It’s kind of a strange time to be so close to bringing a baby into the world. A time that is normally filled with the people you hold dear coming over to help prepare you for your first child, is not much of an option right now with social distancing and limited research on how the virus affects pregnancy/infants. We recently found out that only Zach is allowed to be with me in the delivery room and there can’t be any visitors in the hospital. The hospital even strongly encourages that we keep visitors to a minimum after we go home, a thought that seems to make me freeze every time it crosses my mind. After all, it’s our first child – we’re totally new to this! .

However – though physical distance has to be kept, Zach and I are the furthest thing from alone. We are so blessed to have family and friends reaching out to offer advice, help us with preparations, hold virtual showers when in person ones can’t happen, and expert mommas offering up anything they have that might be helpful to ensure we’re equipped with all the necessary baby things. In a time where isolation could easily reign, we feel loved by our community. And that makes such a difference.

Most importantly – this isn’t a surprise to the Father. When I go to the Lord in prayer, I have to remember that this isn’t anything He didn’t already foresee or plan for. And that He made a plan for this child way before this virus came into being. Is a virus mightier than our God? Is it stronger than His plans for me, for Zach, for this child – for you? Absolutely not. And that is where Zach and I find our peace and hope. This may not be what we planned when we envisioned bringing our daughter into the world, and it’s still scary with unknowns as things change every day, but ultimately we trust that the Lord is good and capable and holy – and that everything will go according to His plan. So, we cherish each moment of this pregnancy – every kick, every funny or embarrassing symptom, every moment that brings Zach and I closer together – and continue to pray, continue to trust, and continue to prepare for our little one’s arrival in this unpredictable season.