Pictures of Early Pregnancy

The Belly - No show

Dear Baby,

I'm so anxious of any sign of you. I pray God's hand is on my belly and the Holy Spirit enters my womb to protect you as you grow.

My belly is flat--no sign of you growing yet. Every morning I wake up and look side ways at my belly. Nothing yet. I can't wait until you show with just a bump or a lump. When you do I will not hide you. I will show anyone who wants to see my precious baby and the miracle that resides in me.

Today at church we were proud parents. We told friends and even some strangers. Everyone was elated to hear the news. Even Pastor ran toward us after service to congratulate us and love on us. Daddy and I were so touched at his kind words as he described the miracle that we get to experience with you and our God. Mommy cried.

I love you my baby.

Construction

Dear Baby,
Daddy has been working a lot the past couple of nights after work in preparation for your arrival. Before we can start on your nursery I need Daddy to finish the hallway closet construction so I can reorganize and make room.
See Baby, we want you to come into this world welcomed with your own room and special decor. Daddy and I have some work ahead of us but we promise to do the best we can to provide a relaxed and loving environment for you to learn, grow, and be loved.
Pictures soon to come . . . .
I love you my Baby.

Cramping

Dear Baby,
Last night I noticed a little cramping my belly. Is that you? Hello.
I've read some women experience breast tenderness, different cramping and extreme tiredness. I don't. I feel great. I feel better with you in me than with you not.

Daddy kisses you everyday and says hi. He loves you more than you know. He can't wait for you to come out and join him on the slopes. Just wait, you will see.

The Big News

Dear Baby,

Today is day 3 with the big news. You are in me. God created you. Daddy did it. And now we are apart of each other--living off the same nutrients and breath. I love you so much. I knew I loved you even before you were in my belly. I was so excited to have you. I prayed throughout the years that God would place you in our lives at the perfect time--and now He has.

It was Sunday, January 24th. We took a day trip up to Shirley Meadows for a little snowboarding with Uncle Donnie, Aunt Rachel, Nick, and Grandpa Ralph. I thought it was safe to snowboard since the day before I took a home pregnancy test and it was negative. I thought, "I'm not pregnant so let's snowboard and do the things I can't do when I'm pregnant." We had a great day and came home around 2 p.m. After a hot shower and a little time to relax we went out to dinner with the Cochran fam. I remember I was so tired but excited to see everyone. On the way to and from dinner your Daddy was in a really good mood and was being super sweet (as he usually is). He was playing his favorite worship songs for me and we talked about how much God loves us and the work He has done in our lives. We held each other's hands and our eyes teared up as we expressed how much we love each other. I will never forget that car ride. And then something hit me. God told me to take another test. I told your Daddy that we should probably take another pregnancy test but not to get his hopes up because I didn't think I was pregnant with you.

We went straight to the drug store to get a test and some ice cream--we didn't even go home first. We grabbed a 3 pack of E.P.T., cookies 'n cream ice cream, and chocolate syrup. Daddy was so excited and I was trying not to get to hopeful. Daddy knew and I didn't. We went home and before even putting the ice cream in the freezer I pee'd in a cup, took the test and within seconds the positive plus sign appeared. Daddy was right by my side. We couldn't believe it. It was positive!!! The first little sign that you were alive in my belly. We were shocked. We had 2 tests left so we had to take them to be sure. And sure enough they were positive as well. Daddy grabbed the camera.

I remember him asking, "What do we do?!"

I said, "Let's go tell the family!"

So we packed up the tests as proof, grabbed the camera and went to pick up Aunt Nikki and Uncle Zach. They were at church and Daddy pulled them out so I could tell them in the hallway. Auntie Nikki and I screamed, hugged and cried. She was so excited and shocked. She was also relieved because she thought she was pulled out of church for bad news. She was wrong.

And then we went straight to Grandma Kelly and Grandpa Ralph's house to tell them and Uncle Donnie and Aunt Rachel. I gave Grandma Kelly a little gift as a hint and she guessed it right away. She cried and cried with tears of joy. Grandpa Ralph cried too. Uncle Donnie didn't cry but he was sooo excited. We all hugged with excitement and joy.

Grandpa Ralph quickly called Grandpa Don and he came over super fast. He was scared because he thought something was wrong. But once we told him the big news he relaxed and was very happy.

Within moments we were back on the road to the Grandma Sissy and Grandpa Duane's house. This time I had the camera. Daddy was elated and he said he wanted to run in the house and just tell them--and he did. He walked in the living room with arms in the air and said, "I did it! I did it!" Everyone was confused until he said, "We are pregnant!" Grandma jumped in the air with joy and Aunt Aubrey ran to us. Uncle Bob was on his way home and once he walked through the door Daddy told him the good news. He was shocked but happy.

So my baby, you were big news for all of us. Even though Daddy and I wanted you so much we were shocked to learn you were alive in my belly. I pray every day that God protects you in my womb. I pray you are healthy. I already know you are beautiful because God has made you--and now you are growing inside of me.

We have a full 9 months until we meet but until then I will do all I can to keep you healthy and strong. The rest I give to God. Praise and glory to His name for our miracle.