#2: I have been quoted (on numerous occasions) saying how much I dislike pregnancy. Not sure if there has been a bigger prego-whiner than me, but if she actually exists, she must be a very unpleasant person to be around. I have been awful--I really have. I keep justifying by claiming my pregnancy to be much more complicated than others. Really, I think some people are just better at recognizing the miracles within their trials.
I don't know why I listen to country music. I cannot listen to it without sobbing. However, I think it a good alternative to Lady Gaga. So the other day, good ol' Trace Atkins came on. Talk about a wake up call--it was like being struck in the head by a brick.
Even now in the midst of dreadful contractions (yes, that is why I am up at this hour...they've kept me up all night!), I still feel just a little bit sad that it's almost over. Heavenly Father (and I'm sure Heavenly Mother) DID know what they were doing when they designed the child-bearing process. Over the course of 9 months we are able to connect with and develop such love for our unborn little ones in such an incredible way. And in the midst of some pains, we are able to start learning the beauty of being willing to sacrifice ANYTHING for our children. For that is exactly what our Heavenly Parents have shown us.
So I'm trying to hold on to these last hours and relish them. Because someday I will be 84, and I will be the one to say to my nurse who 8 months pregnant: "Please just enjoy this time. Please, please, please..."
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
--Trace Atkins
I don't know why, but I just got tears from reading the lyrics to that song! This is a good wake up call to me to enjoy my life and my little ones right now. They grow up entirely too fast! I just think after reading this, and actually being there when you brought this baby into the world, I have such a DEEP appreciation for what it means to be able to bear children. Yes, it comes with aches, pains, hormones, and other difficulties, but if you can just forget about those and relish in the miracle that is taking place, all of those difficulties are replaced with PURE JOY. You are a good example of allowing your joy to replace your aches and pains.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thank you for being such a wonderful example of a mommy. I don't think you complain to your sisters enough sometimes, so don't ever apologize for complaining! I DO think your body has a harder time during pregnancy, so that is definitely a valid excuse. Everyone is different in how they grow babies. I love you and I am so happy that baby Sam is here in your arms, safe and sound. He will never know what sacrifices you made to get him here, but I know that his genuine love for you will reflect his gratitude for all you do for him and Shelby. You’re amazing!
Who needs country music to bring insightful tears when we have you as a sister? I love this post! It is so difficult sometimes to just slow down and find the beauty and joy within our challenges and trials. But I believe that really is the secret of life - developing an ability to see our current situation with a heavenly perspective.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought much about pregnancy being "designed" by our Heavenly Parents, but it is clear there are significant reasons why the process of bringing children into this world is so wrought with pain - and I believe it is symbolic of the sacrifice of Christ.It is to help us understand a little better the agonizing path he walked in order to give us eternal life. Wow. Now lets see if I can keep that perspective with my next pregnancy. :)
Emmy - With your trials come huge blessings. I am so glad you and Nate have experienced so many blessings with your trials. You are always faithful and diligent, and you are the best mom. I love you SO much!!! Thank you for being such an amazing example of faith to me.
ReplyDeleteI have needed to recognize the fact that with trials come blessings. With all of our trials with immigration, we are seeing blessings - major blessings. Not just with the expungement, but with our marriage, our famly and our faith. I am so grateful for sisters who celebrate my blessings with me! I love you guys!!!
Em!! Wow, what amazing news. Heavenly Father knew it all along, and was leading you guys to find this new job! I love how he works with us - not necessarily "testing" us, but teaching us about ourselves and about His willingness to bless us if we will simply trust Him. And Sar, I love when our trials morph into blessings in disguise!
ReplyDeleteI just got a new part-time job and raise! I will now be working at the Intellectual Property (patent) office of the University. It will be even more flexible with a possibility to work from home, within my actual field, and pay me more...YES!
Liz that is GREAT NEWS!!! Things tend to work out when your trust is in the right place, eh Lizzy? You are the golden example!
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