2012 Surprise

February 14, 2012 could have been Papa's (Sam's dad) 81st birthday. We will always love and remember him. Papa is gone but the Lord is giving us a new life to celebrate with.

It is also the date I decided to announce online a SURPRISE! This is God's surprise blessing to our family this new year. Surprise of all surprises because we have not prayed to ask for another child but God chose to give us one more. Yes, after 7 years, we are going back to Babyland!

Being in away from Manila at this stage posed a lot of anxiety concerns in the beginning. The moment I suspected I was not just delayed but I knew there was more to it. I was already having advanced thoughts of things that will happen months later, how it will affect our current work, when I will give birth and I was computing our children's age gaps vis a vis our age too. And hinting that I might be really pregnant, I repented of worrying and decided not to wait any day and purchased a pregnancy test, not even telling Sam first. That morning I tested, I was praying before I opened the packet. "I will choose to give You glory, whatever the results may be." It didn't take long before the lines became two in the tester. I was crying- I did not know what to feel. But since I resolved earlier I was trying to be in the attitude of praise, I guess my tears became tears of joy. When Sam came down for breakfast, I showed him the results. He was also surprised. And his first act was to embrace me, comfort my crying and sat down with me to pray. He assured me.And I believe with him that when the Lord blesses, there will be no trouble or sorrow added to it. (ref Prov 10:22).

God is good!

The week that followed we were blessed to be surrounded with helpful friends who referred us to good OB-GYN here. But being so used to our Lamaze birth and how husbands are allowed even at check-ups, I was surprised that Sam would not be allowed as I saw the doctor. As of now, we are not yet sure what the next months will bring. I am complying with the once a month doctor visits, and praise God I am not having morning sickness or throwing up, which is the worse case I was hoping I will not have! But the toll of first trimester syndrome is still there. I have gaseous tummy, I cannot eat a full meal because I will suffer in the end. But actually I feel hungry everytime, especially at night! And now, my taste buds are not cooperating. Sometimes, it takes me a few minutes before I can swallow my food. I also noticed a higher tolerance for salty food which I know is not good. And sad to say, the food I am craving for are not here. (Wishing the Philippines is within reach). 

Having no other cook at home but me, I have to prepare 3 square meals for the family everyday and there are times I am wishing I can just lie down or nap some more. Or that I can have meals at bed...I am wishing there are other available food in the supermarket that I like other than chicken...(it feels we can fly like chickens anytime! :)) Other food just do not taste good enough for me. It says second trimester is the best time in pregnancy and I am so looking forward my eating condition will improve a few pounds for my baby.

And there is our work that we face to do everyday. I believe God allowed us, especially me, to go through this phase and season to prove that God can use us/me even in difficult times. And to show and encourage others that truly, nothing is impossible with God. At this time, I am more than a willing vessel. And waiting each day for little miracles and victories with the challenges we face here. As they say, every day life here is an adventure.

I am thankful for friends here who are helpful to watch our children, offer to cook once in a while, or treat us to lunch at restaurants and most of all, we have friends all over who support and  pray for us all the time.

Our first baby's picture was taken at 12 weeks of gestation. I was teary-eyed to see his/her tiny hand move and toes wiggle. Praise God for this little fighter that grows and grows every week. Our little Ate Abbie is monitoring weekly the baby's growth through BabyCenter app. And she always hugs and kisses my tummy. Big Ate Issa says she is excited to be an Ate times 2. Sam is wishing we will have a boy and I have desired for it too. Before I was thinking I do not have the grace to raise a boy. But now, I am ready if this baby is a boy.

I pray for more grace each day, better health (as the season is changing from Winter to Spring, it has become dusty outside and I have cough and it truly affects me especially in late afternoons when it is still very cold) and of course abundant provision especially for the coming days ahead.

I choose to give God the glory. Everything He made is beautiful.