A New Year

You know each year I try to make a list of the things I want to accomplish. Last year, I posted 5 goals on my blog and I did not accomplish a single thing on my list! In fact, I’m not even sure I re-visited my list after typing it. This year I am taking a different route. I have chosen a “word” for the year that will be something that I repeat over and over apply to all of the things I want to do. When I really think about it, there are only a couple of concerns in my life and they are big ones! My concerns have existed over the course of the last couple of years but it seems I was lacking one thing in order to address them…. And that my friends brings me to my “word of the year”. I am DETERMINED….. By being determined to do the things I need to do, I believe 2010 will be a great year! Yesterday I went to the first doctor appointment with “J”. She is approximately 12 weeks pregnant but that’s just a guess for now. Once they do an ultra-sound we will have a better idea. If the doctor is right though, that makes the due date sometime around the middle of July. You know, it was uncomfortable being in the exam room during the appointment but I feel it is necessary so I know what is going on and can make sure I am hearing everything the doctor tells her.

It is so hard to know that your baby is growing inside of someone else – someone who chooses to continue smoking, eating poorly and is just generally not taking very good care of herself. It is frustrating to have no control over the circumstances in which your baby is developing.

I sometimes question my sanity, but yesterday when the doctor said, “Ahh there’s the heartbeat” and I could hear the swishing of the baby’s heart, it made it all worth while! I know that God has a plan, I know that He is the creator of all and that it is He who makes that little heart beat and those little lungs breathe. The miracle of life…. What a gift to be a part of this. I feel that He has blessed me with this opportunity and so I welcome it with open arms. “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” – Proverbs 3:6

And so this is what a baby looks like at approximately 12 weeks:

Fetal Development at 12 Weeks The fetus measures about two and a half inches and starts to make its own movements. Your doctor may hear the baby's heartbeat with special instruments. The sex organs of the baby should start to become clear. At this point the child can grip an object, frown, squint, turn her head and swallow. The child's arms and legs are clearly present.

July seems like a long time to wait!

In the meantime, I need ideas on how to prepare a 3 year old for the arrival of a new baby. Please email with suggestions to: dottiejo@live.com

I don't know how this little princess is going to adjust to having to share the spotlight with another baby ....