I guess it’s time I come clean about why I’ve been MIA over the last few weeks.:)
The truth is…I am about eight weeks pregnant now with our precious Baby #3–and I’ve been quite blessedly sick and beautifully exhausted for the last few weeks.
Constant nausea and exhaustion hit me like a brick wall the day before I made six weeks pregnant (just like with my first two babies:). It has been a blessed opportunity to put my Priority P’s into practice. As you can guess, Humble Handmaid has a few items–and people–ahead of it that have required all my energy lately. In God’s mercy and timing, I’ll be back writing more again as soon as I can.
Praise the Lord for sickness though–with all three children I’ve totally bought into the old wives’ tale that morning sickness means the baby is healthy! π
Praise God, also, for my wonderful friend, caretaker and husband. Michael has been absolutely wonderful. He has been helping so much around the house, and he watches the kids as much as he can when he’s home so I can rest. I haven’t woken up (before 7:30 or 8!) in the past two weeks without two crackers and a small glass of water on my bedside table–and usually the kids are in the kitchen occupied with breakfast too, if Michael not working early. When I burst into tears over the most ridiculous things, he makes me laugh, but somehow he does it in a way that doesn’t make me feel like I’m being a drama queen. He is constantly asking me if I need another pillow, or a back rub, or more water, or if I want the cheese for my cheese and crackers cut thick or thin.
Michael just seems to be constantly taking care of me in the littlest things. I was reading through St. Josemaria’s book Friends of God this week, and I came across a little quote that reminded me so much of my husband lately:
“It is precisely those who are in love who pay attention to the details, even when they’re doing apparently unimportant things.”
Geez I love that man so much. And I think he really loves me back. π
The most wonderful thing about him though is that Michael has done all of this so cheerfully. I am reminded every day right now what a blessing cheerful service is to others–because it’s been such a blessing to me.
Speaking of service, I read an awesome blog post recently at Catholic Sistas about letting people serve you. Not that I’m nearly as sick and in need as so many people I know(!), but I am in a place where I am grateful for just a little help.
Case in point, a dear friend called me this morning to tell me she’s coming over to watch the kids and bring us lunch today. Reading that blog post recently made it a little easier for me to say yes. Other than the fact that she said she had already talked to my husband and he had told her not to take no for an answer.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”
Leanne@lifehappenswhen says
Congratulations! How very exciting! Prayers for you and your sweet little baby! And yes, definitely let others help you!
Erin Franco says
Thanks Leanne–you're so sweet! π
Miranda says
Congratulations Franco family!
Erin Franco says
Thank you:)
Erica says
Congrats!!! So exciting!! I hope you feel better soon!!
melody says
Praise God!!! Praying for you during this challenging period. Hope it passes quickly. π
Erin Franco says
Thanks for the encouragement and well wishes! Coming from you, a mom with a few more kids experience:), it means a lot. Thank you for praying for me–I know you mean it!
Maggie says
Congratulations! Many prayers for a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Erin Franco says
Thanks Maggie!
Ginger says
Congratulations to you and Michael! I hope you get to feeling better soon! <3