Life always had this way of taking things you thought were wonderful and turning them into something extraordinary.
Life has a way of picking you up, turning things around and giving you the chance to make a run for it or take it all in stride.
Life also has this way of taking your plans, crumpling them up and tossing them into the trash bin without consulting you first.
NONE of these things are, in any way, bad. It all depends on your perspective, of course. I choose to believe that God is the ultimate composer- the ever talented artist- the everyday hero that comes in on a day-to-day basis and simply tweaks things that we never would have expected- but all for our better good. Sometimes we're able to see it and instantly meet Him with a grateful heart and sometimes we're a little more hesitant to accept the change. You see, we had a curve ball tossed our way a mere 2 months ago. One we never would have planned for in this moment in time, one we actually frequently spoke of as being far off in the distant future, something we could see ourselves getting into in 3-5 years- a wonderful thought- just not for right now.
Clearly, the Lord hated that plan and wanted to do only what He knows how to do best. Rearrange.
I say this all with a light heart, mind you. I feel like I may be sounding down-and-out or even a bit on the spiteful side, but I assure you, what I am about to say brings me immense joy! I am overwhelmed with gladness and most times cannot find the words to say beyond- "Thank you Jesus!"
Nic and I have a wonderful new addition on his/her way come early fall and we are ecstatic! Officially what can be deemed a "Honeymoon baby." The thought that this time next year I will have a wee little one is amazing! No! Extraordinary.
We found out in a fairly usual way- I miss that time of the month and took a test. First one came back negative- second came back with a little tiny pink plus sign. A doodle that can't be undid, home skillet. So we did what any other normal couple would do- we combed the internet for a low/no cost clinic that would help us out (since insurance was out of the picture) At this time I was still pretty uncertain about what could be going on- you see, the test that came back positive had this super lame disclaimer that states "If you have ever had ovarian cysts or any issue with PCOS you may show a false positive." Ha. BOTH are things the Lord has healed me of, and BOTH are things that would cause me to miss a period. So-- we figured the best bet would be to skip on spending another $10 on an at home test and let the doc's do what they know how to do best. Bring us some news. And boy, did they ever.
Its amazing how the Lord perfectly orchestrates even the TINIEST of happenings- I wanted an ultrasound like NO other because that in my mind would be the ONLY way to clear things up-- cyst or baby? I have this need to just always see things for myself. I need verification, on every level, all the time. It's just one of those "things" about me. Everywhere we called didn't seem to want to give an ultrasound on a first visit so we finally gave up the hope for that and gave in to just getting a blood test. We show up and lo' and behold- they're incredibly busy so the only room the can squeeze us into is, duh duhn duuuuuuhhhnn---- the ultrasound room! After discussing the situation the midwife looks at me and said- welp- how about we clear things up real quick? I'll give you an ultrasound! Nic and I were ecstatic and I couldn't hardly even blurt out, "Yes, please" quick enough.
And there it was.
A little tiny blob on the screen- with its very own heartbeat. You could actually physically see the babies heart beating. Completely separate from mine. Nothing in this world could be more surreal that the very instant you find out you are having a baby... Your first baby. A surprise baby! A baby that by no means was planned or expected by us-- but had clearly been in the plans since the Lord brought us together. A flood of emotions hit me. It was like a tidal wave- I am a mom. We are parents! Look at it! Right there! Starin right back at me!! Its got your soft wavy lines, babe!
I would be lying if I said all I was feeling were happy thoughts- I was terrified, to put it simply. In fact I was so caught up in the moment of not knowing what the heck to think the very first words I was able to get out of my mouth were selfish ones-- "Aw man-- this means I'm gonna be FAT at Kevin and Meryl's wedding!!" Haha- so stupid. But what I was thinking nonetheless. A lil' different than Nic's first thought to ask if it was a boy or not- haha. Suffice to say- we were shocked. And emotional.
We almost immediately called our parents to share the news- and all and any fear, shame, worry, and negative thoughts went flying out the window. Getting to share the news with our family came with lots and lots of excitement. This is officially the first grandbaby on both the Mullaney side AND Hansen side. To say that this baby is going to be spoiled and loved on like crazy is an understatement. :)
Our brothers are already fighting over who will be the "Cool Uncle" and our sisters are already debating who gets to be the first babysitter. The dad's have already decided what they want the baby to call them. And the mom's are ever-so-diplomatically deciding who gets to hold the baby at Kevin and Meryl's wedding. Its a beautiful thing.
So- unlike our plans which often are greatly flawed and selfish- God takes things into HIS hands and turns them into marvelous works of art.
And we could not be more excited.
So- mark it on your calendars- write it out like a song-- September 8 is the big day. Nic and Kristin Hansen are on the road to parenthood.
