HANNAH - 4 1/2 MONTHS

Well Miss Hannah is 4 months 2 weeks old now. She had her 4 month checkup last week. She weighed 15lbs 8oz and 24" long. She got her 2nd round of vaccinations and did okay, she cried a little with the one that burns going in. She also ran a fever this time after receiving the shots but that is normal. She is growing way too fast for me, she isn't the tiny newborn anymore. She is so sweet and happy, we feel so blessed to have her. Her hair is starting to grow in good, yay! I can't wait to brush it and put pretty bows in it! She is starting to make all kind of little noises and sounds and she is really starting to grab things with both hands now (and wants to put everything she grabs in her mouth). She is working on trying to sit up, it is so funny to watch her try to pull herself up while grunting. When we pull her up to a sitting position she looks around like she is plotting on what she will be getting into later. I need to give her more tummy time than I do, I always forget that part. She has also started rolling from her stomache to her back when she wakes up sometimes. It is just amazing to watch a new life unfold!

12 Weeks

Hannah Grace is now 12 weeks old! Wow! She is starting to be "vocal" and we have "conversations" now. It is just babble but it makes us both smile :). She can almost sign to me that she is hungry, I will say "are you hungry?" and she will put her hand to her mouth as if she is telling me yes. She is growing out of her 0-3 month clothes :( , I tear up every time I have to put something away that doesn't fit anymore, they don't stay small for long, that is for sure. It is only the beginning! She is finally sleeping peacefully through the night, only because we gave in and put her on her tummy to sleep, which is what she seems to prefer but we have been trying to get her on her back for 3 months because that is what they tell you to do, but this baby does NOT like sleeping on her back, poor baby, she could have rested so much better and we could have too. She is strong enough to lift her head and move it from side to side so it is getting easier to not worry all night about her breathing. I still worry though, and probably always will. When she wakes in the morning, she will stretch a good bit and then open her eyes and as soon as she sees me she smiles :), oh how I love her smile, it really gets my day going! She really is a calm, happy baby, and for that we are grateful.

2 MONTH CHECKUP

Miss Hannah is now 2 months old (well technically she was 2 months on October 6th). I took her for her checkup this morning. She is 12 lbs 12 oz and 24" long. She got her first round of vaccinations, bless her heart, but she did well, she only cried and clenched her fists when the nurse stuck her and then it was over. I was grateful to spend a little extra time with her before heading back to work today. Speaking of work...I am doing a lot better and getting adjusted to going to work but I would still rather be with miss Hannah. At least I can spend all weekend with her :).

Photos Of Miss Hannah and Thoughts About Going Back To Work

Miss Hannah is a little more than 8 weeks old now. Time flies but also has seemed to stand still in a way. I guess because life is happening all around us but we are in our own little world, me, Hannah and Damon, it's a whole new world with new lessons to learn and new adjustments to make. Speaking of new adjustments, I go back to work Monday and I DON'T WANT TO! I want to spend my days with miss Hannah, I don't want to miss a thing, I don't want someone else hearing her first word, or experiencing her first anything! But for now, I HAVE to. Please pray for my peace, I will be a basketcase when I have to leave her to go to work. Please pray also that things change so that I can be home with her and if anyone knows of anyway I could work from home please let me know :).

Hannah Update

So, miss Hannah is 5 weeks old (not in this pic, she just wanted to say "Roll Tide!"). She had her one month checkup Wednesday and all is well. She now weighs 9 lbs 1 oz and is 21 3/4 inches long (hopefully she will have good height, not a shorty like her mama). She is just precious, that's about all I can say to sum her up. Babies grow way too fast and I stand in Awe of our Lord daily now. Being a mother and watching my child grow is amazing, the most amazing experience I have ever had!
By the way, can anyone tell me how to post multiple pics on a blog without taking up too much space? I have so many pictures to share!

She Is Here!

Miss Hannah Grace was born August 6, 2009 @ 8:40 PM weight 7 lbs 14 oz, 20 inches long. We are so overwhelmed with JOY! Completely speechless at the moment, just enjoying every minute of her presence. I went for my weekly checkup on Wednesday August 5, 2009 when I was told that my fluid level was low. Doc kept me overnight to monitor everything and check my fluid level the next morning. It was lower so she decided to induce. I went all morning and part of the afternoon with not much progress but then dialated fully in no time. It was time to labor but after 2 hours of pushing, doc realized that Hannah was sideways (her shoulders were vertical) so the best delivery would be C Section. That is how Hannah arrived, healthy as can be :). Recovery has been rough but all I have to do is look at her and nothing else really matters. I thought I knew the love that God has for me (and you) but I didn't really know until I met Hannah, wow! I have experienced an even deeper level of God's love! Every time I wrap my arms around her I think of how I feel when God wraps his arms around me. I pray that Hannah will always feel loved by us and by God, that she will always know how much she really is loved!

Update!

I am 2 cm dilated, 75% effaced, Hannah has dropped some, I did not gain any weight in the past week, progress is being made. Doc says that I could be induced at 39 weeks if needed but hopefully that can be avoided (I am 37 1/2 weeks now). Pray for me as I am getting nervous now, which is natural.

Appointment Update

I am moving right along now, I have gained 2lbs since last week but really 1lb since I had lost 1lb last week. I am dialated 1 1/2cm. We got another ultrasound and estimated weight of Hannah is 6lb 13oz. Babies gain about 1/2 lb per week at this stage so that is right on track with growth but the estimate could still be off. I was put on the monitor again and doc says everything looks good. You can see just how much she has grown between this pic and the last pic that was posted (especially that head!). Just a matter of time now :).

Appointment Update

Everything is still good! I am dialated 1 cm and 50% effaced (thinned out), this is progress, Hannah's heartbeat is good and I have lost 1lb. (even though I don't feel like it!). I go back next Wednesday.

Appointment Update

Here is Hannah's side profile at 34 1/2 weeks. If you can tell what you are looking at, she has her hand right under her chin. Damon asked about getting the 4D ultrasound but it is too late in the game...there isn't enough room and it wouldn't produce a good "picture", she would be kind of smooshed up looking, lol, remember that if you ever want to get one to ask when is the best time, we didn't.

Everything is good! Estimated weight of Hannah is 5lbs 14oz but that could be off by 1 lb either way. According to the ultrasound she is measuring 35 wks 2 days, not too far off. The doc decided to monitor her heartbeat for 20 minutes...doctor's reaction was "she looks gorgeous" (referring to the heartbeat). Hannah is "in position" to be born head down. Prayerfully this will not change! My next appointment is Wednesday and every week thereafter, doc will check cervix for any changes then. It won't be long! I am really getting anxious now!

Take it or leave it, it's good stuff!

PRISCILLA VAN SUTPHIN Upstream Ministries California

http://www.upstreamca.org/

http://upstream.injesus.com/

www.Facebook.com/tearsofmercy

The Summer of My Discontent

June 25th, 2009

“This is the summer of MY discontent. I am very discontented with the nations who rage against Me and My own. I am not impotent as so many of even My own children think. I WILL display My power as never before through My people. How hungry are you for ME? How much time do you want with ME? I’m not aloof to your problems nor neglectful as a Father and Husbandman.

John 15:1-5 KJV I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

I AM the LIGHT of the World and there is nothing that I am unaware of. There are many, so many that have never been healed and are walking wounded. The church has been so decimated by wars, and lack of truth within that it has often been powerless to help those that need them. But that will not be as the days of MY GLORY ensue. If any man be IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION. I came to bring LIFE, not death, not condemnation and guilt. I came to assuage guilt and condemnation. Yet so many of you stay abiding under harsh taskmasters. Why do you think I would want you to be controlled by man when I, your Father and Husbandman, do not even CONTROL you ?

I had then an impression of bodies lying in the streets, as if decimated by war. I WILL RESUSCITATE MY BRIDE! I know the pain and sorrow of seeing over and over the enemy winning in many issues of people’s lives. I know how the seeing of such terrible tragedies has torn at your heart and you must know it is tearing at MINE ! I have allowed hunger to grow. I have allowed thirst to grow that you would CRY OUT for ME - That you would remember your FIRST LOVE. CRY OUT NOW FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT FIRE TO COME AND FILL MY OWN – to TRANSFORM THE CHURCH, TO DESTROY THE CHAINS THAT BIND. Pray for MIRACLES, SIGNS and WONDERS to follow the preaching of the gospel, to follow the testimony of believers. THAT is after all how I brought life to people. I healed the sick, I cast out demons, I DEMONSTRATED MY KINGDOM.”

Luke 17:20-21 NKJV Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

Luke 11:20 NKJV But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Luke 12:31-34 NKJV But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Acts 19:11-13 NKJV Miracles Glorify Christ - Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

“ My heart is not aloof to the suffering of man. Those who have MY HEART will also not be aloof to the sufferings of others. I came to bring LIFE. That is why you have the HOLY SPIRIT IN YOU ! It is to give LIFE to the world, to BE life to the world. It is NOT just to have a party for yourself, though I love your company, I give you MY LIFE so that you will SHARE it with others. I said to make DISCIPLES of men. That means those who have My life are to be sharing it and multiplying what is in them that those they birth in the spirit will also give life to others. Thus the body of My church grows and grows.

RELIGION and the traditions of men is stifling the growth in MY church. Men lifting up their names rather than MINE, is stifling the growth in My church. APATHY, and complacency, greed and jealousy are stifling the growth of My true church. I told My disciples to GO FORTH into the nations and make disciples of all men. They waited on ME to receive power from on high, but once they got it, they WENT FORTH to make disciples. As I POUR OUT MY SPIRIT THIS TIME, KNOW THAT IT IS TO BE SHARED WITH THE POOR, THE DESTITUTE, THE HUNGRY, THE DRUG ADDICT WHO HAS NEVER GOTTEN LOVE, THE ALCOHOLIC WHOSE CURSES HAVE NEVER BEEN BROKEN, THE HOMELESS AND THE HARLOT, THE UNBELIEVING AND THE DOUBTFUL, THE WITCH AND THE WARLOCK.

THERE WILL BE NO MORE FEAR WHEN THIS ANOINTING COMES, FOR THE SPIRIT OF MIGHT WILL COME UPON YOU AND THE SPIRIT OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE AND REVELATION. YOU WILL NOT LACK ANY GOOD THING IF YOU ONLY ASK AND STAY CLOSE TO MY HEART!

GET OUT OF THE PEW AND TAKE IT TO THE STREETS. MEN WILL COME INTO THE CHURCH IN COMING DAYS TO BRING MURDER AND MAYHEM. YOU WILL HAVE TO MEET UNDERGROUND. YOU THINK YOU HAVE SUFFERED THROUGH REJECTION, BUT HOW WILL YOU HANDLE THE PERSECUTION COMING UNLESS YOU CLING TO ME ? REACH OUT NOW WITH LOVE, THE HARVEST IS WHITE BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO EMPOWER THE WORKERS. STORE UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN BY REACHING OUT TO A NEIGHBOR, REACHING OUT TO THE LADY IN THE GROCERY STORE.

DO NOT LET THE ENEMY SHUT YOUR MOUTH ANY LONGER. BE WISE AS SERPENTS, AND INNOCENT AS DOVES. SPEAK WHEN I TELL YOU TO SPEAK. BE VERY DEPENDENT ON ME. I WILL REVEAL ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW. FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU, IN YOU, AROUND YOU, EVERYWHERE YOU GO. USE THE AUTHORITY I HAVE GIVEN YOU!”

Appointment Update!

Most of my previous appointments have been routine and boring but this one was a little interesting so I thought I would share. My "fill in" doctor decided that I am doing well controlling my glucose levels with diet so I don't have to take any medicine (thank God because I didn't really want to). I have lost a pound, probably due to eating better, which is fine as long as the baby's growth is good. Speaking of that, my uterus measured 36 cm at 32 weeks, and according to the doctor that is bigger than it should be (but doesn't necessarily mean the baby is big) so he scheduled me for an ultrasound to assess the baby's size in 2 weeks. Also, my regular doctor will be back from maternity leave, yay!!!

The Baby Shower Photostory

We had an awesome baby shower! Thanks to all the hostesses who made it special! I love you all! Chrissy did a great job of coordinating everything! We were very blessed with most necessities and more, an abundance for sure! I believe all the guests had a great time. I am sorry that we were not able to play the games that were planned, but I pray that you enjoyed yourself anyway! Here is a photostory of the shower, photos taken by Ashley Storey.

The Calling of Motherhood

I decided to pick up a book by Angela Thomas at the Extraordinary Women's Conference this weekend. I had never read anything of hers and I also missed her speaking due to standing in line to meet Stormie Omartian, who signed my copy of Power of a Praying Wife, which I recommend reading. Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul is the title that I chose by Angela Thomas. I am so excited about this book because I am soon to be a Mother and I already worry about not having enough time for God, about being drained by all the demands of caring for a child on top of everything else that demands my attention. I have not read very far but the one quote that has stood out to me in the very beginning of the book is this, "The calling of Motherhood is not to be a supermom; the calling is to be a woman of God to your children". That really puts it in perspective for me and I already have a peace about my worries. I also already recommend this book for all mothers or soon to be who might be feeling this way, even though I haven't finished the book, I know without a doubt that it will feed my spirit.

Dreams

This is an interesting fact that I learned a while back and would like to share. Before I became pregnant, I was listening to a dream teaching CD by John Paul Jackson and he started talking about pregnancy and dreams, so I tuned in. He mentioned that the reason why pregnant women have such crazy dreams is because in about the 5th month of pregnancy, the baby actually has dreams itself (R.E.M.) and the mother has a combination of both dreams! His example was, "you may dream about an orange with arms coming out of it". How weird/cool is that?! And I will have to say that it is true for me, I have always been a vivid dreamer, but now even more so that I am pregnant. I wish I could "blog" all the dreams I have had so far being pregnant, but there have been so many I don't remember them all, but you would surely laugh! Last night I dreamed that my baby climbed out of my stomache (too many alien movies) instead of me giving birth to her, and she had blonde curly afro hair, it was so weird! That one wasn't too funny but some of them are.

25 Weeks! It is going by so fast!

As requested by my Mom, since she cannot see me right now, here is a pic of my growing belly. Hannah is quite the mover, but mostly at 3:00 AM, wow! I guess she is preparing me for her arrival! It is worth it!

One of those weekends!

Okay, I usually don't post about all the horrible happenings with my pets but since this one survived what could have been a horrible death I will share. If you don't already know, we have had two of our beloved cats that we have had for 8 or 9 years die in the past year, Harley and Daisy (they were my favs by the way). We have 2 left, Lucky and Buddah (the vet we got her from 9 years ago named her that, not me). Well, we were showing our home to a potential buyer Sunday afternoon so we put the cats outside temporarily in order to do this. We were oh so careful to make sure that nothing happened to them but sure enough as we were seeing the buyers off, this little dachsund (aka catkiller)/blue tick hound(aka hunting dog) decided he wanted our cat Buddah. We were all on the porch, including the cat and the dog when all of a sudden he took off after Buddah and she flew off the porch, we heard a crazy bark/yell and then back on the porch she came with half of her tail skinned to the bone bleeding. So the buyers didn't seemed to shocked about this happening, thank God, and they left. We jumped in the truck and headed all the way to Acton Road (which is pretty far from Hayden) but the only ER Vet we knew of that was open. Buddah was stable and she was very brave, she didn't seem in shock or anything and she wasn't bleeding to death, she mostly just hated the drive. They ended up having to amputate the top 3rd of her tail, poor baby but thank God she is still alive! She has to wear that e-collar for 2 weeks :(. I feel like such a horrible pet mommy to have let this happen! I did learn from this experience though, I need to listen to my husband more...he did suggest that we let Buddah just walk around the house while the buyers were there...I said "no, what if they don't like cats?" Come to find out they have 3 of their own! Okay, I get it! And, hey, it's still our house until someone buys it and if they don't buy it because a cat is walking around then they don't really like the house anyway!

Appointment Update

We went for a checkup today. Hannah Grace is measuring exactly 23 1/2 weeks, she is very active, her heartbeat is healthy and I have been feeling her little kicks now! As for me, I have gained 2 lbs and all my vitals are good. This miracle gets more amazing by the day! My next visit will be the dreaded sugar test and the Rh antibody screen since I have a negative bloodtype.
Thanks for all of your prayers and please continue!

Appointment Update!!!

Presenting.............our precious baby Girl! This is her profile (side view), it was the best the tech could get because this little princess was VERY active, she did not stop moving the whole time. It looked as if she was trying to get out somehow. Everything was great! As far as the doctor can tell she is healthy, all organs are in place and she weighs 11oz. She is measuring 2 days more than we thought, no big deal. She already has Damon wrapped around her little finger! I thank God for this blessing! We are still thinking and praying about a name.

Growing Belly

This is an amazing miracle, an experience like no other!

Growing Excitement!

I just want to say that "I AM GETTING REALLY EXCITED" because in 1 week we find out whether this baby is a Damon or Dawn JR.!!!!! Isn't the suspense great? I feel better now, I have more energy, I think I am feeling the baby move but not for sure yet and I am finally getting excited! To be continued.....

No Snow Fun For Me!

I guess that childlike part of me that use to want to play in the snow is gone for now, or maybe I just don't really like being cold but I do enjoy the scenery. I took this picture of this little bird sitting in the tree in our backyard, there was a whole flock of them but every time I went outside to take the picture, they flew off, so I had to take this from the window and zoom in, I think it turned out pretty good! I am looking forward to playing in the snow with our child, that is if it ever snows again!

Appointment Update

We went to the doctor yesterday and everything is going well! I have only gained 1 lb. so far and the baby's heartbeat is good! That's it. Next visit, we find out what we are having, yay!

Prayer Request

I was informed today that our company policy has changed due to the economy. I will not be getting paid maternity leave now, I normally would get 6 weeks paid. This is going to be hard for us but we will make it because God is our Provider! I am grateful and blessed to even have a job because I know so many people have become jobless, our company has already let some go. I am blessed to even be getting time off (6 weeks) because under the Family Medical Leave Act, a company that has less than 50 employees is not required to do ANYTHING for you. Got to love this United States of America that we live in sometimes! If I could, I would pack up and move to Canada with my Mom, you get at least a year off with your new baby AND part-time pay! Wow! What a deal! You would think that America would be on the top of the list for providing for Maternity Leave and things of that nature.

The Flowers Have Bloomed Even More!

Giving God Glory!

I just want to take a moment and thank God once again and give him the Glory for this pregnancy! I was told 2 years ago that I was not ovulating and that I would need "help" i.e. fertility drugs to get pregnant. Well, I refused to believe that! I knew that God would heal me and bless us with a child in His time if it was His will. I even had a miscarriage last February but I did not back down and continued to have Faith that God would bless us with a child someday in His time! God is so good!

My Valentine's Surprise

I received these Friday morning at work! It just made my day! They are so bright and cheerful. I had to take a pic of every angle so you could see them all. They are even prettier now, some of the Lilies had yet to bloom but they did over the weekend. I will take another pic tonight!

Happy Valentine's Day from Us

Praise Report!

So, we went to the doctor appointment yesterday and everything is good!!! We got to have another ultrasound because it was too early for the doctor to pick up the heartbeat on the doppler, which was a blessing for us because we got to see the baby again! It was amazing!!! The tiny baby was bouncing around and moving it's arms and legs! You can see the arms and legs in the picture (if you know what you are looking at). It is hard to believe that this tiny little being is only 1 1/2 inches long and moving around inside me, but yet I can't feel it. Praise God! Thank you all for your prayers, please continue!

Recommended Reading For Couples

The Love Dare - I highly recommend this 40 day devotional for married couples, we are reading it now, it is wonderful! It is based off of the movie Fireproof. It has really opened a line of communication between us that we have not had before! Although at times it is challenging, it has really brought us closer, and who doesn't want that in a marriage? We have yet to see the movie because we stubbornly preordered the DVD and it won't be in until January 27th, which stinks because there have been a lot of free showings of this movie at different churches! Oh well, live and learn. I think it is exciting that we will pretty much be done with the devotional when we watch the movie :).

I Would Like Your Opinion

I am trying to be all festive with my backgrounds and I was wondering, is the background I have right now a little too much? And please be honest. Does it drive you away from reading? Does it make the text hard to read? Is it just too busy? I am asking this because I myself think that it is too much but you are the reader so it is your opinion that matters. Thank you for your input!

Our New Blessing

We are expecting our first child on August 17, 2009. Thank you God for our blessing! The ultrasound was done on December 30, 2008 at 7 weeks and 1 day. We got to see and hear the heartbeat! That was an amazing experience and I cried when the technician said "good strong heartbeat", that was music to our ears! Please keep this pregnancy in your prayers, there are no worries but I had a miscarriage last February. So far so good this time...I feel great and no sickness, just tired and lack of energy, which is a blessing!