Pregnancy Update

I have been wanting to write this post for a couple of weeks now! But due to ministry activities and lots and lots of doctor appointments, I haven’t had much opportunity to write anything.

So here’s a quick pregnancy/baby update:

How far along am I? 

At this writing I am 38 weeks, so on the HOME STRETCH! I’m so thankful to be here. (Picture below)

How am I feeling?

Big and uncomfortable most of the time. 😁

This pregnancy hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. I guess I must be getting older! 😉My energy levels have taken a dive at several times and for different reasons, sometimes leaving me feeling helplessly at rock bottom. And issues that were minor with previous pregnancies have been more troublesome this time. But I’m very thankful that nothing has been medically threatening to either me or baby. It has just meant more discomfort.

Are we having the baby in Ukraine?

Yes. We were very blessed to be able to get in with the same female doctor who delivered David, and with whom we had a good experience. We’ll be at the same birthing hospital. If all goes as planned, we’ll be in a private family birthing room with its own bathroom.

Is anyone coming over to help?

My mom arrives July 31st! I could not be more happy about this! We are so looking forward to spending time with her, and grateful for her help with the family! We have some trusted lady friends who are willing to stay with our children if the baby comes before my mom.

When do you think the baby will arrive?

With the last 3 babies, I’ve gone an everlasting 10 or more days past my due date. I’m hoping for earlier this time, but of course, you never can tell when a baby is going to come! Approximate due date is July 22nd.

How good is God?

I really wanted to share a couple of really neat things that God has done for me. I have needed to wear compression hose every. single. day. of this pregnancy. And I have noticed a big difference in how I feel when I wear them, so I really haven’t wanted to go without them.

However, it is JULY. And there isn’t a lot of air conditioning in L’viv. And all I had to wear were maternity jeans. I was really wondering how I was going to make it through the heat.

The first provision was when a couple of friends came over from the States in mid-June, and they were able to bring with them some packages I had ordered. I purchased some light-weight summer maternity pants that I hoped would work out instead of jeans. When you order from all the way overseas, you (of course) can’t try anything on ahead, and neither can you return your items or replace them for something else. You just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Just as hot weather really began to break out, our friends arrived with my pants. The pants were featherweight, and they fit perfectly.

Secondly, the weather has been unseasonable for July. After about 2 weeks of heat in June, the temperatures dropped and have been in the 60’s and 70’s ever since. Today I’ve actually been cold. Furthermore, the 10-day forecast continues to show cool weather. Now I’m not bold enough to say that God changed the weather just for me, but I am praising Him for it all the same! I was praying for grace for the last hot weeks/months of pregnancy, and God has certainly answered!!

Could you pray?

If anyone is interested in praying for me, our baby girl, and our family during this time, I would be so honored and thankful. Here are some requests I have:

-For God’s mercy over the labor and delivery. For protection for myself and baby.
-That I would clearly know when to go to the clinic
-David’s head was very large. I am praying for a smaller head/size for this little girl!
-For the weather to be cooler on the day of the birth (No AC in the hospital. 😉 )
-That my hemoglobin levels would stay up and I wouldn’t hemorrhage
-That we would be a testimony of Christ to our doctor