Monday, September 13, 2010

faith, hope, & love

I've been trying to focus on enjoying every single moment of this pregnancy. The love I have for my unborn son is indescribable. I never knew I could love somebody I've never met this much.
Secretly, I've been hoping that Elliot will be inspired by the love I have for him- that it will fuel him to get bigger and stronger. He has a long road ahead of him.
According to my high risk OB, the average gastroschisis baby is in the NICU for 2-3 months. I already know that those will probably be the hardest months of my life. I've been researching, reading others' stories, trying to prepare myself. But really, what parent is ever ready to see their newborn son in so much pain, hooked up to so many machines and wires?
When I start to feel overwhelmed by worry and doubt, I turn to comforting bible verses, like the ones below. Ultimately, Elliot's life is in God's hands. I trust him.
All I can do now is have faith, hope, and love.

"For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is open to everyone who knocks." (Luke 11:10)

"The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

"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 hope and a future." (Jeremiah 2911)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

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So this is love.

9 comments:

  1. Adorable baby bump! Those are such inspiring verses. I'm glad they are bringing you so much comfort.

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  2. You are such an amazing mother! Keep leaning on those Bible verses ... they will give you strength :)

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  3. Jess, I didn't have a chance to say congrats on your baby boy!!. I love the name Elliot.
    I was also so glad to see the bible verses, I printed them out and I will have them close by whenever I feel scared or fearful of what is coming.

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  4. Okay finally caught up on your blog!

    You look so darn cute in that picture!! ..2-3 months is long but you'll have an awesome support system. Little Elliot Reid may also just surprise everyone and recover quicker

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  5. Wait until your little one is born...the love exponentially grows!!!
    -Morgan

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  6. Keep praying Mama. I was high risk too, and when my little girl was born, amazingly she was perfectly healthy even though up to her last ultrasound a week earlier she wasn't supposed to be.

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  7. I cannot imagine how hard this must be. Our Lord is good. Isn't it wonderful that he gives us these words of comfort.

    Praise God that there is an NICU and scans and things to make little Elliot better.

    PS - I love your boots. ;)

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