenings reciently were:
October Snow! Here are some photos from the snow we got back in October. It was rare and being pregnant all I wanted to do was run around in it because I am always hot. Now I understand the phrase "bun in the oven" because you really are as hot as an oven.

We had to go have an ultrasound to determine Baby Wojcik's estimated birth weight. Doctors were worried that he was going to be too big. So, we went back to the ultrasound technician and once again they told us 100% this is a BOY! They also did measurements to determine that he currently was estimated to weigh 8 pounds 3 ounces. What a handsome and big boy!

In Love and Pregnant

38 Weeks Pregnant:

Update from BabyCenter.com:

"Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long. He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)"

and then...

39 Weeks Pregnant:
Update from BabyCenter.com:
"Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath."

Movement

The last photo is my favorite! I love seeing the emotion on my face (ouch) and the emotion in my sisters face (oof!). I have devoted this post to movement. This baby has been an very active baby since 15 weeks when I first felt the little fish turn in the fish bulb. It truly warms my heart to think that in just a few days/weeks I will get to observe his movements with my eyes and not my tummy. I wonder if I will recognize certain patterns or movements with his body. I wonder if he will have a lot of energy. I wonder if he will be less weight because of all his working out within the womb. 

Full Term!

37 Weeks Pregnant
Update from BabyCenter.com:
"Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz."

I liked reading this post because I have not even thought about his locks. I think about his nose, his fingers, his belly... but not his hair. I like reading this post and picturing the little man within. I am growing more and more excited to meet him!

If you are able to watch the video above you can watch the card on my tummy jump all around. Not only was he dancing around in my belly, but he also had a serious case of the hick ups. Enjoy!

Ephesians 3:17 - 19

¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Spooky Situation

On this Halloween Day I have decided to share a story of Gods protection!

Back in July I was bit by a tick, not just bit but it stuck under my skin for over 24 hours. One morning I woke up, itched my side, felt something, looked down, to see a nasty red mark with a tick rooted in the center. Fear struck through my body like lightning. I began to sob like a baby. I was terrified that I contracted Lyme disease not only for myself but the baby inside of me.

Ticks have never worried me, I have pulled off many from my own body and the bodies of others. I am an expert with the tweezers and am always the one comforting others that "its no big deal." And here I was, with the tweezers in hand, shaking uncontrollably in the bathroom. I took a deep breath in, prayed to my heavenly Father and removed the tick. I then called Mike and my mother...

The next day I went to the doctor where they looked at the bite site and identified the tick. It was a dear tick nymph which are the largest carriers in the area of Lyme disease. They gave me an antibiotic as a just-in-case method of treating the Lyme disease. I was not excited to take the antibiotic for 14 days straight. I had to wait 4-6 weeks before coming back into the office to have the blood work done for the actual Lyme disease test.  

During the whole time I was standing strong and believing that God protected baby and I and that I had not been bit by a tick with Lyme disease--- even if the statistics were steering otherwise. I asked friends and family to also stand alongside of me in prayer.

Well the 4-6 weeks past and I went in for the blood work, then I had to wait another 2 weeks for the results. And, the results are in!

My blood work was negative for Lyme disease! AMEN!

Jesus protected baby and I from Lyme disease. He is such a good Father. He cares about every little detail. I learned a lot about standing in faith and believing great things for your life. I thank Him for protecting us and for teaching me more about relying on Him.

He Is!

"He Is"

Below are the words to a song called, "He Is." 
Enjoy them and pass them on!



In Genesis, He's the breath of life

In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He's our High Priest

In Numbers, the Fire by Night

Deuteronomy, He's Israel’s guide

Joshua, He’s salvation's choice

Judges, He’s Israel’s guard

In Ruth, the kinsmen's Redeemer

1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles, He is Sovereign

In Ezra, He’s the true and faithful scribe

In Nehemiah, the Re-builder of broken walls and lives

In Esther, He’s Mordecai's courage

In Job, the Timeless Redeemer

In Psalms, He is our morning song

In Proverbs, He is our wisdom

Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season

In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet

Lamentations, the Cry for Israel

Ezekiel, the Call from Sin

Daniel, the Stranger in the Fire

Hosea, the Forever Faithful

Joel, the Spirit’s Power

Amos, the Strong-arms that carry

Obadiah, the Lord our Savior

Jonah, the great Missionary

Micah, the Promise of Peace

Nahum, our Strength and Shield

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival

In Haggai, He restores that which was lost

In Zachariah, He’s our fountain

And in Malachi, He's the Son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

AND THAT’S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, He is God and Messiah

In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven

In Romans, He is the grace of God

Corinthians, the Power of Love

Galatians, Freedom from the curse of sin

Ephesians, our Glorious Treasure

Philippians, the Servant's Heart

Colossians, He’s God and the Trinity

Thessalonians, our calling King

In Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor

In Hebrews, the Everlasting Courage

In James, the One who heals the sick

In 1st and 2nd Peter, our Faithful Shepherd

In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride

AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it’s all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I Am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior

He is Jesus Christ the Lord

HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED!

Seeing the Unseen

So what exactly is a 3D ultrasound?

"In 3D fetal scanning, sound waves are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus's surface or internal organs, in much the same way as a CT scan machine constructs a CT scan image from multiple x-rays. 3D ultrasounds allow one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown." (Wikipedia)

Psalm 139:13

For years my mother and I have had the dream of painting my belly when I was pregnant. Well, our dreams became a reality when she came up to visit. The verse Psalms 139:13 is very special to me because I know that the creator of heaven and earth is currently working to create this baby inside of me. For this reason I love the verse, "for I knit you together in your mothers womb." This is such a special time of creation and my mother thought of a perfect way to document it with photos. Above you can see the painting my mother did of a yarn basket. We took our photos at a local yarn store. This was such a fun adventure. I loved living out our dream and I hope it continues with the next pregnancy as a new family tradition. 

(Photos courtesy of Caseyhphotos.com)

(A special thanks to Fiberspace for allowing us to use their space.)

Athleticism

I suspect from the twists, turns, kicks, and such that this boy inside of me will be an athlete. At 20 weeks the technician told me that he had a highly developed cerebellum (which controls coordination.)  So at the moment, signs are pointing to an athlete! Just like his daddy! 

Mike is good at everything! Sometimes it bothers me because I am a bit of a klutz. Mike picks up any kind of sport with ease. And he doesn't just "pick it up" he is really good at it. 

The other day Mike told me he had a dream with his son in it. Of course I wanted to know the details right away. He told me that he was playing catch with his son and Uncle Brian and he said he remembers feeling so happy in his dream. Even writing this out brings tears of joy to my eyes knowing that Mike already loves this boy so much and is eager to meet him and build a relationship with him. Mike is going to be such a good daddy, I can not wait to see it all happen! 

I someday hope to look out the window and see Mikes dream a reality. 

Father and son playing catch...

Siblings

Maybe I am being a bit forward in thinking about child #2, but I can not wait for this little guy to have a friend. That is what is fantastic about siblings. I have a fantastic relationship with my siblings. We are all different in so many ways, yet, there is countless amounts of love that we share between us.

I can only hope that someday God would bless us again with a buddy for this child. I pray that he would have a great relationship with his siblings and that he would love them with a deep best friend love.

I am not sure how or if my parents did anything specific to establish the sibling bond between my siblings and I. But there is totally a bond. I too hope to instill the sibling love in my own children also.

My two sisters (Becky and Angel) and my brother (Martin) are amazing people and I can not wait to introduce them to their first ever nephew!  

Mike has said that he has already started praying for baby number two. He says he is praying for another boy. Ha ha ha, we shall see! I am learning that God gives us exactly what we need.

I love you Becky, Martin, and Angel! xoxo

1 cm Dialated!

36 Weeks Pregnant

Update from BabyCenter.com:
"Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position."


We went to the Doctor yesterday to discover that I am 1 cm dilated! That means that my body is starting to prepare for the arrival of this baby.  How real and exciting! Baby is head down and looking great!

Fear NOT!

35 Weeks Pregnant

Update from BabyCenter.com:
"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

I have noticed a creeper in my heart. Lately I can sense fear in my heart growing regarding so many things. (Being a mommy, pushing a child out of me, will my emotions get the best of me, will I show Mike love the way he needs while doing all these things?) I often catch my mind rolling in circles with these issue and more.

Then I remember to GIVE UP!

I try to take those thoughts captive and throw them like a dart towards a dart board. I need to throw my fear at the feet of Jesus. He has the power to quiet the storm of fear that runs through my heart. Not only does He have the power to take the fear, but He has the power to do it immediately! Each moment I wallow in fear is a moment that I give in to my sinful nature. When I am sinful it makes the devil feel as if he is making progress. Well, he aint making no progress with me! My heart belongs to Jesus, Jesus gladly takes my fear, not only does He take it but He blows it up with his presence and provision. I pray that I will remember His truths below and always capture fear in my heart and give it to my heavenly Father.

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. 

His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

Psalm 91:4

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; 

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer."

Psalm 4:1

Godparents- CHECK!

 Meet Tom Wojcik:

Tom has agreed to be the Godfatha! Tom is Mike's older brother and as you can tell from the picture he is always the life of the party. Tom is married to the beautiful Brazilian Marcia. I am sure Mike would pick different words but if I had to describe Tom in three words they would be: Loyal, Hard Working, and FUNNY! Tom is one of those people who can always find good in any situation. (Even if he is doing it with sarcasm.) I know that this little boy is going to be blessed by having Tom as his Godfatha! Thank you Tom for accepting the challenge to impact the life of our first born! You are so valued and important to us!

 Meet Rebecca Coleman:

Becky has also accepted the Godparent request! She will be Baby Wojcik's Godmother. Becky is my younger sister. She has been spending the last year of her life selflessly giving herself to AmeriCorps. Through this she was a nomad and traveled all through the US volunteering her time, talent, and treasures. The three words to describe Becky are: Faithful, Caring, and Compassionate. God put Becky on this earth to win hearts for Him and she lives out this purpose daily. We are so blessed to have such a strong woman of God impacting our son. Thank you Becky for agreeing to be a part of our son's life while on earth, and even in eternity.

What is a Godparent? 

            Well, to us being a Godparent involves developing a relationship with the child and helping us in his spiritual upbringing. There are many different ways of carrying out the duties as Godparent, but one of the most important things to do is to build a relationship with the godchild.  Make time to see the godchild as regularly as you can. Try to give him one-to-one attention: find out what makes them tick, what makes them happy or sad.  Spending time with the godchild can be very rewarding, for the child and for you.

Responsibilities of a Godparent:

1.      Pray for your godchild regularly

2.      Set an example of Christian living

3.      Help him to grow in the faith of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

4.      Give every encouragement to follow Christ and fight against evil

Perspective

Over the past few weeks two women that I know of had their babies prematurely. Praises to God that both babies are doing well and growing stronger by the day. I can only imagine what goes through their mind as they face challenges that may or may not have been foreseen. But what is going on in their lives has given me some perspective.

Each day that this little man stays inside of me, is a day stronger that he will be once he is out. As the days grow closer, I catch myself getting nervous over "the plan." If you know me, you know that I live next to my agenda. I cant function without it! I make lists and plan things months in advance. This whole hold-onto-your-seat and wait for labor to begin is growing difficult for me. Like I said, I know him staying put is good, but I just want to know the plan!

God is teaching me flexibility. I need to remember that God has ordered all my steps and He knows the details in the day of my sons birth. I trust Him, He has my best interest in mind. I need to let it go and remember that God has already figured out his Birth Story, his Birthday, his every detail. My job is to trust him and seek Him.

So, I am preparing, packing the hospital bag, attending the childbirth class, praying, seeking God's will for my life, and trusting that His plan is by far better than any plan I could have concocted in my mind. Just like God had a plan for those babies born early, He also has a plan for me and my little man. His will is perfect and pleasing!

Believing in something you can not see...

Even though I can not always see my toes, I believe that they are always there!

I took this picture while laying in bed. I had to prop my head up to see my toes. In my current "temporarily disabled" condition, a glimpse of my toes is a rarity to see. Although its rare, my toes are still attached to my feet- thank God!

The same reigns true with God. Even though we cant always see Him, He is always there. At times we may have to prop our heads up or stretch our neck out. And then we spot Him, shining His light upon us! I always have my eyes open for glimpses or kisses from God. I have faith that God is standing beside me as I live this life, even if I can't always see him. 

I hope I remember this blessed moment later on in life. When I am struggling to feel God or see Him, I pray that I will look down at my toes and realize I CAN SEE THEM NOW! Thus, seasons change but our Lord remains the same! Even if we cannot see something, it doesn't mean that it does not exist!