Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Post You All (may) Have Been Waiting For

I'll cut to the chase... Isaac is going to be a big brother!


Sorry for my goofy expression and head tilt... this was taken before 7am, and I am not quite awake :)

Anyhow... Baby SISTER (well, the sonographer was 90-95% sure!) is due March 25, 2010; however, with needing a repeat c-section, she will probably be delivered between 38-39 weeks.

In anticipation of some things you may (or may not) be wondering...

- I am 18 weeks pregnant (I know... I held out for a long time on this one...)

- So far, everything with baby girl looks great !!

- No, we don't yet have a name; but we're getting close. We have a middle name, and have narrowed her first name down to three or four choices. We'll let you know once we've decided, as we would love for you to pray for her by name.

- Yes, I am receiving additional monitoring. I have an open invitation at my OB's office to come for heartbeat checks, though now that I can feel her move, I don't really need them anymore. I am also being monitored by monthly ultrasounds.

-No, we are not doing any testing... no first trimester screen, no CVS, no amnio. Even normal numbers would come back higher than the odds of what happened with Isaac, and so numbers are pretty meaningless for us. Particularly with the ultrasounds looking so good at this point, we want to move forward in faith believing that things are okay, and if the time comes that they aren't, we will deal with it then. God has been good in really affirming this decision for us.

- Physically, I feel great. My body just "does" pregnancy well. I had some morning sickness early on (more like a seasick feeling) but it didn't last long at all. I am really lucky in that regard.

- Emotionally, being pregnant again is difficult. But the specifics of that will serve as another blog post... or several :) There is a lot I have been processing over the last few months.

For now, I'll just say that while I feel like I can breathe a little bit easier with each appointment that goes well, it has been difficult to feel blissfully excited about this pregnancy. It is so hard to balance feeling hopeful, with knowing that there's never a safe point in pregnancy. It's hard to balance joyful anticipation, with the ache of missing Isaac so much.

In some ways, I feel like I am grieving in a fresh way. This past Sunday, Spencer and I went out to breakfast before visiting the cemetery and going to church. As we were sitting there, in walked a family of four: mom, dad, big brother, and little sister. It hit me like a ton of bricks, that this baby girl will not know her big brother, other than what we share of him, on this side of heaven.

So while we are hopeful, and we are incredibly thankful for the tremendously good news so far, the missing is still there. The ache for my son is still there. We are just in a new place in this journey as we wait with hopeful anticipation for our baby girl, and at the same time, miss Isaac so much. God has been gracious in walking so closely with us through this, showing us day by day what it means to live out this delicate (and at times exhausting) balance.

That's about all I can think of for now. I wanted to share the news with you all, my faithful readers, encouragers, and warriors of prayer. Please specifically be in prayer for:

- My upcoming routine OB appointment on the 26th. Please pray that it is just boring and uneventful!

- My big 20 week ultrasound on November 5. Please pray that baby girl's development is still
right on track and that everything continues to look perfect.

If there's anything I missed that you may be wondering, please feel free to ask... but I reserve the right not to answer :)

Thank you for praying... and please continue praying for my friend Carly!

241 comments:

Sara said...

WOW! What a blessing! Congrats to both of you!

Maryland Mommy said...

Very exciting news! So happy for you! I've been following your blog since before your other sweet angel was born and am so happy to hear that things for you are looking up. Big brother is smiling down and I am sure he had a hand in helping to pick this little soul out :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I pray that your baby girl is healthy and happy but I don't doubt she will be, she has an precious angel above watching over her already!

Laura said...

SUCH WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! Made my day...granted it's only 10am, but still...you are in my prayers!

Sue said...

So happy for you! I will be praying. It is such great news!

Liz and Will Timmerman said...

I am so happy for you and Spencer! I know Isaac is so proud that he is a big brother now! Little Baby Sister is so blessed to have not only an older brother (which every girl should have) but one that can watch over her and protect her every moment of her life from heaven.

I feel your pain about not having your daughter know her brother on this side of heaven. Words can't make that better. Just know that I feel the same way about my daughter and her big brother.

All our love, and much congratulations,
The Timmermans

Amber said...

Congratulations! I am praying for a very healthy baby girl!

Daddy's Dream ~Mommy's Miracle said...

tears of joy!!! congrats!

Kristin said...

CONGRATS!!!!! oh i am so happy and excited for you! Ill be praying for this baby every night and starting now! :) I can't wait to hear her name so we can pray for her by name!! congrats! God is soo good!

Bethany said...

Oh wow!! I must say that even though I don't know you, the blessing of a healthy pregnancy for you is bringing tears to my eyes. I will keep on praying for health, emotionally and physically, for all of you. Praising God with you for both Isaac & your little girl's lives!

Jen said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I have the biggest smile on my face right now!
What a blessing:) You will be in my prayers every step of the way!

Anonymous said...

Very exciting. I will be praying for you and your baby girl. :)

Charity said...

Oh bless you and your family! I am so happy for you. Congratulations.

Miche said...

Congrats again! I'll be following you through this pregnancy in hopes that maybe one day I'll gain the courage to try it again in hopes of having a little one to raise here on Earth.

Your faith as always is amazing! Also, you look wonderful :) You do seem to do pregnancy well.

Congrats!!!!

Ashley said...

oh my goodness!!!! I am trying to type through the tears... I have followed your blog for awhile now and I can't tell you how happy I am for you! I will be praying!

Isha said...

I have been WAITING for the day when I could say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Ashley said...

ps your dress is SO CUTE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratualtions! I have been waiting for this blog post! I am so excited for you and Spencer! I will pray that the pregnancy continues to be a healthy one and that this Baby girl will arrive perfect in every way and that she will know how AWESOME her Big Brother was and continues to be!

boltefamily said...

WOW! You look so beautiful! Congratulations! We are so happy for you guys! It will be bittersweet but you will not take a moment for granted and I am sure you will see that Isaac will shape your family in ways you never imagined. We will be praying for you all!

The Durham Family said...

So happy for you! U look adorable.

Melissa said...

Congratulations! This is such a blessing! You are in my prayers.

Allie said...

congratulations!

Kates said...

CONGRATULATIONS STACY!!!! I am so excited!!! I know you are nervous, I was too after losing our last one. We will all be praying for little baby girl!!!!

Love from WI

Kate

Kelli said...

Congrats to you guys and you will be in my prayers every day! I can't wait to hear what you name her. :) God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Congrats!! I've been following your blog for awhile and wondered when this post would appear! So happy for you and so glad everything is going smoothly!!

Melissa said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And yes, I have waited and waited to see a post like this (haha). I know Isaac could never be replaced, but what a blessing to you both to have a new life growing and a sweet baby girl to look forward to. No doubt she will be just as beautiful as her big brother.

Take care. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers!

The Writer Chic said...

Love to all four of you!

Sonya said...

oh my gosh!! I could not be more excited for you. I am in tears trying to read your post!!! I know that this has got to be so hard on you emotionally but you are in no way replacing Isaac. You will tell this beautiful little girl all about her big brother and she will know all about him!

Leslie said...

Congrats! Seeing this post has given me baby fever! I so miss being pregnant. I have two girls, one who is 6, and one who is 7 1/2 months. I suffered an ectopic pregnancy between the them, and it took me 16 months to get pregnant with the last one.

I am so thrilled for you. I pray that your baby girls arrives healthy and that your pregnancy will continue to go well. I can't wait to read your updates as things progress. Again, congrats!

Cynthia said...

Congrats! I am so happy for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I don't know you personally but I have been following your blog, praying for you, and waiting for this post! I am so happy for you. I believe that before they are born, babies are closest to God- sort of in between both worlds. Therefore, during this pregnancy your little girl is getting to know her big brother and savoring this special time she has with him before she is born. He will then watch over her while she is here on this earth with you. God bless you and know that I am praying for your family.

Sapphire said...

Congratulations! That is such great news!

Bridget =) said...

I am so happy for you and your husband. Your son was born on my wedding anniversary, so I think of your family often, especially this year. hugs!

Anna said...

Congrats...what a blessing! Such wonderful news!

The Bagley Bunch said...

That is WONDERFUL news!!!! God is so good!! Psalm 127:3 CONGRATS!!!!

Cassie said...

A thousand congratulations to you!!! What a blessing!

Jus and Kat said...

Oh Stacy, I'm about as happy as I could possibly be for someone that I don't even "know". I've followed your story for awhile, yours is the first blog that I started reading last year that encouraged me to start writing my own.

When you say, "It hit me like a ton of bricks, that this baby girl will not know her big brother, other than what we share of him, on this side of heaven", I believe it because I've had that exact same thought with Faith.

Thank you for sharing . . . your grief, your life, your ups and downs, thank you for it all. It has been such a blessing for me on my grief journey.

And if you feel so inclined, you can read about my pregnancy with Faith from start to finish: Keeping the Faith.

Thank you Stacy,
Kat In Dylan's Memory

mel @ the larson lingo said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! I have tears of joy for you! Praying for a healthy baby girl & a smooth pregnancy! YAY!

Valerie said...

Stacy - I was wondering when this post would appear! Congratulations again to you and Spencer. Praying for your entire family.

King J's Queen said...

Oh I am just so happy and excited for you! I can only imagine the mixture of joy, concern, hope and grief you are experiencing now. It is my prayer that all will be well with Isaac's little sister and that your pregnancy will be uneventful. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

So happy to read your precious news!
We will be much in prayer for you : that you will feel many daily special blessings. I know this already very loved baby girl will be as beautiful
as Issac is.

love Craig and Betty L.

Unknown said...

I am so happy for you and your family! What a wonderful blessing to you and your family!

Jessica said...

Congrats!! What a blessing!

Unknown said...

Stacy,
Oh my goodness...congratulations!! We are so excited for you all of you! I know what you mean about your daughter not knowing Issac. I think about that a lot with our new pregnancy. We will be praying fervently for all 3 of you.

Sweet Jesus, thank you for blessing the Delisle's with another baby. We are so thankful for Your perfect timing and Your provision. Lord, we pray for this baby girl that you keep her healthy and strong and that Stacy has no complications throughout her pregnancy. Lord you are the Creator of Life and you promise us that all things work together for the good of those who know and love you. Please give comfort, hope and joy to Stacy and Spencer as they continue to walk in this journey faithful to you and the work you have called them to do. In your Holy name Father, Amen.

Amber said...

YAY! So excited for you and I'll be praying.

Beth said...

Congratulations! I'll be praying for you and baby girl :)

mandie lane said...

Stacy, congratulations! I am so happy for you and will continue to hold you and your family of four in my prayers.

AmberS said...

I am SO happy for you.

trennia said...

Congrats! I'm so very happy for you!

Kristina said...

YAY!!!!! Congrats!!!!

jpournaras said...

What wondeful news for you! You really are an inspiration to so many people for your faith and great attitude. You will definitely be in my thoughts, as well as that baby girl of yours!

Jaclyn said...

Congratulations!!! I'm happy for you!

Alison said...

Woohooo!!! I'm so excited for you, Stacy...CONGRATS!

I will continue in prayer for your family as you try to balance the feelings of excitement and joy of your baby girl's growth and impending delivery with the sadness and emptyness of Isaac's absence. ((HUGS))

Trisha Larson said...

Congratulations. That's wonderful news. I hope and pray that God allows me to have the joy of a new baby again.

Hugs,
Trisha

Cecilia said...

Congratulations! I have been following your blog since before you gave birth to your sweet Isaac but never had the courage to leave a comment, and well....this post definitely deserves one! Many blessings to you & your husband :)

Becki said...

Congratulations!

Loretta said...

I am so, so happy for you and Spencer. Your family will be in my prayers.

becca said...

that's such great news... and i'm glad to hear that everything is going great! it gave me chills just reading...

i'm so grateful for your blessing and i'm sure isaac's thrilled to be a big brother... he'll keep an eye on his little sister for sure.

Unknown said...

Oh, I am SO, SO, SO, SO excited for you, Stacy & Spencer! Reading this post brought tears to my eyes. I don't know how you managed to wait so long. :-) I am praying for your precious baby girl and for you two. I can't wait to read the next update!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Continuing to pray for your sweet family!

friendfrom PA said...

I am so excited about your news! I read your blog once or twice a week and I was hoping to see this news soon. I'm so happy for your family.

Laura Ann said...

Congratulations, what a fantastic blessing from the Lord. I will pray that the rest of your pregnancy goes by uneventfully except for those moments of preparing for your little princess to arrive, decorating, and baby showers.

Daily laying it at the Master's feet!
Laura Ann

Katie said...

Wow, oh wow. Congratulations!

Corby and Lauren said...

OH MY WORD! I don't even know you, and as I saw the picture, I got the chills and tears in my eyes! I am absolutely thrilled for you and Spencer. I will be praying for y'all!!! Thank you for sharing your amazing news with us!

mary anne said...

So thrilled for you. CONGRATULATIONS!

Ellie said...

I am beyond thrilled for you. I will pray for your baby girl, as I have been praying for you since I started following your blog over 1.5 years ago. Reading your news has made me smile.

jeeper said...

Congrats. Isabelle with Izzie as a nick name would be a great companion to Issac.

Jennifer said...

Hooray! Congrats to you and your family. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy!

Nicole said...

The post i've been waiting for!!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Congrats on your princess!! Lot's of prayers for a very uneventful pregnancy and a VERY healthy baby girl come March!!

Stacy D said...

A lot of people have acutally suggested the name Isabelle... but, we have some very close friends whose daughter is already named Isabelle. So, it's out of the running.

Desiree said...

I am so happy for you guys I sit here in tears. Tears of happiness and tears of sympathy for all of the emotions you must be feeling. Praying for you and your family.

Desiree said...

Yall found the perfect name for Isaac so I know you will find the perfect name for his little sister.

Crystal said...

I am so happy for you and Spencer! Issac would be a great big brother, and he will be looking down on you all. What a lucky little girl, to be born with an angel on her shoulders already. Much love.

Sonya said...

I am sorry! I just had to come back and read this post again. I have been praying so hard for you and Spencer that when you did get pregnant again that everything would be perfect and that God would bless you with a healthy baby. Even though this is the second time I read it I am crying again! Blessings to you and Spencer and Baby girl. I look forward to reading all about your pregnancy.

Poppy said...

Hallelujah! I'm so very happy for you and Spencer.

Can't wait to know the little ones name so I can add her to my prayers by name!

Take care!

WendyCarole said...

Congratulations I am so happy for you

Chatty Cricket said...

I LOVE that there are so many people out here celebrating along with you!
CONGRATULATIONS! Babies are such wonderful news (and you look WONDERFUL!)


And a GIRL, how exciting!!

Paige said...

Amen!! I just (10-14) delivered a healthy baby girl after loosing my first at 36 weeks. What blessings you have in store!!! Keep us posted and i will be praying!!!

Dvlish said...

Many, many congratulations to you! May God bless you and keep you and your precious baby girl safe and healthy! I needed your post this morning as a reminder that God is always faithful to those who wait on Him...as I move on to the next cycle without a positive pregnancy test, your news gives me hope. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Stacy, how wonderful! I just knew this post was coming. Such joy for you and Spencer. I'll continue to pray for you both and your sweet daughter.

Elizabeth

Kelli said...

The best news EVER!! I am soooooo excited for you!!! A sweet baby girl! Praying for continued peace and a great pregnancy!!

Anonymous said...

For some reason, after following your blog for sometime, I just felt like you were pregnang again, and I just had the peaceful feeling that everything this time would be perfect.

My prayers are with your growing family, and your angel Isaac will always be looking over her. Isaac has touched a lot of lives.

Congratulations!

Misty Rice said...

WOW girl you pulled one over us.... what a HUGE and WONDERFUL surprise. That is so great. I am very happy for you.

YOu and (sadly) but also happy.... if that makes any sense.

Sadly I know so many, (that have lost a child)...

Happy that joy and gifts are all blooming from the darkness...

ALL (and I do mean all other than Angie, and Angies brother, baby Lukes daddy....unless they too are hiding out)...

All are expecting again. I can only imagine how painful and yet exciting that can be... I am SOOO happy for you and will keep you and baby sister in prayer.

Love you girl

oxoxo

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Stacy, Spencer and sweet Isaac. I will continue to pray for a peaceful and uneventful pregnancy for you. hugs xxxx

Franchesca said...

Congratulations! =)

Nap Mom said...

OMG - you don't know how much this cheers me up. I have been reading your blog (silently) for sooooooooooooo long. This is great, great news!!! I have been waiting for this post! I am so thankful for this day for you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I have been following your blog for about a year and a half now. Very excited for you and your new journey.

Courtney
GA

Holly said...

CONGRATS on such a blessing!!! I am so happy that you are expecting a precious little girl and that things are looking great so far. You definitely have my prayers through your journey with this new little one. I know Issac will always be a great big brother!!

The Hulocks said...

CONGRATS! I am so excited for you guys.

Unknown said...

Stacy i am so excited for you! Congrats! And, looks like we are due 2 days apart. :)

Cate said...

CONGRATS! I saw your ticker over it on thebump but didn't want to say anything. I am so so so thrilled for you! We lost our first baby 9/22/08 and are also having a girl this coming February. It has been a whole new phase of the healing process.

Many prayers to you!

The Fabulous Ms. Beth said...

I have goosebumps! Congrats on Isaac's baby sister! :) I will pray for you as you go through your pregnancy and prepare yourself for this little girl's arrival!

-- from the Smith family.

Corey, Beth, angel Charlie, and his baby sister Katie. :)

whippetmom said...

What a blessing! Congratulations!!

Crissie T. said...

I have a HUGE smile on my face! Congratulations, Stacy and Spencer! Isaac and baby girl Delisle are so blessed to have you two as parents. I have prayed and prayed for you and am so excited to hear this news.

You look fantastic, too!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Stacy! I am so overjoyed for you!!! I am continuing to keep you in my prayers.

Missy

Jenn said...

Congratulations!

Laura said...

Congratulations!! This has been a great week for good news and I am so happy for you!!!

I will keep your friend Carly and her little boy in my thoughts and heart.

Paula said...

Congratulations Stacy, Spencer and Issac!!!!

I haven't been reading your blog as faithfully over the past months, but as Isaac's birthday drew near I found myself thinking about you all more often. Ironic, that of all days I finally actually logged on to your blog again you are posting this wonderful news.

I originally came to tell you I remember Issac (knowing you and his story through the nest and your blog) and to tell you you all made a difference in my life.

And now I also get to congratulate you on his new baby sister! My continued prayers for you all.

Nestie becoming_untied

Mommara said...

I am so happy for you. We were pregnant together with our son's, so I have been burdened to pray for your journey thus far. I have cried for you, and prayed for you now I can be excited about this new adventure and pray for your baby girl. Issac would be so proud of you and Spencer growing your family. :)

Erika Hansen said...

Stacy I was sitting here at work falling asleep and being in general kind of grumpy, when I read this post and shouted out in pure joy! CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS a million times over. I am praying for you, Spencer, and Isaac's little sis daily. What wonderful news! Keep us posted, as we can't wait to hear more about your new journey.

Jennifer said...

This is WONDERFUL news! I am so surprised & thrilled for you. I will pray for your sweet girl & your heart as you look forward to meeting her, and continue to grieve and miss your sweet boy. Big big hugs!

Lisa said...

How exciting for you... CONGRATULATIONS!! You look beautiful.

Carly said...

Stacy, You look absolutely wonderful! You are in my prayers every day. Thank you so much for all of your prayers for us too! Love, Carly

Kellye said...

STACY!!! WHAT A BLESSING! Congratulations! I look forward to reading more about "boring" appt!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats... I was waiting anxiously for you to post this news and couldnt wait on here to come on and congratulate you.

Lots of love

Blogs said...

Just beautiful. Your angel in heaven is beyond precious.:)

Tori said...

Congratulations! That is very exciting news! I am so very happy for you!

amyyellowstone said...

I am so happy for you and your family. I have been following your blog for over about a year and a half and this is wonderful news!! Congratulations to you, Spencer and Isaac...

shotzie said...

Congratulations! I've been following your blog for a while now. When I saw the title of this post, I thought to myself, "I bet she's pregnant!" I'm so happy for you. I'll be praying that all continues to go well!

Kelly said...

Congratulations!! What fantastic news! You look absolutely fabulous! Will be praying for boring, normal, ho-hum OB appointments for you! :) God bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, Stacy, I am crying tears of joy for you! I will pray that baby girl continues to be healthy. So happy for you.

Nellie said...

This is my first time posting though I've been following your very moving and spiritually uplifting blog. I am beyond thrilled for you and pray with every beat of my heart that you have a wonderful, healthy pregnancy and birth of your little angel of a girl! Isaac must be flying happily with his beautiful wings - excited that his mommy & daddy are gifting him with a little sister to love and look out for!

Cecilia said...

What wonderful news, congratulations! I don't comment often, but I admire your strength.

Beth said...

Wonderful news! Congrats to both of you. You and your family are in my prayers. I started following your blog prior to Isaac's birth and am always amazed at your strength and courage. All the best!

Kamaile said...

This made me smile. You look beautiful! I don't even know you but I am so happy for your and Spencer. Congratulations!

Erika said...

Stacy, such wonderful news! I waited until I was 17 weeks to announce my pregnancy after Vivian and Annemarie on my blog- I wanted people to remember Vivian and Annemarie, and felt like waiting just a few extra weeks...hard to explain, but I think you might get it. Now that Blythe is here, I still grieve for V&A...it is different than it was, but I still very much miss my twin girls. I don't think we will ever get over missing the babies who would be sitting at our table, but we have to move forward somehow- as painful as that is. I will be praying for you- for a good 20 week appointment, for peace, for a healthy pregnancy...for a smooth delivery. Many many hugs to you!!!! Isaac is going to be a big brother. Hurray!!!!

Love,
Erika

Susan F said...

Yay, I am so excited for you! This post has made my day and I am glad all is looking well.

Anonymous said...

Stacy - you look absolutely adorable and stunning in the picture. I have been and I will continue to pray for an uneventful pregnancy and the arrival of Isaac's little sister.

Hugs,
Susi

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!!!!!!

MicheleL said...

Congratulations Stacy!! You are in my prayers daily.

Helga said...

Congrats to you both and especially congrats to Big Brother Isaac!!! I have been waiting for this post for a long time. No one deserves this more than you!!! What a wonderful surprise to see on your blog today!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

asplashofsunshine said...

I will finish the reading the rest of the post later... I have to rush to say, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not enough exclamation points to express it. Whoaaa, yayyyyy!!!

Grace said...

Congratulations to the both of you!

becki777 said...

Congratulations!!! I am so excited for your new blessing!

KAL071203 said...

Congrats Stacy I am SO happy for you what exciting news that Issac will be a big brother!

Lauren Thorne said...

I am so happy for you! I've been reading your blog for a year and a few months now and you are so inspiring. I've been praying for you and Spencer. Now, I'll add baby girl to that prayer list!

Charlotte Ann said...

So happy for you! What an amazing God that we serve. I will be praying for you and your little one. Congratulations!

Momma said...

Congratulations!!! What a wonderful blessing, I will be praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Stacy and Spencer!! I am SO happy for you! I will continue to pray for you all and I hope that things continue to go well with this pregnancy. I also continue to pray for you all during this bittersweet time. I know that Isaac is in heaven watching over you :)

Meghann said...

Congrats to you and your husband, what a blessing this is for you. I've been following your blog since the beginning and am so glad for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

What a beautiful picture of you and baby sister...brings a smile to my face! Rejoicing with you...praying for you...sending much love to you...to both of you!

rored5 said...

Congratulations! And, not that it makes you feel better, but your little girl will always know her big brother through the memories you share of him with her.

Amy said...

Congratulations!

Jennifer McNeely said...

Yay, so excited for you. Isaac will be her guardian angel. And you sure do pregnancy well. You are glowing.

Cheryl said...

Congrats! I am so happy for you both. I will continue to pray for you and for your appointments.

Rebekah said...

I am so happy for your family. What exciting news. I know the pains of losing a child, once to a miscarriage at 12 weeks and once to extreme prematurity and hydrops. My pain from these losses has subsided, but I doubt the sadness over them ever will go away. Following each loss though, I was blessed with a child. First, our daughter was born, and we are hopeful that we will be bringing home our son from China in the next couple months.
I have found that the blessing of another child tremendously heals my heart. I still mourn all the experiences my daughter will never have with her little sister. But I greatly anticipate the new experiences she will soon have with her brother.
I will be praying for an uneventful pregnancy and for peace in your heart. Also will be praying for you as you learn to handle grief in a new way.
Blessings to your family,
Rebekah

Heidi said...

Such a wonderful new blessing, and great road to travel. Remember your precious baby girl has already met Issac and is here to bring you so much joy and happiness. Congratulations to you both! Such a sweet little angel sent down from God into your loving arms

Jen said...

I'm so happy for you! I'll be alongside for the ride... I'm due on the 22nd of March :)

I will be keeping you firmly in my prayers, Precious Mother.

Alida B. said...

YAY!!!!!! I have been a long, long time reader but I have never commented. I just wanted to tell you our family has been praying so hard for your family since you were like 20 weeks pregnant with Isaac!! I am so incredibly happy for you and thinks it's absolutely wonderful that your little guy is going to be a big brother. I bet you he is hanging out with her right now just waiting to send her to you! :)

John Kincaid said...

What a beautiful post! Your words created such an honest and beautifully worded explanation of your wonderful news! I am so very happy for you and your husband! I am praying for God's special protection over you and this sweet little sister of Isaac's as you grow closer to her arrival! She will always know about her big brother, and I have no doubt that this will have an amazing impact on how she lives her life...he will touch her life in an incredibly special way!!

Nicole said...

YAY!!! How'd you know I was waiting for this post? ;) Congratulations! I can't wait to see sweet, sweet, beautiful pictures of Isaac's little sister! If she looks anything like him, she will take our breath away! Praying for you!
XOXO, Nicole

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I have been following your blog for sometime now, and I know Isaac will be looking down protecting his mommy, daddy and little sister.

Anonymous said...

Stacy, Spencer, and Isaac- CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so incredibly happy your family. Isaac- what a miracle I know you are helping to orchestrate in your mommy and daddy's life. Stacy- I know that you are cautiously anticipating this little miracle's arrival... remember to enjoy every little moment! Love and prayers to all 4 of you!

The Blue Sparrow said...

Im so happy for you! Congrats and big hugs!

Anonymous said...

Congrats - I had wondered when this post would come and so happy for all of you. I've never commented but followed you for a long time.

Congrats.

FSD said...

Most EXCELLENT news! Praise God! I've been waiting for this announcement. I'm so very happy and excited for Spencer and you. I got goosebumps when I read the opening sentence. Your daughter is blessed to have parents like Spencer and you; you both will set a very Godly example for her. And she has the best big brother ever.

I will be praying for all that you've asked. Can't wait for an update on your very uneventful and boring appt on the 26th. (Yawning already...lol). Congrats!

Rev. Mindi said...

Many many blessings, congratulations, prayers for boring appointments and good news, and as hard as it is, one blessing that has already been shared in other comments is you know there is an angel watching over her! Prayers for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, strength for you and your husband throughout these days.

Michelle said...

I have been following your blog for a very long time, since Isaac was born since he was close to my childrens age (I have twins). I am SO SO happy for you. I will pray for your new little one, as well as allowing you peace in this pregnancy. Again, my utmost and sincere congratulations.

Michelle from SC

Tammy On the Go said...

If I could jump up and down in cyber space I would!

Jenell said...

How exciting! I am so happy for you. I know exactly what you mean about it being hard to be excited. I am so happy that this little guy is doing good and every week is a milestone for me, but I will not feel good until he is safe in my arms. Being pregnant again is so emotional and I also miss my girls even more now, if that's possible. You will be in my prayers!
Jenell

Welcome to the Shit Show! said...

Such wonderful news! Praying for y'all faithfully! Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Stacy - Congratulations on this news! I know first hand how you are feeling with this pregnancy. We both have similar stories with both having a miscarriage and then losing our sons. I am currently pregnant as well but am at 30 weeks. I did not tell my parents until 2 weeks ago and only immediate family know. I have been through and am still going through many emotions with this pregnancy and like you said it makes me so upset when I think about bringing this baby home with Nicholas not here with us. The Lord has given me tremendous peace and I will be praying for this for you and Spencer as well. Thank you so much for your blog. There have been many times that I have turned to your words for encouragement. You help many of us draw closer to God including myself. Praying for your u/s at 20 weeks as well. Darla

kim k. said...

such beautiful news! Hooray! you will be in my prayers. xoxo

sawicky99 said...

So happy for you...Long story short...I started following your blog shortly after we lost our baby girl at 16 weeks...and so many of your posts have been exactly what I have felt...SO MANY. I too am pregnant again and due in Jan and again...understand what you are going through...my prayers are with you and you have made my night with your news! Praise be to God and Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

congratulations on such a wonderful blessing. you and your little girl will be in my thoughts and prayers.

LDRN said...

That is so exciting!! Congrats to all of you & I will be praying hard for you all!

3boysmom said...

Wow!!! I have been following your blog since you lost your beautiful Isaac and I am just sitting here in tears. A baby girl...what a wonderful blessing! I am SO excited for you. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.

Alyssa said...

Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you guys! I will pray that your pregnancy continues to go along with no issues! I'm sure Isaac will be very proud of his little sister!

Jen said...

Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and Spencer. You will be in my prayers, as I know what you are going through. You will never "enjoy" pregnancy like a mom who has not experienced a loss, but you will continue to be filled with hope and the thoughts of holding your sweet baby girl in your arms will warm your heart. Congrats!!!

Lindsay said...

Congratulations! Truly, that is great news. I hope all goes well. I know how difficult it is to try again..

Anonymous said...

Congratulations that is amazing news.
Praying for a calm, trouble free pregnancy

Em
from Australia

Meg said...

God bless your family. I have been reading your blog for over a year now, and I am amazed by your strength and wisdom.

Marcy said...

Congratulations on your smooth pregnancy so far -- I'll pray that your baby girl is healthy & strong!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I am a long time follower of your blog and honestly, this post made my night! I am thrilled for you both!!!

Angela said...

I literally just said, "SHUT UP" to my computer screen. LOL

I am so thrilled for you, Stacy! I am kind of excited that we're due around the same time! I'm due Apr 3, and am having a repeat Csection on March 26.

This time around, though, we're doing more testing than last time. I guess we all just deal differently with things. My amnio is Nov 3. I just have to know this time since I didn't know last time.

I'll keep you in my prayers for sure!!

Laura said...

Stacy, I'm sitting here with tears pouring down my face... I am so happy for ya'll! This is such wonderful news, thank you for sharing it with us! I'm lifting you and Spencer and the baby up in prayer, and I will continue to do so.

God bless you!

In His love,
Laura

Jen said...

HOW AWESOME!I'll be praying for this baby girl, and for you. What an awesome God we serve.

lottfam said...

Congrats! We start praying for this little one as well as continuing to pray for you and Spencer!

Raising Davis Darlings said...

I am so happy for your new blessing! May God bring peace to your hearts during this exciting yet emotional time.

Anonymous said...

Yeah!!! I've been reading your blog since before Issac was born. The last few months, I've been checking nearly every day for this entry! I am so so happy for you. You deserve this and you deserve to be a mom to a child on this side of heaven and He knows you do! Congrats!

Jenny said...

Stacy - I have followed your blog for some time now and I have to admit, I keep coming back to hope you announce that you're pregnant again! Congratulations! Your family will be in my thoughts.

Laura Ripley said...

Stacy, I don't know you and you live miles away but that's why I love blogs!!! I am thankful to hear your story and see a true faith. You are a testimony that God can and will uphold us during our darkest hours. I find myself thinking and praying for you throughout my day. My heart is drawn to you as a women, mother, and child of God. I am very thankful for this precious life that God has entrusted you and your husband with. I know she will be such a blessing to you. I am so sorry for the whole that is always present in your life. Issac is your son and he will always be missed. I know that will never change but am so thankful that the Lord can give you joy again. I truly believe God will completely heal your heart in eternity. I will be praying for you and this new baby. I wish nothing but peace and joy for you and your family!!!!

jmh said...

Stacy, Spencer and Isaac,
Congratulations!!
I am so excited for you and Spencer to be able to experience this joy again. You are already a wonderful mommy to a wonderful little boy; and I know that this little girl is blessed beyond measure to have been given two parents as loving as you and Spencer.
I will pray for boring appointments and peace for you during each one.
Again, many congratulations!
Julie in Tennessee

Unknown said...

I am so happy for you! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Much happiness and many blessings!
I have been waiting for this post like many of your readers.
You will be in my prayers for a healthy daughter.~Heather

Christie, Jeff and Kennedy said...

I am SOOO happy for you! I've been following you on here and via the nest since you starting posting about Isaac. I wish you and Spencer nothing but the best in the rest of your pregnancy.

Anonymous said...

I have prayed, cried, smiled and laughed all the way from Wyoming since stumbling into your blog last September.

I am so, so happy for you and your husband. Your son, Isaac, will be a fabulous big brother. This little girl and any others that follow will always have a guardian angel.

Again, congrats!

The prayers won't stop.

Robyn
Riverton, WY

Anonymous said...

I am so very happy for both of you! I have been reading your blog since before Issac was born and have prayed so many times for you. I will now add your new little one to my prayers. Congrats!!!

KK said...

What happy & exciting news! Along with Isaac, this baby girl will have incredible parents! I'll be praying that everything continues to be perfect with Isaac's baby sister!

Nathan, Laurie, Elizabeth & Emily said...

Jumping with joy for you! Prayers for a beautiful healthy baby girl and pregnancy!

Julie said...

I know we have never met but I've been a faithful reader (and sometime commenter) since before Isaac was born. I am in tears reading about your pregnancy. I am so very happy for you, and will continue to pray for you, Spencer and baby girl.

I know the hope and sorrow that a pregnancy after such a deep loss can bring, and I will be praying for your mother's heart. You describe it so well - some parts of the grief are fresh again as you go through this knowing Isaac is not here, but it also brings such hope.

Hugs and prayers from Indiana!

Our 3 Miracles said...

What wonderful news! I have no doubt that Isaac has his sweet little hands wrapped around you and his little sister keeping a watchful eye on you both. I will continue to pray for both you and Spencer as you experience all the new wonders your life has in store. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Congratulations!!!!!

I will be praying soooooo hard for you guys!

heidi marie said...

a BIG CONGRATS for both of you! and i will be keeping you all in my prayers!

 The Morris Family said...

what incredible news!!! May the Lord continue to give great grace!!

Cindy

Jen said...

Aw yeah! Congratulations! Keeping you and your family in my prayers for a healthy pregnancy.

Kim said...

Terrific news!!! God Bless you all!!!!

Sarah said...

Congratulations!!! How amazing! God is soo good!
((hugs & blessings))

A said...

Congrats! So happy for you! praying for your pregnancy to continue being healthy!

PS- having a girl is awesome! :)

JAMBA said...

I'm a long time lurker. Not sure if I've ever posted, but just felt led to add some more praise! While I know this little girl will never replace Isaac, maybe she'll heal your hearts. So happy for you and Spencer! Praying that God continues to hold you in his hands as you wait for the arrival of your sweet girl.

Tricia said...

Stacy,

Can I make her a doll too? I have the sweetest, softest pink fabrics for little baby girls!

oh, I am so excited for you! Congratulations!

-Tricia
HumbleLikeThisChild.com

Amy said...

Eliana means "God has answered my prayers" ... so I submit that as a name choice! :)

Congratulations! I'm so very happy for you. Isaac will be such a great role model for his baby sister. We all should aspire to touch as many lives as Isaac has!

Renee said...

Congrats!! what wonderful news!

Joanne said...

SO excited for you and Spencer!!! I will keep praying that all is well and you "breeze" thru this pregnancy with a beautiful baby girl!

We've Got Scents said...

I am so very thankful for this great news! Please know I will be praying for your upcoming appointments.
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Brittney said...

I am so happy for you and Spencer!!!

Rachel said...

Oh what wonderful news!!! I am so happy for you and Spencer. She is going to be so well loved and prayed for! Congratulations Stacy :)

The 3 Grimm's said...

Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for a while now and I can't tell you how exciting it is to hear you have a little one on the way!

Valerie said...

Oh this is so, so wonderful! Congratulations to you, Spencer, and sweet Isaac.

Anonymous said...

Incredible news! I'm an anonymous follower that found you on thebump.com a long time ago. Every time I check your blog, I hope that I'll find a post just like this one and thank God that the good news is finally here! Many prayers are coming your way!