I feel like my heart is so full right now that it could literally burst.
The moments before we welcome this new little one into our family are dwindling, and I find myself trying to just enjoy them as thoroughly as I can. Our little family of 3 will be gone and in a way I will miss having our little Ella all to ourselves. But, I am also so overwhelmed and humbled by this blessing of being able to have another precious one, and look forward to meeting him and kissing his sweet little face. I know that he is meant for our family, and I am so thankful.
I look back over the past year, and I feel so many things.
I feel so humbled and thankful that we can have this wonderful little boy after losing a baby last Fall.
I feel such a deep loss, and aching void, that my mother in law isn't here in a way that I can talk to her and be with her. Oh how she loved babies. And the holidays. I miss her.
I feel comfort in knowing that little ones are so close to heaven that she really will be with him when he arrives.
I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for my husband, who is the very best person I know. His love, faith, support, and unfailing kindness bless my life every single day. I hope we raise our son to be exactly like him. The past year has been nothing like we planned. I am thankful for the depth it has brought to our love.
I feel so honored to be a mommy to my precious Ella girl. She makes my heart happy every single day. Her smile and zest for life make my calling as a mommy so joyful. Every time she puts her little hand in mine, I feel blessed.
I feel thankful for creativity. It may sound silly, but I have been a creative soul for as long as I can remember. Creating things brings me joy. Looking back over the past year, it has sometimes been the source of stress and disappointment, and I have often questioned the pursuit of my little dreams. I am a little ashamed to admit that a couple of months ago, I almost called it quits on my dreams when I walked into a well-known home decor retail store to see one of my signs that I had shared on my blog stolen, mass produced and for sale. I really struggled to move past it.
But it has been my experience that there will always be opposition in the pursuit of truly worthwhile things. And, as I sit here feeling very reflective, I am ever so grateful to God for my ability to create.
I am tired. I am joyful. I am hopeful. I am happy. I am looking forward.
I find my heart is overwhelmed and overflowing right now with more gratitude than I have ever had in my life. And perhaps, I am just feeling ever so sensitive to the hand of God as I am preparing to bring this little life into the world at any time.
Thank you for your love and support on this journey. I am so thankful for your kindness and love.
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I will post as often as I am able over the next couple of months. I am not known to sit still for long! Most importantly, I will be taking the time to just enjoy the fleeting moments of having my little newborn. I can't wait to meet him and get to know his little personality. I will be posting pictures and updates on Instagram in case you want to follow along. {HERE}
Thank you again my sweet and lovely friends. I am thankful for you.
P.S. For thanksgiving, I wanted to share this free printable I made with you. It is one of my favorite quotes. To download without the watermark, {click Here}. It is free for personal use only. Please share with your friends by sending them here to this post as the link to the printable is subject to change.
Darren
Love your blog! You are so talented and thanks for sharing! I got on your sister's photography site as well and she is pretty talented as well. I will definitely be a regular on your blog.
Thanks so much for great ideas!!!
Ashley Arnold
Your strength and determination are inspiring <3. My little lady , 17months, is an Ella too! Congratulations to your family on the little guy on the way! So wonderful 🙂
Laurel Stephens
Oh, and I love your husband's hat!!
Laurel Stephens
Your thoughts are so touching and brought tears to my eyes, Kristen. I'm so glad you haven't given up on sharing your life and creativity here with us on your blog because you would truly be missed by so many. You add a special glow to the blog world. I'm sending you my very best wishes for welcoming your new son safely into your hearts and home and for a joyous holiday season with your new soon to-be sweet little family of four.
Jenn Lifford
What a beautifully written post! I can't wait to meet your new little one!
Jennifer O'Brien
What a beautiful post! I adore you! I am so thrilled for your journey ahead. Will be thinking of you over the next few days:). xoxo Jen
Kate
Dear Kristen.. Wishing you so many wonderful blessings as you welcome the birth of your new baby. Prayers for all of you as you embrace a love like no other. My best to you and your family. Lots of love Kate
Queen of Dreams
Hi Kristen...I just met you a few weeks ago, and yet I have read everything on your blog and have been waiting to hear about your little one's arrival. Today, receiving this post and feeling oh the same way in my own life (I call it gratitude on steroids)...it is like sharing a cup of coffee with a true soul sister. I love how grateful you feel...how you allow all the feelings (not just the happy ones) to flow from your heart...and to arrive knowing, truly knowing...all is well, God is good and life is blessed every day in every way. Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas...
Leslie
Congratulations!!! I didn't know you were expecting! I became a mommy this year too, and it's awesome and busy-busy!! Lol. God is faithful:)
Blessings,
Leslie
Laura Rahel
So sorry to hear about the loss you guys have suffered in the last year. Congratulations on all the blessings you guys have had this year too though. I'm so eager to know what store stole your designs. (Knowing that kind of thing would make a lot of bloggers think twice about shopping there because creative integrity is SO important.)
Anna @ A Good Home
A beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your overflowing heart 🙂
I felt the same way about transitioning from a family of 3 to a family of 4. I was terrified that I wouldn't find room in my heart for our baby boy, when I was so in love with our precious girl. Oh my goodness, did God ever bowl me over with how much I could love a little boy! I had really wanted another girl, but I would NEVER trade my sweet James for a million girls.
Congratulations, and enjoy that precious little gift. Having 2 little ones (particularly one of each sex) will just fell your mommy heart with even more joy. It's hard to describe 🙂
minwks
Dear Kristen, Thank you for such a lovely and heartfelt post. I know when we were ready to,welcome our second son I wondered if I could love him as much as our first. How amazing that love can expand to enclose those close to you ... A wonderful revelation of parenthood.
My best wishes for a safe delivery.
Regards Janine
The Refeathered Roost
Beautiful post! Love your heartfelt grateful spirit. All the best for an easy and blessed delivery. Most of all enjoy your sweet family...this is a very precious time!
Amber Koogler
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Amber Koogler
Praying for a safe delivery of your new little guy! Sorry to hear about your stolen material...despicable really 🙁 I don't want to dwell on that tho, instead I want to thank you for inspiring me to pursue my little dreams!!