Natalie's journey to motherhood..

When I got the first phone call from Natalie saying she took a pregnancy test and it was positive... my heart just melted for joy.  She has had such an incredible journey to get to where she is right now.  She knew she wanted a child, but due to life circumstances, she had to completely trust in God that when the time was right, it would happen.  Watching several of our friends become pregnant without even trying and start to form their families was hard for her sometimes,  and it wore on her spirit and on her faith that a child was in God's plan for her and Zach.  She made the decision one day that she wasn't going to worry about it anymore, she didn't want to go back to any doctors, she didn't want to stress about become pregnant, she had peace that if it was meant to be, then it would happen when the time was right.

I tend to get emotional (as I tear up writing this blog) when I think about how far her and Zach have come and how special their story is.  I will never forget that evening when my phone rang and my best friend was on the other end excited, yet reserved that she was with child.  I think the entire restaurant I was at heard me scream and jump for joy.  She laughed and told me to "calm down" (as she tends to have to do a lot) and that they weren't getting their hopes up until she went to the doctor.  I COUNTED DOWN THE DAYS!!  Once the pregnancy was confirmed by a doctor the peace and joy that covered her, spilled over onto me.  The reality hit that God has been faithful to my friends.  As soon as they gave it to God and decided that it was in his hands, he delivered.  I've watched her journey over the last months and I would find myself calling her at random times just over joyed with love and happiness for her and the child that forms within her.  I can't not rub her belly when I'm with her. =).

I remember calling and calling the day she went to find out the sex of her child... IT'S A BOY!!!!  Natalie is the first one of our friends to have a baby boy, how special is this time??!!!  All my daughter, Gabbie talks about is little baby Paxton in Natalie's belly.  It's so sweet and I feel somehow she knows how special this pregnancy is.  Did I mention I get to photograph the birth??!!  Oh my, this should be a challenge considering I have tissues all over the ground right now.  LOL.  My heart is full.

To my dearest friend-  I am so happy for you and for Zach, y'all are so special to us and I don't know where I would be without you.  To see you grow into a mother and be apart of your journey is more than I could ask for.   I can't wait to meet Paxton and for our children to grow up together.  I love you so much and thank you for teaching me about faith and realizing how truly precious this experience is.  Congrats my friends.