A Virtual Baby Shower Gift for Justine

Through my blog, I have been able to share my experiences, thoughts, feelings, fears and joy with all of you. From time to time, I will get responses both through my blog and through emails. My first experience with Justine was when I was complaining about how sick I was way back at the beginning of Kiari's pregnancy. She offered to send me some Ginger Carrot Muffins. I figured anything was worth a try and she was off to her kitchen to whip me up a batch. Justine has been so supportive of me as I found out that Kiari (AKA: Fruit Loops) needed blood transfusions and I dealt with the fears of preterm labor and the beginning stages of Preeclampsia. You might also remember that she is the one who sent me peppermint cupcakes that ended up having the perfect timing and was delivered on Kelsi's birthday.

Justine has obviously also touched many other lives through her own travels down the road of loss and infertility. She is a strong and very caring woman. I am so honored to have come across her blog, and even more, that she has reciprocated my efforts at getting to know her. Justine is due with her baby girl this next week. She is AMAZING. I mean, the woman is still running and working out. I have never even been pregnant as long as she has, let alone work out that far into the pregnancy. If you haven't already had the opportunity to stop by her blog, A Half Baked Life, take a moment to do it. She blogs about her life, but she also throws in recipes and pictures of tantalizing dishes that she makes.

One of her other blog friends at breadwinesalt.blogspot.com is throwing her a virtual shower. With this virtual shower, the goal is to shower Justine with with love and good wishes as she completes her pregnancy. 


Justine, in honor of your little girl my family will be saying prayers for a safe and healthy delivery. We pray for comfort and peace as you bring this little girl into the world. We pray for health of your new bundle of joy and that she may come home with you safe and sound. 


As an act of thanksgiving for the healthy and safe arrival of your little one, my girls will be performing 3 acts of service. I don't know what they are yet, but I will let you know when they are completed. 


Some advice for the transition of going from a home with one child to two would be to be sure that your oldest is involved with the care and some small tasks of his new little sister. I found also that my oldest needed a bit more attention from time to time. This could be some extra snuggle time with you and him, or a mommy/son night out while daddy is on diaper duty. But keeping him involved will help foster a sense of security and continued love. I know Riley still struggles with her younger sister and feels slighted as she had to share the attention. 


If you are looking for a good laugh when you are ready to pull out your hair, one that just might bring you to tears is Damn You AutoCorrect. However, I highly suggest that you don't attempt to read it in bed at night while your hubby is sleeping right next to you. Oh, and you may want to have a box of tissues. 


Some of my favorite books to read/listen to currently are the Chronicles of Narnia. I love that I can let my mind slip away in the magic of another world. I have the entire set on CD and have put it onto my mp3 player and can work away while listening to the stories. 


Justine, I am so glad I "met" you and I look forward to meeting you face to face one day. Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers that you have given me as I have gone through the complications of my pregnancy and struggles in the NICU. I really appreciate it. I pray that everything goes smoothly for you in the next couple of weeks and I cannot wait to hear of the arrival of your sweet baby girl. Congratulations and good job on coming this far!