Today, Sean and I are blessed to celebrate 10 years of marriage… TEN years!… a decade! Time really flies because it doesn’t seem that long ago that we said “I do” on that cold, blustery, but sunny day in January 2000. My father-in-law always teases us about how cold it was that day… joking that he doesn’t know what he was thinking when he decided to drive up for the wedding only to freeze to death in the process. Ah, love knows no bounds!
We were married in a small, afternoon ceremony at the church where we had met six months earlier. Our parents, my grandmother and one of our friends were in attendance. It was simple; we didn’t even have our wedding bands yet, so we used my engagement ring during the ceremony. After the ceremony, we headed over to Great American Buffet… after all, who can resist a buffet?
I have been blessed to have a husband who truly seeks the Lord in all he does. We have certainly had our challenges, but early on we said divorce was not an option and that we would never utter the word. We have grown in the Lord together and weathered many storms that might have driven us apart had we not had the Holy Spirit to guide us and convict us.
Sean has been my rock. He has comforted me when I was in the depths of despair. At times when prayer was the first and only thing to do, he prayed fervently on my behalf. He leads our home. He disciples me and the children. He seeks to love me as Christ loves the church. Each year I’ve grown in respect for him. I thank the Lord for Sean… I have been blessed!
Now: October 2009
Happy Anniversary, Hon! I am honored to be your wife!
"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
• Nov. 19, 2009 - Happy 1st Birthday, Josiah Malachi! A Testimony of Our Miracle Baby
Every baby is a miracle and a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). Josiah is no exception. In fact, the Lord showed His miraculous healing and sustaining power throughout Josiah’s journey to birth. We give God all the glory for keeping our son alive in a gestational environment that was less than ideal.
The Lord kept Josiah through not one but two subchorionic hemorrhages and a partial placental detachment. He kept our son when a doctor told me I should expect to miscarry due to my age, history of miscarriage and the severe bleeding. He sustained Josiah as we prepared the girls for what seemed like inevitable devastation at the loss of their much-anticipated sibling. The Lord protected him as I became consumed by every cramp and pain and anxiously awaited his first reassuring movement.
It was not until the Lord brought a healthy, perfect Josiah Malachi into this world on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 that I realized the full impact of God’s grace, mercy and ultimate sovereignty. My serious health problems that came to light after Josiah’s birth were further indication that my body was not able to sustain Josiah without the Lord’s protective hand. Further, the situation highlighted how much of a miracle Arielle & Rachel are as it seems that each successive pregnancy severely taxed my body. I could scream it from the rooftops, "To God be the glory!!!!" for keeping Josiah and the girls safe and healthy.
Since Josiah's birth, the Lord has been teaching me so many lessons -- that He has not forsaken me, that I must trust Him and seek Him for guidance and direction, that I can cast all my cares and anxieties on Him, that His plan is not my plan and that these trials seek to conform me to the image of Christ. I am still on this journey of faith in Jesus Christ and I stumble so many times, but He is there every step of the way as I seek Him in faith.
Some of you have seen these on my Facebook page, but for those of you who haven't -- enjoy!
Say WHAT??!!
So calm, so quiet...
First time on the swing... hold on tight!
Me and my three teeth... okay, two-and-a-half!
Josiah is ten months old already! He's growing and developing so quickly. He is even beginning to walk. Since he is to be our last child by birth, we really seek to treasure these times. The Lord has given us an awesome blessing. Josiah is our miracle baby!
Whew... time is flying these days. Josiah is growing by leaps and bounds as you can see in the photos below. Arielle & Rachel are the dutiful big sisters who love to care for their little brother. I'm not sure where the Lord is leading me with this blog. It may be time to end it soon, but I will be in prayer about that. In the meantime, a quick update is that in June we are preparing to move back to the US -- Georgia to be exact. Our stint in Europe is soon to be over and we will certainly miss many things, especially our church family. Nonetheless, I know that God is preparing a place of worship and fellowship for us in Georgia -- even if that place is to be OUR OWN HOME!
Josiah Malachi arrived on Wednesday, November 19 at 6:07AM (Central European Time) via c-section. He weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 20.3 inches long. He has a head full of hair. He was born in perfect health and we give God all the glory for protecting him throughout the pregnancy.
The Significance of His Name
We chose the name Josiah because we wanted it to reflect what the Lord had done throughout the pregnancy, especially after the initial complications. Josiah means protected or supported by God. We are so grateful for God’s mercy in that he saw fit to sustain Josiah in my womb. The story of the Josiah, the boy who became king of Judah at the age of 8 may be found in 2 Kings 22 & 23. He repairs the temple and reinstitutes God’s law among the people. Two telling verses that reflect Josiah’s character are 2 Kings 22:2 & 23:25:
“Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” 2 Kings 23:25
“And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” 2 Kings 22:2
What an honor to name our son after a man who sought the Lord with such diligence and obedience.
Malachi means “messenger of God”. A key verse for our family is Malachi 4:6, “
And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Over the past year, the Lord has convicted Sean and I about keeping our children’s hearts as we seek to bring them up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Well, it’s finally over and we have our new president- & vice-president- elects, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. As we all know, this was a historic election in that the first Black person is slated to become the next President of the United States. Just because I am Black does not mean I am filled with the warm fuzzies as many are. I am a child of God first and frankly one’s race does not make me an iota of difference if one’s values are contrary to those of God as outlined in scripture. Several months ago, Sean and I decided to sit out this election. This was a first for me since I became of voting age several elections ago.
Why did I choose not to vote?
“Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:21
In this election, I was hard-pressed to find a man who exhibited qualities through platform, voting record, verbal affirmation etc. that pointed to a fear of God. A candidate’s simple claim to be “a man of faith” with very little fruit to back that up was not enough to spur me to voting action. I was particularly dismayed when aspects of the candidates’ platforms or voting records were completely opposed to God’s word.
Now that the election is over, what am I as a Christian called to do?
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” I Timothy 2:1-6
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2
According to scripture, I am to lift my leaders up in prayer and lead a life of peace, quiet, godliness and dignity. Perhaps my Christian example may be a light to others. I am not to disparage my leaders with slander and insults. No president or government is to be my savior, only Jesus Christ can fit that bill. However, I am to be subject to the authorities placed over me, recognizing that God has ordained their rise to power -- for blessing or for judgment. I am to remember that in the end, it is all for the Lord's glory.
27 days left until my scheduled c-section on 24 November!!!! I can barely believe we have less than a month until we get to see Baby Boy's little face. I often wonder who he looks like... I've come to accept that our girls look mostly like me -- according to Sean. But I really hope Baby Boy looks just like Sean. No matter what, he will be such a precious blessing, just as our other children are.
Today was my 35 week appointment and I gained only one pound since last time -- YAY! So far I have gained a total of 34 lbs, but it's a bit late in the game to worry too much about it.;-) My abdominal measurement was on target for 35 weeks and Baby Boy's heart rate was 135bpm. He has also settled in the head down position. My next appointment is in 2 weeks, 12 November.
We have most everything we need for Baby Boy's arrival. My last shopping trip will be for toiletry & medicine cabinet items like baby soap, infant tylenol, etc. I have his bag pretty much packed for the hospital. Mine is a whole different story. That probably won't get done until a day or so before we leave for the hospital.
Arielle and Rachel continue to be excited about their brother's impending arrival. They drew pictures of themselves and the baby and decorated his bedroom door with them. Every night they tell my tummy goodnight before they go to bed. Sean plans to take off a couple weeks after the birth. I am so grateful because I will definitely need his support as we adjust to the newborn stage.
Thank you as always for your continued prayers on our behalf.
In Christ, Talya
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." ~Psalm 139:13-14
Yesterday was my 32-week OB appointment. All continues to progress well. I measured on target for 32 weeks and Baby Boy's heart rate was a healthy 148 bpm again. He continued his normal high activity as he would kick back at being poked and prodded by the doctor. We still have our tentative c-section date for 24 November (47 days to go!). My doctor will be on leave then, so a new doctor, who has yet to arrive, will likely be delivering the baby.
My blood pressure was elevated which is the story of my life. The nurse took it 2 times -- the first time was a whopping 152/69, the second time was 137/68... better, but no cigar. Some good news was that my glucose tolerance test results were indeed normal.
I had a postpartum uterine hemmorhage 5 days after Rachel was born, so I asked if that was likely to repeat itself. The doctor said it was something to make note of, but that there was not a greater likelihood of recurrence. Apparently, the same goes for the SCH (subchorionic hematoma/hemmorhage) in subsequent pregnancies.
My next appointment is scheduled for 28 October. We'll be 35 weeks along by then.
I am continually grateful to the Lord to be able to bring good reports of this pregnancy. I am awed by how far He has brought us through this experience.
Here's a picture of me today at almost 30 weeks! My tummy is bigger than the last photo of me at 22 weeks, but my face and legs have really taken the brunt of the weight gain. Glad you can't see my legs!
Sean and I this past Sunday right before church... 29 weeks exactly.
Rachel, Arielle and I outside a restaurant on 30 August. Apparently, I really love my black t-shirt. It's from Old Navy and it's so comfortable. It's not maternity, so it may be stretched beyond recognition by the end of this pregnancy. In Christ, Talya
I am finally in my third trimester. I can barely believe that, Lord willing, in a couple months we will be holding our new baby boy! In fact I ALMOST have a date for my c-section -- probably 24 November. That shaves off a week, hence only 11 weeks to go! The dr said the 24th looked like a good date, but she won't put me on the books until my next appt at 32 weeks.
Today's OB appointment went well. Even though I've gained 5.5 lbs since four weeks ago, the Dr. (a different one from last time) didn't say anything. She did say that I continue to measure two weeks ahead, but doesn't see a cause for concern unless I measure more than 3 weeks too large or I am found to have gestational diabetes.
Speaking of gestational diabetes, I took the dreaded glucose test today. Actually, I've never minded it as long as the glucose drink was cold. It's always tasted like nearly-flat Pepsi or Sunkist to me. The dr will call me in the next few days if the results are abnormal. Otherwise, I won't hear from her until my next regular appt.
Baby boy's heartbeat was 148 bpm. He was kicking a lot and still is a few hours later. I think he is still experiencing a sugar high from the glucose drink.;-)
Thank you all for your continued prayers. In Christ, Talya
Today was our first day back to school. We have a lot of carryover from last year due to our trip to the states and the complications with this pregnancy, but we are planning to proceed full steam ahead until baby boy is born in November. We will then take a long break, but the good thing is that it will be around holiday breaks anyway.
Arielle is starting Sonlight Core 2. She is doing Saxon Math 2, Reason for Handwriting Transition (to cursive), and Language Arts 2. We will be finishing up Science 1 this year and continuing on to Science 2. Rachel is as pleased as punch to start doing her own school. She listens in on a lot of Arielle's curriculum, but she is starting Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, Pre-School Comprehensive Curriculum (one of those thick all-in-one books I picked up from Sam's Club) and Reason for Handwriting K.
Borrowing an idea from Miki over at Happy Keeper at Home, I decided to do my own school pictures of the girls. A photographer I am not, but this was really a much cheaper, more fun way to go! Enjoy!
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Andthese words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV)
Today was my 24 week appt. This week is significant because baby boy becomes viable with over a 50% chance of survival outside the womb!! Of course, permanent disability for the baby would be likely if I delivered now, so he will have to remain in the oven for several more weeks.
In general, all was well... except the one thing I had been dreading -- my weight gain!!! I just knew the nurse would HAVE to say something this time. First she asked how much I had gained with my daughters. For both, I gained 40-something pounds. The nurse then remarked that I was on track to repeat that weight gain, which is more than the recommended 25-35 lbs by delivery. I am already up 22 lbs at 24 weeks! She recommended that I get out and walk and that I make healthier eating choices and cut down on portion sizes. Ugh, I'm PREGNANT!!! Why do I have to think about these things??!!
The official result of last month's ultrasound was that all appeared normal and that there was no sign of any uterine bleeding or, I presume, the hematoma. This is really good news!
My blood pressure was awesome at 120/65. The baby's heart rate was 134 bpm. I measured at 26 weeks, but that was within the realm of a normal-sized baby.
I continue to be amazed at how God continues to sustain this pregnancy and our baby boy.
Here I am at 22 weeks, taken just this past Monday (with Rachel looking on; Arielle took the picture!). I feel like my tummy is running a bit larger at this stage than in other pregnancies. I can't imagine doubling in size by the end of all this unless I was having twins -- which we are certain we are not. By my 20 week appt, I had gained a total of 16 pounds, but 8 of that had been in the 4 weeks prior! I'm SUPPOSED to gain only a pound a week for a total of 25-35 lbs by delivery. Well, I've cut back on stuffing myself, so I should do better at my next appt on 12 Aug.
We've been buying many of our main nursery items: crib, infant car seat, Pack 'N Play, etc. There are restrictions to the size and weight of things shipped to our APO address, so we are definitely a captive audience to what the PX has in stock when it comes to larger unshippable items. Sean and the girls have been having a ball putting things together. Normally, it's my job, but I have enjoyed just supervising this go around!
We've even got our cloth diapers! Yes, I'm taking the plunge and using cloth diapers on this baby. It seems that cloth diapers have made a resurgence of sorts and are more sophisticated and convenient to use than the cloth diapers of my infancy... oh, so long ago! They are also incredibly less expensive than disposables and, of course, more environmentally friendly. I'm excited about using them... obviously, it doesn't take much to amuse me these days!
I continue to have more energy these days as long as I get one little midday nap in! I still have the bothersome cramping when I sit too long or walk too long, but baby boy seems to be oblivious. He is very active especially in the evenings.
I found a message board for women with SCH (subchorionic hematoma/hemmorhage) pregnancies which has been so encouraging. The women are very knowledgable about the condition and willing to share their own experiences as we travel this road together. Most pregnancy outcomes have been positive despite early deliveries for some. I will update again after my 12 Aug appt. I will be 24 weeks by then which means the baby will be considered viable -- he will have over a 50% chance of living outside my womb!
Today marks 20 weeks down, with 20 weeks to go until our 30 November due date!!! I praise the Lord for each day that the baby is well and for each day we get closer to seeing his or her little face, Lord willing.
I remember my days in the hospital during the ninth week of pregnancy when things looked grim, thinking that I could not imagine making it this far. Physically I felt bad and emotionally I was exhausted. Only the Lord got me through those early days when I honestly felt I did not want this to go on any longer. He knows best and I keep reminding myself to rejoice in Him no matter how grim the circumstance or how uncertain the future may seem. One thing I know is that the future is NOT uncertain to the Lord.
Here are photos from the girls' ballet recital earlier this month. Some are from the dress rehearsal while others are from the actual performance. Arielle and Rachel had great fun and did a wonderful job following the steps. This was Rachel's first recital.
Today I had a routine OB appointment. I give God all the praise for a good report!
First, my blood pressure, which is often elevated -- white coat syndrome? -- was the best it’s been in years at 127/67. For some reason my blood pressure readings have been lower since I’ve been pregnant. I won’t complain.
Second, but most importantly, the baby’s heartbeat was easily found beating at a happy 160 bpm. Also, the sound on the Doppler indicated that he/she was moving around.
Third, my triple screen blood work came back completely normal -- this is the first time I’ve ever had normal readings the first time around in a pregnancy. The triple screen tests for an increased statistical risk of Down Syndrome, Trisomy-18, and Spina Bifida.
I continue to feel very tired and I cramp most of the time, especially upon even minimal exertion. I am at a greater risk for pre-term labor as the pregnancy progresses and I pray that that does not happen. I try to lay down as much as I can with very active 7 & 4-year-olds.;-) Feeling the baby’s soft kicks every now-and-then is reassuring.
My fetal survey ultrasound is scheduled for 17 July. If the Lord wills and the baby cooperates, we will learn the sex. We’ll be 20 1/2 weeks along by then. Thank you for your continued prayers. In Christ, Talya
Then: Friday, January 14, 2000
Now: October 2009
I'm so happy!
Arielle & Rachel in third position.
