Baby Bump Week 14 and My Thoughts on Being Pregnant at 46

I am now 17 weeks along in my pregnancy. These photos are from my 14th week. I'll probably share some photos with you next Monday of my 16th week. This was such a gorgeous day with the temperatures in the 70s F and a nice little breeze, a  perfect day for wearing this flowing dress with my cowgirl boots. We were invited to dine for lunch at the home of a sweet family from our church along with some other families. Afterwards the adults sat around and talked while the children played basketball and other fun things. They have the loveliest front porch which I thought would be perfect for snapping a few quick shots. A big thanks to my always-willing husband for obliging me. 

Everything is going well in my pregnancy. I feel great and have plenty of energy. This is an awesome time in my life as a woman. I have the privilege of housing and growing a new life, a life that will not only be born into this world, but an eternal soul that will live forever. I never dreamed or envisioned that I would still be having babies at this age, 46 next Saturday. It wasn't part of my plan, but I am trusting in God's plan. I know that He has special plans for this baby. I am in awe that He wants to use me to be a part of that, that He has chosen to trust me for this special task. I know He will give me the strength and wisdom to raise this baby up for Him and His purposes and that He will guide me, along with my husband, along the way, as well as provide for us financially.  The whole thing is such a miracle, a life forming inside of my body. I am amazed by the whole process, the forming of each little part, a soul, little fingers and toes, sweet cheeks and sparkling eyes, chubby little hands that will bring me flowers, precious lips that will form the sweetest of smiles, arms that will wrap around me for hugs and security, the whole helpless form of this baby who will look to me for sustenance, nursing for nourishment. This will be such a sweet, precious time to be treasured in our memories forever. This baby will be such a precious gift to our family. 

I feel that motherhood is my highest calling and the highest career in the nation. Carrying and/or caring for a child is one of the greatest joys of womanhood. I gave up a successful career as a court stenographer to be a full-time mom. It is such a privilege and joy, and I take my job very seriously. I embrace the role of motherhood with all my heart. I pour into my children each and every day and love, nurture and guide them with all of the ability that God gives me, looking to Him each day for wisdom.

For those of you who do not know me as well, This will be our sixth blessing. Our oldest will be 23 soon after the baby is born. She will be graduating from college this May. The other children are ages 18 in May, 10, 8 and 3. The three oldest are girls, and the two youngest are boys. We are a homeschooling family. I have been teaching the children from home for 18 years now. Our oldest received a full scholarship to college after being homeschooled all 13 years.

At this point we do not know the sex of the baby. We will most likely find out towards the end of April. I will let you know as soon as I can after I find out.  Emily, 10, is hoping for a girl; and Martin, 8, is hoping for a boy. I'm sure you're not surprised. 

We have some possible names picked out: Sean if it's a boy and Natalie Marie if it's a girl. Any name suggestions? These aren't totally set in stone yet.

Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. I appreciate so much every one of you and the comments you leave. They mean so much to me. I am so thankful for the friends I have made here. Thank you for sharing with me in the excitement of my pregnancy. I will try to update you as much as possible and share pictures of my growing belly. I will also try to get myself in gear and organized to share some sewing with you soon, too. I have taken some skirts I found in a thrift store and turned them into maternity skirts. I plan to share a tutorial on how I did that with you soon. I hope you have a wonderful week.