merry christmas!

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great…


that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11

And then came you

Late in January, Alexander John came into this world. Strong and fair, weighing in at a hefty 10 pounds. And He knew where he would go and what he would be. As he pounded nails and built cities in his dreams, He was creating in him a passion for His name. And when the day came and he fell on knees broken, He changed him. Old to new, sorrow to joy.  And he waited for her and for this. 32 years.


10 months later, in late November, Andrea Beth was born on her sister’s day. 8 lbs. 6 oz. And He knew where her feet would walk and how her heart would ache. As she rocked babies to sleep with visions of motherhood in her mind, He instead was creating in her a passion for His name. And when her eyes were opened to His glory and she surrendered all, He wrapped her in arms of love, saying He’d never let go. And her hurts were healed, sorrows swept away. And she waited for him and for this. 31 years.


And after years of waiting, He brought boy and girl together.  With a story all their own, and a love so strong, holy covenant made in early September, with laden branches of fruit setting the stage.  And they worshipped Him. Receive the glory, Lord. Joy filled their hearts. The start of life’s adventure.  Together. 5 years of humbling love.


And life continued and they waited, pattering feet on their minds. Vials of medications filling countertops, doctor visits.  Monthly tears, barren womb. Hearts steadfast on His promises. Knowing He was all they need. And they prayed and they asked, “O Lord, only your will…” They walked and their eyes saw the Lord magnified, holding them in sorrow, eyes weeping. Two babies at His feet. Three years they waited on Him.  For this.

 
And then came you. A sweet answer to prayer. Three years waited, you were given by Him. So unworthy; undeserved kindness from the Lord. You will see, oh we pray, how good and loving our God is. Baby, our hearts were distrusting at times, your life unknown. But He knew. Ours for today.  A blessed little gift, so undeserved.  To ask for days in this fallen, broken world seemed folly, but we so wanted you. To hold and love.  To show just how amazing He is.  How He keeps us and loves us. 

You are grace from Heaven. The Almighty giving. Answered prayer. 


Sweet baby ours, you’re on our minds…hearts and mouths petitioning for more and more grace, for more days we don’t deserve with you, for a lifetime of being mommy and daddy. We love you. And we’ll wait…6 more months until you are in our arms.

We are happy to announce that Baby Brogle is due July 8th, 2012!

Baby B–10 & 11 Weeks

Weeks 10 and 11 just flew by!  We moved into our house, began putting things back together, hosted a cookie exchange, and went to Wisconsin for an early Christmas and to celebrate our nephews and niece on their 8th birthday.  Talk about a busy 2 weeks.  It was so nice to be back with family…we had a wonderful time and then made it back in time for a Christmas party with friends.  I love the hustle and bustle of this season, fit with pauses to sit and enjoy the babe of Christmas, not ours but Jesus.

In these two weeks baby has been doing some active growing!  We had our first trimester screening right at 11 weeks 2 days and little Baby B grew so much from our ultrasound 2 weeks ago.  Everything looked great and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love seeing our little babe dancing around in there with a heartbeat strong as can be. 

How big is baby? 

Week 10 baby was as big as a kumquat or green olive and week 11 jumped to a fig or small lime.  I’d say that was quite the jump and the ultrasound proved it.  At 9 weeks we had a little teddy graham and at 11 there were long arms and legs moving around.  Watching babies grow in the womb is absolutely incredible.  God knits without mistake and His handiwork is amazing. 

How am I feeling? 

I’m still feeling great.  I still have not been nauseous nor have I gotten sick.  Mainly I’ve been plagued with non-stop sleepiness.  By the time it hits 3pm I’m about done for the day unless I push through in which I’m asleep or in bed by 9.  But that’s nothing to complain about!  I know I’m lucky to have felt this good so far and I’m not taking that for granted.  Hoping it continues.  Also during these past two weeks the bleeding has come to an end which has been great for my psyche.  Worrying less = happier mama.

 How am I changing?


So far no major changes.  The bloating has gone down a bit so I can now button some of my normal pre-pregnancy jeans and pants.  Still feeling a little sore and mostly just tired. I think I am as tired as some are sick during pregnancy.  I will be tracking weight gain, not for any reason other than I think it’s interesting.  Other news at week 11, pelvic rest was lifted and I was given the go ahead to exercise again, starting out very slowly!  I’m very excited to keep moving and attempt to keep my muscles strong.

Little Tidbits:
Weight gained:  2 pounds
Maternity clothing purchased: Given 2 pairs of Maternity jeans for Xmas!
Days worked:  Slowing increasing.  Week 10: 2, Week 11: 4
Hours slept:  Stopped counting, now if only I could nap!
Vacations booked:  1…we’re headed to Florida in early January!

Baby B–9 Weeks

Whew…it’s been a whirlwind week.  So much so, I don’t have a picture of me…but I have one of the baby!  But that being said, week 9 ushered in change!  We moved into our house, all three of us, and so far we’re settling in quite nicely.  Week 9 was filled with packing and unpacking boxes, spending time with my mama who came to visit, and doing a little Christmas shopping.  All the chaos and company made the week fly by!  And through all of this, the SCH gave us a little scare, hence the follow-up ultrasound this week, which showed a very happy baby growing right on track.  Easing mama’s heart already!

How big is baby?

Baby B this week has grown to the size of an olive or grape!  The baby has been busy growing~spinal cord is evident, arm and leg buds form, and now our little one looks like a baby! Can hardly believe that in just 7 short months we’ll hopefully have a baby in our arms…we’re finding like most parents, the growth that’s taken place already pretty fascinating.  God’s doing an amazing work inside!


How am I feeling?
I’m feeling fantastic!  While my mom was here, I kept worrying at my lack of pregnancy symptoms but she gently reminded me that I was just following in her footsteps.  So far, no morning sickness or nausea, and other than being extremely tired, I’m feeling really good.  I’m still trying to take it easy and rest and am looking forward to the SCH going away so I can be active again.  I’m hoping it disappears with the first trimester!

How am I changing?
I can say that this week I’m still noticing a little bit of a belly.  We were looking back at my belly 2 weeks ago and laughing over how my abs may already be gone!  Hoping to get them back postpartum and if I’m anything like my sister, I’m thinking there is a very goo probability I will…let’s hope!  While mama was here we picked up a few pairs of maternity jeans from the Gap.  Hoping I don’t have to wear them too soon but I’ll never know!

Fun little facts:

Boxes unpacked:  Too many to count
Ultrasounds to date:  3
Trees decorated:  1
Heartbeat heard:  167 bpm

One Year Older

And I suppose, another year wiser.  I’ve learned much this year and lived to tell you the tale.  This year my birthday fell on Thanksgiving.  It only happens every 7 years or so and this year I was lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving on Wednesday and have Thursday to myself. 

And I had so much to be thankful for.  Having a birthday near Thanksgiving takes being thankful to a whole new level.  I mean, people are listing their thanks everyday leading up to your day.  Very humbling if the day rolls around and you find yourself lost for words.  Thankfully that didn’t happen.

Reflecting on year 30 was on the tip of my mind.  Alex and I ventured out to Buca for a birthday lunch, aka the only restaurant open that was not serving Thanksgiving, and then headed to the movies.  And as we filled our stomachs into a garlic induced coma, we reflected.

Year 30:

-The year God gave us children.  Showed us not only how merciful and grace filled He is, but He answered years of prayer by allowing us to conceive.  Although we have yet to hold conception in our hands, He has heard us and that has been good for our hearts.

-The year we bought a house.  We hope to close tomorrow after a headache of things gone haywire…from a undervalued appraisal to renegotiating the price to getting everything in order, we’re hoping we’ll have new keys in the morning.

-The year our marriage turned 5.  I’m not quite sure what I would do without Alex.  The thought makes me sick inside and I’m so grateful for His support and encouragement of me…He makes me better.  Everyday.

-The year I made my own birthday cake.  Salted Caramel 6-Layer Chocolate cake courtesy of Martha herself.  And let me tell you, it was so incredibly delicious.  Being the nice person I was, I shared with those at work so we didn’t have to eat every last morsel.  Picture to come, but our camera cord is packed:(

I didn’t know last year what the future would entail.  The days to come were hidden from me and as I searched to know my heart and girl who lived within, I found refuge in Him.  He showed me glimpses, perfect photographs, of the girl within.  The passions within her heart, the words needing to come out, the reassurance that He was able to do the one thing I’ve ever wanted to be.  This past year will be far from forgotten.  And although not every one got crossed off the list, there’s always this year.

And I enter 31 with heartfelt gratitude, for 30 blessed years, undeserved.

Baby B…8 Weeks

One more week has passed and that means Baby Brogle is 6 weeks old today!  Things have been a little crazy around here.  Hitting 8 weeks brought all sorts of changes to our lives.  We were set to close on our house in a week but the house under appraised.  Luckily the seller agreed to sell us the house for $15,000 less than we had agreed upon which was a huge blessing, but it took them awhile to agree.  So we’re praying we can still close on time.  Boxes have filled our living room and we’re now officially living on essentials!  After last weeks little scare, it’s good to know things are getting in order.  Also, I celebrated my birthday!

How big is baby?
This week baby is as big as a raspberry!  Such a big jump.  Blueberry to raspberry seems like quite the growth spurt to me!  Although I can’t tell any difference, we definitely saw a difference between our 6 and 7 week ultrasounds, so we can only imagine what has happened from 7-8 weeks.

How am I feeling?
I’m still feeling great though I have definitely slowed down.  After our little scare I’ve been told to rest as much as possible and am currently on pelvic rest.  Work has been really gracious and has limited my hours quite a bit which has been nice.  So if I’m not working, which is only once a week, you will find me on the couch!
How am I changing?
Somehow I’ve been blessed with a belly that distends easily.  Not sure what is really the cause, but paired with the hematoma, I’m now wearing a belly band with most of my pants.  Mainly because the Doctor does not want more pressure on my belly than necessary but also because to be honest, it’s just more comfortable.  Though I do have quite a few pairs of jeans that still fit just perfectly!
Odd little facts:

Cake eaten:  Surprisingly just one piece
Years older:  1
Favorite part of Thanksgiving:  The stuffing
Bleeding episodes:  2
Shows watched:  Far too many

On Being Thankful

Thankful.  Grateful.  Content.  Overwhelmed.  Satisfied.

Words describing the heart giving emotion of thanksgiving.  We set aside a day but in reality it’s a lifetime.  Eyes viewing life through a lens of either thankfulness, disappointment, or selfishness.  What our eyes find their gaze upon…why, that’s soul changing.  With eyes lifted up, how can our hearts boast anything but thankfulness.  It’s when our eyes peer parallel or towards the floor when we get into trouble.  This is nothing new. 

Thankfulness is flowing for so many reasons these days.  But that hasn’t always been the case over this past year.  I’m sure it wasn’t the case for many of you.  But today, on the morn of the feast of gratitude, I can speak thanksgiving over so many things.  And at the end of the day, they all lead back to the same perfect Someone.


1.  My Husband.  For provision, love, and grace upon grace. (Eph. 5:25-26)
2.  Marriage and its sweet covenant.  (Genesis 2:21-24)
3.  My family. all the drama and love intermixed.  (Colossians 3:20)
4.  Children. The ones we long for and the lives He’s given.  (Psalm 127:3)
5.  Friends. The body of Christ all around.  (Proverbs 17:17a)
6.  Shelter. A roof over our head.  (Psalm 91:1-2)
7.  Food.  Abundant blessing.  (Psalm 111:5)
8.  Water.  Refreshing and giving.  (Matthew 6:31-32)
9.  Church.  The House of Worship.  Faithful Leaders.  (Hebrews 13:17)
10.  Women’s Ministry.  Gives life to my heart.  (Titus 2:3-5)
11.  The sun/moon/stars.  Providing life.  (Psalm 113:3) (Genesis 1:15-18)
12.  Mothers.  Givers.  (Proverbs 31:28)
13.  Suffering.  For it produces gratitude.  (Romans 5:3-5)
14.  Fathers.  Providers.  (Proverbs 17:6)
15.  Bible Study.  The word abiding.  (Colossians 3:16)
16.  Provision.  All we need with perfect timing.  (Matthew 6:8)
17.  Prayer.  Power in a word.  (Philippians 4:4-7)
18.  Work.  Every kind, in every way, for the Lord.  (Colossians 3:23-24)
19.  Perfect timing.  There is a season for all things.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
20.  The body of believers.  Brother, sister, friend.  (Eph. 1:16-17)
21.  Salvation.  Undeserved and life changing.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)
22.  Mountains, seas.  Abundant beauty.  (Genesis 1:9-10) (Psalm 95:4-5)
23.  Our 4 legged friends and animals of every kind.  (Genesis 1:20-24)
24.  Rest.  What we need to keep us going.  (Hebrews 4:9)
25.  The cold of winter and warmth of summer.  (Job 38) (Genesis 1:14)
26.  Worship.  Songs of praise; lifting of hands.  (Psalm 33:1-3)
27.  Healing.  Aids the body.  (Psalm 30:2)
28.  Grace.  Undeserved favor.  (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Romans 5:20-21)
29.  All nations.  Coming together.  (Psalm 96:3)
30.  The giver of Thanksgiving.  God in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Living in me, by the grace He has shown, through His son, on the cross.

“All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and your saints shall bless you!  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power…My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever!”    (Psalm 145:10-11, 21)