Tuesday, May 19, 2015

three years... the three of us!



It has been three years since a twenty-two-year-old, baby-faced man placed a ring on my finger with eyes so soft and glimmering with tears. Three years since we began this journey together.

As we lay in bed last night, pregnancy-insomnia plaguing me... we held each other and whispered, "I love you so much more now.". This morning we smiled into each others' eyes as we kissed goodbye, just happy that we have each other.

Because through three years, five moves, two rough jobs, over two-and-a-half years of trying to start a family, one baby gone to heaven, many health issues for us both, and countless tears shed... we have only grown stronger. There have been so many breathless so-in-love moments, laughing till we couldn't breathe, and simply holding hands when there were no words. And that is only because God loves us and gave us to each other specifically for this journey. I am so thankful for Andrew. He has loved me so deeply, strongly, unconditionally... And to think we have barely begun!!!




Earlier this month Andrew and I were able to meet up with a dear friend of mine (and her hubby) who is also an amazingly gifted photographer.  She has been such a sweet encouragement to me for a while now and when she told me she would be in my area and wanted to do a maternity shoot with me, I was thrilled!
If you'd like, please go check out her website!  You won't be sorry!





So much happiness!!!








*happy sigh*





"For this child I have prayed
and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."
1 Samuel 1:27





It is so beautiful for me to see our love and joy captured like this.  Andrew and I never thought it would be three years before we welcomed a child into our home.  But God has been so faithful.




I am astounded by the love God has grown between us through this journey.  It is only because of His grace that we have made it this far and that our deepest desires are being fulfilled.

This is our last anniversary without a child to hold in our arms... and, while we are treasuring the time remaining with just us two, we are so glad to be taking this next step.









It is crazy to think how far we have come since last year!  We now live in a different part of the country... new job, new house... We've been through a new set of struggles but everything is eclipsed by the joy of *finally* seeing our dream of parenthood come true.

It makes everything else worth it.



Hehe... Apparently Andrew wanted in on the "bump" action.  ;-)






Happy Anniversary, Andrew!!!  You are the love of my life and I look forward to loving you for many, many more years to come... I can't wait to see where God brings us next!!!

<3

9 comments:

Rachel said...

Aw these are so beautiful Rachel!! You look so radiant and happy - I am so excited for you both, and for your precious little one!! Congrats :-)

Becca Weston said...

Happy anniversary, Rachel! (And I just have to say, you are a most adorable pregnant person. Just sayin'. :)

Ashley B. said...

Oh my goodness! Congratulations!!! May God continue to bless your little baby and your marriage....So happy for you both- I mean you three! ;)

Rebekah Samuel said...

Love these photos! Goodness!! You guys look so happy and are such a sweet inspiration!

Unknown said...

Wow. I have too many favorites to say "I like this one and this one best"

Julia Ryan said...

Rachel..there is just something about you. I have always felt a kindred spirit in you. And now, I see that there is yet, another reason why I have felt that way. :D Today is my parents 20th wedding anniversary...and 9 kids later (I'm the 2nd eldest! ;)), they still stand strong in Him. Your beautiful marriage and testimony will be passed down to your beautiful baby (babies!). You and your husband are so in love..its so encouraging to see! May the Lord richly bless you..you amazing strong woman in Christ! Someday soon you will hold your baby..and you will see a small piece of heaven. Oh, I cannot wait until the day (LORD willing) that I will hold my own precious bundle of joy. <3

OldFashionGirl said...

Wow! So inspiring, your story and those breath-taking pictures!

Unknown said...

So sweet! I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad I found your blog, you look beautiful in all these pictures. I'm following you, would you like to follow me?
http://happyinheels.blogspot.com
God Bless!
-Margaret

Susannah said...

you look stunning! so-so-so happy for you guys, and God's beautiful work! <3