Sara: This week, I’ve really realized Justin and I are very blessed.

Recently, I headed into a bookstore to pick up one of the birthing books recommended to us by a friend. After the clerk directed us toward the “Self Help” section of the store, I was overwhelmed by the number of pregnancy books. Some had titles like “Pregnancy Sucks” and other very negative sounding perspectives on pregnancy. It made me sad to realize there are so many people who view pregnancy as a bad time in their lives.

Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve been blessed. Although I did experience some morning sickness, it was nowhere close to some of the horror stories I’ve heard from my girlfriends. I never had to keep the box of saltine crackers by our bed simply so I could get up in the morning, or pull the car over during my long commute to work in the morning so I could be sick.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say I’ve enjoyed being pregnant. There’s something so special about feeling your own child move. I’m often in awe of his or her very dependence upon me for his or her survival. It truly is an experience words cannot describe!

That’s not to say that pregnancy isn’t hard. I can cry on the drop of a hat, become upset for a less than apparent reason (just ask Justin!) and I become tired a lot easier. And that doesn’t even touch on the number of times I head to the bathroom each day! Regardless, I’m very blessed, and I’m so excited to meet this little one in the end of July or first part of August.

It’s been amazing to see how God has provided for our needs throughout our pregnancy.

One thing I haven’t enjoyed is shopping for maternity clothes. I typically don’t have an easy time finding clothes that I like (and fit) when I’m not pregnant. It is even harder now. Plus, most maternity clothes are very expensive. I managed to find some nice used clothes at local thrift stores and consignment shops, but I had basically given up on finding dresses.

Then, last week an unexpected package arrived in the mail. It was a box of maternity clothes from one of my best friends from college – complete with three dresses, some tops and pants, and a book she had from her recent pregnancy. The best part was that I loved all three dresses so much that I cried at her generosity.

And, of course, there was the day I was CRAVING pizza. Unfortunately, Justin and I already had plans on what to make for dinner. I opened the mailbox, and there was a coupon for a free pizza from our local grocery store. After only a slight bit of convincing, I was baking our free pizza for dinner.

The whole pregnancy “experience” has really taught me to trust in God to provide what I need at the moment – whether that’s extra patience from the clerk at the grocery store, an unexpected clean bathroom stop, second hand baby gifts, or kindness from strangers. God has continued to bless and provide for us beyond measure and show us his goodness in the commonness of our everyday lives. And, for that, I am grateful and blessed beyond measure.