Life With the Norman's: January 2015

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Roe v. Wade's Anniversary and Some Thoughts...

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. To most people in our country, January 22nd is just another day. It means absolutely nothing and they will go about their normal lives. To some liberal feminist or liberal feminist supporters, it is a day to be celebrated, a day when women became completely liberated from any consequence of sex and they could finally become one step closer to being "equal" to men. To some moderate conservatives, they may read a news article about the day, think how horrible it is but not really care and go about their day like they normally would.

To me, and several other fighters for life, this is a day to mourn, a day to pray, and a day to look forward to one day living in a country where Human LIFE is important and valued and where the legal murder of babies is abolished. Sadly, I will not be joining the thousands of people of all ages, races and gender to support LIFE tomorrow at the March for Life rally in DC, but in spirit, I will be there. I will be praying that the media (other than FOX news) will cover the event. I will be praying for the hearts and minds of our congressmen and women, our judicial system and our White House to change. I will be praying for the hearts and minds of people all over our country to change, to become less callous, to see the evil holocaust which is abortion and want it to end.

Most people who probably read this know what I do, but just in case, a little back ground. I volunteer in a pro-life ministry. I am at the Crisis Pregnancy Center every week, working with the women of our city. Now, if you are of the liberal persuasion and see the term CPC, please don't automatically jump to the conclusions that Planned Parenthood would sell you. Yes, there are some horrible CPCs out there. They give misinformation. They do ultrasounds that should not be done. They do try all they can, through "pro-life propaganda" to convince a woman to carry her baby to term. I know they exist because I've seen the awful videos just like ya'll have. But let me tell you, most CPCs are nothing like this. Most of us exist because we love the women of our city and want the best for them. We love their babies and want them to live. We exist to do everything we can to give them a chance and show them that they are loved, whether they feel that way or not and to empower them to make the best choice they can for themselves and their baby. I go to the clinic and see the hurting women of our city who buy into lie after lie told to them by their boyfriends, their families, their schools, Planned Parenthood and other women's clinics. They believe their's no way they can have a baby and a career, no way to have a baby and get an education, no way to have a baby and maintain a good relationship with the father of the baby, their parents, their friends, no way to have a baby and have any quality of life after that. They buy those lies because it's what is constantly sold to them, that they can "easily" get rid of their problem with one simple procedure or just a few pills. What they don't ever think about is what happens after that. In the past few weeks I've had several patients who've had to go through counselling because of previous abortions. How is it a good thing, to tell women to get this procedure, their lives will be easier, and then they need professional counselling afterwards just to get through the day?

At our center, we love these women. We show them there is another way. I challenge every women who comes in to look past her fear, to look past her situation and to think long term. We do ultrasounds and show women the beautiful life inside of them to help them make the most informed decision possible. We do abortion education so if a woman does make the decision to have an abortion, she knows what she's getting into. We give factual medical information so that she knows what the procedure is, what the risks are and what her potential risks could be in the future. I don't try and brainwash my patients, I don't ever shame them for the situation they are in, but I do try and show them that there is another solution besides abortion. And then, no matter what decision she makes, we are there for her. We call and check on her. If she chooses to carry, we offer classes and give baby supplies. We can help find jobs and make sure she gets medical care. If she chooses to abort, we are still their for her. We still see her the next time she comes in pregnant. We still love on her and don't judge her decision.

I love what I do, it truly is a dream nursing job for me. It is heartbreaking a lot of the time, frustrating, and angering when I see so many hurting women of our city and sometimes I can't help them. I can't take away their pain, I can't fix things with their relationships, I can't make their life easier. But I can help them make a decision to not put themselves through a trauma they will potentially regret. That is what I love about the job. It is not easy, it's not always happy, I don't get to look at happy moms and babies all day, but the one woman I may reach every few weeks who chooses to carry her baby even through her difficult life circumstances, that is what makes going in worth it.

Now back to Roe v. Wade. That landmark decision is why I do what I do. Over 50 million babies are dead because of this decision in the US alone. 50 MILLION babies. Think about that. Just really. Stop and think. That number is a heart wrenching number to imagine. That is 50 million mothers and fathers who do not have those children. Many who remember the day every single year and mourn, many who are depressed, choose drugs, alcohol or some other thing of this world to cope and may not even realize what the reason is. Yes, people say if it weren't legal it would happen anyway in some back alley with a coat hanger. I don't know if that would be the case but I do know that it would not have been 50 million if it were illegal.

When will our country wake up and realize what it's done? When will we see the holocaust that we have legally brought and often celebrated. When will women see this is not healthcare, this is not for their benefit, this is not for their equality. There is nothing, NOTHING, good that has come from the legalization of abortion. And my heart breaks knowing that without God in this country, without His Holy Spirit speaking to the men and women of this country, it will continue because their is no moral compass to stop it.

But I am thankful for the few who are loud and who are willing make noise about this issue. I am thankful for the March tomorrow and pray that people will take notice. I am thankful for every woman who comes to our clinic and her heart is softened and changed to carry the LIFE inside of her. And I am thankful for the women I fight along with every week, in the hopes that one day, things in our part of this world will change.

Friday, January 16, 2015

22 weeks and a Trip to NC

So last week, I decided to take a trip, just Curtis and I, to NC to visit my family and tons of other people. Because Curtis came a little early, I knew this would be my last time really travelling so I had to make it worth the trip, so we stayed 5 days. That's a long trip by myself without Isaac. We missed him very much. Sometimes, it's easy to forget all the little things he does, and it's very easy to take him for granted, but when we're apart and it's me on my own with Curtis, I'm very quickly reminded just how involved of a husband and father he is. I couldn't ask for a better man.

Anyway, while the trip was hard without Isaac, it was also wonderful to be in NC with my family. Curtis is getting to the age where he interacts so well with almost everyone. He let dad rock him to sleep multiple times, which just made his week. He let mom put him back to sleep in the wee hours one morning and when we woke up, he looked up at her and smiled. He got a little jealous of Melissa holding Reegan, so he crawled right up in her lap. They had to compete just a little, which gave me a good taste of what May will look like. He had so much fun playing with Taylor, walking to her, falling in her arms. That was the most surprising, but it was such a joy to watch, made me wish I had video on my phone because it was so cute ;)

The last 3 days of the trip were super busy, but wonderful because I got to see most of my best friends and their sweet little ones. We traveled to see Ashley and her 3 week old Brooklyn on Monday. I had not seen her since I told her and Brandon we were expecting Curtis almost 2 years ago, so it was a long overdue, and wonderful visit. Brooklyn is so adorable, so little. I can't believe Curtis was ever that little. I just loved getting to hold her, and luckily Curtis let me with minimal fussing, but it took Netflix to bribe him into letting. On Tuesday, I got to visit with Juan and Brenna, Lucy and Prudence. Lucy just loved playing with Curtis, showing him all her toys. It's always so nice to catch up with Brenna and I look forward to hopefully one day living much closer so it's not months between visits. And then on Wed, as I was driving back home, I stopped for lunch at Jess' and got to see her cute little baby belly. Visits with Jess always do my heart good and are always much needed. I love that I have so many friends who are all due around the same time. Pregnancy is much easier to go through when you know you have support from your best friends and you know people who are dealing with the same issues, the same fears, the same symptoms as you. Talking about everything with Jess and with Brenna was much needed.

But, with all that said, it is good to be home. It was good to see Isaac, eat dinner with him, sleep in our own bed, for an entire night, I may add. Curtis is finally allowing me to sleep through about 3 or 4 nights a week, which is wonderful and I'm cherishing every one since it will be short lived before Judah gets here.

How far along: 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Last appt, total weight gain was 5lbs

Maternity clothes: I pretty much only wear maternity clothes and am dreaming of the day when I can fit back in to normal clothes again.

Stretch marks: None so far.

Best moment this week: Seeing all my closest friends (minus a few) , meeting Brooklyn, coming home to Isaac.

Miss anything: Judah allowed me to sleep on my belly for a lot longer than Curtis did, and I got spoiled. It's been about 2 weeks since it became too uncomfortable, and I really miss it.

Movement: I am consistently feeling little flutters and kicks. He really likes to kick my bladder.

Food cravings: Pizza, always pizza. I have no idea why, but I have had it twice this week, so hopefully I'll be good for a while.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The only time I really get queasy now is if I wait too long to eat, but nothing in particular, although I stay away from things that I know will make me sick.

Have you started to show yet: I came back from Colorado and everyone at church said we were very obviously a family of 4 now, so yes, I have popped.

Gender: He's a BOY!!!

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: I'm starting to get out of breath more, and still a little nausea, but I think it's been about 2 weeks since I've thrown up. I'm hoping it stays that way.

Belly button in or out: It's flush with my skin, so it will probably be out soon.

Wedding rings on or off: on

Happy or Moody most of the time: I don't really feel like I'm that moody, I definitely have nothing to complain about.

Looking forward to: Laurie Beth and Steven's wedding tomorrow :)

Friday, January 2, 2015

Christmas in Colorado

For the first time since we've been married, Isaac and I were able to spend Christmas with family. We looked forward to it for weeks and it was the perfect vacation for us. It was Curtis' first time meeting all of his Aunts and Uncles and his Great Grandpa. It was definitely a different way to spend the holiday, but I can't think of anything better than getting to spend it with family.

Of course, it was adventure filled from the start. Our flight was to leave at 0705 and we wouldn't be us without some type of flight drama. Being pregnant, I had to throw up shortly before leaving for the airport, which made us about 10 mins late. None of the check-in equipment was working, I nearly passed out in line, we almost got in a fight with the lady checking us in and to top it off, we just barely missed our flight but luckily they were able to rebook us, so we still made it to Denver the same day. By the time we got there and had dinner, this preggo lady was exhausted and ended up going to bed about 7, which would have been 9 our time, so I didn't feel as bad about it. We had a wonderful time with Josh and Reiko, and Curtis loved Reiko, crawled right up to her. Curtis had fun at his Uncle Josh's house, especially mastering going up and down the stairs, and he's now an expert at it. We made the four hour drive to Grand Junction and spent the next several days spending time with all our family. Curtis got to know his cousins, and was very intrigued by all the rough housing that I'm sure in a few years, he will love to join in on. Curtis eventually loved his Aunts, although it did take a few days, but by the time we left, we went to them and played with them just fine.We finally got to meet Isaac's best friend Nikki's little boy, Ryker, who is such a sweet little boy. It was fun seeing Ryker and Curtis together. While we were eating, Curtis kept grabbing his hand and trying to pull Ryker to him to play, although since we were at the table, that was a little hard. We were pleasantly surprised Christmas night with a visit from Schamus. We hadn't seen him since our wedding, so it was so nice to catch up for a little while.

Christmas was a lot of fun. I've never experienced it with a big family, so it was different, but very similar to what I've heard my sister-in-law, Melissa, describe all these years with her family. Isaac's family does a big Christmas breakfast with the best waffles I've ever had. Curtis ate half of mine, so I know they were good if he ate them. Christmas morning, we all opened up gifts. Curtis napped through most of that, but did enjoy the boxes and paper once he woke up. It was fun to watch Isaac's nephew, Malakai open his gifts. He was genuinely excited about everything he got and spent the rest of the day playing with his new toys. Then came Christmas dinner and an amazing ham cooked by Isaac's mom and bread pudding for dessert. One thing I love about going to visit Isaac's parents is that Lisa is one of the best cooks I've ever met, and while I always feel like I've gained 5lbs after being there, it's such a treat to get to sample all her wonderful food.

All in all, the trip was so much fun. Curtis did well for having his world turned upside down every few days with travelling back and forth. Nights were rough, he didn't really want to sleep, but thankfully Isaac was there to help. With most people, he did eventually warm up to them, although it took a few days, but I was so thankful he seemed to enjoy spending time with every one.
I'm so thankful we got to make this trip. I'm thankful Curtis got to meet everyone and we got to spend time with our family. I love getting to know Isaac's family and seeing the life that he grew up with. It was a wonderful trip.