Thank you for all the love and excitement! We are thrilled to be adding another little girl into our family! It still seems almost too good to be true! I told Pat I wanted one more, because I really wanted to try for a girl. So after finding out I was pregnant, Pat lovingly suggested I plan on a boy, so I wouldn’t be devastated if we didn’t get a girl... Though I wouldn’t have been devastated, (Four boys would have been really fun!) I actually did plan on a boy. (We had a name and everything!) So being told we are having a girl made made for some really exciting news!
This pregnancy has been similar to my others. I’ve craved cereal, milk, and sandwhiches. I’m now just getting over the nausea that began at week six. I’m really trying to appreciate everything, where this will be my last pregnancy. And let me just tell you, a single pregnancy is nothing compared to twins!
Shortly after finding out I was expecting, I asked Patrick for a priesthood blessing. After moving to UT, my asthma flared up, (Dang smog!) which has caused my body to really struggle. With a few symptoms still present, I was a little worried how my body would handle being pregnant.
Pat agreed and gave me a blessing. Towards the end, he paused and became emotional. And so did I, after I heard what was said. I was blessed that the veil might be thin during this pregnancy, because Preslee hopes to be included in the welcoming of this baby into our family.
Pat was just as surprised as I was, and since then, I’ve thought a lot about that comment. I think sometimes I forget how wondrous the plan of salvation truly is. This upcoming July will mark six years since Preslee’s death, and during that time, I’ve learned a great deal about faith. We are taught individuals who pass on are happy and well taken care of, and I fully believe that. But something I haven’t thought much about is that she still has wants and needs. Those wants and needs might be different than what they would have been if she had never passed away, but what a sweet reminder for us as her parents that she is forever part of our family and is never truly far away.
I’m grateful that families really are eternal. That Patrick and I have been blessed with experiences that enable us to know that life does continue after death. And with those experiences, and what we have studied, I’m grateful we have learned for ourselves that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
I can’t help but want to savor every moment over the next few months. Knowing I’m carrying our last, and that our oldest is close by, Pat and I really do have our entire family together. It might be in a different way than we planned, but let me tell you, my heart has truly never been so full.
This pregnancy has been similar to my others. I’ve craved cereal, milk, and sandwhiches. I’m now just getting over the nausea that began at week six. I’m really trying to appreciate everything, where this will be my last pregnancy. And let me just tell you, a single pregnancy is nothing compared to twins!
Shortly after finding out I was expecting, I asked Patrick for a priesthood blessing. After moving to UT, my asthma flared up, (Dang smog!) which has caused my body to really struggle. With a few symptoms still present, I was a little worried how my body would handle being pregnant.
Pat agreed and gave me a blessing. Towards the end, he paused and became emotional. And so did I, after I heard what was said. I was blessed that the veil might be thin during this pregnancy, because Preslee hopes to be included in the welcoming of this baby into our family.
Pat was just as surprised as I was, and since then, I’ve thought a lot about that comment. I think sometimes I forget how wondrous the plan of salvation truly is. This upcoming July will mark six years since Preslee’s death, and during that time, I’ve learned a great deal about faith. We are taught individuals who pass on are happy and well taken care of, and I fully believe that. But something I haven’t thought much about is that she still has wants and needs. Those wants and needs might be different than what they would have been if she had never passed away, but what a sweet reminder for us as her parents that she is forever part of our family and is never truly far away.
I’m grateful that families really are eternal. That Patrick and I have been blessed with experiences that enable us to know that life does continue after death. And with those experiences, and what we have studied, I’m grateful we have learned for ourselves that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
I can’t help but want to savor every moment over the next few months. Knowing I’m carrying our last, and that our oldest is close by, Pat and I really do have our entire family together. It might be in a different way than we planned, but let me tell you, my heart has truly never been so full.
Love you Monkey.
That's so exciting! I just found out yesterday we are having a girl this fall. We had planned on a boy (genetic disease in the family, girls get it but boys don't) so we prayed for a boy.
ReplyDeleteBut my husband kept having promptings it would be a girl.
And it is- I'm in shock and very emotional.
But I hear girls are the best!
I just love this post. You are so beautiful! Best of luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blessing. Thank you for sharing your insights, I had never thought about that before.
ReplyDeleteOh my. Thank you so much for sharing that neat experience. what a treasure you are...thank you for continuing to share your grief as well as the happy tender moments like this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being trusting enough to share such personal sentiment. Reading about your experience strengthens my hope and faith. So thankful families are forever!
ReplyDeleteI love this so much and can witness to the thining of the veil. My dad recently passed away, and my nephew had a dream a few days ago and told us that "Grandpa" came to visit him. It was so special and warmed out hearts. It seems as though we are left empty, with nothing left when loved ones pass on, but it is the complete opposite.
ReplyDeleteGod blesses us in ways we don't ever think about because sometimes we're focusing on physical reality of someone passing. How great is our God, and how wonderful and joyful that reunion will be, where we may all be together one day, for the rest of forever.
I'm so grateful for the Priesthood. And the opportunity for Pat to see through the veil and know that Preslee is close by watching over you. And to receive that confirmation. Tender Mercies indeed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I admire your faith and strength born from something unimaginable. I am so excited for your family to have another girl to love! I am that crazy stranger that came up to you at Mesa Falls a couple of summers ago. I had just given birth to my first girl after a boy, and then twin boys. I can tell you, it will be so fun to see those big brothers love on their little sister! I hope you are feeling better and that you have a wonderful pregnancy. It sounds like you are going to have some pretty extra sacred moments in these next few months. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord's tender mercies continue to attend you and your darling family. I pray too that you feel your beautiful Preslee with you throughout your pregnancy but also throughout life. She must be so joyful and happy about her sister coming to your family. Your 2nd daughter will never take Preslee's place (some people might think that way??), but she will just bring a new and different feel to your family dynamics. She will be a perfect fit. She will come to earth trailing a little bit of heaven with her. I'm so so happy for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post Ash! I hope that you will always remember that even though your first baby Preslee is no longer her in person she will always be in here in spirit in all that you do always! Your own personal guardian angel always watching over you all.. I am so excited for you that you get to have yet again another little girl that is so exciting for you all :)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you. What a wonderful blessing for your family! I pray that this baby will be healthy and bring happiness to the family. I'm not good with words but I am over the moon happy for you! May God bless this child and her family.
ReplyDeleteI may have totally teared up reading these last two posts! I am beyond excited for you and I've never met you (I'm an old friend of Mark and Laura's from the singles ward). You continue to amaze me. May God bless you and your sweet family.
ReplyDelete