Second chances are ...

oh so sweet, and at times a little bittersweet,  but for me, for us, for Sophie and for Elliott, I feel as though our second chance at parenthood is a true blessing from God that I pray I never, ever take for granted.

Today marks week 30 of the pregnancy and today also happens to be the 3rd of June. Elliott's 16 month birthday in heaven. Happy birthday sweet baby girl. At first I found it a bit ironic even scary that these two milestones coincided on the same day, but after a brief moment I accepted it for what it was and felt at peace with where we are and more faith than ever that all will be ok this time.

I also had a long chat with Sophie and told her that as much as we are ready for her arrival she needs to continue cooking for little while longer.

Having not made it past 30 weeks with Elliott, I am a bit unsure what these next few months will be like, but I can tell you one thing already, I am going to cherish them.

Sophie is growing so big and strong and it truly amazes me how much I can feel and see her moving around. Often when Joe and I are sitting on the couch watching t.v. or reading I forget what I'm doing and just stare at my belly and watch as she moves around.

Walking, sitting, standing - you name it, my hands rest right on my belly as if I'm holding her in my arms already.

Last Friday I spent the majority of the day getting food and favors ready for my friend's baby shower, but the best part of all was that I had the radio on and was just singing right along to Sophie. And I'm a terrible singer but I just wanted to do and it made me feel happy.

I'm thinking about even reading her a book or two. To some people these things may seem simple or pointless or "what's the big deal", but to me it's all a big deal.

All of this I wanted to do for Elliott but I wasn't strong enough for her, emotionally, I mean. The thought of talking to her, or reading her a book brought me to tears every time and I just didn't want her to hear me crying any more than I already did.

So to want to do these things with Sophie and enjoy them feels empowering, healing, and just plain good.

And I have to say I feel less fear and more faith than I've felt in months and that in itself is a blessing. I know a lot of people out there are praying for Sophie, the pregnancy, Joe and I - and I just want to say thank you. Your prayers mean so much to us and they are being answered. Thank you God.

So for the next 45 days, (my mom's fun little countdown), I'm going to cherish this pregnancy and continue to look forward to the arrival of our Sophie Claire.

After all isn't that what second chances are all about. What second chance have you been given?

Ahh, what the heck. Joe said show that belly, so I'm going to show some belly.