Drumroll please………………………..
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for!
Allow me to stall 2 second’s longer and share the story of the weekend (I know you’ve already scrolled through to find out the sexes anyway).
Needing a hiatus, Shane and I were ecstatic to take a mini-vacation for the weekend in Casper. Yep, we were excited to visit Casper, Wyoming. It’s where we met, where our family and many great friends live, and where we can re-live classic date nights from simpler times.
Alas…. the snow. It blew in, set up camp, and dumped great big flakes for days.
The weather was bitter. I was bitter.
In my heart, I knew better; I should grasp this opportunity to train my expectations for the patience and flexibility required to parent twins. But I wanted to hug my family. I wanted to catch up with old friends. And I desperately wanted to learn the sexes of our twins!
I had been elated all week, then quite disappointed with the weather, but feeling immature for feeling so. I opted for numbness and turned off all emotions. When the potential for us to reschedule the ultrasound and reveal-party, I almost didn’t even care anymore. I needed an attitude check, but I wasn’t interested in reading my Bible or praying.
I blame my hormones, but I shouldn’t. Regardless, God has never left me wallowing in self-pity. As always, He gently coaxed me back to truth. Though I avoided my Bible this weekend, the Holy spirit used everything else as an instrument to preach to me.
Shane, ever patient, massaged my feet and prayed over me. Then the babies started moving. I haven’t felt them in a week, so this was an unexpected joy. Shane was able to feel them move too! We spent Saturday night resting in the Lord.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Waking up Sunday morning to sunshine was also unexpected. We skedaddled our butts to Casper quickly on the dry roads, catching this phenomenon just in time.
We were so in awe, Shane had to pull over. What we thought was a rainbow– circling the sun, refracting the light at 2 focal points– took our breath away. As the sun rose, the frosty air was replaced with clear blue skies. I found out this weather marvel is called a sun-dog. It too preached to me.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4
We arrived in time for an ultrasound with my FANTASTIC sister-in-law, Amber, who’s calling and ministry in life is to bring God’s glory to the pregnancy and birthing process. She is a registered nurse at a pregnancy resource center in Casper, will be our doula for the twins birth, and is training to be a midwife.
I chugged a very sweet cherry-limeade to get the babies moving, and Amber squeezed the goop on my belly. We watched 2 healthy babies toss and turn, hearts beating strong. Baby A, whom we call “The Right Ninja” (because I tend to feel more movement on the right), wasn’t cooperating with the camera. Amber moved on to Baby B, “Lil’ Lefty”, who promptly closed legs and shoved hands down to the gender-telling area. Hmm, a modest little lady perhaps? A few movements later Amber knew for sure, one way or another later. After that, The Right Ninja gave us a peek of… “Shane did you see that!?” I squealed. Amber didn’t confirm anything.
Within the hour, Amber released us and called my sister, Hannah, with the secret. Hannah purchased balloons for the big reveal, and we were all set for a celebration. My mom took me shopping for some much-needed prego-pants while Shane caught up with some old friends.
Finally it was time for the party. The reveal was delayed a bit while Amber attended a home-birth. But it didn’t matter. Shane and I were overjoyed just to be in the same room with so many people we loved. We enjoyed cake and punch while discussing gender-guesses with family members. Here’s what we came up with:
It was a fantastic day, and I couldn’t have been more blessed to share it with everyone. I don’t know why I doubt God, or let the weather become such a disappointment… How many times have I said on this blog that He is faithful, He knows our hearts desires, and He delights to love us so intimately and specifically? I am undeserving of it all, but ever grateful.
By the way, I was right! Lil’ Lefty is in fact a modest little lady (despite the fact that she is pretty much sitting on top of our little gentleman’s head). The Right Ninja is as active as they come… I can feel his kicks on the right side of my belly button pretty regularly now.
Thank you Jesus for our little boy, and our little girl!
So happy for you!!!!! 🙂