Thinking Back

Today I went to my dad's business, where I used to work. It was great to see everyone. As I was driving home I was thinking back to this time last year.

This time last year I was about 12 weeks pregnant. I remember Jeff and I discussing if we should announce my pregnancy because of the issues we were having with all the bleeding. Jeff and I decided that we should because it was already really hard for me to keep it a secret.

We decided to announce it and we were glad we did because I really got the support that I needed during those difficult times. It was one of the most trying times for us but it was also very spiritual. I gained such a strong testimony and I learned that I needed to have more faith.

This time last year my doctor put me on full time bed rest. She did this when I was 8 weeks pregnant. I stopped going to work. I didn't think I would be off work the whole entire time I was pregnant. I was being really careful and getting really anxious to get back to work. I am not the type of person who can lay on a couch all day. There were dishes to clean and carpets to vacuum and tile to mop but I couldn't do it. I couldn't cook, I couldn't help Jeff with anything. I felt really helpless. Jeff was amazing and did the best he could while going to work and school at that time. My mom was amazing as well.

This picture is the first time that I went to the hospital due to bleeding. Jeff held my hand as the ultrasound tech was looking on the screen. She wasn't supposed to tell me anything until the hospital doctor came in to tell me but I think she could tell we were really nervous. She told me everything still looked okay. Little did we know that this was going to be a lonnnng 8 months. 

The hospital was full that night and he wasn't supposed to sleep there so Jeff just snuck in there and our nurse said that it was okay. I really needed him there.

My tummy kept on growing.. so we celebrated with a baby shower :)

My blood pressure was rising it was up to 150/90 at times and I was extremely swollen. (Hence the pictures that show my hands). My doctor was going to induce me but she decided to come right at 37 weeks. This is a picture of my belly the night before she decided to come. 

I tried to go back to work but it couldn't happen. I would just bleed and bleed (Sorry too much info).
I haven't been back to working since but I am so grateful for the opportunity to stay home with my little Addie girl and watch her grow. This is my job now and I LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

It sometimes is nice thinking back and to see where we are now. I feel so lucky to have Jeff as my husband. He works so hard and he is so driven. He comes home from the longest days ever and he never complains!

I just wanted to write this because I need to be more grateful at times and hopefully on days that are hard I can look back on this and remember that the day really isn't that bad. I am grateful for the gospel and for my family. I have everything that I need. (well.. more kids of course but that will come later) :)