It's a.....

GIRL!!!!!!!!!

"Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true." Joshua 21:45

"And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him." 1 John 5:14

It's official...we have the ultrasound pictures to prove it...our baby girl, Emma Claire, is due on August 17. As far as the ultrasound goes, she is perfectly healthy. At this point, 31 weeks and 1 day, she weighs 3 lbs, 14 ounces. It's no surprise, really, as "E" has gained 9 pounds since she moved into the maternity home almost 2 weeks ago! Did I mention that "E" has had 3 other children (many years ago...they are grown now) and her smallest baby was 10 lbs, 8 oz??? She told me that she doesn't birth babies, she births toddlers!

She is so excited for us. She called me as soon as I got home to see what Patrick and the kids said about the pictures. I prayed that we would have a situation where we could have contact with the birth mother...not sure why...I just wanted that. And here we are. I am going to have to go through my "requests" that God has given me throughout this entire process (the last 4-5 years) and make a list of all the ANSWERED requests! It might take me awhile!

I will tell ya, I was stressing for just a few minutes before we actually "SAW" girl parts...my promise has been that Emma Claire would complete our family. If that ultrasound showed extra "parts", that would mean we weren't finished! God has brought me to a place now that I am ready to be finished. I mean, if Ashlee has a baby at the same age I was when I had her, I will be a grandma in only 8 years! And at this point, I will be homeschooling for 27 years. TWENTY SEVEN YEARS!!! WOW! I am just ready for this chapter of our lives to be complete. I know God has many more things planned for us, for His glory, and I am anxious for the journey.

I would ask for continued prayers for "E" as she will have many mixed emotions, whether she likes it or not. As I told another friend of mine, sometimes God's purpose for us isn't easy...but it is always for the good and for His glory. She is also having some personal issues that have been hurtful to her (not baby related), so I would ask you to pray for her comfort and that she would be able to turn these things over to God.

You guys are the best friends...whether you are my IRL (in real life) friends, or my blog stalker friends, I am privileged to know you.