Update: Ruth Evelyn at 31 Weeks!

31 Weeks...

...I remember just praying we'd make it safely to 20 weeks thinking, "then! then I can breathe!" and 20 weeks came and went and with placenta previa and SCH's, I still held my breath... one. day. at. a. time. Josh, my beloved husband, even said recently that he realizes he has had such concern for this little baby because our first 20 or so weeks were SO very uncertain. I love the journey of a life growing within, but more than anything, I am eager to hold this precious baby. Don't get me wrong, I really don't want her to come a day before 40 weeks and am content for her to come whenever God sees fit for her health, but I ache to hold her! To see who she looks like, what is uniquely HER, to count those fingers and toes, to kiss that little head and belly and see her with her big brother! I'm in awe that we are at 31 weeks! We are in the "single-digit weeks" left to the big, really random number called my EDD (expected due date or expected date of delivery or estimated due date). As I learned with our awesome boy, this date is REALLY just a number... that 40 weeks is kind of like averages and bell curves - created to quantify something LOOSELY that really can't be fully quantified because "it depends". The average first time Mama goes 41 1/2 weeks, but I have several friends who went into labor naturally at 37 weeks, 39 weeks, etc. and had happy, healthy babies. Still others who had really premature little ones that had a rough go at first, but then got strong and healthy and are just fine today. The day I went into labor with Jacob, I met a woman who had carried her firstborn 44 weeks! So, the "9 weeks left" is just hitting a milestone - 40 weeks - yay! It also tells me a lot about Ruth's development and that is reassuring to any mother. Each day, each week, each month means our little girl develops one more milestone physically (and I believe emotionally and psychologically as well) in the womb where life is safe, all needs met, and completely comfortable and with her Mama!

A dear friend, who recently gave birth to a sweet little girl, recommended this book much earlier in my pregnancy and I've LOVED reading it every week: 

The author offers great encouragement, scripture to pray, places to journal what you are feeling, learning, and prayers for your baby - and awesome insight into baby's weekly development and links this to character and spiritual, biblical truths to pray for your child. I've been praying both for Ruth AND Jacob as I read through!

Here's what this week's development is all about:

"Your Baby's Immune System"

Ruth's major organs are developed, but her lungs still need to mature in order for her to breathe on her own. The author also talks about breastfeeding and its benefits and then talks about praying for a baby to have a healthy immune system and also a calm spirit founded in Jesus Christ and the peace He brings. She talks about the mother setting the mood for a household and the importance of slowing down long enough to enjoy the peace and presence of God. She shares these verses:

1 John 4:4 "You are from God, little children...because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

John 14:27 "My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful"

Romans 5:1 "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"

Psalm 62:1 "I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him"

Finally, she guides the reader through a prayer for baby's health and a strong immune system, baby's spirit and life to know Jesus and have His peace in her heart regardless of life's circumstances, and a prayer for Mother to allow God to use her to create a haven of security and calmness in her home where love alone thrives. 

I have been so encouraged weekly reading this book and being guided through prayer and truth about my baby and my life as a mother! 

After dinner with my Jacob but before his bath time, I was able to snap a few pictures of Ruth Evelyn in my belly (while Jacob ran around her nursery and cracked up every time I posed and the camera snapped!). Happy 31 weeks baby girl! As you grow and change, so does your beautiful nursery!

 

~ Mama Bruffey

Wife of One, Mother of Two