Chloe Grace

We have a new niece!

Congrats Becky, Mike & Ella

Happy 7th Birthday, Coop!

Dear Coop,

Happy 7th Birthday, Buddy.

When I think back over this last year I just smile. You have turned into such a silly, funny and thoughtful young boy. You have an ability to talk like no other person I know.

You tell me all the time how you pray for a baby for Uncle Brian and I. You tell me that since you pray for it, it will happen. It warms my heart every time you bring up the topic, which always seems so random in nature, which makes me love you even more.

Your love for our dogs continues to grow and you love to come to our house and play with them. You coined the phrase, " Sadie AWES-O-M-E!" which is still making me smile.

I love your little high pitched voice and your hugs. I love your "performances" and how your body cannot be stopped when you hear music.

Your relationship with Jack runs very deep, and I can tell you from experience with your Mommy, how important that relationship will be when you are adults.

I love you so much and thank God everyday that you are my nephew.

Love,

Auntie B

What God Meant

My friend Suz and I both struggle with "Infertility", but for very different reasons. A year ago Suz was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the young age of 39- the last year has been tough for her as she struggled to come to terms the fact that she will not be able to have children. She sent this to me yesterday.

What God Meant
Author Unknown

What do I think God meant when He gave me infertility?

I think He meant for my husband and I to grow closer, become stronger, love deeper.

I think God meant for us to find the fortitude within ourselves to get up every time infertility knocks us down.

I think God meant for our medical community to discover medicines, invent medical equipment, create procedures and protocols.

I think God meant for us to find a cure for fertility.

No, God never meant for me to not have children.

That's not my destiny; that's just a fork in the road I'm on.

I've been placed on the road less traveled, and like it or not, I'm a better person for it.

Clearly, God meant for me to develop more compassion, deeper courage, and greater inner strength on this journey to resolution, and I haven't let Him down.

Frankly, if the truth be known, I think God singled me out for special treatment.

I think God meant for me to build a thirst for a child so strong and so deep that when that baby is finally placed in my arms, it will be the longest, coolest, most refreshing drink I've ever known.

While I would never have chosen infertility, I cannot deny that a fertile woman could ever experience the joy that I know awaits me.

Yes, one way or another, I will have a baby of my own.

And the next time someone wants to offer me unsolicited advice, I'll say, "Don't tell me what God meant when He handed me infertility. I already know."

Where have we been?

I haven't been here in 2 weeks. That is unusual for me.

This is what I have been doing:

Rescue.Dogs.Nephews.Nebraska.San Francisco. Wichita.Work. Long hours. Stress.Pet sitting. Praying for a friend. Praying for us. Praying for my Becky & Mike. Best review of my career. Fearful of losing Zachey. Acupuncture for me. Acupuncture for Brian. Running a mile a minute.

I think it is time to stop and smell the roses.