Mine...His...Ours

I had a plan!

After the baby shower, I had plans of booking the maternity shoot, sign up for baby prep classes at the hospital, register at the hospital, use the gift cards to purchase the remaining baby items, set up the nursery, finish this blog.....Tiffany had it together y'all. 

However, God had His own plans. My plans were cute up until the baby shower and the Lord said, "My turn!"

It was a crisp beautiful Wednesday morning as I went in for my regular check up and, long story short, I'm admitted to the hospital for a somewhat common, yet severe, pregnancy complication called preeclampsia. My blood pressures were in the stroke/seizure range and I had no external symptoms that would have me consider going to the hospital. 

Because of the ongoing pain of fibroids and gestational diabetes, I was right where I needed to be. I was admitted to the hospital March 1 and the hospital took excellent care of me. My job was so very gracious with me and my family provided unlimited support, especially Mr. Stephens (love you lovah).

On March 20, I was induced for labor and ended up having to get a c-section due to complications of being induced. At 11:24 pm, our hoped for child, Marlise Jenelle Stephens arrived: 

An excerpt from my journal during my time at the hospital reads:

"My hopes and expectations can no longer be put over what He wants. God has a significant plan for her [Marlise's] life and I CAN NOT force mine on her. ...I will love her, fight for her and surrender her to her heavenly Father's will beyond what "plan" I ever had for her."

During my 20 day stint at the hospital, the Lord showed me that the "plans" that I had for Marlise are always best served when surrendered to Him. From my infertility journey to her early arrival, all the plans I had in between turned completely upside down for a testimony of encouragement to myself and to share with the world. 

I believe this experience is a precursor of what's to come in all aspects of my life. I believe that if I just let go and let God His plan will supersede mine in every perfect way possible.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support. Marlise is in the NICU and would appreciate more of them. She is doing very well and is taken well care of. We are excited to bring her home (when the Lord allows ☺).

I still plan on posting the remaining entries I had for this blog, consider this one an intermission.