First Glimpse

I remember while I was pregnant with Mason, wondering how I would possibly love him as much as I loved Owen. It didn't seem my heart could do it. And in an instant it happened. It was as if I had never gone a day not loving him. Well, yesterday, I had a short, but sweet glimpse of how much fuller my heart will feel when our baby boy joins our family. The moment itself was nothing special, but I guess God just knew I needed to feel it.

The boys were rocking out to "Life is a Highway" by the Rascal Flats on a YouTube Cars music video. (Owen has discovered that you can Google anything, scary isn't it?) And for just a moment I got tears in my eyes thinking that one day their brother will be joining them.

Yep, it was that simple, but I am so thankful. You see, the dreaded words have been spoken. "Bed rest" has already entered our world and much sooner than we ever imagined (24 weeks). Last week, 1/5 (the date is for my benefit) the Dr. told me to take it VERY EASY and at today's appt. she even mentioned hospitalization. But after an ultrasound and a surprisingly good report from the ultrasound doctor, she agreed to send me home. I never thought I'd be happy to hear "moderate bed rest" but I was. At least for today, ask me again in 2 days and I may have forgotten. The Dr is calling it strict bed rest, but I mentioned a few activities and she agreed to them, so EJ and I are calling it moderate ;) I did very little last week and if I can do just a little less, I think we can postpone strict bed rest for a little while. Strict versus moderate means I can be home by myself with Mason without constant help. We will need tons of help b/c I can't make it all day, but at least there are windows I can do.

And that is why I am so thankful for a glimpse of the love I already have for this baby boy. This road (3 months) is going to be long and hard and I needed to be reminded exactly why it's worth it. Tomorrow will be another story, as I will worry about the logistics, but for now we are just thankful for the small blessings.

Oh, if you don't know any of my prenatal history (I was on bed rest for short lengths with each child) there is nothing wrong with the baby. He is FINE, chunky actually and measuring almost 2 weeks bigger (another praise). It is me, my body for some reason, can not handle the pressure and it starts progressing towards labor much too early. So the bed rest will hopefully limit the pressure and keep this baby inside.

This blog may start to get real boring as my view from the couch may not capture many great pictures. Or as I suspect, I will learn so much from this hardship and hopefully be able to encourage someone else!

Double Dribble

The Fogarty boys have hit the court. Owen's first shot at basketball, EJ's first shot at coaching and Mason the big squirmy fan.

Owen, third from left

I know I will have plenty of seasons watching my man coach. I don't think it will ever get old! I love it. Although the pounding of 20 basketballs might drive me crazy and it certainly bothered Mason.

This is going to be way funnier than soccer and perhaps more injuries.

After almost 40 minutes he just had to grab a ball. Pretty patient for a 2.5 year old!

Dreams

Tonight the 4 of us went to dinner at the Wheat's house. It was such a treat. Time with friends and no cooking or cleaning for us!
Well, their daughter who is just days younger than Owen, sat down with me and got cozy. She is not the least bit shy. We don't see them as much as we'd like, but this did not stop her from getting up close and personal with me. She told me how she had a dream about her wedding. When I asked who she married, she couldn't recall there having been a boy or man in the dream. The dream was only about her wedding dress, the ring and people telling her how beautiful she looked. Be still my heart. It is true, that is what its really all about, right? And a girl's wedding plans really do start that early.
I didn't find myself getting sad. Instead, I just thoroughly enjoyed the moment. She hadn't even told her mom. Later when she appeared in a very fancy dance costume, applied a hint of gloss to her lips and danced for us, I realized that perhaps a house of boys is okay with me. If I need my girlie fill, I will just go back and visit the Wheats :)

My Buddy

Mason and I did not leave the house from Wed to Sat morning, with the exception of picking up Owen at the bus stop. We have been very buddy buddy. So what's a mom to do with very chilly temperatures and an active boy? Don't tell Owen ;)

Let him jump off the furniture!

and jumpand jump

Oh and mix play-doh colors together. I never let Owen do that... hmm that could explain a lot.

My favorite right now is "I uv you mama" I know he will eventually say "love" so I am treasuring it now and can't get enough of it. Oh and the sweet kisses!

Enough

"There are times when we feel like destitute wanderers in the wilderness with little hope of food and water. God will then give us manna at the time we need it. He won't give us so much that we will have enough for tomorrow because then we would just start trusting in the manna rather than trusting Immanuel. God makes a promise. He will give you - manna or grace - when you need it, but not before. That means you will be anxious if you forecast the future because you are making your prediction based on the manna you have left over from today, and there is none... Manna was pointing forward to something much better it was pointing to the Bread of Life who would satisfy our hunger in such a way that we wouldn't always feel hungry two hours later. Manna was pointing to Jesus and what we are given in His death and resurrection." Ed Welch from a "Tabletalk" publication.

So, our family is possibly about to embark on our most challenging adventure to date. No, we are not new contestants of "The Amazing Race" or "Survivor" although it will feel like that most days. God has been so faithful already to meet me where I need Him and I know this will be a journey I will never forget (although may want to). You know the kind, that shape us forever? Hopefully, He will change me for the better, of course that would always be His intent, but sometimes it feels like I will never change :)

More on that next week.