I have a confession...We've known since Wed that we're pregnant, but didn't want to make the announcement until I knew my beta level was on the rise. I <3 my IVF team! Without my knowledge, my embryologist, Michelle, ordered my beta 2 days ahead of schedule and included it in with my routine estrogen and progesterone check. As usual, my NP, Deb, called me in the afternoon with my estrogen and progesterone results. D continued to tell me that M was next to her and that she had ordered my beta early because she was anxious to know! My beta was 87! First of all, I was in complete shock because I didn't expect M's brilliant move to surprise me with an early beta test and was touched that she couldn't wait while J and I could. LOL! So ironic! I cried tears of joy and couldn't stop thanking them. As soon as I got off the phone with D, I thanked and worshiped the Lord! I texted J and asked if he could call me. He called right away and heard me crying so he was worried that I had some bad news. To his relief and joy, it was tears of joy and good news for a change.
J and I went in this morning for our 2nd beta and we had a warm welcome and congratulations from my phlebotomists and ultrasound tech. One phlebotomists, Babs, gave me a big hug! She's my favorite because she suggests local restaurants to try and she doesn't hurt me. B practically met most of my family and friends, and reminds me that she hasn't met my mom yet because B was off that day. B met my dad twice already and he made an impression on her since he came in dressed in his suit and his fedora in hand. B mentions how much she likes him and his style.
We've told our family the good news and that's been fun! A big THANK YOU to those who have read, followed, and had sticky thoughts and prayers for us on this roller-coaster ride of a journey!
Glory to God! I thought this day would never come after 5 long years of suffering and TTC. We're still not out of the woods yet since it's early, but we're going to enjoy every day we have with the life or lives growing inside.
These words from my devotional resonate with me:
But Paul wrote that "if we are to share his glory, we must also share in his suffering" (Romans 8:17). To begin to grasp what this will mean for us, we must see that "suffering of Jesus" is an alternative term for the "glory of Jesus." Again and again in Scripture, Jesus' death by crucifixion is referred to as his glorification. For example, Jesus said, "The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory" (John 12:23). He wasn't yet ascending to heaven; he was heading to the Cross. Unimaginable glory was put on display through the appalling suffering of the Cross. His greatest humiliation was also his ultimate exaltation. Suffering is glory in God's economy. They are not at opposite ends of the spectrum, but mysteriously intertwined.
Honestly, I haven't focused on the pathway of glory in the midst of my suffering because I didn't sign up to experience IF, MC, and grief. Really, I don't want to suffer at all! My suffering has slowly chipped away at my pride and caused me to wrestle with a lot of things. I still worry and am afraid that something will go wrong, but it's not helpful. I'm learning to trust God with this and covet your thoughts and prayers!
This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to his own holy people. For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles (add your name here), too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.
Colossians 1: 26-27
In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10
Posts
