Choosing Joy

I am really bad at blogging. I have TONS of time to do it but I never get around to it. I really want to change that. So let this be the start of a new era of blogging for Emily! You can all keep me accountable.
I can do it...I know I can!

Now, let me be the first to introduce you to my sweet girl, Isla Christine!

I am 5 1/2 months into my pregnancy and she is already the center of mine and Josh's world.
We love her so much.
We are totally "those parents"
We think she is SO cute already. The littlest kick melts my heart. Josh loves to sing to my stomach, and talk to her. (He is the only one I really don't mind doing this...they warned me it would be weird when people touched your growing tummy, but I can't help but think it is more strange for people to talk to it. How come no one warned me about this?? haha) But when my husband talks to our little monkey-girl and she responds with her little kicks, it makes my week. We can't wait to meet her.

One of the best decisions we have made as parents so far (in my opinion) is that we have made a conscious effort to STAY POSITIVE. The minute you announce you are expecting everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, wants to give you their two cents. We knew it was coming. And we chose to take what people say with a grain of salt. It is silly to me how many people try to scare a pregnant woman, really?! It's actually mean! I can't tell you how many times I've been told:
"You are going to be sick your ENTIRE pregnancy" (I'm actually feeling great these days!)
or "Say goodbye to your social life"
or "You are going to give birth and no matter how much you read you WON'T understand your baby"
or "Enjoy your life now because you are going be miserable after the baby is born"

Seriously...these are just some of the ridiculous things that people have said to me...and I'm not even going to get started on all the non-solicited advice I get daily!

The bottom line is that we know our life is going to change. We know things will not stay the same. We know there are going to be tough moments when all we can really do is rely on God and each other. We know we are probably going to get frustrated and shed some tears. But we also know that we are going to CHOOSE JOY.

There will always be hard seasons in life. But does that mean that they are not the most rewarding? I do not want to complain about being a mom but rather take it on to the best of my ability and rely on Jesus to mold me into the mama that Isla is going to need.

I am going into this new chapter realistically. I only have an idea of what is coming. I do know at times it is going to be really hard. But I also know that joy is a choice. I believe with my whole heart that nothing that is of value on this earth is easy.
I know there will be moments of tears and moments of laughter.
I know there will be moments of insecurity and moments of confidence.
I know there will be moments of frustration and moments of pure beauty.
I can't wait for EVERY moment. Even the tough ones.
I can't wait for her giggles.
I can't wait to feel her baby skin.
I can't wait to get to look into her eyes.
I can't wait to watch my husband love our baby girl.

I can't wait to be her mama.

And I am not going to let anyone take that joy and excitement away!

So, I challenge you to go live out your day to the fullest. Exude positivity...
and CHOOSE JOY.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

xoxo,
      Em

 Easter 2013 at CCV