Mereness Family Minutes: November 2009

I can't help it. I LOVE Christmas. I won't go as far as Hobby Lobby does and start celebrating/decorating in July. But a week or two before Thanksgiving I start getting really sentimental about the holidays. Actually, right now I'm watching Christmas Vacation. It is gooOOd. Some Christmas CDs made an appearance a couple of weeks ago... I like to ease into it slowly.
I also, however, love Thanksgiving. There's something about gathering together as a family and not focusing on what we bought eachother. As cheesy as it is, every year, I also enjoy how my family goes around the table and says one thing they're thankful for. I think it reveals our true colors, the good, beautiful ones.
In regards to thankfulness, today I am so thankful that God is faithful. I am half way through carrying my first baby. Lately I've had lots of ladies tell me "oh, you don't look that far along AT ALL" and "my, you're not near as big as I was"... Some may think it's crazy that I'm dissapointed that I'm not bigger, but as mommy-t0-be it made me worry. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I started to worry that something was wrong, that the baby wasn't growing, that any movement I've felt thus far was all in my head. And as I drove to work, I asked God to show me today that our baby was okay. And that my worry was for nothing. Well, let me tell you about my answer.
This baby tumbled and twirled and did the locamotion ALL DAY LONG!! And in a much stronger way than I've felt before. I just felt reassured, all day, that no matter what I worry about or what comes to pass in ours lives, God is in control. And God is faithful. I know that doesn't always mean happiness, as we know it, but I do know it always means joy and hope, forever. It reminds me of when Mary visited Elizabeth and when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, "the baby leaped in her womb". A sign of life and a sign of promise. The promise that God is faithful.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, this blog has been "in the works" just about as long as this little babe growing in my belly. So I'm really starting to wonder which one will be the bigger challenge! :) And I'm not even technologically illiterate. Oh well.
Kent and I (and some of you..) thought it was high time to start documenting our journey for all the world to see. The fact that I keep pretty good tabs on all of you through your blogs played a part as well, thought it was only fair to let you have a peek into our craziness!
You may have gathered, if not known already that Kent and I are expecting our first little bundle in April. We are SUPER excited and feel blessed beyond measure that God has chosen us to care for one of His little children! What a responsibility!! The due date is April 9th, but what baby follows that rule? Yes, we will find out what kind we're having, actually on December 3rd!!! I have felt pretty good. The first couple of months were a little rough, never horrible, but just felt a bit sick and exhausted. Then one day it all went away and I started to wonder if I was making everything up... (I'm not). Just at the right time my belly started poking out and now feels like it grows daily!! I haven't had many cravings, nothing crazy, anyway. I just eat. A lot. Baby's a hungry little thing! The only thing that MUST be in the fridge at all times is orange juice. Exciting, huh? But we buy it by the gallon jug these days. As far as any inclinations as to what we're having, Kent thinks we're having a boy, all our college students think it's a girl, except for one. I really don't feel pulled one way or another.
Someone the other day asked me if I was ready for the baby to get here. I quickly answered 'NO!' At this point Baby Mereness would be sleeping on the couch, swaddled in a full size quilt and playing with the dog, none of which, I'm sure, are 'pediatrician recommended'. I think God was on to something when He decided to give us 9 months to get ready! This whole process has been just another testament to how beautifully powerful God is. Everything happens on His time scale and PRAISE GOD for that!! I can only imagine what our chitlins would be like if we were in charge of the specifics. I feel like I'm part of a little miracle by carrying this baby. It's been so cool to know that he or she is growing just the way God wants!

Wait, did you say dog??? Why, yes I did. We got a dog. Our dear friends Ryan and Emily had to get rid of their dogs, one of which Kent grew very fond of when we lived in Lubbock. He couldn't fathom the idea of Gus going to any ole stranger's house. So we took him! Gus is a part corgi, part weenie dog(can't spell the real name) mix who is transitioning into an outside dog. He has been around babies and is pretty gentle and loving. He goes ABSOLUTELY NUTS when around big crowds, but we'll just deal with that. We've loved having Gus around so far.

Just a few pics of what's being going on in our neck of the woods...