Wednesday 15 April 2015

That Pig Again!

I have been absent the last few days, so missed all my usual Friday, Monday and Tuesday link ups. 
My daughter's baby does have Down's Syndrome as well as a few other issues which they are hoping will resolve themselves. I always thought it would be me facing this as I had my last child at 40; certainly not my 19 year old daughter who decided to have her children early as it is all she has ever wanted to be - a mother.
My heart aches for her as I can see how difficult her life will be. But God has a plan and obviously this baby girl will be a blessing to our family in ways that we cannot yet imagine. 
I am so proud of my darling girl as she faces this with such strength of character and love for her unborn baby. 

One of the books I read this week is about the way we cannot see the works God is doing in our lives. We may think we are not making a difference to anyone, but God knows. He sees and if we keep our faith and let Him guide us, then anything is possible.



The Shepherd's Song is about a mother who writes Psalm 23 out for her son and tucks it in his coat pocket. This note then takes a journey around the world, affecting 12 other people along the way. I read it in one night, just couldn't put it down.

'Kate remembered praying, "Let my life count," and she knew her prayer had been answered."

The other book I have just finished is First Impressions by Charlie Lovett. I love Jane Austen inspired books and this was wonderful. I read this one in two nights. It is a mystery based on a lost manuscript and just ticks all the boxes for me - Jane Austen, searching through old documents for evidence, bibliophiles galore! I like the way the chapters alternate between Jane Austen and the modern characters. 

Favourite quote (quite long! - a discussion between the main character and her uncle who showed her the love of books):

' "Am I a book collector, Uncle Bertram?" she asked.
"What do you do with a book when you get it?"Uncle Bertram asked.
"I read it," said Sophie. "Or I ask you to read it to me."
"And then what?"
"And then I put it on my shelf so I can look at it again whenever I want to."
"And do you ever want to throw it away or sell it?"
"Of course not," said Sophie. "What a silly question."

What a silly question indeed! I read this passage and breathed a sigh of relief that there are people like me - that love the smell of old books, love to just look at my books (and stroke them and give them a friendly pat!) and find it really hard to part with a book once it is on their shelf. They are old friends. My hubby doesn't get it. Periodically, he will start to go through my shelves and ask if I have read a book. If I say yes, then he will want to know why it is still here then. Nope, doesn't get it! 

And here is Peppa Pig! Well, some of her!



So far, she has a head, ears, body and arms. She is quite large now that I have stuffed her and sewn the head and body together.




And with her dress sort of on!

Thank you so much for all the prayers and good wishes you have been sending our way during this period. It is so greatly appreciated.


26 comments:

  1. This child will bring you blessings beyond belief. Hugs and prayers coming your way. (what a piggie....too cute!)

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  2. <3 that is hard hard news. He has a plan for good for your family through this precious child made in His image.

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    1. Thank you. It has been hard news but we are all adjusting.

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  3. We have two family members with Down Syndrome. They are the sweetest most loving people I have ever been privileged to know. They both remind frequently to give and receive love joyfully with a open heart. I am positive that their parents have had some times of heartache because their own darling children need extra help and support but children with Downs Syndrome are nothing less than a blessing.
    My prayers for you as you adjust to the changes this brings. It is hard to feel like all the hopes we build up for our little ones before we even meet them are shifting. xx

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    1. Yes, any children I have known with Down Syndrome are simply happy and loving. Thank you for your kind words. It is hard to adjust your expectations.

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  4. Lifting up your family in prayer, dear Jayne! A young family in our church welcomed their fifth babe who they didn't discover had downs until just after he was born. A hard providence, but they lean heavily on the Lord! I had my youngest at 38. God's providence, his mercy and grace are abundant and kind to grow us as we walk with Him. xo Lisa :)

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. That would have been a hard adjustment. At least we have time to research and get ready for this little one.

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  5. I was worried about that same thing since I was 42 when I had Miss C. Had Down's been the case we would have learned all we would have needed to...you're right there is a plan. Peppa is coming along quite nicely!

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    1. Thank you. He definitely has a plan and wanted this little one to be born into our family, so I am looking forward to welcoming her.

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  6. Your granddaughter will be such a blessing in so many ways, and it sounds like she has a grandmother and mother who will love her, and bless her, and teach her her worth in God's Kingdom. Beautiful! Also, that piggy is cute, and I can barely wait to see it when it's all done.

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    1. Thank you. Every child is precious and, as you say, has worth in God's Kingdom. The piggy now has legs!

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  7. I send love and good thoughts your way.
    Your granddaughter is a very lucky girl to be born into such a loving and open hearted family!
    Little piggy is just adorable :-)

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    1. Thank you so much. All the good wishes and prayers have been so overwhelming.

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  8. sending love and prayers your way to you and your daughter and the baby. That little piggy is the cutest thing ever :) :)

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    1. Thanks so much. I do love the little piggy - nearly done now!

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  9. Sending love and prayers also, for your new Grand and her parents. I work at a pediatric therapy center and we have many, many Downs kiddos coming in for various therapies. They are such special souls and capture my heart each time. Your daughter is lucky to have you!
    Peppa is adorable and will be most loved. And regarding the books on the shelf thing? I get it!
    xoxoxo

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    1. Thanks for your kind words and for 'getting' it about the books!
      I have heard that from so many people - that she will be a special light; different but so special for that.

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  10. That is hard news, but she will be a blessing for you all.
    The pig is coming along nicely, well done!

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  11. Hey Jayne, I just popped over to see how you were going and read your news. All I can say is what a wonderful blessing you granddaughter will be to your daughter and your family. A very dear friend of ours had a downs syndrome child last year and he is just adorable. He is one of the most placid little babies I know and rarely cries, and he is cute to boot. He had club feet when he was born also but this has now been fixed and you wouldn't even know or notice. I pray that your little granddaughter will not face too many other issues when she is born and that God will bless you all. Just know that there are people praying for you all and that God is with you.Blessings

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    1. Oh and also the peppa pig is very cute too. You do such a great job.xxx

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    2. Thank you so much, Terri. We are just taking it a day at a time at the moment, as the ultrasound has shown up other problems as well. My daughter is off to Melbourne for another ultrasound to check up but they think they will have to induce early as the baby isn't growing enough. We just keep praying and hand it all to God. Thank you for your prayers. It is such a blessing to have so many praying for this little one.

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  12. I've been away and am just catching up on my blog reading. Every child, every person is a blessing and your new grandbaby will capture your heart. I pray that God will strengthen your daughter and family during this time.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra. I am overwhelmed by all the kind words and prayers being offered for my daughter. I am feeling so blessed. We are awaiting more news in the next day or so.

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