a blessing in the mail . . .

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I got the most precious package in the mail
the other day.
{I even had to sign for it, which made it more special somehow. :) }

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It was filled with the sweetest notes and prayers,
along with a beautiful blessing bracelet.
Blessings and "blessing beads" for my coming labor and delivery.
Words and prayers for it to go smoothly and to be joyful.

and it came from some ladies that I have a very special bond with...

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Shortly after I had Abigail, I joined the "Mommy & Me"group
at the hospital where she was born.
I joined at the encouragement of my birth doula,
who also facilitated this group.

It was seriously one of the best decisions I made as a new momma.

I had to step out of my comfort zone the first time I went.
But something in me KNEW I would need this support
as I adjusted to motherhood.

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{our little ones at the pumpkin patch for their first Halloween - A is the ladybug!}

These other mamas accepted me, loved Abigail, pursued me amazingly...
as we all walked into this new road of having babies together.
All our littles were within months (even weeks) of each other in age,
and all of us were first-time mommies.

We spent countless hours talking
breast milk, bottle issues, sleeping problems, relationships,
faith, adjustment to staying at home...you name it.

And our babies made their very first friends,
they will always hold a special place in Abigail's heart and in mine.

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I was FLOORED when I opened this envelope full of notes from my friends.
I don't even live in the same state as them anymore.
We've done this for a few other mommies in the group,
as they have had baby their number 2.
But i never expected it since I moved away.

I couldn't even read the notes at first because I was crying.
amazed at the honor and love that filled this package.

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They will be words that will encourage me and uplift me
during my upcoming labor,
as I pursue the goals and desires
of how we feel the Lord has asked us to do it.
And I will wear my blessing bracelet to remind me
as I labor.

This sweet sisterhood is standing with me,
and that means the world to me.
Thanks girls - you know who you are.

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now for the waiting . . .
I'm due in 1 day,
I'll keep you posted!


loving my friends, loving my support system,
loving this baby I'm about to meet . . .
and linking up here for things I love:

{reflecting}: some 2011 posts . . .

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I started this blog in 2011,
having no idea how it would change me, challenge me, and encourage me.
Thanks to ALL of you precious bloggy friends
who have come by my (virtual) side and become my friend this past year.
And thanks to those who read my blog - it means more than you know.

(our little family a year ago)
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Today (I know its the 2nd of Jan, I should've done this yesterday!)...
I'm reflecting with you
on some of the things I have written about the past year,
(and a few fun moments in pictures too!)

(Abigail learning to walk last March!)
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If we haven't known each other long and you'd like to learn more about me,
or if you just want to read them,
here are a few of
my favorite/most read posts from 2011...

I shared about weaning Abigail from breastfeeding,
and how it felt like a part of me was suddenly missing.

(sweet moments with my girl)
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I did my holiday home tour when I put up all our Christmas decor...
it was fun to show you around!

God is speaking to me about no more justifying
what HE has provided.

I talked openly about the emotions that come with

(due on Thursday!)
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I shared some randomness about me.

we found out what we were having!

(our new little one in the works!)
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I blogged about my struggle in knowing
how to love two when this new baby comes.

My desire to trust in HIS provision for my daily needs:

(moving to a new state!)
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Many of you joined in praying healing prayers for my Dad,
...and God answered. Thank you.

Trying to learn about just "being" as a mommy.

(some fun mommy moments)
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Shared one of my fav dessert recipes: Texas Gold Bars!

Abigail learned to walk, and I wrote about

Parker shared about learning to Be Still.

my (few) attempts to be crafty: Abigail's bow frame

I wrote about loss and how God can bring us a
change of plans at any moment.

(becoming quite the toddler this year!)
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And I've shared several times about

I have been SO so blessed by this blog this year,
in more ways that you can imagine.
It has opened my heart and mind to a lot more that God has intended
for my life.
Thanks for being a part of it.

Happy New Year - I look forward to what's to come!



linking up here:

spreading some bloggy love . . .

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I feel so honored that several friends have thought of me in the last few weeks,
awarding me with the
"Liebster Blog Award"!

Thanks so much to
and Rachel at Our Havenhill!!

Check those sweet girls out - they are some of my favorites!
{and please forgive me for taking so long to pass this on!}


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"Liebster" is a German word meaning "dearest" or "beloved".
It can also mean
sweet, kind, lovely, nice, endearing, and valued.

This award was created to show a little blog love
to bloggers who are growing
{and currently have less than 200 followers}...
just a little encouragement to say "I cherish you and your blog!"

Rules are:
Thank the giver, and link back to their blog.
Award this to 5 other growing blogs that you value,
and share them on your blog.
Have fun and spread some love!

I am passing this on to:
(in no particular order)

Meredith at Everything Espey

I LOVE Y'ALL!!

you will LOVE these precious hearts.
go check them out, and give em some bloggy love!

and have a GOOD and SAFE
New Year's Eve!!!