2017

So 2017 is here.

2016 was a big year for me. It was expected, yet unexpected. Who can prepare fully for a marriage and a baby? Especially the baby. We knew we wanted a child, but we left it to Gods hands. He definitely exceeded our expectations!

Who can be prepared to be pregnant and be responsible for another human life? It's quite unthinkable.  I could never imagine what being pregnant would be like.

The first four months was strange - i felt perpetually tired, wanting to sleep. Felt hungry, but also nauseous. Putting on weight, knowing that a little one is growing within but not being able to feel her.  Worrying at every little pain/abnormalities, wondering if she was okay.

Then she started moving (at week 17) and I got my energy levels back. I stopped vomitting. People started offering me seats on the train and showing their care and concern. Things felt very good then! We also found out the gender (although sometimes I'm still a bit apprehensive). Now I'm in my third trimester, she's moving so much more and things are getting real. We can almost start counting down to receive a new life into our hands!! I am also getting a lot bigger and can no longer squeeze through tight spaces, or bend down easily to pick up stuff. The pain and aches are increasing and people are starting to insist that I sit.

Marriage has also been fruitful. It hasn't been all joy and laughter, we have had our fair share of fights and tears. We realised our own selfishness and stubbornness, our own expectations that we brought into the marriage that of course led to tension. We had to learn to put aside our rights and learn to love in a stronger, more selfless manner. Of course, all by the grace of God. Only when we receive forgiveness and mercy, can we truly extend forgiveness and mercy. Letting go of my own previous mindsets and expectations has been a learning journey as well. To give Justin the space to lead in his own way, at his own pace. To allow him to make mistakes, to allow him to grow and be a work in progress just like I am.

We met both our marriage mentors at the end of 2016, that reminded me of how God puts people in our life to guide us. We met Justin's secondary friends that reminded me of lasting friendships that God has given to us. We had a quiet countdown (none actually, we went to bed at 11) which reminded me that sometimes we really don't need big parties and celebrations. We went to church this morning, and then I witnessed my first ever proposal of a friend!! Reminding me of true love (: and sent off a friend to pursue her dreams of furthering her education with the guy she got engaged to 2 weeks ago.

It was a good end and start to both years, and we look forward to what 2017 has to bring!! For us, our family and friends.