9 Weeks

Sweet little baby, deep inside

Mama's thinkin' about you tonight

Sweet little fingers toes and ears

Mama's cryin' happy tears

~ 9 weeks

Bouncing Baby Belleque | Sharing The Good News

Nick and I decided to wait until I got home to tell anyone else the good news. We wanted to be together for that, and I had only just hit five weeks, so we knew we had plenty of time. I was originally supposed to stay in Kansas for two weeks, but given the news, we decided to cut my visit short by a week, so I could get home and go to the doctor, and be with Nick.

It was hard, not spilling the beans, especially since I still got on Facebook every day, but Nick had it way worse - he had to pretend nothing had happened while seeing family every day for a week! His mom and dad both asked me if he was okay when I called for him, because the poor guy was wandering around the house in a daze! He finally confided in our pastor, which really seemed to help. I was lucky - Tina already knew (obviously), so I could talk to her about it all I wanted.

The day I got home, Nick and I had barely put my things down in the house when he told his parents. They were more than a little surprised! We went over to his sister's house and told them, and they prayed over us, which was really nice. Then we called my parents, who were stunned and thrilled as well. My sister Jessica found out from Mom and started jumping up and shrieking, telling everyone else in the family! I told my brother the next morning, and he claimed he knew what I was going to say, and was also very happy. This is the first baby on my side of the family - all of my siblings are going to be first time aunts and uncles, and my parents will be grandparents for the first time, too! It was very late by the time I told our immediate family, so we called everyone else the next morning, and announced it on Facebook the day after that.

Bouncing Baby Belleque | How We Found Out

Some of you know I went to Kansas to see my sister, Tina, and her family a couple of weeks ago. She is expecting her sixth child next month, and of course as soon as I walked in the door all we could talk about was babies and pregnancy! Well, one thing led to another, and I mentioned I was late (again - this is not unusual), and she surprised me by suggesting I test. Considering the more than thirty pregnancy tests I have taken in the last four plus years without a single positive result, I wasn't very excited about the prospect of yet another disappointment. But I was late, I was experiencing early pregnancy symptoms (even though every time in the past I had experienced the same symptoms, they turned out to be nothing but PMS), and darn it I just couldn't turn off that little spark of hope that always ignites whenever Aunt Flo fails to show up on time. So I took the test. And it was positive.

The first thought through my mind when I saw that second pink line? "It's finally happened; I've snapped, and now I'm hallucinating!" I stumbled out of the bathroom and told Tina there was a second line, then stumbled out the back door and stood leaning against the swing set, hyperventilating. Could I really be pregnant, after all this time, and so much heartache? What if it was a bum test? After all, Tina is almost full term, so that test is at least eight months old, and it isn't even one of those sophisticated ones, just a dip stick! What if it's wrong? What if it's right??

I don't know how long I stood out there, but suddenly I needed to be sure - sure - that I had really seen a second line. I rushed back in the house and grabbed the test - the second line was real! I showed Tina (who reacted very gracefully to having a pee stick shoved in her face), and she agreed - there was a second line. It was then it really hit me; I am pregnant!! I sat down hard on the couch and burst into tears. I don't know why I cried; shock, maybe? Fear? Sheer joy and disbelief rolled into one? Tina's children gathered around me and patted my arms and shoulders, and gave me hugs. They were so excited to hear that Aunt Alena had a baby growing in her tummy!

Later that evening, Tina took me to the store and we picked up another box of tests, just to be sure. I took one when we got home, and it was also positive - a strong positive! I called Nick.

The poor guy threw up, I kid you not. Started crying (or at least got all choked up, it was hard to tell over the phone and he wasn't telling), and just kept saying "Really? Really? Oh wow...". It was beyond words to describe, making that call.

I tested again the next morning, and was met by yet another positive. I called my doctor's office and they told me that I didn't need to worry about going in until I got home because the home tests are just as sensitive as the medical versions nowadays. Three positives? Pregnant!

Nick & I Are Pleased To Announce...

Yes, really.

Skyrim & Why I Should Not Game

I am a big time fan of the Elder Scrolls video games. My obsession started back in high school (or was it my second year of college? I can't remember.) with Morrowind, and when Nick and I first got married I discovered Oblivion, which I have been gleefully happily playing ever since. Well, Skyrim is about to come out, and I am ridiculously beside myself with joy excited about it!

And here is a picture of why I am WAY to obsessive to play video games...

From this bizarre article on mixed race babies in Skyrim.

30 Day Challenge | Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives | Day 3

30 Day Challenge

Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives

Day 3

{ Devotional }

"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4  

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19   

Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.  

If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.  

Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude.   

Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart. 

Join me after the jump for my response to today's devotional...

Fairer Than Morning | Rosslyn Elliott | Author Interview & GiveAway

Rosslyn Elliott

author of Fairer Than Morning

The delightful Rosslyn Elliott, author of Fairer Than Morning, generously agreed to participate in an author interview here on Little Bit Of Wonderful, and is sponsoring a giveaway of her lovely book! I enjoyed getting to know her better imensely, and I know you will too. Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a chance to win your own copy of Fairer Than Morning! If you missed yesterday's post, you can find my review of her book here, as well as information about the huge book release party going on all over the web, and the amazing giveaway she's sponsoring to celebrate the release of Fairer Than Morning.


Join me after the jump for my interview with Rosslyn Elliot, and a chance to win your own copy of her lovely book, Fairer Than Morning...

30 Day Challenge | Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives | Day 2

30 Day Challenge

Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives

Day 1

{ Devotional }

"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b 

How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up - start again today!) There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for them. 

Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list! 

Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength. 

Join me after the jump for my thoughts on today's devotional...

30 Day Challenge | Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives | Day 1

30 Day Challenge

Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives

Day 1

{ Devotional }

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does 

him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12   

To refresh your memory...here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge...for the next 30 days:  

* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  

* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband!  

To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner. 

One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a "wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"

Join me after the jump for my thoughts on today's devotional...

30 Day Challenge | Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives

The other day, I received a Facebook invitation to an interesting challenge for the month of September. The original Facebooker who set up the event gave this message...

For the month of September I am asking all you wives to join me in a 30 day husband encouragement challenge. 

I did this challenge in March 2011 and it changed both my marriage and my life. And I want to welcome anyone and everyone to join me in making our marriages stronger and ultimately making us stronger as wives. What I noticed most through this challenge was how much it changed me. 

If you decide to accept this challenge, I hope that you will give yourself some grace when you have a hard day or when you feel like you've failed. Those days will come, but keep at it, let God move in you and through you. 

I'm excited to do this challenge with you. If you feel lead, from time to time, post some of your experiences. I will be sharing mine as well. We are all from different walks of life, some married for a few years, some for many years. How this affects us can be so different and hearing your stories can be inspirational. 

God's blessings to you as you take up this challenge.

Join me after the jump for the rules and my challenge to you today...

Fairer Than Morning | Rosslyn Elliott | Book Tour & Review

Fairer Than Morning

by Rosslyn Elliot

{ ABOUT THIS BOOK }

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words. 

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker’s apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann’s compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann’s father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.rosslynelliott.com/books.php

Join me after the jump for my thoughts on this book, and info about the great giveaway the author is doing to celebrate the release of Fairer Than Morning!