Expecting the Unexpected

40 Replies

For November 2017 Blog Surprise Gift

My hubby and I are ardent planners. Over the last 19 years, we’ve come to value having a roadmap for our journey together. Buying a one-story home we can easily maneuver later in our golden years? Yep. Having two kids, 3 years apart so “they could play together?” Uh-huh. Career moves that let us balance work and family time? Check-check.

But, are we also learning flexibility because plans can change in a split second? You bet. My mom’s sudden death. My brother’s bout with cancer. Moving my dad in with us after a fall in his home. And so, so much more. We get it.

In fact, we’ve come to expect the unexpected. We’re getting more comfortable stepping out of our comfort zones and into hard conversations and even harder decisions. And, our faith in God? Even richer and deeper as a result.

I’m not bragging. I’m sharing this because – yet again – Life is reminding us that, while we’ve come a long way in balancing planning with faith and flexibility, we always have further to go.

You see, if it’s God’s will, we’ll have a healthy baby boy in May.

Yep, Baby #3. And I’m 47.

In case it’s not clear: Another baby was not in our plans. In fact, I thought menopause was just around the corner (can you say periodic night sweats for almost a year?). So, you can imagine our shock when the home pregnancy tests lit up like Christmas trees. (I took 2 tests … can you blame me?)

Sure, more women are having babies later in life. From celebrities like Halle Berry and Janet Jackson to everyday moms around the globe, each year thousands of women are having children well past age 45. I’ve read the stats. I just didn’t expect to be included in them.

But, maybe it shouldn’t be such a surprise for me. My Granny Sykes gave birth to my aunt at 38. My Grandma Booker gave birth to her last child, my aunt, at age 40. And my own mom was knocking on 40 when I was born.

Even considering family genetics, this mind-blowing nugget recently gave me pause:

By age 44, the chances of becoming pregnant naturally are one percent.

So, one oopsy and I’m a one-percenter? Yes, I am. It’s a whammy, for sure. But, it’s a special-edition whammy, one that reminds me there’s nothing wrong with making plans. Just make room for God’s plans while you’re at it, too.

We’re gratefully now in the second trimester. My all-day nausea is gone, and lots of extra testing is complete. We continue to pray daily for a healthy baby, for our well-being and for guidance on how to flex our lives yet again.

You know, I created this blog last year to reflect on Life’s teachable moments, some tiny and others not so small.  At the time, little did I know what new lessons Life would tee up for me. And in what form they would show up.

The irony of the blog’s title and tag line – stretch & grow: how life loves to expand us, from the inside out – only makes me chuckle as I pat my expanding tummy. And, as much as I’ll stretch and grow physically over the next few months, I can only imagine all the lessons I’ll learn from such a gift as Baby Dancy.

So, stay tuned. Keep reading and sharing. And, we sincerely ask that you pray with us for our growing family’s good health and well-being.

 Your Turn: What lessons have you learned from Life’s unexpected moments?

40 thoughts on “Expecting the Unexpected”

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  9. Jonell Renee Myers

    WOW! This is the best news EVER!!!!!!! I’m so excited for the Dancy fam! Sending love and light to you and your new baby boy! J & K! Love love love it!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Patricia Perry

    Team Dancy! Awesome news! Karin thank you for sharing a life lesson and what some would call a modern day miracle. God is still in control! Looking forward to meeting baby Dancy!!! 💙

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Rosalind Pettway

    Wait – WHAT!! Karin Dancy I love you girl! What a blessing. I am in complete amazement of you and Joel. I saw your FB post and I said what is she talking about. I saw the congrats and noticed the onesie but so many posts I had to come to the blog for confirmation. I am so excited. I am taken back to my early 40s, thoughts of menopause and the store bought pregancy test. The doctor told me I was carrying the child of a 24 year old and then we had Jada – the one who Joel likes to pretend box. I am so very thrilled for your family. Keep up the good work and stretch and grow. God Bless You!!!

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    1. Rosalind Pettway

      Oh yes, I was 15 when my youngest sister was born and I had two siblings older than me. That girl is loved so deeply. Nia is going to enjoy this.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. stretch&grow Post author

        Awww, I love and appreciate what you’ve shared, Rosalind! Big sis and big brother-to-be are psyched. 🙂 Please do keep us in prayer for good health and a safe delivery. We love those Pettways! xoxoxo

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  14. Rebecca Laclaire

    Karin,

    I’m so happy for you! I have many friends born to parents in their 40s & I have many friends in their 40s with little ones. My sister desires a child & is in the process of giving up. Your post gives me hope for her and I pray so much she doesn’t give up the faith. I can’t wait to meet your son.

    Love,
    Rebecca

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Patrice Gopo

    Oh, Karin! I’m just thrilled for you and your family. What an amazing and beautiful surprise. My prayers are with you all for goodness and health and all things wonderful. Such a sweet gift. Congratulations! Patrice

    >

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    2. Sharlise Spindle

      Yes the irony of the title of your blog is amazing. The older i get i understand why people say “we plan and God laughs”. Because he shows us at every turn that he is in control. Although unplanned i KNOW that surprises like this are only a blessing and truly a gift from God that was handpicked to bring blessings to you and your family. Congratulations from the Spindle family to you and yours. And what an extra special blessing to be pregnant during Christmas!💗 if you need anything please let me know. Can’t wait to see and hug you in person😁

      Liked by 1 person

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  16. Karen Robinson

    Karin,

    Blessings come when you least expect it! As someone who gave birth a week shy of my 43rd birthday I know! I wish you and Joel all the best. Stay present and in the moment. You learn so many new things about the miracle of life!

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Katrina

    Karin,
    What a blessing!!!! Our third was completely unexpected. (The House was finally in order, 2 kids, and my plan was perfect!). Evan arrived healthy and turned our lives around! I didn’t know it then, but I know that GOD sent him to us to remind me to breathe……to enjoy the kids…..to enjoy my marriage…to spend my time wisely… to just be in the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Taryn Hagwood

      You mean to tell me you were sitting beside me two Sundays ago & did not tell me?? 😀 I am so happy for you guys & know that this baby is going to be so spoiled with all of the love & attention it will receive from big brother & sister. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Love & Blessings to you & your sweet family!!❤

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. stretch&grow Post author

        (Gulping) Yes, ma’am. 🙂 We wanted to be fully in the second trimester first before sharing. But, it was killing me NOT to tell you! Much love to you all – and, yes, I’ll need your baby pro eyes on this one after he arrives, xoxoxo

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    2. stretch&grow Post author

      I’m trying my best not to fall off my chair reading your congrats note … THAT is the ultimate! 🙂 Lots of thanks and love to you. And I’m getting a shirt that simply says, “Minx” on the front. 😉 xoxoxo

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  20. CORIE N JOHNSON MOORE

    OMG !!! The Moore Family is SUPER excited to hear the news! We love you guys and wish you nothing but the best !!!!! You have a FREE babysitter anytime !

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. jaquinn224Jermal

    Congrats Karin and Joel. God’s blessings are showered on those who deserve them, not on those who beg for them. That baby boy is very lucky.
    Soo…is it a thing that the first person to repsond to this post gets naming rights? I’m just saying. LOL. Love ya.

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