When we can't help but wait.

This is a post I have been attempting to wait for weeks. First I put it off multiple times- and then I finally wrote it last week and forgot to save it. So today- it looks like it just might happen. I didn't really want to write a blog post about waiting on baby because I felt it was cliche and questioned this topic thinking maybe people don't want to read about me waiting on baby- but the truth is- even if you're not waiting on a little babe to "pop" out every person reading this post can certainly relate to waiting on something to happen. So it's happening- I'm sharing my heart today in an attempt to touch yours no matter where you are at in life today. 

The waiting process has went something like this: fearful, hopeful, then antsy- now attempting to trust. When I first found out that I might have baby Gilbert early (after the accident) I was first fearful- fearful it would be too soon-I cried and prayed that he would stay in long enough to be okay. After weeks of prayers and nerves I started to become hopeful thinking it would be just around the corner- he would be here soon and we prepared to welcome him into the world. After a few weeks of being prepared - I became antsy and have been antsy. Everyday I have gotten up in the morning I have thought to myself today is gonna be the day!!!! Especially after my doctors appointment yesterday I thought my odds were good. Butttttt today little man isn't here and I woke up greeted by a thought from The Lord- at least I'm thinking this is what he had for me: my ways aren't your ways- this thought frustrated me. I thought to myself how isn't now the time?? It makes sense!! He's ready! Dr says let's go! I'm saying let's go- so God you must be mistaken - because now is it!!! But this thought kept coming back into my head: his ways aren't my ways, his timing isn't always my timing- but my goodness- the God of this universe does know best. Regardless if I think I know better- (whether I chose to admit it at the time or not) He does know best. Choosing to trust him only makes sense. Isaiah 55:8 says His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways aren't ours. So- as much as I don't want to trust and surrender to His timing it only makes sense to. He really has known what was best from the start!!

Maybe today you can relate to anxiously waiting on something to happen today- you are convinced that right now would be the best time for something to happen. You have been praying for Gods timing but simultaneously thinking you know best- I encourage you to trust Him with this situation. I also encourage you to remind me to do the same. Take comfort in the fact that the same God who created you and me has your best interest in mind and loves you so ❤️

Next Quarter of My Life

A very wise friend sent me this message on my birthday, "the first quarter of your life was all yours. The second quarter is for babies, and the third is for the golden years with our men. If we make it to the last quarter we will count ourselves lucky to be friends." 

I don't think there is a better way she could have put it. This birthday completely marked a turning point in my life and the start of a new season. For those of you who don't know, I was recently in a car accident at about 31 weeks pregnant. It caused some preterm labor signs and we thought baby just might be coming early- due to that scare- my doctor put me on bedrest and I left work a little earlier than expected. Although I did leave a few weeks earlier than I thought I would- I had planned on leaving very soon to prep for life with baby and prepare to be a stay-at-home mom for awhile.

I can't believe I will be home with my baby and able to enjoy these many firsts with him. A part of me is nervous that I won't fulfill my own expectations or that we will run low on money and I'll have to return to work quickly. BUT most of me is just beyond excited to offer my daily life to be spent with my sweet little baby boy. I want to be the very best mom to him I can be- and look forward to dedicating the next quarter of this beautiful life to my little babe. ❤️

Hey Mama- You're Beautiful

 We live in a world where everyday is filled with comparisons- its everywhere you go- advertizements, social media, the grocery store. We have been conditioned to compare- and to only find beauty in perfection. As women we want to be known as beautiful and work so hard to look a certain way.

 When approaching pregnancy I didnt fully comprehend that it would challenge my body image and level of confidence. I envisioned a perfect round growing belly and all to return to normal afterwards. I am still pregnant and have at least (hopefully) 10 or so weeks to go and realizing more and more that my pre-pregnancy body may or may not come back. This thought made me realize that so many women have made this sacrifice before me- that mothers have chosen to bear children not knowing what the outcome afterwards for their bodies may be. To me- that is so beautiful. The fact that your body grows and adjusts to hold a little life and supports it is the most lovely thing I can think of.

For all you moms out there that have gone before me- just know that no matter how you feel today-or tomorrow- or how others may make you feel- you are beautiful. The sacrifice you have made is well worth it.

Warming up...Obsessions.

Okay Ladies- now that its mid-may I am reallyyyy starting to look forward to summer clothes. Especially with a growing bump- I see summer dresses and cotton shorts being much more comfortable.

I just thought I would take a quick moment to share some of my current obsessions with you:

Tall Gladiator Sandals- I have tried to get over this trend and convince myself that they were too funky- but I still want them-maybe even need them?? Go ahead and judge me ;)

http://www.francescas.com/product/ferocious+tall+gladiator+sandal.do?sortby=ourPicks

 

 

I think that Kourtney Kardashian wore this style mutliple times perfectly. You may hate the Kardashians but you can't hate Kourtney- her style and healthy eating are too good to hate. (not to mention she is an adorable mom)

 

 

http://joytv.gr/get-the-look-ta-gladiator-sandals-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-kourtney-kardashian/

 

 

 

Cotton Shorts- these are suppperrr comfy and soo on trend. You can find them almost anywhere- but there is a local store in Monroe (Sofi Stella) that carries them. I need my get my booty over there asap and grab some. Who doesnt want to look trendy and simultaneously feel like they are wearing pj shorts?!?

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/sofi.stella.39?hc_location=timeline

 

 



They're Real - Mascara.

 



 



http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-mascara-P289307?skuId=1343938

 

I am purchasing this ASAP. I used my sister's once (shush dont tell ;)) lol and i LOVED it. It really does work amazingly well. You would think she wears lashes- but its just this stuff.

 

 

 

My last item is from LUSH. I gained a new-found love for that store during my Chicago trip to visit a friend. They have amazing products- you must check them out-

 

 

 

Black Stockings- its a body tint thats all natural- and I am a real fan of the scent. It is a must have for those pasty spring legs ladies ;)

http://www.lushusa.com/Black-Stockings/03176,en_US,pd.html#start=2

 

 

Hope you all liked my obsessions for the upcoming season. I'm sure I will have more to add to this list soon.

 

 

Have a fabulous weekend ladies-

 

xxxooo

 

 



 

 

 



Spring-Home-Wifey Things

I am so relieved that it is finally spring here in Michigan. The weather has been great- and only getting better- which means more weekends outside, grilling out a TON, and freshening up the house a bit.

This spring already has brought some changes into the Gilbert household. Not only are we expecting a little one after this upcoming warm-weather season- but we are moving out of our little west-side home. I had kind of giving up on the idea of moving and started to be okay with it and then we got the offer we were looking for on our house- so if all goes according to plan we will be moving mid-summer. All the details still have to be sorted out and this is a very fresh development- but I am excited for the change- and excited to see what God has in store for our little family!

Now that I know it is VERY possible that we really will be moving I am looking at some fun decorating ideas and thought I would share some of what I have been finding....

I want a simple. functional. and -dare I say- decorated home. It doesnt have to be expensive- actually I dont want to spend much at all, but I want a warm looking/feeling home.

Here are some Inspirations for my next place:
SIGNAGE:

(www.randyinteriors.com)

I have been obsessed with these signs for a minute. and I am set on doing a project like this on my maternity leave. Don't hold me to it- I may end up caving and buying one- but I know I would love a handmade touch like this in my kitchen.


ORGANIZATION:

I have lovely woven baskets from my bridal shower that just sit on my floor in my living room. I need to use them like this to optimize my storage. I love this look and its functional.


SMARTER:

I have a black haired dog. In my next home I vow to buy darker rugs and darker bedspreads. Because Rex will find it and dirty it. My Point being- I am choosing my pet-friendly and children-friendly decorations for my next home.

BABY BOY:

(www.projectnursery.com)

I am looking for ideas for the little man's room. I am excited to mix Jake's preferences and mine to come up with a great space for our baby boy! He loves Rustic and I love a good old classic room- but we will make it look fab I'm sure!

I hope you enjoyed looking at a couple things that will Strongly inspire my new home!

On a side note-
Wifey things: As I am realizing that the quality alone time I get with my sweetie will be cut down drastically after the baby we are working on spending that time now as much as possible! I am so grateful for these times. and treasuring every.single.minute. and reminding myself when I'm not- that I need to!
I am a blessed woman and grateful for my man :)

Well of Emotions

I would usually consider myself a moderatedly emotional person. I cry when neccessary and relate to people when I can- but I wouldn't say anymore than the average woman. HOWEVER- this pregnancy I have gained a new-found sensitivity to the world. I first realized this just a few weeks ago when I saw a horrible video of an animal being abused. It was on my newsfeed and I couldnt escape it- it was playing as I scrolled down on Facebook and I couldn't get the horrible image out of my head. Within a minute I saw something on my newsfeed about a child being abused. I cried. The world seemed so dark at the moment and it bothered me. For the first time ever I had one of those "I can't believe my child is going to have to endure these horrible things in the world" thoughts. I knew in that moment that something had changed in me. It wasn't just that I was emotional today, but I had a newly found sensitive perspective of the world.

The way that I felt that day was one of my negative experiences in regards to my new found emotions- but I have also had beautiful experiences since then. I found myself noticing older people more in public and trying to make eye contact with them- to show them that they are important. I found myself thinking more about other people's lives and the beauty that is found within them. I have cried over countless friend's new babies being born and over missing family and friends. Although sometimes my emotions have taken me on a wild ride- I am grateful for the new light I have seen things in lately. It is a beautiful thing to be able to relate to others on an emotional level and share in life's moments with them.

I am not sure if these emotions and feelings will last forever, but I do know that I want God to allow me to minister to people and see a need/emotion and be able to talk about it. Relating to others, sharing in their stories, and ministering to them is a huge part of our responsibility. I always want to have a heart for others- if we don't care about those around us how can we possibly make an impact??

(www.pinterest.com)

My Babies. My Heart.

I believe that one of the biggest reasons that God allows us to go through trying times in our lives is so that we can minister to others. He uses struggles and heartache to teach us and bring us closer to Him. This sounds so basic and easy when saying it, but when I think back on some of my own life experiences it still seems so raw and difficult.  I have questioned many times if I am really ready to fully share my heart with my readers. I have questioned the timing more than a handful of times and kept saying that maybe I need to wait until I have a healthy baby in my arms to share my experiences- but today I feel that I have been waiting too long. Today I am choosing to share.

A little over a month and a half after my wedding in November 2012- I found out I was pregnant. I was so excited, shocked, surprised, overjoyed that it had happened so soon. I have heard of people trying for months, years, and even longer- so it seemed quick but I was ecstatic. We quickly starting talking about it and planned the day to tell my parents. Finally I told them and went to the Doctor and started on the journey. Things began to change and I felt as if my baby was doing well. At my 12 week appointment I found out that was not the case. I had lost my first sweet baby at 10 1/2 weeks old. This was the hardest day of my life. Seeing my baby on the monitor and knowing I would not meet him or her was devastating. I quickly was scheduled for my first DNC for the very next day. The sadness from that day continued on for a long time. People told me that it was part of God's will and I needed to give it to Him- but it was so very hard- and I was so bitter. I would look at the ultrasound pictures of my sweet baby from time to time and just cry. I didnt understand but knew I had to let go. I knew my baby was in a better place and that heaven's angels were surrounding them with love and affection and that gave me some comfort.

Later in the summer of 2013 we decided to try again and I quickly got pregnant again. After just about a week and a half of knowing I had concieved I started to spot. I immediately could tell something was wrong. My husband tried to comfort me and convince me all would be alright but I knew that it wasnt. The symptoms got worse and worse and I knew I was in the midst of losing my second baby. It was so hard to experience my little one leaving my body and knowing there was nothing that I could do. I knew after this happened that I needed a break and we decided to hold off for awhile and let my body heal.

Most recently, on December 28th of 2013 I found out I was once again expecting. I was filled with excitement of course- but also a lot fear and doubt but my doctor suspected all would be okay. I swore I wouldn't go to the doctor until 12 weeks because I didnt want to meet my baby and be disappointed-but quickly changed my mind and went in at 8 weeks. That day I actually had a bit of a scare and was nervous to go in. I called Jake. Called my dad. Called my mom. I started to freak out. I was challenged by my dad to trust in God and trust that He had it under control. I started to read verses about trust before I went into my appointment that day. I had moments where I felt secure and moments where I wasnt sure. When I made it into the ultrasound room I told the doctor I was very nervous I was losing the baby and he quickly checked and found a heartbeat. He assured me that everything was okay. This day was so significant for me. I was starting to learn that the only way I was going to enjoy these next months of pregnancy was to start trusting in God. I was challenged by my dad to stop saying "if I have this baby" or "if things work out". I had to place the situation in God's hands becasue only He can control the outcome. Each appointment I have went to so far has been very nerve wrecking and hard, but God keeps telling me to trust Him regardless of the circumstances and I am working on doing just that. It is a daily struggle, but He is faithful. I pray that God has his hand on this baby daily, I pray for his guidance, and I pray for any of you that have/are going through loss. He loves you where you are at- even if it seems as if He has forgotten about you. He has a purpose in what He is doing in your life. He has his Hand over your life- just let Him be your guide and try to trust He has a greater plan.



Today I am half way through my 15th week. I am learning to lean on the giver of life and praying He has his hand over myself and baby Gilbert. I think of my babies in heaven often and know they are being taken care of and loved in such a beautiful way and that gives me so much joy. I hope that me sharing my heart has helped one person out there. I hope that it gives you hope, that it challenges you to trust in God, and that in some way this life experience can minister to you.

Clothing Inspiration. and people on my mind.

I have to admit that I love E! and watch it nearly everyday. I don't care if people think that Keeping up with the Kardashians or Eric and Jessie are lame reality shows. I. cant. get.enough.of them. And I cant help but fall in love with some of their styles.

Recently I started following Jessie's sister on Instagram and she was sporting a Festy Besty headband and I loved it. I actually wore a similar headband to Billy Joel and think they are adorable.

Here is an example of their Janis Flower Halo headband. (picture taken from www.festybesty.com)

I think these are the perfect Spring, Summer, or vacation accessory. and luckily they seem to really go along with some clothing that is popular this upcoming season..

Last weekend while shopping at the mall I noticed Boho type clothing is making a comeback and I couldnt be happier.

Francesca's had my favorite looks:

I am crazy about this Kimono. I cant wait to get my hands on one. This with jeans and a tank is perfect for warmer days ahead. and comfy!

Here is another great one....

Also.... I LOVE peasant tops..if done right. I really didnt like them when they were last in style (middle school??) but I do now- when done right they can be comfy and attractive and boho chic ;)

I do not yet have any of these items- except one headband- in my closet. BUT I plan on going shopping for spring clothes once the snow melts here in Michigan and stays gone! I think all of these pieces are fun and a must have for Spring!

 

 

 

 

In other news.......

 

I have so many friends with things going on in their lives- somethings are incredibly wonderful, somethings not so great and they have all been on my mind, heart, and in my prayers lately.

 

Today I have a very close wonderful friend who is expecting his first child! Cant wait to meet him-Mike and Alyssa- prayers headed your way!!!

 

and to the friends who are having a rough day- or have shared what's heavy on their heart- know I am praying today!

 

The God of the universe cares about you and is willing to cover you with his protection today- take advantage of his promises!

 

 

 

 



Don't Wait.

(www.pinterest.com)

 

I saw this quote today and it made me stop and think for a minute. It's not like I haven't heard of this concept before....but it is sooo true. Treasure the moments today.

Enjoy yoga on Tuesday, grocery shopping Wednesday, time with that special someone Thursday...you get the picture!

 

I know this is hard to do- I find myself wanting the weekend and rest. But honestly if we had weekend living all week how much would we really appreciate the weekend?!

 

Look forward to Friday, summer, and happy times with the ones you love - but don't forget to live today.

 

 

Trust Me

(image courtesy of www.pinterest.com)

A little over a week ago I had a full-blown freak out. Usually when I am having a crazy day I call my mom, actually, most days of the week I call my mom regardless. BUT when it is really bad I call my dad. My mom is a wonderful person filled with lovely suggestions and lots Godly advice but my dad is the man to call if you need some intense prayer and scripture immediately. - that is exactly what I needed. I needed someone to pray and remind me to steady my heart.


Our conversation started out with me crying and explaining where I thought my day was headed. My dad stopped me- and told me I needed to start trusting in God with the rest of my day. My mind had already been wandering towards and trusting in the negative side of things- I was thinking about who I needed to ask to pray, who I needed to talk to, how I could make myself feel better- and he said turn to God.  He told me to look up verses on Trust and starting praying these verses- trust God to turn your day around- and that is exactly what I did-

I found verses like:

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. ”

I recited verses like these all day- and later found myself in such a different disposition.
The truth is there is POWER in trusting in Jesus. No other man can turn your moment, day, or life around the way that HE CAN.

I am encouraging you to truely put your future and the results of tomorrow into His hands.

Jeremiah 29:11

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.