Look Up!

I always seem to forget the point of pregnancy where you feel as though you can cry in an instant, scream in an instant and in a good moment, laugh in an instant. This past week has definitely been one of those weeks. With a lot of things going on and time to sit and think about all that has happened over the past few months and what is yet to come....my emotions just don't mix too well with it.

So...because I am who I am I sit, I question, I ponder and think about EVERYTHING! Little Christian has come to my mind often. With the joy I feel that he will most likely make it safely into our arms, I begin questioning what happened with his hand....what did I do wrong?? I am definitely scared to step into the unknown with him and be the mom that holds him up to no limits. I put so many limits on myself because sometimes I just don't feel good enough. Now I've been trusted with this boy, to raise him, to guide him, to help him know that he is more than most would ever imagine him to be.

I like to think that I have the faith to handle this situation, thus far, to know that we will move along and become stronger in the experiences that we are handed. However, this past week, it's been a little harder, with the realities of life and the world weighing down. In my moments of despair... I can't help but turn to support groups that I've come across about people who have lived with the same thing. Although this world may hold those who are different down to a lower standard, these people definitely prove otherwise. Hopefully, I can be that driving force in my sons life... somewhere along the line I've got to find the strength... Motherhood definitely gives me strength.

www.tonymemmel.com - This man was born without his left forearm and never let it hinder him. He is now an accomplished musician that has recorded music and plays the guitar.

Basketball playerThis man received a scholarship to play on a college basketball team.

Hiking accident
This man cut off his own arm during a hiking accident and looks at it as a blessing rather than a tragedy.

I know that in moments where I tend to look down...I just need to keep looking up! We all have obstacles to face and overcome, that are hard in the moment, but bring about much growth in the end. I'm positive Christian will amaze me from the beginning. Here's to that "leap of faith" into the unknown. Armed with love and knowledge of the gospel and examples from some really amazing people who set their own limits...not work on limitations, we will be successful!

My Emma

I have to tell you that I absolutely love this new stage of mothering, where my children are understanding what I am doing with them and can interact with me. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I couldn't wait until one of my children was old enough to want to sit and learn with me.

I'm not saying it's always easy to find the motivation with everything else on my to do lists, but it's worth it when I do!

Lately I've been working with Emma on writing her name and reading duo stories that are part Mommy read and part Emma read. Many days when I don't feel motivated because I'm SOOO tired she'll say, "Mommy, can we please learn please?". I am so pleased that she has the desire to sit and learn with me.

Today as I was helping Emma clean the playroom and folding laundry she called me in there and said, "Mommy come look, I drew a face". This was the picture she led me to and then preceded to draw it over and over. I have so much fun watching her discover new things and abilities all on her own. Now, I'm going to sit down with her and have her draw a self portrait, then we can do it every so often to see her progress- so much fun!! But of course that's the Kindergarten teacher coming out. So far she knows the letters S, A, E, M, I and the words I, see, and we are working on me. Now my goal is to make it an almost daily activity and then she'll really catch on, consistency is the key!! Although she can be IMPOSSIBLE at times, I truly love this age!