Cooper's Birth Story....The Final Chapter

For the 3 of you who are still reading this, I'm finally able to post the rest of Cooper's birth story.  I have been wanting to write it all down before I forget.

 I last left off when the Doctor checked me and I was almost at 7cm without any pitocin.  She thought Cooper would be born around lunchtime.  I also had the epidural at this point and was feeling so much better!  My parents were there and we were hanging out in the room just waiting.  It was such a nice break after the rough morning we had.

I don't remember much that happened in the next couple of hours or even how much time had passed, but before I knew it, I was at 10cm and was getting ready to push!  I still couldn't believe how fast I was progressing.  Justin's mom came and my brother and nephew were all there and were waiting in the waiting room with my parents after we told them I was about to push.  At first the plan was to start pushing with my nurse but then the Doctor called and said we should wait for her since she thought Cooper could come fast.  So then it was just me, Justin and my nurse Megan just hanging out and waiting to push.  Megan is a newlywed and goes to Houston First Baptist and she was such a great nurse. I was actually so sad when her shift was over, I felt like I was saying bye to my best friend after all we went through together that day.

Anyway,  I don't remember how long we waited as the time seemed to go by fast, but it was long enough to worry our family as it was taking a long time and they weren't aware that the pushing got put on hold.  Finally the Doctor came and the pushing began!  Let me tell you, pushing is way harder than I ever imagined it being, it's definitely a work out.  Justin was so encouraging though and it was a joy to experience this moment with him.  He held my leg and watched the entire birth without getting freaked out...but then again he is a nurse so not much grosses him out :)  They all kept telling me I was doing a great job though it seemed like I wasn't making much progress.  After about 45 minutes of pushing, I started to get a little concerned and the Doctor decided to give me just a little pitocin to help.    Things definitely sped up and before I knew it, she told me to stop pushing because he was about to be out and they needed to get everything set up.

 It was such a surreal moment as other people started to come in and I knew I was about to meet our son!  Then she told me to push him out and after a few more pushes, he was out!  She immediately put him on my chest and I started to cry and looked at Justin and just couldn't believe he was here!  He was sooooo cute even just seconds old!  Justin then cut the umbilical cord  and I was able to hold him for awhile before  they cleaned him off and weighed him.  I was dying to know how much he weighed and was shocked that he weighed only 7 lb 7 oz.  I had an ultrasound done just 2 days before and she told me he was 8 and a half pounds.  The ultrasound also showed that he had huge chubby cheeks which he didn't at all.  I have heard the ultrasound weight is just as estimate, but didn't think it would be that much off!

The doctor (who wasn't my real doctor, but I loved her too), said that when she looked at my chart that morning, she said to herself, "she will end up with a C-section".  She told me she was just shocked how fast my labor went and how I didn't need any pitocin till the very end, which was barely any.   I told her that a lot of people were praying and she said God definitely heard our prayers.  I knew He did!

Justin was then taking pictures of him being weighed and getting his prints done while I was getting stitched up.   I told Justin that he needed to go tell our families as I knew they had been waiting awhile.   I wish I could have been there when he told our families the great news!  They then put Cooper back on my chest and I was able to breastfeed him right away.  He immediately took to nursing and was a great eater.   Then our families were able to come in and meet Cooper for the first time.  It was so fun!  My nephew brought Cooper a little stuff dinosaur and when Cooper was crying, he was asking the nurses what Cooper was saying.  So cute!

I also said to Justin "isn't he SO cute??" and the doctor and nurses thought I was talking to them, which they immediately responded with, "oh yes he is very cute."  Oops, I told them I wasn't trying to be vain and was talking to my husband but they all kept saying he really was a cute newborn.  I can't help but agree :)

What is crazy about the whole thing is while I was holding Cooper, the Doctor told me that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice.  I was shocked.  It all made sense as when I pushed Cooper out, my Doctor had this look of fear on her face and yelled "STOP!".  I immediately freaked out and said "what's wrong?".  She didn't want to tell me at the time (which was very wise), so she unwrapped the cord quickly and then said "your baby is here!!" I was in awe at the moment that I had forgotten that she yelled at me to stop so suddenly.  I asked her how long the cord had been wrapped around his neck and she said there was no way to know as it doesn't show up on the ultrasound.  That could explain why his heart rate raced up so high.  And I am SO thankful I went ahead and was induced instead of waiting for him to come on his own.  Just another reminder that God is sovereign and thankfully Cooper was in perfect health.

I am so incredibly thankful for such a wonderful labor experience and for such a healthy baby boy.  I can't help but think of when I first found out I was pregnant and how scared I was to lose this baby.  I remember my whole first trimester when Justin had to give me a shot every night, I had to take progesterone vaginally 3 times a day, and had to take extra folic acid.  And it was all so worth it!!!  It has been such a long, long, long journey through 2 miscarriages, seeing a specialist, and having a long pregnancy with a few scares.  What a journey it has been and after all the fear and anxiety, He is finally here!  Now brings all a whole new world of different types of fear, but that is a life of a mom.

Thank you to all who have been so sweet and encouraging to me throughout this entire pregnancy.  Thank you for praying for us and for Cooper.  He has no idea how many people have been praying for him!  I am so thankful to the Lord for hearing our cry for a child and for answering our prayers.  We feel incredibly blessed and our hearts are overflowing with love for our sweet boy!

Cooper's Birth Story...part 2

Wow, time really does fly by when you have a newborn!  I really don't have time to do much of anything besides feed the baby and keep my milk supply up as much as possible, so I'm just getting around to finishing Cooper's birth story!

I left off where Justin finally arrived at the hospital after being unexpectedly admitted early that afternoon.  The plan was for me to start with cervidil around 9pm that evening which would ripen my cervix and get my body more ready to be induced the next morning.  The doctor told me that it was possible for my body to go into labor on its own after having cervidil, but in my case highly unlikely.  She also told me to expect a very long day tomorrow.  I'm so thankful I serve a God who beats all odds, as my body did in fact go into labor on it's own that evening!

After the nurse put the cervidil in, it seemed like no time before I started to feel some contractions.  They were very minor and I was excited to start to finally feel something!  After a few hours, I knew there was no way I would be able to sleep that night.  I was way too excited/nervous added on to the uncomfortableness of the contractions, the nurse offered to give me something to help me sleep.  I was hesitant at first as I didn't want to be drowsy the next morning, but I also knew that I really needed to get some sleep.  Let me tell you, whatever she gave me (which Justin says was pretty strong), knocked me out!!  I usually have a hard time falling asleep to begin with, and I don't even remember anything else from that evening.  It was great as I didn't feel any of the contractions the entire night.  I did wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and my sweet hubby helped escort me as I had to carry my IV pole with me and detach the heart monitor.  I now have an even higher respect for my mom who has to deal with carrying her IV pole with her when she spends 4 full days in the hospital every month.  I just had to do it one night and it was frustrating!

It was finally 6:00am and the nurse woke me up and took the cervidil out.  She checked me and I was at 2 cm!  I was so excited that I was at 2 cm overnight.  I then got up to take a shower and that was when I really started to feel the contractions.  I had to stop and breathe through each one and it was starting to get more painful. After showering, I got back into the bed and that was when things started to go downhill.

First of all, I was extremely nauseous and threw up about 5 or 6 different times.  The nurse assured me that it was just a normal part of labor.   Justin was so sweet and would take my pan and clean it out when the nurse wasn't there since I was constantly nauseous.  I also had the chills which is also a part of labor. Then for whatever reason, Cooper's heart rate started to go up extremely high.  They were planning to start my pitocin at 7am, but since his heart rate was so high, they had to hold off.  It was definitely a low point, as I was having very painful contractions, was throwing up between them, and was worried about Cooper all at the same time.  At one point I remember 3 nurses in there and they were just staring at the heart monitor and not saying a word to each other.  His heart rate actually went up to the 200's!

My contractions were so strong at this point and so close together, I didn't have much time or effort to ask about Cooper's heart rate.  All I knew is that they couldn't start the pitocin, which was discouraging to me as I knew things were going to be delayed.  I don't think I realized the seriousness of his heart rate getting up that high.  They put me on oxygen, and tried different things to get his heart rate to go back down.  This took about 2 hours total, all with me having such painful contractions!

We brought and iPod player, so Justin played worship music in the background, which is the only thing that got me through those 2 hours not knowing what is going on.  I could overhear them talking to each other and discussing about what to do, all while I'm just trying to make it through each contraction with hardly a break.  Then finally Cooper's heart rate started to go down and everyone seemed to be going back to normal.  It was a huge relief.  After his heart rate when down, I finally asked for the epidural. I wanted to wait as long as possible so it wouldn't slow down my labor, but my nurse told me, "you are in active labor right now, you should get it."  So I did!

 Last time I was checked I was at 2cm and I had no idea what I was at during this point but I knew it was time for the epidural as I was in so much pain with no break.  I couldn't even talk to my husband and didn't even want him touching me during my contractions.  What in the world are all those massage techniques for anyway?  I guess some women like to be touched, but I wanted to be left alone!  All that to say, I wanted to enjoy the rest of the day with my husband and this special time we shared together.  My nurse, Megan (who I LOVED!!) said she would get me the epidural and then the Doctor will check me to see where I'm at and then start the pitocin.

I get the epidural and all is wonderful in the world!  I am not ashamed at all that I got an epidural and would do it again in a heartbeat!  Then the doctor came in to check me right after the epidural and I was almost to 7cm!!!!  What?? We were both in shock.  She said I didn't even need the pitocin after all.   Justin likes to tease me at my reaction when I found out I was at 7cm...I was clapping and was so giddy!  My nurse said, "wow, you were in active labor, no wonder you were in so much pain!"  Um, yes, that does explain it.  We really couldn't believe I got to 7cm so quickly without any pitocin at all.  My doctor then says, "you could be having this baby by lunchtime".  Say what??  I don't think I have ever felt such relief and excitement all at the same time.  I called my parents and told them it could be lunchtime as before I thought it would be evening since everything was delayed.  So now we just have to wait a little bit longer....

Stay tuned for the final chapter!!

Cooper's Birth Story...Part 1

I finally am having a little bit of time to write out Cooper's birth story, and it's a loooong story!  It's such a great story, even though it is NOT what I pictured or wanted in the very beginning.  I love how God knows what's best for us, even when we don't see it at the time.  I don't want to forget anything, and am writing it more for me to remember his story and not forget God's continued blessings from day 1 of his birth.

It all started last Wednesday, Oct 10th when I went in for my 40 week Doctor appointment.  I was 40 weeks 1 day at this point and I was praying hard that my body had made progress since my last appointment.  I just had an ultrasound done 2 days before and everything looked great and I felt good about continuing to carry him until he was ready to come on his own.  I get to my appointment that morning and the nurse comes in and checks the heart rate as always.  His heart rate was in the upper 160's when it's normally in the 140's.  She checked it for awhile and I asked if everything was okay.  She said that the Doctor will talk to me about it.  hmm okay.

The Doctor comes in with the heart monitor again and says she wants to check again as he could have been moving and that's why it was high.  She checked again and it was still in the 160's but was going down a little.  She then asks me the question I always dread, "how are his movements?"  I hate that question because he will have days where I barely feel him move and days where I feel him all day.  He has been a more chilled baby in the womb and the times I have brought it up, everything ended up being fine.  But, it was true that I hadn't felt him move as much the past day or so and so I told her that.  I explained once again that that is pretty normal for him but I could tell she was still concerned.

 She then sat down and basically told me that she thinks I should get ANOTHER ultrasound and have ANOTHER stress test at the hospital.  I couldn't believe it....I just had an ultrasound and everything was great.  But she said things could change in a day.  She also mentioned the possibility of inducing me before I hit 41 weeks.    Before I could really respond she says, "lets check you and see what's going on first."  So I take a deep breath just praying that my body has made some process..just something.

After she checks me she tells me once again that I have made no progress.  I'm still barely 1 cm dilated, 0% effaced and the baby is still high up.  I had worked so hard that week. walking everyday, up and down hills and doing anything else to make some progress.  I really wanted to cry at this point but just tried to hold it together.  She then tells me that I'm already 40 weeks, his movements have slowed down and that there is no reason to continue this pregnancy.  She mentioned that I may need to get admitted into the hospital that evening and be induced first thing in the morning.

You would think a woman who was past her due date would be jumping for joy at this news, but I was being stubborn and just did NOT want to be induced.    I told her that my body just doesn't seem to be ready and I felt that he would come when he's ready.  I also said I really do not want to have a C-section.  Then, she flat out told me that she thinks I will most likely end up with a C-section no matter what at this point.  The tears then start flowing.  I asked her if I  do have to get induced in the morning if I could go home first and then come back in the evening...which she told me she no, I had to stay in the hospital.  Justin is of course at work, I don't have any of my stuff, and I was just not wanting to get induced being barely 1cm dilated.  I then said after doing the stress test and the ultrasound, we can make the decision after seeing those results.  Of course if there was something obviously wrong, I would no doubt be induced!

So, I walk across to the hospital once again and get admitted into the room to get the stress test done, and it was all too familiar.  I'm texting and calling Justin and talking to my mom on the phone explaining that I may get induced the next morning.  I was very upset at this point and just didn't know what I should do.  I was praying for wisdom and that the Lord would make it very clear to me if I should go ahead with the induction.  As I was laying there just waiting for Cooper to move, I realized that he has in fact slowed down on his movements.  I started to get a little worried and then knew that I just needed to get him out.  Why in the world would I risk waiting if something really was wrong.  I knew I needed to put my hopes and my "birth plan" aside and do what was best for Cooper.  Justin also texted me around that same time and said that he wants to get Cooper out and thinks we should definitely get induced.  I felt such peace come over me.  

I then go get another ultrasound and then come back to my room where the Doctor comes in.  She tells me that the ultrasound looks perfect, and that even the stress test looks good.  Then she says very sweetly, "I know that you want to go into labor naturally, and I know that you don't want to get induced, but I really think it's best that you go ahead and get induced tomorrow morning."  I immediately say, "yes, I agree, lets do it"  I think she was in shock that I was swayed that easily since I was not really crazy about the idea earlier.  She told me that if I went home, I would be worried all weekend about his movements and it just wasn't worth it being 40 plus weeks pregnant.  I totally agreed.  She also told me that I have about a 50/50 chance of having a C-section with where I was at.

After being admitted into the hospital for the night, things started to get a little stressful.  Justin is doing what he can to get off work early (he usually gets off around 8:00pm) and I'm calling my parents to get all the details worked out.  My sweet dad met Justin at our house to get our dog, bring him dinner and then take him to the hospital so we wouldn't have 2 cars.  On top of that my phone had died and I couldn't get on the internet or text or call anyone.  Oh, and have I mentioned that I only ate a small bowl of cereal that morning around 8am and wasn't allowed to eat anything until after he was born?  I may or may not have been a tiny bit cranky :/

Anyway,  thankfully I had Justin's number memorized and was able to call him from my hospital room.  I'm going into detail about everything that I need for the next 3 nights in the hospital.  I did have a running list going and some things set aside to pack, but there were still a ton of stuff that I needed.  Finally, after Justin packs all our stuff, he loads everything including the dog in my dad's car and they are on their way to drop Justin off.  He arrives around 8:30pm or so with all our stuff and we were finally able to relax  and face the reality that we will be meeting our son the next day!

To be continued....

He's here!!!

Introducing....

Cooper James Cummings

Born Thursday, October 11, 2012  (10/11/12)

3:33 pm

7 lbs 7oz

20 inches

All the nurses kept commenting on his stats...what a fun birthday he has!!  It has been such  crazy week since his birth that I'm just now getting around to blogging and posting pictures!  We already had to take him to the doctor twice, and had a lactation consultant come out for a visit, but things are looking up from here.  He is absolutely perfect and we love him so!

Birth Story to come soon so stay tuned...

40 weeks....Due Date is finally here!

Well, my due date has officially arrived...but still no baby!  

It feels a little strange that today is October 9th.   How many times have I said October 9th over the past 9 months...too many to count.  And now it's here and is almost over and it has been a very uneventful day.  It's exciting since each day I know I'm getting closer and closer but it's a little anti-climatic since nothing is really happening yet.  Yesterday, Justin and I went in for our 40 weeks ultrasound to make sure Cooper is still doing well and that I can continue on the pregnancy for another week.  Everything went smoothly and Cooper is still thriving in the womb.  The nurse practitioner called today to confirm that the ultrasound looked great, he was breathing well, plenty of fluid and he was moving around well.  She did say my placenta is aging which is expected at 40 weeks and that is why I will be induced at 41 weeks if he doesn't come on his own.  I was definitely relieved that everything is still going well.   We also found out that he is about 8 and a half pounds right now!  We were surprised he was already that big!  They say the baby can gain half a pound a week so if he doesn't come until next week, he could be 9 pounds.  He also has some big ole chubby cheeks!  Justin has always said he wanted him to be chubby and I think he's getting what he wants :)  Even the ultrasound tech commented on his chubby cheeks.   You can see for yourself his cuteness 

The first picture shows the cheeks a little more.  It's actually hard to see everything because what looks like his ear is actually the placenta and so on.  But you can get an idea.  Both Justin and his brother had chubby cheeks as babies and also Justin's niece does too, so I'm thinking Cooper is going to look like his Daddy, but we will see!  

Right now I am just enjoying this last week (or days) until we become a family of 3.  Justin surprised me last week and took me to the Melting Pot to celebrate our 2 year anniversary and it was so fun!

When I walked by some men sitting outside, one man just blurted out, "Goodness Gracious....(long pause) well, congratulations!"  Um, thank you?  Not sure how I feel about the shocked look on his face seeing me as I did look pretty big in that dress.  I'm sure I looked like I was about to pop!  

Justin had to work all weekend long, so I was able to spend some time with my family.  I was so thankful my parents came over on Sunday and helped me with all the last minute stuff I needed help with since Justin's work and school schedule is so crazy right now.  I was definitely in a "nesting" mood and wanted to get more organized.  Thankfully Justin is going to take about 3-4 week off of work after the baby is born which we are both excited about.  He still has to continue with school and his clinical hours, but it will be so much easier having a break from work.  Since we had to work all weekend, he was off yesterday for the ultrasound and we had a really fun day.  We went to lunch, then went to see a movie (thanks to  Bobby and Jen for the gift card) and then went to Target and then a late evening walk in the neighborhood.  It was a fun day especially since we know we won't be doing that just the 2 of us for awhile.  

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to see if my body has progressed at all.  I'm not getting my hopes up.  I know he can still come at anytime, but even if he doesn't...he will be here by next Tuesday for sure!  I'm going on TONS of walks, walking up and down hills and even stepping up and down curbs.  My friend Jennifer said she walked curbs and went into labor that night.  Granted, she was already 3 cm dilated at the time compared to me being "barely one", but you just never know!  Come on Cooper, we can't wait to meet you!  

39 weeks....and counting

Well, I am now about 39 and a half weeks pregnant.  You would think I would be excited since Cooper could be coming any day now, but after my Doctor's visit today, it's looking like he is still super comfy and cozy and not coming anytime soon!  Ugh!  It had been about 10 days since my last appointment and I really thought things were progressing a little.  I was only 1 cm dilated last time and I surely thought and prayed that I would be at least a 2 today.  I also felt like he was dropping down lower too.  Well, I go to my appointment and she checks me again and tells me that I'm still barely even a 1 and not effaced at all as my cervix is super far back.  She even told me he is still high up...say what?  I told her that I thought he had dropped lower, but no...he hasn't at all.  I guess your mind can make you believe anything if you really want to.  So basically the plan now is I have to go back on Monday for an ultrasound and make sure he is still doing well.  I then have another doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and if all is still well, I will be induced next Tuesday, the 16th at 41 weeks.  They don't want to induce me before that because I would have a higher risk of having a C-section especially since I haven't made any progress at all.  I asked her if she thinks he could possibly come on his own next week, and though it's possible, it doesn't seem very likely.  I also asked if she could strip my membrane next week to help start the labor naturally which I hear helps a lot,  and she said she couldn't even do that because my cervix was so far back.  It was all so frustrating.   I really want him to come on his own and am still praying that he will surprise us all next week.  I've always loved surprises anyway!   I also really want a vaginal birth so I want to avoid being induced if at all possible.  If I am induced on the 16th, my mom will be able to be there for the birth, but she has to go back to the hospital for 4 days on the 18th, so that is another reason why I want him to come next week.  So now it's just a waiting game!

I am still feeling well, but am starting to get impatient.  I remember hearing about pregnant women who would be impatient when they didn't have their baby at 38, 39 or 40 weeks, and I'd think "it's just a week or so away, what's the big deal?"  Well, now I know.  When you're 39 weeks pregnant, a week feels like an eternity!  Especially after you pass your due date and you had the picture in your mind when he would come and expectation of what it would be like afterwards.  I also think the waiting is worse with your first baby as time goes by slower.  But I'm thankful that God had his birth date picked out before time began and he knows what's best for our family.  I am praying that he will come next week on his own and will be going on long walks and anything else there is to help start up labor!  Isn't there some type of dish at Carrabbas that people say help start labor?  Anyone know what that is?   I'll try anything at this point to help move things along :)

The good news is, no matter what, we will have a baby by October 16th!  And that is only 11 days away!  I won't be pregnant forever though it feels like it now.  I won't be wearing pants that go up to my chest for too much longer.  The end is in sight, though it may be longer than what I was hoping and expecting.  We appreciate your prayers over the next week or so!!

2 years and counting...

It's hard to believe that Justin and I are celebrating 2 years of marriage today!  Where has the time gone??  On one hand it feels like we were just dancing the night away while having the time of our lives....

And on the other hand it feels like we have been together forever as I just can't picture my life before him.  We have been close friends for 4 years now, together 3 years  and I still look back on our story and can't help but smile.  Him liking me when I didn't like him...me liking him when he didn't like me....then me still liking him when I didn't know he liked me...and then BAM!  Out of no where,  Justin and I are finally on the same page as he confesses his feelings for me and we finally go on our first official date.  I think it's safe to say we were both pretty sure after the first date...and 4 months later we were engaged!  We had a blast dating since we already knew each other so well and knew it was going somewhere.  What a fun story and lesson to me on patience and waiting for God's perfect timing.  And now 2 years later, we are awaiting the arrival of our first baby that SHOULD come sometime next week!  

Our first 2 years of marriage have not been a cake walk...sometimes I can't believe all that we have been through in 2 years.  We've had 2 miscarriages, bought and built our first home, Justin started grad school, we went to a specialist, we moved, Justin changed jobs, my mom got diagnosed with cancer, and now we are about to have a baby.  All pretty big stresses but God has been so good to us and has brought us closer together through it all.  It is all by God's Grace!  Of course we are not perfect and have learned a lot through these first 2 years and have a loooooong ways to go and much more to learn, but I'm thankful we can grow and learn together.  I do pray that the Lord will allow us to celebrate 50 years together!  

Happy Anniversary Justin!  Thanks for loving me the way that you do!!

A new chapter begins...

Well, as of today I am now an official stay at home wife and mom.  It's still a little hard to believe that yesterday was my last day of work.  I had 4 wonderful years of ministry at Long Point Baptist and am grateful for my time there.  Though it wasn't always easy, I have loved serving the children and working with some awesome volunteers.  I have learned so much and grown tremendously while there and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The church made my last week so special for me.  On my last Wednesday, some of the volunteers had the kids make cards for me, we took a group picture and had surprise cake for everyone!

Then, yesterday on my last day was a super special day.  We had all the kids go to the worship service during worship and they played a slide show from the past 4 years which was so fun for me and the kids to see.  They also had Justin and I come to the front and they prayed over us as we start this new chapter for our lives. I definitely could not hold back the tears at this point.  They also had a picture framed for me signed by everyone along with a box filled with cards and/or money from everyone.  We were blessed beyond words!

 I then took the kids to Children's Church where I read them a prayer/poem I wrote for them and then we did a fun activity.

As I read my prayer for the kids, I couldn't hold back the tears again!  It was an emotional day overall and it's just hard to believe this chapter is over.  I can think of so many memories, so many hard days, so many amazing days, all the kids that I had known over 4 years, and it is all very special to me.  Some of the kids didn't really understand why I was leaving.  They would ask me questions like "well, can't you just bring your baby with you?" or "you can teach us after you have the baby".  Break.my.heart.  Anyway,  it really was a great last week and I really do have to give a shout out to my rock star husband.  He gets pretty much zero credit for all that he has done for me and these kids, as he has served me in ways that no one would ever know about.  He has been there for 3 years, by my side every step of the way.  He would encourage me when I would come home frustrated, listen when I was blessed, advice me when I didn't know what to do,  and did so many behind the scene things that not many people saw.  He went to every event he could, and was a huge softy and the kids loved him.  I am so thankful for him!

And now, a new chapter begins....after working in full time ministry since graduating college, I am now doing what my dream job is.  I get to be "just" a wife and mom.  I am truly thankful that I will be able to spend all my time with my sweet boy and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Going to one income is not easy for us, but it is so worth it.  Though I am sad one chapter has closed, I am so looking forward to this new season!

Here is the prayer/poem I wrote for the kids on Sunday:

It’s hard to believe that today is my last day

Before I say goodbye, I have a lot more to say

As most of you know, I am going to be a mom

So I must take care of our son as my new job

After 4 years of being here with all of you

My heart is sad to say goodbye but it’s what I must do

The memories I have of each of you will always remain

And I pray you will grow deeper in the Lord and never stay the same

I have loved teaching you from God’s Word every week

And I pray that it is Christ alone that you will seek

We have learned many worship songs, as we sing every Sunday

He is the way, the truth, and the life is what we learned singing, “One Way”

I hope you all have learned how we are all born with sin

And that Jesus died on the cross so we can have a relationship with Him

My prayer for all of you is that you will love Jesus with all your heart

And to memorize His Word and not allow it to depart

I also pray that you will read God’s Word everyday

And study the scriptures and pray so you will know what to say

God hears our prayers and knows our every thought

So be bold in your faith and give your worries to God

Though you may face some hard times as life can get rough

I pray you will always remember that Jesus is enough

I love all of you, and you will hold a special place in my heart

I hope you will always remember the lessons that were taught

I am thankful to be your Children’s Minister, which has been a gift from above

I will miss each one of you, and pray God’s blessing in the years to come

Love, Mrs. Tracy