April: When You're Feeling Unsure

2 ER Visits & Pregnancy Fears

A P R I L

We knew this would be a busy month, but we didn’t expect this much “turbulence.”

Coincidentally, a trip to PA & NYC lined up in the same month. We enjoyed spending time with loved ones, but we’re also glad to be home.

Unfortunately, we also had two visits to the ER this month. But I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:9, “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” I’m daily trying to rehearse this truth, especially as we prepare for baby #2, a GIRL! 🩷🩷🩷

• ER Trip #1: A few weeks ago, my husband had severe abdominal pain. (He also had Mcdonald’s that morning, and I was convinced it was food poisoning until he had trouble walking.) Later that night, the Doctor told us he had appendicitis. A nurse came in and shaved his stomach, and we were ready for surgery until the surgeon came in.

  “Are you sure you want to proceed with this? You’re scheduled to be in a wedding this week and you’ll feel pretty awful.”

We asked her several questions but decided to do antibiotics and postpone surgery to the summer.

• ER Trip #2: A few days ago, I had a bad migraine with nausea, slurred speech, & blurry vision. Out of an abundance of caution, we called the Doctor, and they recommended the ER, especially since I was 19 weeks pregnant and at risk for preeclampsia. Thankfully, it was just a bad migraine, and I can see clearly now.

All that to say, I’m thankful the Lord directed our steps and kept us safe.

A R T I C L E R E A D S

• Risen Motherhood: Pregnancy Loss: Even though I’m in the 2nd trimester, a real fear of mine is pregnancy loss. Reading this article encouraged my heart and gave me greater empathy for those who have lost a baby. I’d encourage you to read this as we approach Mother’s Day.

• Risen Motherhood: Wise Mothering Advice: Another great RM read, this one by a favorite author of mine, Melissa Kruger. She encourages women to reach out to those a step ahead for advice. Although I love getting advice from peers, it’s a good reminder to seek advice of older women too.

B O O K R E A D S

• Anxious Generation: WOW! As a middle school science teacher and youth group leader, this book is eye-opening. Jonathan Haidt did a tremendous amount of research on “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.” I would highly recommend it. 

“Are we overprotecting in the real word and under protecting online?” 

- Jonathan Haidt

• Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: My husband and I started this audiobook and it’s a great reminder to sloooow down. I especially love the quote below…

“Because what you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way: the mind is the portal to the soul, and what you fill your mind with will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to.” (Ruthless Elimination of Hurry)

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W R I T I N G

Finally, I’m honored to have a piece featured in Calla Press, available for order here.

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Thanks for reading!

PS: We’re looking for girl names, any suggestions?