As I wait for our breakfast to heat up, I figured y'all might enjoy a bit of an update. Would you like that?

Today I'm about fifteen weeks along and feeling fantastic. Things seem to be going on as usual and I honestly have no complaints. I have most of my energy back, the morning sickness is pretty much gone, and I feel like I can conquer anything--which is good because I have been extremely busy with church related stuff. Let's break things down a bit (sorry, I like to over-share, so be prepared for a long, wordy post :) )

Physical: Well, I'm definitely not showing yet. Though, if you ask me, I can tell a difference in my body. Last week I told Jonathan to feel my stomach and it was the first time that he was able to feel the "baby bump" that is there. We were both pretty excited about that. I want him to be able to experience this as much as possible. I have only regained the 5 lbs that I lost at the beginning of my pregnancy, so I'm feeling pretty good about that. My goal is to be in the best health that I can be as I progress. I have been working out, focusing on staying active in my day-to-day life, and trying to make smart food choices. I really don't want to end up with gestational diabetes--which I'm at a higher risk of getting because I have PCOS.

Food/Cravings: Speaking of trying to make smart choices, food and I have been having a hard time. Last week I bawled my eyes out as I tried to force myself to eat the salad I made for dinner--yes, after I got over myself, I then laughed hysterically. And predictably, all I want to eat is carbs. I have absolutely no desire for sweets, but would happily munch on carbs all day long if I could. I would say that I'm doing a decent job keeping this under control, though. I have been focusing on eating plenty of protein and veggies instead. Even if that means force feeding myself a salad every-once-in-awhile. ;)

Preparations: Well, today Jonathan is planning on gutting our guestroom. We are in full-baby-preparation mode around here (is it possible to nest this early?!) We want to make sure we aren't waiting till the last minute to ready our house for the new little one. As I have mentioned before in previous posts, we are planning on gutting our guestroom and doing a bit of other rearranging so that we have more space for the little one. I'm getting really excited about having another room in our house complete. It will be nice to have a cheery nursery to welcome the baby to. I will definitely keep you updated on the progress! I'm ecstatic!

We have also started accumulating a few things for the baby. Admittedly, this started all the way back during the summer, when our neighbors had a yard sale and were selling a beautiful wooden highchair. We had no idea of the plans that God had for us, but the price was right and we both jumped at the chance. Then later, sometime in November I believe, again before we knew of the little one, my aunt was selling her crib and pack-n-play for a good price. We also bought the both of those. We are thrilled to have a beautiful crib all ready and waiting.

Oh and we also finished off our kitchen counters and purchased a washer and dryer in preparation for all of the little cloth diapers that will need to be washed. I don't like the fact that the washer and dryer is taking over my valuable kitchen space, but I love the fact that I can do laundry whenever I want. Plus, I've learned to use the tops of the washer and dryer for added counter space--this is an unexpected bonus!

Also in anticipation, I have been trying to do as much reading as possible. I have started reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin and The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America's Baby Experts by William Sears. Both have been very interesting reads and I love that I'm gaining an understanding of how my body is preparing for this little one. Our bodies are one amazing machine. 

Other than that, I can't think of much else to say! We are enjoying the anticipation of becoming parents, but also trying to hold on and enjoy every last minute of just the two of us. We have been going on dates (something we didn't really do before), have a week long vacation scheduled for before the little one arrives, and this whole becoming a parent thing has us talking about all sorts of new and fun things. This is definitely a beautifully sweet moment in our lives. 

This has been my little "perch" as of late. 

I have been enjoying the natural light that is streaming in the windows on every side and I love the idea of having room to spread out. Plus, when I sit here, I stay away from the TV and tend to focus on other things...a logical bonus.

I have been working on treasurer stuff for church (oh the end of the year wrap up), reorganizing our file system a bit, and trying to catch up on all the magazines that have been piling up. The last one being trivial, but it's something that I have to do--no sense in letting all those free magazines go to waste!

But today, as I sit at the table, my mind has been wandering. I have been watching the snow as it falls and just thinking of the beauty that God has enveloped our bleak world in. Snow can be such a cheerful and beautiful thing. If we allow ourselves to look at it that way. Sure it is also frustrating at times, but I'm sure we can all say we have experienced one of those gorgeous snow falls where the flakes are huge and fluffy and seem to instantly blanket the world in comfort and warmth. Do you know what I mean? I love snuggling up on those days. They are perfect tea and a book opportunities.

Another thing that I can't help but focus on is the lesson that God has been working on within my soul. I am learning what it is like to do everything with a cheerful heart. This is so important. God has been showing me the side of myself that isn't so pretty. It is the side that is riddled with negative thoughts, discouraging words, and a stubborn attitude. It's the side of me that I really don't want my child to ever experience. It's not something I'm very proud of.

Lately, every time I have a negative thought or go to lash out, I am reminded that the little one inside of me is experiencing every emotion right along with me. I don't want my child to grow these first 9 months (or after for that matter) knowing a negative, stubborn, and discouraging mama. Rather, I want her/him to know the light and optimism that I can bring to a situation. I want to be a good example, not a  questionable one.

Mercifully, God has been working on my heart before this little one comes along. He has shown me some areas that I need to work on (this not being the only one). I definitely have room for improvement and I'm glad He has guided me so gently. Today, as I logged on to read one of my favorite blogs, God spoke to my heart and opened it for the lesson He had in store. I began to read the words on my screen when I stumbled upon this:

{from here, or purchase a print here}

"A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine." SO true. I looked up the verse, just because I love to see what the context is, and I found that there is more to it. The whole verse reads, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Man. Ok God. I get it-- every. day. every. situation.. I have the opportunity to be the healing salve. I can either choose to help the situation/someone or I can just add fuel to the negative fire.. I felt like He was telling me that it is my turn to really work on my heart and be the encouragement that He has called me to be. 

Some areas that I can improve upon:

-When Jonathan comes home and I have had a stressful day, I can put on a smile, welcome him, and be excited for his return. Those hard moments I want to talk about, need to wait. 

-When I'm yelling at the dogs who never seem to stop barking, I can remember that they are just excited and adjust my volume level. Instead of getting unnecessarily frustrated, maybe I can settle them with a soft voice and encouraging words. 

-When I'm in the supermarket checkout line and the cashier starts talking about the hard day he/she has had, I can be a listening and encouraging ear instead of being rude and uncaring. Who knows what their situation is. Everyone can use a listening ear. 

-When put in a position that makes me uncomfortable or leaves my nerves fried, I can try to see the positive side and look for a way to shed some of God's light on the situation. 

-When outright discouraged by events of the day or by someone's rude comment, I can instead know that God's hand is in everything (which He shows me over and over). And instead, smile, knowing that He will take care of it. I have the choice to either let it get to me, or move on and focus on the other positive things surrounding me. 

It is my turn to fix my heart and focus on our Heavenly Father. Like I said, I don't want our child born into a world surrounded by negativity and discouragement. I want to lead by example. I want my child to know what it is to give, serve, live, with a cheerful heart. I want them to always know the choice they have to be God's light or Satan's darkness. I definitely won't be perfect at it, but I'm already starting to see little (and big) ways that I can change. 

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Dear Little One,

Where do I even begin? I sit here on a freezing cold day and all I can think about is sharing it with you and your wonderful daddy. If you were here this very second, we would be snuggled up on the couch reading book after book and watching the wind swirl the snow around outside. You will like to read right? After all, you come from a long line of avid readers. I already have all sorts of books waiting for you. I hope you love to read.

It is crazy to think how much you have changed our small world already. Daddy and I are busy making lists of things we want to accomplish before you are born. We have to gut the room that will be your nursery and do a bunch of small things around the house to make sure it is all ready for you. We also want to make sure our veggie garden is planted. Mommy and daddy are so excited to have fresh homegrown veggies this year. I also can't wait to show you around the garden once you arrive. I have a feeling you will love spending time in our backyard, curled up on a blanket, enjoying the shade of one of our big maple trees.

All day long I wonder what it will be like to hold you. I have dreamt of you for so long, little one.  I can't wait to smell your smell, feel your soft skin, and see you looking at me. I can't wait to hear that first cry, knowing that you are finally here with us. I have been enjoying these past months of getting to know you as you grow within me, but I cannot wait to experience you face-to-face.  I get the chills just thinking about it. God has truly blessed us. I am so thankful for all that He has given us.

I also can't wait to share with you the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. For you. I can't wait to tell you about the struggle that daddy and I had as we patiently waited for God's perfect timing. Little one, God is always faithful. He always provides. He never stops loving us. I can't wait to show you that. I can't wait to see you grow in your faith with our amazing God. To Him be all the glory, honor, and praise. Little one, He has loved you long before I was able to. Always know that He loves you.

I know that meeting you for the first time is still months away, but I can't help but dream of you my precious baby. Just know that your mommy and daddy love you very much. You are the answer to many, many prayers. We love you.

Love,
Your mom

5 Questions, Answered

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It's a chilly, chilly day here in good ol' Western NY and I have been enjoying every minute of it. After a morning full of getting my husband off to work, grocery shopping, and my prenatal workout, the afternoon has been spent snuggled on the couch catching up on various things on the computer and chatting with one of my closest friends. It is so surreal to be able to talk about kids and knowing that we will be having one in a few months. God is SO good!

Before I have to move on from my cozy spot and ready our house for Bible Study tonight, I thought I would chat a bit about our future baby plans. Y'all have been asking so many questions and I thought I would just answer a few of them here. :) So, here we go.

1. When are you due?
Well, we aren't 100% sure. Our guess is sometime between the beginning of July and the beginning of August. To put it bluntly, having PCOS makes everything complicated. It means that I can't go based on the date of my last cycle in order to determine our due date. Rather, we will have to have an ultrasound to determine how far along I am.

I took a pregnancy test at the end of October and it was negative. Then I took one at the end of November and it was positive. BUT my hormone levels can be so low, that an early pregnancy test could easily read negative. So, long story short, we are just going to have to see what the doctor says.

2. Are you going to find out the gender?
Yes! We are really looking forward to being able to plan a bit for baby Geiger. A good friend of ours reminded us that it is a surprise no matter when you find out, so we have decided that we would like to know. I think it will make the whole bonding process a lot easier, plus, I can't wait to go shopping for little boy/girl clothes. I think both Jonathan and I are looking forward to setting up a nursery for our little one too.

3. Speaking of the nursery, are you planning on renovating your guest bedroom and making into the nursery?
Long story, short...yes. After much deliberation, I think we have decided that it would be the best way to do things. We thought about keeping the baby upstairs with us (since there is plenty of space) or doing a temporary fix in the guestroom, but in the end, it looks like we will be completely gutting the guestroom and transforming it into the nursery. Our sun porch will then go back to being the guestroom. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are really excited about it!

4. Will you be cloth diapering? 
Again, another yes! I am really looking forward to it. Right now I'm looking into the flip system and the fuzzi bunz system. We will probably end up registering for a combination of the two. I like the idea of having a disposable option with the flip system, but also like the idea of having some nice all-in-ones with the fuzzi bunz. I also want to try the both of them out and see if I'm partial to an all-in-one or a two-in-one. Then that way we have a better idea for our future children.

5. Any exciting plans for readying your house? 
Well, we don't have any huge plans yet. But we would like to get a bunch of small things accomplished. One of our goals was to get our new counter tops installed and purchase/install a washer and dryer. Both of those have been checked off the list and I will be blogging about them soon. We would also like to gussy-up our entryway a bit, install a railing for the stairs that lead to our bedroom, plan out and plant a small veggie garden, and do a bunch of paint touch ups.

I sort of look at this time in our lives as the perfect time to get a bunch of things done. We have the time and ability to and I would like to check as many things off of our unending list as possible! We will just have to see how it all works out.

Ch-ch-Changes

Let's just get to the real reason why I haven't been blogging:

Jonathan and I are so excited to finally announce that

Can you believe it?!?! 

After almost two years of trying and much prayer, God has blessed us with the gift of a child. We are beyond ecstatic and still a bit overwhelmed at this answered prayer. 

God is SO good and to Him be all the glory, honor and praise. 

Don't Worry!

Everything is OK here.

I promise.

My month long stint away from my blog has nothing to do with something being wrong. Though I'm truly grateful for the concern you all have. :)

I feel special. 

No, my month long break has more to do with me absorbing everything that is going on around me. I'm trying so hard to be completely present in my life.

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Too often, I think we focus on a life that isn't ours. It's the life that we dream up for ourselves, hoping that we will make it there someday. Now, don't get me wrong, it is definitely good to have dreams and aspirations. BUT, and yes...it's a big BUT, it's SO important for us to remember to be content where we are too.

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God puts us in the here and now for a reason. This moment right now is an important stepping stone for the future. Without our current life, we wouldn't be able to get to our future life. God has been showing this to me over and over again.

He has showed me that His timing is beautiful. purposeful. full of intent. 

He never wastes a moment. Every second of every day has meaning...and if we are focusing on the future all the time, we could miss it.

Isn't that a bit much to take in? Isn't that a beautiful thing to think about.

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I know I feel blessed by my month long hiatus...it has helped me to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It helped me to regain my perspective. It has helped me to feel more in tune with my daily life.

But I'm definitely ready to get back into the swing of things! I miss journaling our lives. I want to write down every little part, of every single day and never forget the blessings that God daily pours into all of our lives. I miss all of you and your encouraging words! Having a blog has been such a blessing to me.

So, shall we get back at it?

Will you join me?

The Day After/Before

It's the day after Thanksgiving. 

We have so much to be thankful for. 

I will always remember our time spent with unofficial family (love you all!). I will remember delicious food, a rambunctious dog, and a lazy morning spent with my husband. 

But it's the day after Thanksgiving, where chaos ensues in the stores, 

and everything goes back to normal at home. 

Leftovers are to be had--which are, sometimes, even better the second time around. 

I am enjoying my morning view. 

With one lonely light on and a warm cup of coffee, 

I am reflecting on all I have to be thankful for and thinking ahead to preparations for Christmas.

I am also excitedly anticipating the storm that is brewing. 

Our town is under a lake effect snow advisory. 

Heck yes. 

This morning is the calm before the storm. 

Figuratively (Christmas chaos) and literally (lake effect).

Either way, I'm going to grab more coffee, 

a good book (hello Inheritance series, it's so nice to finally meet you), 

and enjoy the fact that my husband is sleeping in. 

I'm enjoying this bit of calm. Are you?