Reflection of 2022

This was a year I was a lot of changes but there was so much more change (mostly for the good) that we weren't expecting. I found greatness in ways I wasn't expecting.

This year was a pretty difficult year, but overall it was full of so much joy and perseverance. Here are the highlights:

• January - I really started to feel back to normal and stopped having frequent migraines after figuring out what was causing them and other health issues.
• February - I almost lost my dad to a pulmonary embolism but I'm grateful for the doctor's wisdom in making sure he got the care he needed. This year would have turned out very differently if we lost him, and I'm so very grateful that he's still around, especially since he's become a Pop-pop to my little girl.
• March - We had a lot to celebrate in March
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  Josh and I celebrated our first anniversary. It was pretty low key but we always have a great time with each other and somehow not want to kill each other since we both work all day in the same room.
• After 3 years of job hunting, I got hired by a software company in Ohio called Hyland. This was a change I was hoping for but wasn't expecting since I was interviewing for so long and made it to so many final interviews. I feel extremely valued, doubled my previous income to be at industry standards, and have the work-life balance I needed not only at the time but also for the future of my family. 
• We found out we were expecting our little Hailey a day before I started at Hyland, which seemed like uncanny timing since I knew working at my previous job didn't provide the greatest income or work-life balance.
• April/May - We road tripped to Arizona/Utah for a houseboat trip, which was an interesting experience, especially while in my first trimester and dealing with all the symptoms.
• June - I went back to North Carolina to celebrate Esther's wedding, which was a fun time and I missed her so much. It's so fun being mommas together to our little girls.
• July - We found out that we were having a girl. she showed a strong personality that we get to see more each day now. We also got to celebrate her upcoming arrival with a baby shower that we combined it with a goodbye party since we would move to Florida a couple of weeks later.  
• August - We moved to Florida for the journey to setting roots for our growing family. After this trip, I was able to mark off more states I've visited, and now I've been to 42 states.
• September - We visited Pennsylvania to visit my family and to celebrate my sister's Sweet 16 as well as little Hailey who's expected to show up a couple of months later. Little Hailey has also traveled 18 states in tandem with me.
• October - I joined a women's Bible Study and started a friendship with someone who relates pretty well with me. It had been a while since I've found a Bible Study, especially with one that challenges me. The lesson material made me feel so much more equipped to be a mom and an even better wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
• November - God made us be extra patient since Hailey decided she didn't want to show up when she was expected. Much to my disappointment and desire to have her in our arms.
• December - I feel like this entire year was a build up to Hailey's arrival. I had gone through several lessons that have given me the peace and strength I needed to give birth to her. We weren't sure if our plan to give birth at the birthing center would happen, but it did and it was one of the most empowering experience. Being able to give birth unmedicated after 44 hours of labor without sleep is the hardest thing I've physically had to endure. If I had to do it again over, I would 1000% do it. 

I don't have many expectations for 2023, but I know it'll be full of learning how to be the mom Hailey needs me to be as well as opportunities to see friends and family that we don't get to see.

So with that being said, bring it on 2023!

Enjoy the highlights of this year through pictures

My Birth Experience with Hailey

When a mom is expecting their first baby, they have no idea what labor actual looks and feels like, but they definitely think about it. A lot of soon-to-be moms are scared when it comes to labor because it's painful and a lot of work on their bodies.

My birth with Hailey probably be labeled as traumatic since it was 44 hours of unmedicated labor with no sleep. I had some plans of things I wanted to do with my labor and delivery with Hailey and a lot didn't go as I planned, but where it counted it did go as planned.

Before Hailey was born, there was concern about my platelet levels. They were fairly low in my last trimester. About a week before she was born, my platelet levels hit the bare minimum level for the birthing center to be comfortable having me give birth there since the risk of me hemorrhaging was very high. They did say they had Pitocin in case I do hemorrhage, but I need to be above 100. I got bloodwork done a couple of days later (the Thursday before she was born) after taking a prescription iron supplement in addition to the platelet level increasing juice concoction I'd been taking for a couple of months that was keeping my levels at bay. The results ended up being inconclusive because of it coagulating.

On the following Saturday at 4am, I started to go into labor, but it was difficult to tell. I didn't know what to expect when it came to labor pains or what exactly it would look like for me. I had a lot of prodromal labor where I'd get very nauseous in the beginning of November so I didn't want to get too excited. However, the pain was more intense than the prodromal labor. I spent the day counting time between contractions and distracting myself. We took my in-laws to a cute downtown area that was having a Christmas market. After we got home, the contractions never became consistent so I waited it out longer.

After about 16 hours of labor, I called the midwife line and the midwife on call thought it was too soon for me to come in since I'm a first time mom and it's normal for early labor to last this long or longer. I called another time in the middle of the night since I was getting no sleep and she told me to wait until the contractions were more consistent. I was told that the midwife for the next shift will show up at 8am so I tried to get more sleep but couldn't since the pain was pretty intense and had been the same intensity since the beginning.

I called the midwife line and the midwife I was hoping to get was the one who picked up the phone. I explained that I had been in labor for 28 hours already and couldn't get any sleep and couldn't keep any protein down. She prescribed me some medicine to help with both and advised me to take a bath before coming in at 2:30 that afternoon.

Josh and I weren't sure whether we'd be coming back or not. We were more in the camp that we'd be coming back home, but we already had our car packed weeks before already. The midwife checked me and said that I was 7cm and that Hailey was turning herself, which is why I was having prodromal-like labor. She also told me the baby should be born that day.

We followed her instructions and planned to go get some castor oil and orange juice as well as protein (Jersey Mike's was my request) to eat after the birth. Right as we were getting in the car, the midwife requested to get a blood draw for my platelet levels since the previous results didn't give results and there was still a chance I would need to go to the hospital even after giving birth. As my blood was getting drawn, the Lab Corp guy was picking up samples so we had to flag him down before he left. Quite comical despite how much pain I was in. Once that was over, we went to the grocery store, Jersey Mike's, and the mall to walk and drink the castor oil in the orange juice.

After an hour, we returned to the birthing center and went through the last of my labor. I finally started having more consistent contractions once my water broke as I hit transitional labor, which lasted 45 minutes and finally got even more painful. Despite having a high pain tolerance and able to go through all the early labor pain and still being very functional, transitional labor was not something I was expecting. The midwife's assistant noticed how I was reacting to it and advised that I needed to surrender, and I took that as I needed to surrender everything to God because I was trying to take control, which was making it more difficult for me.

That definitely made it so much easier, especially with Josh being the support I needed. I had Josh get the midwife and her assistant when I was ready to push. I was already 42-43 hours into labor at this point and I was beyond exhausted. I think the only things keeping me from giving up was my stubbornness with the fact that I didn't want a hospital birth and the strength God was giving me.

While I was in the process of pushing a couple things happened, first the results from my bloodwork showed up moments before Hailey was finally delivered into the world, which was not helpful but we were all relieved with the results. Thankfully, my levels went up to 110, but we had Pitocin on hand because I did end up hemorrhaging but it was manageable. The second thing that happened was there was another mom who decided to wait to come to the birthing center until she was pretty much ready to push. We jokingly all said that it's a race to see who would deliver first. I won apparently but she showed up minutes after I gave birth to Hailey. Because this mom showed up, it gave Josh and I special time with Hailey as we marveled at the beautiful work God created through our daughter.

I had my answers as to why Hailey wasn't coming when we thought she should have and why I was dealing with prodromal labor for so long. My body was trying to turn Hailey for an entire month and move her to where she needed to be, but was really struggling. Her cord was super short and it made it difficult for the both of us.

It was pretty obvious that Hailey was born pretty late compared to when she should have been born. She definitely showed signs of it, such as skin that was peeling (perfectly fine though since her newborn skin would show up soon after) and long fingernails that already needed to be clipped. We're just happy she is here and doing so well.

After everything was said and done, Josh asked me if I would do the birthing center and unmedicated labor route again. My response without hesitation is "Most definitely." God has given me a body that can do this and was really empowering despite how exhausted I was. The care I got at the birthing center was amazing and I felt very valued there.

The Meaning Behind Hailey Marissa's Name

When we came up with our daughter's name, it wasn't easy for us initially to pinpoint a girl name we both liked. Josh liked more common names while I liked more classic names. We had probably had 3 names that we could go with for a girl but had double that many for a boy.

Before we found out that we were having a girl, we had a girl name and boy name ready for whoever God decided to have us be parents to. I (and many family members on both sides) was pretty sure we were having a boy, but we ended up having a girl. The moment I saw her on the anatomy scan I fell in love with my little girl. She already showed quite the personality and always made us laugh at every appointment. That has definitely translated to how she interacts in the outside world. I'll just say she has some strong preferences and is very strong for someone so small.

The name we chose for our daughter is Hailey Marissa. I didn't look at the translations of her name until after we made the decision for her name. For her first name, it just seemed like it was a God thing because the Irish translation of her name means "Wise One." Wisdom is something that Josh and I have prayed for from the day we met each other and in almost every decision we make. From big decisions (getting married, when to have kids, and moving to Florida) to smaller decisions, we wanted to be led by faith then by selfish desires. God has blessed us immensely through this despite some of the trials we've gone through.

Having Hailey is a great reminder of how we need to be wise with how we act and say whether we're around her or not and I think it's by no accident that we chose a name that means "Wise" for our daughter.

Now for her middle name. Normally, on my mom's side of the family, all the women have names that start with "M." As you notice, we decided that Hailey's first name will not start with an "M" because there are too many people with "M" names in both my family and Josh's family. Instead, her middle name starts with an "M" and it's extra special because we named her after both our moms who are very special to us. I've heard that Marissa has many meanings, but my favorites are either the Egyptian meaning for "Beloved" or Latin for "Little Mary." Hailey has been beloved the moment we found out that she was going to be part of our family (and the moment God knew she would exist in this world) and we love her more and more each day. Also, I find it funny because I go by Mary to certain groups of people so if my daughter ends up being anything like me, I hope it's the best parts.

So there you have it. Hailey's name is special as she is very special to us. We hope she learns to be wise and knows how beloved she is.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 17 - Tree of Life Birthing Center and Midwives

It seemed fitting that today be given to the Tree of Life Birthing Center and the midwives that work there. Today is my due date and baby girl hasn't arrived yet, but the midwives have been really great to help educate my husband and I on everything for our daughter coming soon. They've been really focusing on whole health for both the baby and me using more natural methods, such as vitamins and diet. Plus, I'll be able to go home same day and have my baby by my side the entire time. From having low platelet levels and stabilizing them to getting us equipped with knowledge for when the baby does come, I'm grateful that I get to have been given this experience.

Even though my daughter managed to get herself stuck on my right side (preventing her from being born) whether out of stubbornness or accident, I've been given some exercises that should get her to move naturally in the position she needs to be so that we can finally meet her. It's only a matter of time before she'll make her appearance and all 3 of us can be home getting rest and plenty of snuggles.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16 - My Job

Day 16 goes to my job as an instructional designer. Being an instructional designer is probably the best fit for me when it comes to work. The job is unique because I get to teach without having to do it in person. I may not see the immediate results but I know the things I create have a huge impact on those who take the training. I find that working for a global company in the software industry has been a challenge that I thrive in. As an instructional designer, I wear many hats and I'm always learning new ways to best represent information using images, cartoons, quizzes, and even games.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 15 - My Company

Day 15 goes to my company, Hyland. God has really blessed me with Hyland. It was exactly what we needed for my mental health, work-life balance, and for our growing family. The team I work with are really great and my boss trusts my judgement with my work. The fact that I can take 8 weeks of maternity leave is a blessing that I'm very grateful I'll get to use very soon.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14 - Josh's Family

Day 14 goes to Josh's family. After meeting Josh, they accepted me in their family very quickly and it was a good fit. It's always a blast hanging out with them and teasing each one of them. I'm grateful that God put them in my life and I get to be a part of their family. Moving to Florida was hard leaving them but we look forward to at least seeing Josh's parents in a couple of weeks.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13 - My Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Day 13 goes to all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have been blessed to have a large family that is pretty close knit. It's always a blast getting to spend time with each of them when we get to visit. Holidays have always been my favorite and I look forward to being able to celebrate with my family in the future with our little one.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 12 - My Grandparents

Day 12 goes to my grandparents. I've grown up only knowing what it's like to have only two grandparents and it has always seemed foreign to me thinking that I could have four, but my Mom-mom and Pop-Pop have easily made up for that with their love, care, and the things they have taught me over the years. Because of what they taught me, I can sew, garden, find ways to make an extra income, do small maintenance on my car, and have another great example of a Godly marriage. When it comes to grandparents, I have the best you can get! I look forward to giving them their first great-grandchild hopefully this week.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11 - Modern Medicine

I thought modern medicine (that I'm currently allowed to take being pregnant) would be fitting for today because yesterday I woke up what I thought was a cold, but it turned out to be the flu by the afternoon. I also hit 39 weeks in my pregnancy so it wasn't the most opportune time for me to get the flu since I can go into labor at any point.

Although I was very achy and weak with a fever and a pounding headache yesterday, I was able to eventually get the sleep I need and control some of the symptoms so that I feel a million times better today. I can tell baby was also conserving energy, too, since she was being less active and allowing me to get the rest I needed in order for me to gain the energy I'll need to deliver her. I can tell my body is still a little tired from working hard to fight off this illness, but I'm grateful that I was able to break my fever overnight and the worst of the symptoms have gone away.

I have a feeling that I'll feel almost back to my normal self by the end of the weekend and I think baby will follow suit in being ready to make her appearance not too long after that.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 10 - My Sister

Day 10 goes to my sister. I'm thankful for my little sister, Mel. My sister has been a great blessing to my life. She has taught me so much in the 16 years that she's been around. She is fun to be around, very sassy and smart (sometimes it's scary how sassy and smart she is), and seems to do everything I did at her age but better. I'm so happy I was able to celebrate her sweet sixteen with her before she becomes an aunt. I'm excited to see where God takes you next since you've been doing quite a lot the past year or so.

I love you, Mel! Thanks for being the sister I never knew I needed in my life.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9 - My Brother

Day 9 goes to my brother, Sam. Sam and I might not have gotten along very well growing up, but now it's pretty fun any time I get to hang out with you. You're funny, willing to help, and driven once you have a plan. You're also very good at keeping me on your feet since you have a knack for teasing those closest to you.

I'm excited to see where life takes you next as I've seen some really big life changes you've made this year. It's been a joy watching you pursue something you're really passionate about this past year and figuring out how you plan to make it work. I look forward to seeing you pursue your dream of international business and making the strides to get there.

I love you, Sambo! Thanks for being the brother you are, and I know you will be an awesome uncle to my daughter. You get the favorite uncle award by default, but I think it'll be pretty clear that she'll love you very much since you're good with kids and know how to make everyone around you laugh and have a good time.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 8 - The United States and My Rights

Day 8 goes to the country I live in and the rights I have. I'm thankful for a country that has given us freedoms in we are allowed to exercise, such as voting, and has written documentation created to protect those freedoms. Even though it seems like some are trying to take those rights away, there are still many who continue to fight so that US citizens can keep our rights. I'm also very grateful for those who fight for those freedoms that I take for granted every day.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7 - My Dad

Day 7 goes to my dad. I'm thankful for my dad. My dad has encouraged me to do my best for God's glory in all I do. From my hobbies of reading and playing board games to my career as a mix of writer, designer, and teacher, I can see how my dad has been such an influence on me. But nothing tops your hugs and your jokes! I'm excited how you will grow into being a Pop-pop for my little girl. I think it might become one of your favorite roles.

I love you, Dad! Thanks for being a great dad and mentor. Just like mom, I wouldn't have turned out to be the person I am without you.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 6: My Church

Since today is Sunday, I thought today would be a good day to make the church we've been attending the last 3 months as Day 6. Once we first moved into Orlando area, it was really important to us to find a church that was a strong Bible teaching church that allowed us to connect as well as for any kids we do.

I discovered Discovery Church almost immediately after moving and we have been so encouraged and challenged by the pastors' teachings. We happened to start attending the first week they were "advertising" their groups to allow others to get connected, which was definitely something we both prayed we'd find in the church. Because I was already in my third trimester, it was important for me to get connected more quickly so I was able to join an evening women's Bible study group. The study we just finished has continued to be encouragement to me and allow me to feel more prepared for being a mom soon since it reaffirmed how God made women special with very specific roles that fit His purposes. We look forward to each Sunday and what the Lord uses in these messages to teach us more about Him.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 5: My Mom

Day 5 goes to my mom. I'm so very thankful for my mom. My mom and I used to butt heads a lot while I was growing up, but her kindness, gentleness, and servant's heart have always stuck with me. She has been such a great example of the wife I wanted to become and the mother I hope to be to my daughter and other future children.

She's one of my best friends after I started living on my own. I enjoy all of the conversations we have and the photos of the funny cats she sends. I look forward to having her visit and getting to meet her granddaughter as we share the joys of being mothers together.

I love you, Momma! Thanks for being a great mom and friend. I wouldn't have turned out to be the person I am without you.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 4: Healing

I feel like Day 2 (Esther) and Day 3 (Josh) were God's way to lead to me to the healing I needed in the last 5 years.

I was talking with Josh the other day and he mentioned to me that the smile that he sees on my face and how I carry myself is so different than when we first met. He further explained that the person he met over 2 years ago was a little broken who was still healing from some deep hurt but refused to let that stop her from growing. To hear this, it filled me with such gratitude because I never thought that I'd get to this place. It hasn't been an easy road but I knew in the long run after going through the healing process that it would be all worth working through all the pain.

No longer do I feel like the anxious mess I felt held captive by deep inside. Instead, I feel far more at peace and relaxed even when things seem difficult. Today, I can reflect on everything I've been through and pinpoint instances and the people in my life where God used what He has taught me through those trials. Through these trials, God has made me into a better daughter, sister, wife, friend, and soon a mom.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 3: Josh

Day 3 goes to Josh. People say your husband/wife should be like a best friend and I definitely have to say that Josh fits that for me. He has been such a blessing since he came into my life. It seems like we've known each other longer than 2.5 years. He is a great provider, husband, encourager, and my biggest advocate. He is wise, clever, and a great listener.

Even when I'm down or not feeling like myself, he sees what he could do to help me feel better or more comfortable. He encourages me in my faith, relationships, and work. He laughs along with me and handles my sass with grace and more jokes.

Whether we're home working remotely, watching something on our tv, traveling somewhere, or going out to try out a new restaurant in the area, every day seems like an adventure. It's hard to imagine life without him by my side now, and I'm excited to start a new adventure together as parents to our little girl we're eagerly waiting to arrive in these last few days.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 2: Esther

Day 2 of giving thanks goes to Esther. God knew I needed a friend like Esther in my life, especially after moving across the country.  She has challenged and encouraged me in so many ways over the 5 years I've known her. She follows the Lord with such tenacity and it shows in the way she interacts with anyone she comes across.

God taught me through Esther the joys of being spontaneous and what a true friend is. When we both lived in Washington, we spent many nights past 2am driving to the local 24/7 Mexican drive thru and parking near the local park where we talked about everything in life. That included our desires to be wives and mothers and what we think that would look like. Fast forward a couple of years and the both of us get to walk those stages of life together. Even though we're a couple of states away, we continue to stay in touch and try to be a support each other. As I'm days away from welcoming my little Hailey, I'm blessed that I get to watch Esther grow into the mother she dreamed of being as she loves on her sweet little newborn daughter.

Once life as moms settles down for us, I look forward to reuniting with her and having our daughters play with each other. I look forward to the laughs we'll have, the things we'll do together, and teach our daughters along the way. 

Hope you have a happy birthday today! Love you, girly!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1: God and My Relationship with Him

I feel like I've tried doing this multiple times and just have not had success being able to finish through to the end of the month. I feel like it's more possible this month but also a little daunting while I spend time writing this during the last few days of my pregnancy and first days as being a mom. As I feel the signs of labor coming in the next days or weeks, I've been definitely feeling a lot more rush of emotions of gratitude, peace, and excitement. 

Without further ado, I'll start with Day 1. For Day 1, I'm most thankful for God and my relationship with Him. I feel like this one is explanatory. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have a relationship with Christ that started at age 14. I'm forever grateful for the life God has given me and the opportunities I have to share His love with others. Tomorrow and the rest of November will be more in depth examples that stem from all that God has blessed me with the things and people I am thankful for. 

Oh the Places You Go

First day on the road (WA State)

People always ask us why we made a decision to move to Florida, which seems so drastic. I feel like now that Josh and I are a little bit settled down in Florida (and I have a day off work) I can share how God brought us to Florida.

This past year we celebrated our first year of marriage. In that year, God has allowed us to refine our family vision that we started talking about when we were dating and figuring out whether the life we hoped to live would match up. Thankfully, our visions were and still are the same. Because family is important to the both of us, we've been listening to God's call and felt his pull to move to Florida.

How the Idea of Moving Came to Us

Church with a huge cross in Texas we passed

The idea of moving to Florida wasn't a moment where we closed our eyes, spun ourselves in a circle, and then put our finger on a map. Our move to Florida is a work of God. God came to us individually about this and we both wrestled with this internally before we shared this with each other. Neither of us initially wanted to move because it would mean we would be leaving Josh's family and it didn't help that my cross country move to Washington was pretty traumatic even though I've never shared that publicly online.

We felt like God was calling us to move for many reasons one of those being the atrociously high costs of the Washington housing market. We wouldn't be able to afford buying a home for several years if we stayed and I would have to continue working despite our decision for me to homeschool our children. Florida has the potential for us to not only buy a home, but also build one that is a multi-generational home where we could end up taking care of our parents later in the future but also use our home as a ministry. 

Despite knowing this fact, we came to the conclusion that if God is truly calling us to move we would give time for the decision, continue being open to the idea that He wants us to move Florida, and seek counsel from our loved ones and others affected by this decision. Over the course of a year, God has given us some of the biggest signs that would be clear to us that He wants us to continue pursuing this move.

Family First

Red Cat Café menu board in Birmingham, AL

It was important for us that both our families were onboard with our plans. If they weren't onboard, we knew this was a clear sign that God did not want us to pursue the idea of moving away from family. We were honestly surprised with their responses. It turns out Josh's parents and grandmother want to move as well, but it'll probably take them about 3-5 years once Josh's dad is able to retire.

With living on the opposite side of the country from my family, it's hard to find affordable plane tickets from Washington to Pennsylvania. If we fly from Florida, it's a third of the cost on plane tickets, which makes it much easier to see my family. For visiting Washington, we can probably make it cheaper for us when Josh's company flies him out and pays for a hotel and car rental for us. All we'd have to pay is for my plane ticket (and "lap child" tax).

Work-Life Balance

One of the other concerns where we thought God might cause a red flag was our jobs. My job I was currently working at the time wouldn't have been a problem, but my new job was more than happy for me to be thinking about moving to the same time zone. It was Josh's job that we weren't sure would be on board with us moving to Florida. It turned out that Josh's company thought the move was beneficial for them since they needed IT presence in the east coast.

And Now We're in Florida

Made it to Florida!

Several other pieces aligned for us perfectly, too. With my new job, it doubled my income and allowed us to save exactly what we needed to get movers to ship our stuff across the country and to get us there. He has given us peace, especially for me, during a time that isn't easy. The road trip was as safe and easy as it can be, which was something I had wrestled with for weeks before this move. And despite being at the end of my second trimester, God has given me good health where I feel fairly normal and I am functioning during all these changes.

In front of our new home

God has blessed us immensely and has been reminding us in the last month with continued blessings through His provision. When we look out our windows in our living room, we have a clear view of a giant cross a few miles away, which gave us peace knowing that God has been with us and continues to be with us.

We've only tried one church out the past 2 weeks and the sermons series that the pastor is sharing is all about hearing and listening to God. It has been validating to us as we've had some moments of "Is this really God or is this our own selfish desires?" In yesterday's sermon, the pastor listed off how to determine if a decision is God inspired or if it's our selfishness, which included

• Your thinking aligns with God's Word (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)
• Your thinking aligns with Godly counsel
• Your thinking aligns with time - Don't be in a hurry
• Your thinking with God's purposes (Romans 8:28, 11:36, James 4:3)
• Your thinking aligns with peace (John 14:26-27, 16:33, Philippians 4:6-7)

As we listened, we both took in all that the pastor said and both felt comforted that what the Bible says we're following God's, and He wants us to know not to be downhearted about missing family and friends we left in Washington for this move since we'll still be able to see them again when we visit.

The birthing center where our daughter will be born

Finally, I was able to quickly get into the birthing center that I researched like crazy so that I could get the best care for me and our daughter during these last few months. It's honestly a God thing. Thankfully, it didn't cost a fortune for the rest of the care and labor and delivery fees, which are all paid. I know a lot of new moms are afraid of childbirth, but I walked out of my consultation with confidence and peace with our decision. I'm surprisingly at peace with the idea of childbirth and plan to use this experience as a way to thank God that He has given me a body that has cared so well for this baby despite how much my health suffered in the past. I'm enjoying every little kick and tickle this little girl gives me as we count down the weeks when we can finally meet our daughter and take her home with us.

The Start of My Golden Year

Golden Birthday (n.) - The birthday on which the numeral of one's age matches that of the day of the month. Example: Age 27 on June 27th

I only found out about a year ago that a golden birthday is a thing. You may think it's silly and it kind of is, but it really seems like it's going to be a golden year for me. I'm 27 today on the 27th and I'm thankful for the life God gave me.

Last year I wrote that I didn't feel any different than the year before, but this year I have to say I definitely do feel different. It could be all the pregnancy hormones and changes happening to my body. I may feel exhausted mentally and physically by the end of the day but my spirit feels rejuvenated. I think part of this could be from all the changes going on in both of Josh and my life.

Working for a new company has been a blessing and a challenge. Powering through in my first trimester while starting a new job has not been the most fun, but God really has provided for us and has paved the way for our future plans. My company is very good about promoting a life-work balance that allows me to focus on my health and making sure I get the rest and care I need. I also found out not too long ago that I'll be able to spend 11 weeks of paid time off with our baby, which is something I wouldn't have had working at my previous company. We're making plans for family visits and adjusting to life during the time I'll have available.

Our little bean is halfway to making his or her appearance since I'll be officially 20 weeks on Thursday. This pregnancy has been both fast and slow. We look forward to every appointment. This little one is very active and likes to remind me once in a while that they're still in there. It's funny watching my midwife trying to measure the baby's heart beat while the baby is moving around as if it knows that we're trying to check in on it. Josh and I are excited to find out whether our baby will be a boy or girl on July 6th.

Over the past month, we've been packing boxes and getting rid of furniture that we won't need right away and plan to replace eventually as we prepare for our cross country move. It's bittersweet for us. We'll miss our friends and family in Washington, but we know Florida is where God wants us to go and how we can provide a better future for our families. We also managed to buy our bed upgrade that we planned on buying so that we have a guest bed, and we'll have that delivered to us within our first week of living in our new place.

A Mother's Day Full of Anticipation

We're excited soon-to-be parents

This Mother's Day is extra special for me. Part of it is because I get to celebrate all the moms in my life who have made a huge impact in my life in the past, present, and future. The other part is that I get to anticipate being a mother myself in 6 months. It was something that was a question mark because of my health, especially after the last couple of years.

I've always wanted to be a mom and I thought I'd be a mom in my early 20s, but God has used the time where I didn't have to worry about caring for a pregnant body or children by loving on those around me and being able to get in a good position financially. God has provided for us so well in so many ways.

Josh and I wanted to wait about a year after being married before we consider having a baby, especially with my health not being great before and during the first 6 months of marriage.

We figured out part of the reason why my health went south a bit, but it was still a surprise for this little baby to come as soon as we thought. I was told by my doctor not too long ago that I show signs of having PCOS. She said there isn't a cure for it but getting pregnant and having a baby can help correct the problem. We were expecting this baby to show up much later, but God's timing with this is amazing.

Our little Player 3's first outfit

We think a large part of this is due to the stress from my previous job. No matter how much work I completed, it always felt that the work I was doing wasn't enough and I always felt on eggshells. The stress caused my cortisol levels to be too high and it affected my thyroid levels resulting in additional migraines, imbalanced hormone levels, and other not so great symptoms. It wasn't until I got hired with my new company, Hyland, where my stress levels dropped and then found out I was pregnant the day before I started.

I felt like God somehow allowed us to have a child exactly when He knew it will work well for us. I was a little nervous when I found out because I'm just starting to work at this company and I'd have to reveal this information, but I didn't need to worry. He used this new job (that I have waited for and interviewed for almost 3 years) to provide me with the perfect work-life balance I need while we start our family and save for a few years to build our home. Hyland will allow me the flexibility to work and raise our baby at the same time. While my previous company didn't offer paid maternity leave or options that will ease me back into work, my new company offers 10 weeks of maternity leave automatically and it doesn't matter how long I've worked at there and then I have the option to ease into work by working less than 40 hours but still see a full paycheck. They're also family oriented and I have seen multiple coworkers have children jump into their Zoom calls. Josh and I will still be working from home in Florida so we can raise our baby in a way that works for us and not feel guilty about choosing to live this lifestyle. I've already been thinking of ideas on how to work on this.

Josh and I look forward to this new chapter in our lives and how God is continuously teaching us new things every day.

Josh and I at the Grand Canyon at 12 Weeks Pregnant

Year One in the Books

Cutting the Cake at Our Wedding

Sunday the 13th marked 1 year of being married to my husband, Josh. This year has been one full of trials and tribulations. Marriage has been such a blessing to me and I've learned so much. Josh has been a great support to me over this last year and it's been a fairly easy transition. It was interesting figuring out very different lifestyles since I lived alone and Josh previously lived with his family.

I'm amazed at what God has done in our lives both separately and as a married unit. God has truly blessed the both of us and I'm so very grateful. There has been so much change this year that it makes it hard to believe where I was a year ago, but heading into our second year warrants even more changes. I'll keep these changes brief.

Home

I've seen my home go from having just enough to get by to having the ability to share my home with others. Josh and I have almost weekly game nights with friends where I make a meal and we play games to encourage friends while things were still a bit locked down here in Washington. It has been a joy to be able to do that as we get to know others better.

Over the course of my relationship with Josh, we have really honed in on our family vision and have been making plans based on this family vision. After almost losing my dad last month, it became very clear to us to continue with our plans so that we can be better servants to my family back in Pennsylvania. We are planning to move to Florida in the middle to end of August right before our lease ends. In a couple of years, we plan to buy land and build a multi-generational house so that we can share our home with our own family, visitors, and any family that we may have to take care of in the future. This was definitely not an easy decision but God kept pushing us to this decision and then giving us all the green lights for this plan after we started to commit to the idea. We are excited and, of course, a little anxious (the good kind) but very much preparing for these really big plans God has laid on our hearts.

TobyMac Concert at the Puyallup Fair

Health

My health around the time I met Josh was probably the lowest I've felt in my life. I struggled with daily migraines and constant fatigue while trying to function like a normal adult and planning a wedding. Through personal research and a good doctor, I rarely have migraines and I have more energy than I've had in the past. I take some natural supplements to help me with stress/anxiety and vitamins my body lacks. I also found out that I can't eat gluten. I'm still not fully there with my health but we got the major hurdles out of the way. I still have days where I struggle but we think we know why now and it's a matter of figuring out what works best for me.

 

Career

I feel like both Josh and my careers have really taken off this year. Josh got a generous pay increase this past summer that puts him where he should get paid in the IT industry with his experience. Many of you know that I have been job searching and interviewing on and off for about 3 years. I'm happy to finally announce that I have been hired to become an Instructional Designer II at a software company called Hyland. I'm excited about this job because not only does it use all the skills and certifications I received in the last year but it also increases my income within the Instructional Design industry standards. The increases in our salaries will help us with continuing our family vision in a much quicker fashion while also allowing us to continue serving within the community around us.

Trying Out Our New Kayak

Heading into Our Second Year of Marriage

Even though this past year was a huge year of change, this next year is going to probably involve even more change starting with a new job for me this week. In the next year, I see myself health-wise getting closer to normal. I see some joyous times and hard times because of the future changes we will see in our lives, but we are confident in that God is protecting us and leading us where we need to go.