Yesterday was my birthday. It was also my baby’s due date. And here I sit, at 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant, with a huge bump in front of me. This baby is quite comfy in the womb.
And you know what? That’s perfectly fine with me.
As much as I would have loved to share a birthday with my child, I never expected it to happen. Both my mom and Micah’s mom had all their babies “late” and I didn’t expect my experience to be any different, especially since I’ve had no complications throughout my pregnancy and no signs that this baby wanted to arrive early.
A few years ago, one of my friends wrote a blog post, as she was awaiting the arrival of her firstborn. The question she was pondering… “can a baby really be born late?” At the time, I was a newlywed, not thinking about pregnancy at all {unless you count “gosh, I hope I don’t get pregnant any time soon…”}, but the post settled in my mind and spoke to my heart. God ordains birthdays. He’s known forever when Baby Russum would be born. And it will be in His perfect timing.
I find so much peace in that. Don’t get me wrong. I am hoping this little baby comes naturally sometime in the next week. If I go into labor before next Friday, I can avoid all discussions and decisions about inducing, which is something I really want to avoid. Of course, I will do whatever is healthiest for our child, but if he or she wants to emerge before I even have to start praying about things and weighing the risks of inducing versus the health of my placenta, I would be very grateful.
But for now, I am content. Oh so content. I know God has a plan. He created this child. He has ordained its birthday. He knows if it is a little girl or a little boy. He knows all the ways this person will bring grace and goodness to our family. And He knows all the ways this child will bring glory to His name. I am so excited to see God’s glory unfold in this new life. But until then I am savoring my last few days with my firstborn in my womb. This season is fleeting, and it has been so very sacred…
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139: 13-16
Happy (belated) birthday to you!!!! I know I say this all the time, but you are absolutely gorgeous and a beautiful, glowing mama-to-be. Psalm 139 is one of my favorites and it's even more special now that I'm pregnant. All in God's time, friend. Big hugs!!!!!
Amen and Amen. Beautiful words and a beautiful momma! Still praying for you and your sweet baby.
What a great outlook. I'm 9 days away from my due date and it is so exciting every day to think, is today the day? You look adorable, too!
I was listening to "Hidden Place" by Sandra McCracken while waiting to meet baby past our due date…I found it so comforting 🙂 and I still love to listen to it and remember that sweet season.
Happy belated Birthday!