Hi friends! Our little baby has been growing for nearly 22 weeks now and I saw the OB today and got a good report. Her heart was thumping along at a steady 140 beats per minute and she's growing like a weed (which happens to be just the right pace!).
As you all might remember, the last several weeks of pregnancy with Eli were very difficult for me; I started going to the hospital with contractions every two minutes at 34 weeks and eventually quit going because the nurses and doctors weren't able to help me much. At 39 weeks, I had a cesarean section because Eli was breech, and during the surgery the doctor discovered that I have an extremely rare uterine anomoly that was causing all of the problems (I only have the right half of my uterus, so in essence, Eli only had half the room he needed). My new OB, Dr. Chad Caudill, has been wonderful to work with and he's been giving me great care. Today we discussed the plan for how to approach the second half of the pregnancy. For now, we wait.
On Thursday, June 17, I'll have another sonogram to determine how big she is, her position, and to look for any indications of early labor. If she is head down, Dr. Caudill suspects that I will go into labor very early and would have the option of having her naturally at my own pace or having another c-section at that time. If she's got her head in my right lung like Eli did, Dr. Caudill will do an amniocentesis (a sample of the amniotic fluid) to determine if the baby's lungs are mature and will schedule a c-section for as late as possible, which will be dictated by the amount of contractions and how I am doing.
God continues to amaze us with His protection and provision for this baby and we are daily thankful for His goodness. If you think of it, please pray that contractions will hold off until her lungs are developed and that she will be as healthy as an ox (however, don't pray that she'll be as BIG as an ox!). Thank you to all of you who bless us with your kind words, your prayer, and helping us out in the many ways that you all do!
In Christ,
Enormous Gwenny<><
Photo by MKLoeffler Photography
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What if Dave Ramsey was President?
I'm a self-diagnosed CNN and Fox News addict and when I'm not sewing up a storm, I find myself shaking me head in disbelief at the news that our government continues to raise the debt ceiling, hand out money to overpaid CEO's like it's toilet paper, and spend money in new areas that would better be left unspent. I'm also an avid Dave Ramsey fan and took his Financial Peace University last year, which revolutionized the way the Lawson household handles money. Yes, that's right, we're on the I envelope system!
It's simple, really. Each month when Tim gets paid, he goes to the bank and deposits the exact amount needed to pay the online bills, makes a deposit into our savings account and emergency fund, and takes the rest in cash; he brings it home and puts it in our envelopes. There's one for groceries, one for gas and car related expenses, one for entertainment (which includes going out to eat, shopping, etc), one for general "stuff" (most of which goes to WalMart), and so on.
So, I began to wonder today when I heard the most recent estimated cost of government-run healthcare what America would be like if Dave Ramsey was President. I have a feeling that the first thing he'd do is "SELL THE CAR!" A good chunk, if not all, of the presidential motorcade would be auctioned off, Air Force One and the rest of the fleet would be put on Ebay, and the produce from the White House garden would be at the D.C. Farmer's Market. It's not a new or rocket science concept, but Dave Ramsey brilliantly advises people in debt past the ceiling to sell as much as they can to attack the debt that is so consuming them. Then, he shows them how to spend LESS than what they bring in so that there is enough left over to pay off debt and start saving.
As I bring myself back to reality where Dave Ramsey is only a financial expert and not the Commander-in-Chief, I pray that someone somewhere can start a revolution in government so we can get a grip on the enormous burden that is being crafted on the shoulders of our children.
It's simple, really. Each month when Tim gets paid, he goes to the bank and deposits the exact amount needed to pay the online bills, makes a deposit into our savings account and emergency fund, and takes the rest in cash; he brings it home and puts it in our envelopes. There's one for groceries, one for gas and car related expenses, one for entertainment (which includes going out to eat, shopping, etc), one for general "stuff" (most of which goes to WalMart), and so on.
So, I began to wonder today when I heard the most recent estimated cost of government-run healthcare what America would be like if Dave Ramsey was President. I have a feeling that the first thing he'd do is "SELL THE CAR!" A good chunk, if not all, of the presidential motorcade would be auctioned off, Air Force One and the rest of the fleet would be put on Ebay, and the produce from the White House garden would be at the D.C. Farmer's Market. It's not a new or rocket science concept, but Dave Ramsey brilliantly advises people in debt past the ceiling to sell as much as they can to attack the debt that is so consuming them. Then, he shows them how to spend LESS than what they bring in so that there is enough left over to pay off debt and start saving.
As I bring myself back to reality where Dave Ramsey is only a financial expert and not the Commander-in-Chief, I pray that someone somewhere can start a revolution in government so we can get a grip on the enormous burden that is being crafted on the shoulders of our children.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Marriage
Tonight I'd love to share with you a little bit about our marriage- but I don't quite know where to begin! This past week (the one year anniversary of Pastor Fred's death) has reminded me to hold close the ones I love dearly- particularly Tim and Eli.
Tim and I went on our first date on May 25, 2005 when he was a summer intern at FBCM and I was at McKendree University; we had ice cream at Dr. Jazz and then Tim dropped me off at my apartment (I didn't sleep at all that night because of all the giggly butterflies in my tummy!). He proposed on December 16, 2005 and we were married just eight months later on August 5, 2006. Some might say that is a little too fast, but we knew God was calling us to a lifetime of service to Him and that included marriage.
On that hot August day, we didn't just put on the most expensive outfits we'd ever wear, take hours of pictures, and kiss in front of a few hundred people, but more importantly, we each recited from memory vows we had specially written with the other one in mind. Each of us talked about it being a lifetime commitment, through thick and thin, rich and poor. Yes, we were about to embark on a dream honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, but we knew that would come to an end and real life would begin. We just didn't realize how tough "real life" is! Our first six months, we fought, screamed, and I even told him I hated him on our first Christmas together. It was in that six months of "orienting ourselves to marriage" (that's the kindest way we can describe it) that we really started to grasp what the commitment of marriage was all about (although we still have a lot of learning to do!).
Over the last three, almost four years, we have experienced so much together; miscarrying our first baby, moving to another state for seminary where we knew not even a single person, bringing a baby into this world, taking a job at an awesome church, going through Pastor Fred's death, and our second baby is currently turning somersaults in my belly! Has it all been fun? No. Has it all been miserable? Absolutely not. But we have certainly enjoyed walking hand in hand through life, never having to face trials alone and always having a best friend to share God's blessing with.
I'm so glad God invented marriage! He knew exactly what He was talking about when He declared that it was not good for a dude to be alone. There are things about Tim that drive me bonkers (he always leaves one bite on his plate when he puts it by the sink...why?) but there are more things about him that I adore, respect, and admire (there's nothing sexier than seeing him preach the Word of God!). He has recently taken on heavy snoring at night, but he never remembers me kicking him to get him to stop (don't tell him I do it). I know that it makes him want to scream when I leave a mountain of dishes in the kitchen after cooking and that I never rinse the dishes before loading the dishwasher, but I know even more that he loves that I cook.
Tonight in the car on the way home from Aldi, Tim asked me, "What's one thing I can do to make our marriage more fun for you?" My heart was so blessed than on a day he failed his Greek quiz, got his butt kicked by Tony on his P90 workout, and he's just having a rough go overall right now, he took the time and effort to make sure our marriage is the best that it can be!
Tim recently had a panel discussion at The Gathering (our Sunday night college service) on Godly marriage. A couple from our church that has been married for just shy of 55 years came and spoke. They were so wonderful to listen to! They talked about how some days, they might not like one another, but they always CHOOSE to love one another. Fred and Gerrie emphasized that the commitment to love one another is a choice they have to make every day, regardless of circumstances and feelings. I pray that 50 years from now, Tim and I have a marriage that young people can aspire to achieve. More importantly, I hope every day of the next 50 years (and them some!) my marriage will be a tool God uses to reach this world and that I will choose to honor God and my husband with a selfless love. I know I won't get it right most days, but that's why God doesn't grade us like a math teacher does; rather, He offers forgiveness and grace that far suffice any sin!
I guess in short, I just want to communicate how great married life is. Thank you Lord, for your loving kindness and for the gift of my husband. Thank you, Tim, for 4 incredible years; I promised you we'd make it 87 years, so that only leaves us 83 years to accomplish everything we want to! I love you both!
Tim and I went on our first date on May 25, 2005 when he was a summer intern at FBCM and I was at McKendree University; we had ice cream at Dr. Jazz and then Tim dropped me off at my apartment (I didn't sleep at all that night because of all the giggly butterflies in my tummy!). He proposed on December 16, 2005 and we were married just eight months later on August 5, 2006. Some might say that is a little too fast, but we knew God was calling us to a lifetime of service to Him and that included marriage.
On that hot August day, we didn't just put on the most expensive outfits we'd ever wear, take hours of pictures, and kiss in front of a few hundred people, but more importantly, we each recited from memory vows we had specially written with the other one in mind. Each of us talked about it being a lifetime commitment, through thick and thin, rich and poor. Yes, we were about to embark on a dream honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, but we knew that would come to an end and real life would begin. We just didn't realize how tough "real life" is! Our first six months, we fought, screamed, and I even told him I hated him on our first Christmas together. It was in that six months of "orienting ourselves to marriage" (that's the kindest way we can describe it) that we really started to grasp what the commitment of marriage was all about (although we still have a lot of learning to do!).
Over the last three, almost four years, we have experienced so much together; miscarrying our first baby, moving to another state for seminary where we knew not even a single person, bringing a baby into this world, taking a job at an awesome church, going through Pastor Fred's death, and our second baby is currently turning somersaults in my belly! Has it all been fun? No. Has it all been miserable? Absolutely not. But we have certainly enjoyed walking hand in hand through life, never having to face trials alone and always having a best friend to share God's blessing with.
I'm so glad God invented marriage! He knew exactly what He was talking about when He declared that it was not good for a dude to be alone. There are things about Tim that drive me bonkers (he always leaves one bite on his plate when he puts it by the sink...why?) but there are more things about him that I adore, respect, and admire (there's nothing sexier than seeing him preach the Word of God!). He has recently taken on heavy snoring at night, but he never remembers me kicking him to get him to stop (don't tell him I do it). I know that it makes him want to scream when I leave a mountain of dishes in the kitchen after cooking and that I never rinse the dishes before loading the dishwasher, but I know even more that he loves that I cook.
Tonight in the car on the way home from Aldi, Tim asked me, "What's one thing I can do to make our marriage more fun for you?" My heart was so blessed than on a day he failed his Greek quiz, got his butt kicked by Tony on his P90 workout, and he's just having a rough go overall right now, he took the time and effort to make sure our marriage is the best that it can be!
Tim recently had a panel discussion at The Gathering (our Sunday night college service) on Godly marriage. A couple from our church that has been married for just shy of 55 years came and spoke. They were so wonderful to listen to! They talked about how some days, they might not like one another, but they always CHOOSE to love one another. Fred and Gerrie emphasized that the commitment to love one another is a choice they have to make every day, regardless of circumstances and feelings. I pray that 50 years from now, Tim and I have a marriage that young people can aspire to achieve. More importantly, I hope every day of the next 50 years (and them some!) my marriage will be a tool God uses to reach this world and that I will choose to honor God and my husband with a selfless love. I know I won't get it right most days, but that's why God doesn't grade us like a math teacher does; rather, He offers forgiveness and grace that far suffice any sin!
I guess in short, I just want to communicate how great married life is. Thank you Lord, for your loving kindness and for the gift of my husband. Thank you, Tim, for 4 incredible years; I promised you we'd make it 87 years, so that only leaves us 83 years to accomplish everything we want to! I love you both!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Eli's Second Birthday
Two years ago, I was laying in a hospital bed holding the most wonderful little baby I had ever seen. Snow was slowly dancing to the ground and time seemed to stand still as the little life in my arms looked into my eyes for the first time. My heart ached as I experienced the most intense love I've ever known- a love that my Saviour feels everyday for each one of His children in a greater way than I'll ever understand. I must have asked a thousand times that day, "Lord, is this what Your love for me feels like?" to which I almost audibly heard Him say, "No, my love, that's not even close."
Those days in the hospital seem like just yesterday, but they also feel decades ago. It's been exactly 2 years and I have treasured each special day. There have been difficult days (newfound food allergies, swine flu, and nap-less Sundays) but those memories won't ever stain the great days (trips to the zoo, playing at the park, swimming, sharing oreos).
Here are a few pictures that I snapped of Eli at our house today:
Those days in the hospital seem like just yesterday, but they also feel decades ago. It's been exactly 2 years and I have treasured each special day. There have been difficult days (newfound food allergies, swine flu, and nap-less Sundays) but those memories won't ever stain the great days (trips to the zoo, playing at the park, swimming, sharing oreos).
Here are a few pictures that I snapped of Eli at our house today:
Friday, January 22, 2010
Life in 2010
Hello? Hello? Anyone out there? I had almost forgotten about my blog, but logged on today just to see how long it had been since I posted and it's been nearly 6 months! Yikes! I've got a lot of updating to do.
In October, Tim went to Catalyst conference in ATL and heard a few people speak on the issue of worldwide orphans. God used that moment to break Tim's heart for children- but he had to come home and convince me to jump on board. He started talking to me about God doing "something" whild he was gone but I just knew it couldn't be as big of a deal as he was acting like (afterall, I'm the one with the crazy ideas). When he finally spilled the beans, I was pretty shocked but excited to see what God had in store for us. We sought God's will for our lives through prayer, scripture (and memorized James 1:27), and wise counsel. Initially, we spoke with a few adoption agencies but just didn't sense that was what God had for us. So, I called DCFS and a case worker came over and after a month of intense classes, we were well on our way to being foster parents. There was one child that we were able to keep for a weekend and had the option of adopting her. That same week, we took a pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE!
At that point, we knew we had to take a step back and really find out what God wanted us to do. It was a heartbreaking decision, but we came to the conclusion that we are definitely called to adopt a child, it's just not right now. The little girl was a sweet little baby with the most beautiful blue eyes and captivating smile, but we know that her current foster mother (who has had her since birth) is a wonderful woman and is taking great care of her.
Now we are focusing on preparing Eli to be a big brother (he has no clue what's coming!) and to continue following God wherever He leads.
Tim is doing great at work; he started a college worship service on Sunday nights called The Gathering; most weeks we have about 50 students. He's working on planning an international mission trip at the end of 2010 (I won't be able to go since the baby will be so young) and has so much on the calendar for the students.
My sewing business is going quite well. It seems to go in spurts of craziness and then a lull- right now I'm in one of those crazy spurts (Tim will confirm that it really is making me crazy!).
Eli is as curious as a mischievious kitten; this past week he stuck a 4 inch screw in his nose and the next day at school put graham cracker pieces in his nose. Everything long an skinny is a "tarrr" to him (his word for guitar). He plays songs on spatulas, yard sticks, and the remote control. We are done with diapers during the day, but still have an occasional accident and he has to wear a daiper at night. His cute little bottom looks so funny in his tiny little underpants (which are hard to find in his size!).
That's all I've got for now. A couple from church is coming over for dinner and it still looks like a state of emergency in my living room
I'll try to blog more often, my friends!
In Christ,
Gwenny
In October, Tim went to Catalyst conference in ATL and heard a few people speak on the issue of worldwide orphans. God used that moment to break Tim's heart for children- but he had to come home and convince me to jump on board. He started talking to me about God doing "something" whild he was gone but I just knew it couldn't be as big of a deal as he was acting like (afterall, I'm the one with the crazy ideas). When he finally spilled the beans, I was pretty shocked but excited to see what God had in store for us. We sought God's will for our lives through prayer, scripture (and memorized James 1:27), and wise counsel. Initially, we spoke with a few adoption agencies but just didn't sense that was what God had for us. So, I called DCFS and a case worker came over and after a month of intense classes, we were well on our way to being foster parents. There was one child that we were able to keep for a weekend and had the option of adopting her. That same week, we took a pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE!
At that point, we knew we had to take a step back and really find out what God wanted us to do. It was a heartbreaking decision, but we came to the conclusion that we are definitely called to adopt a child, it's just not right now. The little girl was a sweet little baby with the most beautiful blue eyes and captivating smile, but we know that her current foster mother (who has had her since birth) is a wonderful woman and is taking great care of her.
Now we are focusing on preparing Eli to be a big brother (he has no clue what's coming!) and to continue following God wherever He leads.
Tim is doing great at work; he started a college worship service on Sunday nights called The Gathering; most weeks we have about 50 students. He's working on planning an international mission trip at the end of 2010 (I won't be able to go since the baby will be so young) and has so much on the calendar for the students.
My sewing business is going quite well. It seems to go in spurts of craziness and then a lull- right now I'm in one of those crazy spurts (Tim will confirm that it really is making me crazy!).
Eli is as curious as a mischievious kitten; this past week he stuck a 4 inch screw in his nose and the next day at school put graham cracker pieces in his nose. Everything long an skinny is a "tarrr" to him (his word for guitar). He plays songs on spatulas, yard sticks, and the remote control. We are done with diapers during the day, but still have an occasional accident and he has to wear a daiper at night. His cute little bottom looks so funny in his tiny little underpants (which are hard to find in his size!).
That's all I've got for now. A couple from church is coming over for dinner and it still looks like a state of emergency in my living room
I'll try to blog more often, my friends!
In Christ,
Gwenny
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