and our precious Noah should be here! I am now 34 weeks pregnant. I am so excited that it is getting closer :) Just this past Sunday, talking to some friends at church, I realized that we are having a baby next month! Wow, it does seem that the time has flown by. Many people say that the last few weeks are the hardest because of the discomfort and anticipation. Therefore, they seem to drag on forever. But looking ahead, it seems like there is not much time left. There are still things to be done before Noah arrives. We have started on the nursery but still have more to do. We just had our first shower this weekend with 3 more to follow. I'm trying to wind up things at work, making sure that I've made lists of everything I do and when and how I do them so that it's a little easier on the next person who does my job. January is going to be a very busy month!
Overall, my pregnancy has gone well. God has been very gracious to me. My only struggle has been my diagnosis with gestational diabetes. I was very shocked to find out that I had this. As a result, I've been following a fairly strict diet for the last 4 weeks and testing my blood sugar after meals. At first, it was very overwhelming and difficult. I was stressed a lot and wondered how I was going to get through it. But I'm very blessed to have a supportive and caring husband who let me cry on his shoulder many times. He has helped tremendously by consoling me and even writing out meal plans for me so that I wouldn't have to eat the same, boring things. I will be honest - this isn't fun at all! However, Noah is worth every bit of it. The way I see it, this is the first of many sacrifices that I will make for my son. Wes reminded me of the importance of sacrifice in an encouraging email he wrote me on one of my more difficult days. He said that this sacrifice for Noah is causing me to love him more and is bringing out the love I already have for him. After dealing with this for the past month, I see how true that statement is.
Our pastor has often emphasized the importance of looking at our circumstances in light of the Gospel. Our ultimate example of sacrifice is displayed in the cross. There is no greater act of love. While this sacrifice that I am making for my son in no way compares to Christ bearing the wrath for our sins on the cross, it has caused me to lay aside my own desires for the good of someone I love. This is something that only I can do for Noah to help him be a healthy little boy. This is a way for me to think less of myself and to serve my son. God, in his sovereign wisdom, has allowed me to have gestational diabetes but has given me the grace and strength I need to handle it every day. I can see how he is working this out, not only for Noah's health, but for my good as his child. He is so loving and faithful to his children!
