20 Weeks and Counting

At my 16 week check up my doctor noticed that my blood pressure had gone up drastically.  So she reviewed my blood pressure checks over the last year and half.  I was always in the range of 120/60 so when my blood pressure shot up to 165/105 red flags starting flying.  My blood pressure was not the only thing on the rise my protein levels were also raising.  My high blood pressure and raising protein levels put me in the range for being diagnosed with early mild preeclampsia. 

My doctor explained all the risk with developing preeclampsia at only 19 weeks.  I felt overwhelmed by all the information and the possibility of delivering a premature baby.  Anyone that knows me knows that I can tend to be a bit of a control freak (okay…who am I kidding I am a full blown control freak).  So when things happen out of my control I go into panic mode. 

I felt like my dream was being crush right before my eyes.  I felt angry at first but then I remembered I have God on my side. 

Letting go is hard for me.  My head tells one thing but heart screams another. 

I got down on my knees (which I don’t do enough) and asked God for help.  I felt an intense relief, I knew at that moment God was going to take over and I could let go.  All I can do is listen to the doctors and pray. 

This week my protein levels have dropped so I am out of the range for preeclampsia.  This news was truly a blessing. 

Believing in God is not hard for me but trusting is.  What if I ask and he does not answer with what my heart desired? I fear the unknown but I know God has a plan and I just need to listen.  So I going to be still and listen. 

19 weeks

Friday I had my 19 weeks appointment.  The baby continues to grow and develop on target.  The heart rate was 145 and the baby was moving all over the place. I can’t believe I am 19 weeks.  In one sense the time is going so quickly and in another it is dragging on.  The baby is now the size of large heirloom tomato and my uterus is the size of a large cantaloupe.   Within the last 2 weeks I have started feeling flutters and it is amazing.  Eric is anticipating the day he can feel the baby move.  It is still surreal to me that our baby is growing inside of me.  As June drawls near Eric and I continue our discussion about parenting, names, nursery themes, and daycare.  There is so much to think about and so many decisions we need to make.  We have created a list of boys and girls names.  We have narrowed down the daycare list to 6 places (now we need to set up visits).  We continue to search the internet for nursery ideas.  Aside from names and nursery themes we continue to discuss how to prepare for all the changes we are going to experience once the baby comes.  We both have a little anxiety about how we will balance our life between family & career.  I know we will figure it out; millions of others do it daily. 

Welcome Walker

On January 6th My sister Jennifer her husband Drew and my oldest niece Alivia welcome a new addition to their family.  Welcome Walker Martin Clark. 

Strobel Christmas

I have never seen a dog as excited as Max when comes to opening gifts.  It is so fun to watch him! We had a great Christmas with Dan and Nancy this year (and I know next year will even be better)! 

Sparks Christmas

This year Christmas was a little sweeter.  It is exciting to think that next year we will have a little one to start traditions with.  The Sparks Christmas was pretty exciting this year for the kids also.  They could not wait to open gifts and play with their new toys.  Mom made a great ham and us kids brought all the traditional trimmings! After dinner and gifts we finished the night with board games. 

Strine Family

Clark Family

Tibbs Family

All Smiles

Baby Strobel even received several gifts

Mom and Dad