Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Remember.....

As many of you know and for those of you who do not, today, October 15th, is National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. I ask that you join with me in praying for the millions of families who celebrate the blessing of the child or children they have lost (including miscarriage in any week of pregnancy).

I was talking to a friend yesterday who has also lost a precious girl to Trisomy 18 and has had a ectopic pregnancy. We talked about from the time we see the positive sign on a test stick or hear it from our Dr. for the first time, we are automatically in love with our baby growing inside of us, we are immediately Mothers with that love that God put within us. And whether we lose that child within weeks of hearing that news, or shortly after birth, or when they are 40 it is a loss like no other. I myself have had 2 miscarriages and the loss of Mary Grace after having her for only 7 short hours. They have each been a loss that will always be with me.

Today is not a day to mourn or be sad, today is a day to remember and to celebrate the sweet gifts that God chose to give us. We serve an amazing God who has a plan for each of us from the moment he knits us together in our Mother's womb. As I celebrate Mary Grace and my other two babies I never got to meet, I will also celebrate all the other babies I have had the pleasure to know and love without ever meeting them. I can thank my Mary Grace for so many things but especially for being the gift that brought these other babies and their Mommy's to me. May God bless your family today and always!

Psalm 139: 13-17: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well we know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

I also ask my faithful friends and prayer warriors to pray for my new blessing. I am 13 weeks pregnant with a new little someone!! I am so thankful for this new blessing in our family! However, I have had a really hard couple of months emotionally. I am not sure how to even explain how I have felt. I thought that if we were blessed with another baby whether through pregnancy or adoption I would start feeling so much better, to have a reason to celebrate and to look forward. And God answered our prayers!! But.....I have felt horrible physically with no energy and my emotions have been really low, I have missed Mary Grace even more and the thought of not ever getting to have her here with me on earth in my arms have been more than I can bare. This baby by no means was meant to replace Mary Grace and even the thoughts of that horrifies me, but now that I have this baby the thoughts of it not being her has been there and has weighed heavily on my heart. To even admit that hurts but I have to share the truth, my real feelings as hard as it may be. I know it's not been very long and hormones could be a big culprit so just pray that I will start to feel better and enjoy this pregnancy as it will be my last. For the first time I feel my age dear friends plus some!!
I do want to let you know that we got our test results back from the 12 week nuchal translucency screening and everything looks good with no indications of any problems so far, Praise Jesus!! That has made me feel a little better mentally. This is the blood work that began the questions with Mary Grace and it was confirmed at around 18weeks.
I can not express to all of my faithful friends how much it has meant to have you in my life, to come here and to know that you guys are are still checking on me and praying for me and my family. It has been, at times, the only thing that keeps me going as this grief road can feel pretty isolating. Thank you for your continued prayers and know that even though I may not be leaving you as many comments on your blogs, I check on you and pray for you and yours daily, you will always be in my heart!

Jeremiah 29:11 : "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you: Plans to give you a hope and a future."

34 comments:

Laurie in Ca. said...

Oh Kim,

Congratulations to you and your family on the new baby you are growing. I am so happy for you my sweet friend. I am praying that your feelings and emotions and hormones all start lining up and behaving for you. Wow, I just am blessed by this news. I was starting to wonder about your absence:) I am doing the happy dance for you right now. I just love you and all of you girls as God continues to bless each one of you. I am praying for you and this baby to be healthy as can be. I am so happy for you, I know, a broken record here but I AM HAPPY.

Love and Joy, Laurie in Ca.

boltefamily said...

I am remembering today. I love you Kim and pray for you daily!

Bobbie said...

I remember today also. I am praying for you.

Congratulations on the new life growing within you!

Unknown said...

Kim,

Endless congratulations! We too waited to say much until we had seen a good nuchal scan - a lot of the fear subsided after that scan.

Love and hugs on a hard day, but a good day

Susie

Jesse said...

Congratulations, Kim! I am praying for your heart, as you juggle the emotions of missing Mary Grace with the excitement and nerves of this new little life. Remembering your sweet girl today.

Anxious AF said...

Congratulations!
Thinking of you today. I pray your spirits are lifted, and that you are able to enjoy this pregnancy.
Im so happy for you!

Kelly said...

Hello Kim,

Wanted to surround you today with {{HUGS}} and PRAYERS! I agree with you...Today is a day to celebrate the precious ones we miss so much. The ones we held in our arms for a short time, the ones we never got to hold and the ones we have so longed for...

I know in my heart our two precious daughters are happily awaiting our arrival in Heaven, safe and sound, praising God for his marvelous works!

Thank you for sharing your feelings of anxiety about your new little blessing! And congrats as well! :) I faced ALL of these feelings. We found out that we were pregnant with Cheyenne a month after Liberty passed away, and trust me it was a roller coaster of emotions. Cheyenne was born on July 30th, 2008, 9 months and 3 days after Libby passed away and the feeling of her arrival was beyond words can describe. I love Aspen and I love Cheyenne but the do not replace the love I will forever carry in my heart for Liberty! You are NORMAL! It's okay to feel this way! It's okay to be happy about this new little wonder and all the hopes and dreams you have already..and still miss your precious angel! It's okay! First and foremost reach out to God for strength. Praise Him and admit that you can't do this without Him. Then ask that He puts people in your path to help you along this journey... :) God will see you through all of this, day by day! And remember this new little miracle already has a 'headstart'..she/he has a sweet angel watching over them! Amen!

God bless you sweetie! You are doing wonderful!

In Christ,
Kelly

Unknown said...

Dear Kim,
You and Mary Grace are in my heart today and everyday. May God continue to Bless you. Congratulations on your new little angel. I love ya girl.

Brigid

Anonymous said...

I dont know you..but i follow your blog..you are so inspiring to many...congratulations on your fantastic news...everything is going to be alright. I just know it. Its really something ...when you said you were pregnant, the very first thing that came to my mind of course..was Mary Grace..i was thinking Mary Grace must be soooo happy for her mommy. The Lord and Mary Grace together have blessed you with this child...of course the new baby will never replace Mary Grace ..Mary Grace will always,ALWAYS be your special baby..with a special place in your heart. She knows that too...but having this new child WILL bring you happiness again..and if mommy's happy ,your angel in heaven will be looking down on you with a happy heart too...truly allow yourself to enjoy this miracle...you've been through so much...God Bless.

The VW's said...

I'll be taking time today to remember on your behalf and so many other's. You are so right about falling in love with our babies from the moment that "the test stick shows positive." I'm sure that it is hard to lose a baby whenever the loss takes place. I don't think that people really realize this sometimes. May God give you peace and strength as you always remember your precious babies.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am happy for you! I'll be praying for you!

Emily said...

I love you, sweet friend. I am remembering our girls tonight and praying for our sweet ones within, too. God is good and I'm so thankful He used our girls to bring us together. :)

Kara said...

Remembering Mary Grace today and praying for your new little one. May God give you the comfort and peace you need today.

Chelle said...

Congratulations!
will pray for you and this pregnancy that you and your family will be blessed with a healthy new little one soon...
remembering sweet mary grace on this special night.
~chelle

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

Kim-Praising God with you for the new life that He has growing inside of you!

I'll be praying that God would guard your mind against the ways that Satan will work to steal your joy. I remember all to well the spiritual war that raged with each pregnancy following Joshua's death. But God is good always and will deliver you and give you His perfect peace.

Rejoicing with you today. Thanks for sharing your exciting news!

In Christ's love,
Stacy

Kirsten said...

Praise God!!! Kim, I'm so excited for you - what a blessing!!! My heart is so full to know that you will have another precious addition to your family. Thank you for sharing the news with us - it is an honor to be able to pray specifically for you and the sweet bundle growing inside of you.

This has been a year full of pain and hope at the same time. I'm so grateful for the stories of new life that are shared - it gives me courage and strength as we move toward getting pregnant again. You all have been such amazing examples on this journey - thank you!

I pray for you daily and couldn't be more thrilled to hear your good news. You will continue to be in our prayers - for the peace that passes all understanding, comfort, spiritual/emotional/physical well being, and joy - lots of joy and excited anticipation about meeting your new baby.

I can't wait for the next reunion with all the new little babies on Earth as Mary Grace, Maddox, Chloe, Miller Grace, Asher, Audrey Caroline, Poppy Joy and all the other precious babies play together in Heaven.

Praise God!!!

Blessings,
Kirsten

Just Me said...

Remembering Sweet Mary Grace tonight. Congratulations on your pregnancy! What a blessing it will be to be able to pray for your new little one as he/she grows!

Prayers,
Amanda

Debbie said...

Thinking about you and Mary Grace tonight. Congratulations - look forward to seeing you and your new little one.

Jessica said...

Remembering and praying today.

johnsmith said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Corie said...

Congrats! Praing for you and you feelings. Excited to see your little one!

Kenzie said...

Kim-

My beautiful, precious friend! I am so excited for you and Chris and the girls... and so excited for this beautiful baby that is going to be so loved! I know that you haven't been feeling great, which can definitely add to the emotional side of everything... but I know that your heart is so joyful, even through the sadness. No one would EVER expect you to not miss your Mary Grace and I know your arms still ache for her. It is such a conflicting time- so happy yet so hurt that you can't just have her. Remember, as I know you do, that the Lord has a perfect plan for your family and Mary Grace is as much a part of the plan as Kailey, Ally and this new little one :)

I love you sweet friend and am praying for God's peace, health and protection for you and this sweet gift.

Love you,
Kenz

Mummy Pauline said...

Hi Kim,

Congratulations on your newfound love. Hope you will cherish & enjoy every moment of this pregnancy.

As much as u miss baby Mary, I miss my baby Rayvin too.

Grieving Mummy Pauline & "Baby Angel Rayvin - T18"

Penny said...

I am so happy for you in such a bittersweet way. I also am the Mom of a Rainbow baby. A baby that we can cherish after the loss of a precious angel. I miss Mackenzie with all my heart but at the same time I do cherish more than life itself this new life on loan from God to us. I have never lost any loving missing yearning feelings for Mackenzie but at the same time those little new life smiles, gurggles, and diapers are such a blessing to my heart.

Don't think that Mary Grace is any less important to you or anyone else in the family. She would be dancing with joy to know that her Mommy will find some happiness and not be so unhappy all the time.

I had prayed for you as I do other Mommys dealing with such horrible pain that theri arms could be full again. We still see the milestones lost but my life is so much fuller because of our baby Kendall.

hugs.......... I hope you are feeling better soon so that you can enjoy the miracle growing inside you!

Millicent said...

congratulations on your new blessing! And hugs to you on all of the sadness...just go to God with it all!

Angie said...

Kim!!
I am leaping with JOY as I read the WONDERFUL news that you are expecting a little one! Congratulations! I hope to see you sometime soon! Maybe you, Shannon and I can have lunch someday! I would love that! I am so happy for you guys!
You are in my prayers! =)
Angie Gallaway
MOPS

Baby Jacob said...

I love you sweet friend....you know I don't get it 'cause I am "not there yet" but as much as I can understand it, I do. Embrace and enjoy....that's what got me through my roughest times....regardless, embrace it, and in the end be more like Christ. All I can offer are my prayers and loving support.

Love,
Karen

Jennie Bender said...

I know how you feel, you just wish it could be different--somehow--happy for the new life and hope within--aching to see that sweet face you love so much! It never goes away. You will always long for her.

I believe it never goes away because a child is an eternal soul. My trisomy 18 daughter presently beholds the face of the Lord God who made her. I know I am going where she is--one day. I will see her face, I will see the Lord. I have this confidence in Christ.

We have since had our Darcy Ellynn, we love her for who she is. She is not a replacement; she is a gift from God. I miss my sweet Elaine every day as you your Mary Grace.

Because of Elaine, we are more grateful people--

She has taught us so many things--our tiny one pound girl baby.

We realize the importance of being "together"--

That some things in life aren't as important as they seem--

That God is real and is a very present help in trouble--

That I can trust God as he authors my life--

That God remembers me in my affliction--

He is always there--

That God is and always was good to me and my husband and all three of my girls--

That she completed the course God has for her--

SO happy for you and your baby to be. I hope all will be well and you will have joy after many days and nights of tears! What you have done takes much courage.

Love to you and yours! Joy does comes in the morning!

Happy for you! How wonderful!

Choosing to remember and never forget, enjoying today, and embracing tomorrow,

Jennie

Shanan said...

I recently started to read your blog. i myself have never lost a child so I cannot even imagine your sorrow. Congratulations on your new baby growing. He/she will be new and an individual who will never replace your Mary Grace but one you will love like no other! Keep the faith and hope for the future. Being tired is so normal for the 1st trimester anyways.

Shanan (Golden, Co)

connie said...

Kim, you're on my mind this evening, and I am praying that you are having some relief from the lows you have been having ... the emotional and the physical lows. I know you want to really enjoy this pregnancy, so that is what I pray for you, as well as for health for you and for Faith. And a burst of energy to enjoy doing something fun and fall-ish with your big girls.
I love you, and haven't forgotten you ... just been extremely busy!
connie

Jennie Bender said...

Just stopping by to see how you are doing. I am praying for you.

Don't fret if you don't feel the same about carrying a child as you used to--it is all different now. You cannot compare yourself to other women. You have seen days that would tear your soul (even a marriage) in two. Trisomy 18 is a journey not many can understand. It changes every part of your life. I cannot think of a place in my heart or soul she has not changed or touched.

This sweet one is a gift, and you are thankful and even quietly rejoicing, wistful, frightened, disappointed that it couldn't be different, and yet looking forward to this new face that will greet you every morning.

Keep your eyes on the Lord. He has touched you as he touched Jacob, you will never walk the same as you did before. God is always good.

She will never be forgotten. She has touched you and she will make you a better person. You will help others through her precious life.

Choosing to remember and never forget, enjoying today, and embracing tomorrow,
Jennie Bender

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Sweet Kim,

I check in on you every morning and evening and want you to know I am praying for you to be finding the balance God wants for you. I know it is not easy and yet with Him, all things are possible. This is my prayer for you as you continue finding your way with His help. Praying for JOY to abound in your home and for His blessings to pour over all of you. Asking Him to bless this new baby that is such a gift. I love you Kim.

Laurie in Ca.

So Blessed said...

Kim, I'm praying for you today...for your family...and for the new little blessing growing within you.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

Heather Smith said...

Kim,
I was so happy to hear your news! I'll be praying for you and this sweet life in you. Thank you for always opening your heart.

Today, a friend shared the song "Glory Baby" by Watermark, and I thought of you. I'll include the words in case you hadn't heard it.

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…

Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…

BRIDGE:
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…


Love, Heather

Judy said...

I just read about your new little blessing from God! I will be praying that Jesus will carry you in his arms for the months ahead and that your heart will be at peace. I can't even imagine the emotional roller coaster of it all, but God knew that this is exactly what your precious family needed at this exact time. Praying that this baby will be healthy and strong! Praying that as Jesus continues to create this precious one that each cell, tissue and organ will be formed in perfection and that His hand of protection will be over you and this child! Rejoicing with you!