In his last ultrasound on Tuesday (38 wks.), I saw Valor blink. His face was kind of hard to see, but one thing was clear: he’s going to be a chub! I’m still getting used to the idea of a fat baby. I’m still getting used to the idea of a healthy baby! I even made a sign for the front door, I’m starting to feel so sure that he’s coming home with us this weekend.
We got a lot of compliments on the maternity photo I posted recently. John and I are extremely blessed with talented and generous friends, and my best friend Susan gets the credit for all our maternity shots.
Speaking of rich in friends, check out the amazing castle cake our friends Jen and John made for Valor’s second baby shower. The fondant was buttercream flavored, and the cake was yellow with raspberry filling. Wow! Note the fine tinting to bring out the brickwork, and the overhanging walls with crenellations!
John even added a cannon and cannonballs on top when Jen wasn’t looking…
What an amazing job! They also made white chocolate lollipops shaped like dragons, knights, and castles (you can see them on either side of the cake, above). Totally insane! Unbeatable! (or should I say, unconquerable!)
Today I did pre-admission at Winnie Palmer Hospital (and saw a few old friends there). They explained what is supposed to happen tomorrow. Apparently they recently changed the policy so that, instead of sending the fathers with the babies to the transition nursery, we will all three be together in the recovery room after the delivery. They said mothers had complained about having to wait until after they got back to their hospital rooms to see the baby after delivery. I remember John brought me a photo of James from the NICU, and I remember on the third day after the surgery I was able to get into a wheelchair to go see him. God was so gracious to let us bond the way we did, starting off that separate. I guess this time things will be different. It’s going to be an adventure.
A friend reminded me of this verse today, which I prayed while crying over James the night before I realized I was pregnant with Valor:
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6
God has been soooooo good in blessing our time of weeping. It’s made our time of joy even sweeter. OK, time to go take care of some last-night preparations before we try to get some rest for the big day tomorrow. Thanks to all of you who have been checking the blog, calling, emailing, and praying…we will be posting Valor’s first photos and his birth story tomorrow.
We have tears reading your last post before Valor is here! Can’t wait to see the first pictures of the little man. Our thoughts will be with you and your family tomorrow.
YAY!!! Looking forward to reading all about your new baby. Hoping and praying the birth goes quickly and smoothly. Best wishes.
Will be thinking of all of you tomorrow and praying for everything to go smooth and easy!
I just can’t stand it, I am so excited! I sure hope I can sleep tonight. I know I am going to wake up with a big smile on my face knowing that Valor has come into the world (assuming that I sleep past 7am 🙂
I’ll be praying and thinking of you both and little Valor! Did you save the top of the cake for his 1st birthday? 😉
through James and Dora…it says in the word the weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning and your dawn in just over the horizon. Pslms 30:5
You will be in our thoughts tomorrow!
My oldest son was a preemie (28 weeks) and I didnt get to hold him until he was a week old.
When my youngest was born (37 weeks!) I got to hold him in the recovery room! It was so great!
I cannot wait to hear Valor’s birth story and see his pics!
Tomorrow is a big day! I am so excited for the 3 of you and your extended families. Valor (and his parents) will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight and tomorrow. I can’t wait to see the blessing the Lord has bestowed.
I am now officially weepy!!! and sooooo excited!!!
While I might not be the best with my memory for the Scripture, I’d like to harken to my Irish heritage and leave this blessing for tomorrow 🙂
May God give you for every storm, a rainbow
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.
God’s peace be on you both, look forward to the photos of sweet Valor!!
Good Luck!!!
I found your blog through the Cake Wreck site and I’ve been following it, but haven’t commented. I just wanted to say I am excited for you and good luck! I can’t wait to see pics 🙂 And that cake and the lollipops are fantastic. So is the door hanger 🙂 His nursery is adorable too!
{{{HUGS}}} to you, John and Valor!
This point in your Journey has us all singing for joy! And singing praises to the Author of it all. Our prayers are with you for tomorrow.
Can’t wait to welcome Valor! God’s blessings!
Praying for you guys! Can’t wait to meet Valor!
It’s 27th here in Argentina! I’ve been up since very early…I’m just too excited!
Can’t wait to meet Valor!!
All the best! Hope every thing runs smoothly and that we can meet Valor through pictures soon!
Love
Sabrina from Argentina
Blessings on you and your family! We are all celebrating with you in spirit! Welcome Baby Valor! Can’t wait for your next entry.
Blessings on you and your family! We are all celebrating with you in spirit! Welcome Baby Valor! Can’t wait for your next entry.
Blessings on your family! Welcome Valor!
Wonderful photos. Jen, you did a great job on the cake. It’s beautiful and I also love the BABY wreath you made, Abby. What a welcome home celebration it will be.
So beautiful … all of the photos. Jen’s cake is gorgeous. And Abby, if any woman was ever created to show the beauty of pregnancy, the glow … well, it’s you.