In Need of Prayer

     So I debated on posting about this, but how silly to keep a prayer need to myself when I know I'm so loved and well cared for by my friends and family...

     On Tuesday, Danny, Little one #2, and I came across a new hurdle.  After taking my dogs to the dog park in the morning, I came home to find I had some mild bleeding.  I of course immediately checked for the baby's heartbeat which even this morning sounds strong, and nice and fast (about 160bpm).  I was able to get into the doctors where I saw the nurse practitioner.  She performed a pelvic exam and was not able to see an immediate source of bleeding.  She also looked for any infection which there was none.  She said my cervix was most likely very vascular (which is very normal for pregnancy) and most likely was irritated during my walk.  But, to be sure, she scheduled an ultrasound for Tuesday, March 1st.  She assured me she wasn't worried, and that I should try to relax about the situation.  Of course, easier said than done.

     The bleeding had stopped that evening, but there have been small signs of some bleeding since.  Nothing like on Tuesday.   Danny and I are doing fairly well.  I think just tired of worry, although we know from experience this is just the beginning.  That's what happens when you fall in love.  We are anxious and nervous.  Taking one day at a time. 

     If I could please bother any of you for any prayer, it would be greatly appreciated.  I think in my heart I know this baby will be fine, it's just daunting to think we still have 26 weeks to go, and we already know how much can change in just 1 day.  I know it's best to not worry about the what if's, but, well... how can you not?

     I've been praying myself that the Lord would strengthen my body, as I know I've come from one marathon and I'm pushing it to take on another.  I'm praying for a healthy, strong environment for this baby to continue to thrive.  I'm praying for the Lord to bless this baby's health and allow this little one to continue to grow strong.  I'm praying the Lord continues to hold on to us as I feel our faith struggling.  It's definitely more of a mustard seed at the moment. 

     I'm a little embarrassed to admit a struggle, but it's important to not avoid or hide where I'm at in this journey.  I'm tired.  I need help.  I need your prayers.

~Love, Jess
    
    

Hannah's Sunset

     About a week ago, a sweet friend the Lord brought into my life, shared something so beautiful she had done for her precious little boy.  An amazing woman who lives in Australia had suffered the devastating tragedy of delivering her little boy stillborn.  After an amazing dream she was inspired to go down to the beach she lives near and write his name in the sand.  She brought her camera along and took a beautiful photograph of one of the Lord's perfect sunsets with her son's name written in the shore.  This led her heart to a calling; a way to help parents and families who have experienced the pain of losing a child, grieve and heal.

     As many evenings as possible, Carly Marie takes a list of precious children's names down to Mullaloo beach, writes each baby's name in the sand, and takes an amazing picture for the family.  I kept watch for when she would open her request list as the time difference usually made it through the middle of the night here in the U.S..  And, by chance late one night, it happened to be open.

     Danny and I were so giddy!  There's something amazing about being able to sign our daughter up for something.  That gift alone meant so much to us.  Finally, after monitoring her website with devotion, she had captured Hannah's sunset!  It truly is perfect!  And again, the Lord gives us just what we need.  

     Here is a link to Hannah's full memorial sunset...
http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2011/02/hannah-rose-law.html

     Here is a link that tells about Carly Marie's purpose...
http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2010/11/are-you-here-for-first-time.html