After 4 weeks on modified bedrest (with only 2 weeks to go!), I’ve made it to the critical 34 week point of my pregnancy AND have the nursery as completed as I can until more supplies make their way to me. I thought it would be nice to share some pictures of my handiwork. 🙂
My first sewing project was to make fitted sheets for the mattress that we cut down from a twin-sized foam mattress. Crib mattresses are not available locally, and we didn’t think a standard crib mattress would fit anyway. We just bought a twin mattress, measured the dimensions of the crib, and cut it with a bread knife! I managed to pull together four fitted sheets without any elastic.Then, I covered the pillows to coordinate with the sheets. Isn’t the owl cute? I got it at Banana Box, a great store in Nairobi.
My last sewing project was this “J” shadow box. The shelf needed something other than these adorable African animals we got at Masai Market. The shelf was there when we moved in. It is above the twin bed that we are keeping in the room. I figure that the bed will give me a comfy place to sleep on the really bad nights.
The Lion painting was purchased locally. Anthony, the painter, is a Kenyan who works with the Least of These Ministries in Nairobi. I’ll eventually get it framed, but that requires a trip to Nairobi…And I’m not allowed to travel that far these days! The mosquito net is not decorative. We actually use them to protect us from nighttime attacks from mosquitoes. The green blanket was knitted by me. I ran out of yarn on the last row, so it has a little bit of pink woven into one end. It will remind him of his sister that he’ll never meet this side of heaven.
Everything else was pulled into this room from other parts of the house in order to make it feel complete. I think it turned out pretty well, especially considering there are no craft stores and my budget was quite small. It’s definitely better than what the other boys got. Hannah is the only one who had a nice nursery, and she didn’t have anything this nice here in Kenya. Regardless, I had a lot of fun creating and coordinating the room. Plus, it kept me busy during the first 4 weeks of my solitary confinement, I mean bedrest 🙂
Praises and Prayer Requests:
1. Praise God for the 34 week mark!! Statistically, most babies born after 34 weeks do quite well right here at Tenwek. I think all the pediatricians took a big sigh of relief this weekend, and so did Aaron and I! Please continue to pray for God’s perfect timing in the arrival of our Joshua. Pray also for all the doctors involved with Joshua’s delivery and wellness.
2. Praise God for the rain! We are entering another rainy season. We have a short rain most days around noon, and then it will rain longer many nights. We pray for bountiful harvests in Kenya!
3. Praise God for all the work He is continuing to do as a result of Hannah’s cancer and early homegoing. We stand in awe of how He makes everything new and creates beauty from ashes.
I’ll end with one of my favorite verses: Genesis 28:15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
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11 Comments
Cheryl
Oct, 7, 2014So cute Stephanie!! I know ya’ll are excited for your new arrival, saying prayers for a safe, healthy delivery!! 🙂 Cheryl Saher
Elaine Bryan
Oct, 7, 2014Beautiful….keeping you in my prayers…
Sheri Parker
Oct, 7, 2014Love the nursery! Even though you are on bed-rest (loved the solitary confinement notation!), you are doing one of the most important things: rest. Be still, dear sister in Christ. Know He is God. As you wait on Him and him, pray for those God brings to your mind and heart. Praying for you all in this new season of life.
Cindy Peel
Oct, 7, 2014so happy for all of you. may God continue to bless you. love to all.
Nancy Kukich Arzoumanian
Oct, 7, 2014What a great nursery! Love it! Praying for you and baby Joshua.
Dawn
Oct, 7, 2014I love your sewing! You did awesome! 🙂
Billie Zorko
Oct, 7, 2014It looks beautiful! You and your family continue to be in my thoughts. Much love and prayers <3
Meagan Boozer
Oct, 7, 2014Praying, praying, praying! Thanks for showing us the nursery. I’m sure you are all ready to snuggle with this little one. What joy he will bring.
Nancy Darlington
Oct, 8, 2014What a beautiful nursery! Praying for you during your final weeks as you await your bundle of joy.
Jeannie Swanson
Oct, 8, 2014Such a beautiful nursery! I am so excited for you and your family!
I will be praying for a healthy delivery!
Lisa Brey
Oct, 15, 2014How adorable!!! Love it. So talented and creative. Although this bed rest thing is probably driving you insane, enjoy the rest now before Joshua comes. Continued prayers for a healthy and a long pregnancy. God Bless.