1. A few weeks ago, Ben finished one of the most challenging semesters he's faced thus far in seminary. He completed 20 units at Westminster. 20 units would be a lot anywhere, but at Westminster, it's practically a miracle. I witnessed determination, discipline, and passion on a level I had not yet seen in him and I am so proud. He took this heavy load with the hopes of graduating in May and in order to have the month of January free to spend more time with our baby. Grateful for the timing of it all-that he finished the semester before her birth and will have several weeks to spend with her stress-free before returning to his LAST semester of seminary. Pretty much from the moment he finished his semester he's been taking care of me non-stop. I am humbled by his service and patience and love.
2. In August I began working in the pediatric ICU at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I am grateful for the experience, all of the training I have received as a nurse, a paycheck, and the families and patients who have allowed me to care for them. The position has presented many challenges (being 7-9 months pregnant didn't help with learning a lot of new stuff, or with being physically agile) but I'm fortunate to have received a lot of grace from coworkers and supervisors. I feel especially privileged to be working in this unit because of the unique opportunities to spend time with families during vulnerable periods…the grief over a suffering child, the uncertainty of a new diagnosis, the fragile victory of improvements, or just the exhaustion that comes from a stay in the ICU.
3. Related to #2, I have taken care of a lot of children who were born weeks or months too early. I've become familiar with the challenges that come with prematurity, even those that last well into childhood and beyond. These kids have touched my heart and I deeply admire their caretakers. I am grateful for each week that passes that my baby continues to develop on the inside, knowing what challenges I am being spared of as a future parent.
4. Also related to #2, I was nervous that working in an ICU would expose me to a lot of germs that could be harmful to the baby. Everyone says your first year as a nurse is when you get sick the most because of all the exposure to new germs. Thus far I have not gotten sick once and I am grateful that the Lord has watched over me, protecting me from sickness and injury while taking care of very challenging and very sick patients.
5. My mom arrived in Philly on Friday night and will be able to spend a few weeks with us. She also treated me to the New York City ballet's Nutcracker on Sunday. She used to take me to this performance in San Francisco growing up, and it was very special to enjoy it with her and our future ballerina in such a fun place. I'm so grateful for my mom's service to us and her generosity. I'm grateful that baby girl stayed inside until her Mimi got here and that her Mimi will be here to help us welcome her to the world.
I could go on and on about all the support and love we've received from family and friends, near and far. We've been blown away by the generosity and care we've experienced. If you're reading this and you fall into that category, know how much we love and appreciate you. Can't wait to introduce you to our baby girl.
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