How Deep the Father's Love for Us (sung by Fernando Ortega).

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But, this I know with all my heart,

His wounds have paid my ransom.

It's a BOY!

We had an ultrasound on Monday and it was clearly determined that our baby is a little boy! :) We are absolutely thrilled to be adding a little blue to our lives (especially Daddy), and it was amazing to see the baby moving all around. Praise the Lord, our baby is doing well, weighing a whole 10 ounces and measuring on track!

His name will be David Isaac Griffin... we had chosen that name as our boy option when we were pregnant with Anna two years ago, but now its meaning is even more dear to us. Both first and middle names are Hebrew, David meaning "Beloved" and Isaac meaning "Laughter." I had read Ecclesiastes 3:4 a few days before learning I was pregnant with David, 

"a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

a time to mourn and a time to dance." 

After almost a year of sorrow, I wrote, "This verse gives me great hope that one day, eventually, maybe even soon, I will be in that laughing, dancing time. And I won't be so quick to take that time for granted after experiencing this weeping, mourning, 'how much longer' time." David Isaac is our Beloved Laughter, our "rainbow baby" after the storm. We still feel the effects of the storm, but we rejoice in this new little life and continue to trust the Lord's goodness in our lives.


But when do we see the magnificient, surprising rainbow? On the fairest of days? No! It takes a storm, it takes rain. But it also scientifically takes light. When do we see the promises of God and His faithfulness to them in our own lives? Not when it is peaceful and serene, but when we are in the midst of clouds. When we have the eyes of faith to turn to the light of Christ during the darkest moments, it is then that the rainbow appears in our life, a visible testimony to us and those around us that God is faithful, even in our tears. Excerpt from The Magnificient, Surprising Rainbow, August, 2011

*The term "rainbow baby" refers to a baby conceived after a loss.

Big Girl Bed!

Today, we decided to take the leap and start Anna in her "big girl bed!" I bought the bed last June at a garage sale for $5 (it was a bright, metallic blue, but I spray painted it an oil-rubbed bronze). The bed has since been sitting in our basement as we waited for this momentous day!

I rearranged the nursery this morning to fit both Anna's bed and her old crib. Anna and the baby will be sharing a room for a little while, at least, as we work on finishing the downstairs' bedrooms. I'm really pleased at how the layout of the nursery turned out with both beds! We tried to divide the two different kid areas, putting the crib and changing table in a corner of the room for the baby's section and Anna's bed by her red flowers (that she tries to smell). There is also a reading corner and play area!

We are ready for our baby to arrive now! ;) Only 5 more months... We're still looking for a few items, of course, as we're not quite prepared for our newest addition. I'm searching on Craigslist for a crib mattress and a baby swing, mainly.

As for Anna's first nap in her big girl bed, it is going much better than I thought (funny how I tend to always think the worst)! When I first set up the bed, she was so excited about it. She kept saying, "Oooh, soft," as she jumped on it excitedly. This made me a little nervous about nap time. But, when it was time for her to lay down, she actually fussed a little because she thought we weren't going to let her sleep in her new bed. When we reassured her that she was going to sleep in it, Daddy read her a book and she went down without a peep! She's still sleeping an hour and a half later. Wow. I'm sure it was helpful that she was very tired after waking up earlier than usual this morning, but let's hope this is a good sign of a smooth transition and of things to come. :)

Oh, I hear her now...

Pregnancy Update: Ultrasound Next Week!

Here's my most recent pregnancy picture, taken last Saturday, 1/28/12. I have an ultrasound in just a few days, and we shall hopefully find out if we're having a boy or girl! Then, the real fun can begin (we have been waiting to know the baby's sex before seriously discussing baby names)! We're throwing a little pink or blue dessert party for Jesse's parents, where I plan on baking a pink or blue cake to surprise them with the news.

Please pray for us and the baby, that this little one is healthy and well. We're excited to see him/her and how much growth has happened since our 8 week ultrasound in November!

"Your Hands" by JJ Heller.

When my world is shaking,
Heaven stands.
When my heart is breaking,
I never leave your hands.