Author Archives: Erika at Simple.Spectacular!

I am exceptionally proud of you. It’s true – I always love you. I know you’re beautiful inside and out. I’m typically proud of you. But today, I’m even more proud of you than usual. Today was your first ballet … Continued

She had the ultrasound gadget sitting right next to the little doppler, ready to go. She knew my history. She knew how long the seconds felt. The nurse had to ask; maybe the numbers were not clear enough on the … Continued

Being pregnant is much different than being pregnant* (*pregnant after miscarriage). I’ll admit, I haven’t figured out how to navigate it perfectly. But after being pregnant* three times, I wanted to share a little of what I’ve learned.   When … Continued

Losing little ones has vastly changed the way I pray. When I became pregnant* (that is, pregnant again after experiencing a miscarriage), I feared that I would lose my next baby too. I begged for God to help my unbelief. … Continued

With my first and second pregnancies, I wanted to share the news from the mountaintops. With my second and third, I didn’t want to share happy news.   You see, my first was a healthy pregnancy. Then, we lost our … Continued

The first time I was pregnant, I announced it to my husband by writing “Baby’s 1st Christmas” on a Christmas ornament. The second, I wrote him a note in our anniversary card. The third, I gave him a “big sister” … Continued

  I’m pregnant*. No, the asterisk is not an error. Being pregnant* is very different than being pregnant. (Well, physically, the same birds-and-bees scenario happens.) Mentally and emotionally though, the asterisk makes all the difference. Pregnant* equates to “pregnant after … Continued

Up until my 30s, I saw many blessings from God, that looked like… well, blessings. √ Caring and supportive parents √ Happy childhood √ Academic success √ Growing career in my field √ Encouraging husband and beautiful daughter √ New … Continued

  Although this is a throwback post, something I wrote this time of year four years ago, the thoughts still echo in my heart today.   I am blessed. There’s no doubt about it. A warm home, loving husband, supportive … Continued

  So the clock will strike midnight, and the ball will drop, and I never have been anticipating a new beginning more than this moment. Maybe you’re with me. The past 365 days (and more) have held many moments I’m … Continued