Once Upon a Time....Three Years Ago

May is always such a reflective month for me for many reasons. Professionally, the school year begins wrapping up and thoughts begin to focus on next year. Personally, this was the peak of our fertility struggle, as well as the month we found out we were pregnant.

Today marks three years ago that we had our embryo transfer procedure. The night before, after countless shots, I had given myself my final one with shaking hands and a silent prayer. I still remember laying in that bed after the procedure, holding your Daddy's hand, praying and hoping for our miracle. It had been such a roller coaster of emotions to get to that point and we were so filled with hope that we would soon get our happy ending.

Here we are, exactly three years later, and our lives are just so full. We can't thank God enough for all our answered prayers. Sunday night, your daddy was off playing basketball while the two of you were in bed. Out of nowhere, you both woke up and were so upset. So, in I went to tell you "more stories, peease, mommy" and to "sing mommy, peease." I was able to snuggle in each of your cribs for thirty minutes each while telling you stories and singing to you.

Your favorite story is when I tell you about two brothers, Wiley and Ryan, who are the best friends. You giggle and say, "yes!" as I tell you what these two brothers love to do together. I also told you the story about a long time ago, Mommy was very sad because she wanted a baby, but couldn't have one. I told you of how after a lot of prayers, God gave Mommy and Daddy a miracle -- and that that miracle was Wiley and Ryan. I explained to you how you both made Mommy happy again and made me smile again. At the end of this story, Ryan, you looked up at me and said, "Mommy sad. No sad, Mommy. Miracle Ry-ry. Miracle Wy-wy." Instant tears, as I kissed your sweet face, so grateful that you are right, Mommy isn't sad anymore because of you two miracles.

In the middle of our journey to you boys, I knew there had to be a reason. I knew on the other end of this story, things would all make sense. We had our dark days of doubt, but through it all we held on to our faith that we would get our happy ending; that we would one day become parents. I thank God for the challenge and struggle it took to get to you boys. It strengthened the marriage between your Daddy and I, making our bond even greater than I ever imagined. It has made us appreciate every moment along the way. Is life hard and messy sometimes? Sure. But this is the life we prayed so hard for. This is the life we feared we may never get. So we embrace our messy life with such gratitude, trying to soak up every minute we can.

Thank you Lord, for our fertility journey. Thank you Lord, for the month of May and all that it represents to our family. Thank you Lord, for your perfect timing that is so clear in countless different aspects of our life now. Thank you Lord, for our beautiful boys. Thank you Lord, for this life and all that we have.

Let Faith Arise pt 2

Back in March, my boss approached me about next year. The position I was currently in would be dissolved, however she was creating my dream job and offered it to me - the catch being it was full-time and part-time was not available for next year. After a lot of praying, knowing we couldn't afford for me not to work, I had to tell my principal my decision, that even though she offered me my dream job, my other dream job was to be a mother. I couldn't sacrifice these few precious years I have at home with you. I thanked her for the opportunity and that if anything were to come up across the district part-time, to please let me know.

The same day, as my meeting with my principal, your Daddy had an interview at work for a change of pace. He was so excited for this new opportunity. Not only would it be a great experience for him, but his increase in pay was going to cover the cost of what we'd lose from me not being part-time.

The fact that my meeting and his interview fell on the same day, seemed like God had His hand in this completely. We trusted Him completely and followed His guidance for what would be best for our family.

Two weeks later, he had a second interview. He had made it the top two of 50 applicants! In our mind, the job was his. We prayed that God continue to guide us and do what was best for our family. (This new job would be traveling 60% of the time - in and out of state. When not traveling, he would be able to work from home. I knew the travel would be a challenge, but I also knew your Daddy wanted this opportunity. So, I supported him completely, trusting God would get us through.) 

Well, after another waiting period, we found our your Daddy did not get the job. And while there was disappointment at first, we trusted God had bigger things in store for us. We told ourselves that maybe the traveling was going to be just too much for us to handle. In the back of our minds, we wondered, how would we afford me not working? I could sub next year a few days a week, but would that be enough?

Fast forward to present day - my principal came back to me, letting me know the school couldn't lose me; that if part-time was what it took to keep me, I could do part-time. So, I will now be doing my dream job next year PART-TIME! On top of that, there seems to be an even better promotion in the works for your daddy at his job! God is just so amazing.

I am so thankful we listened to Him and followed His guidance - even when it seemed like it wasn't the right financial decision, when it seemed like we wouldn't be able to make it work. God knew our hearts and our desires - to be able to continue staying at home during these precious years that will be gone before we know it. There will always be another job, but these memories are only made once. We followed Him and He provided. Thank you, Lord!

 

Spring Has Sprung

Friday, I made the comment, "This has been the best day of the year," but I have since had to amend that statement. This weekend has been my favorite! The weather has been beyond beautiful and we spent most of it soaking it up.

Friday: a trip to the zoo just the three of us. You were both so lovey dovey with each other, being so kind, and being sure to share everything you had. It was the first trip that you weren't too terrified either, Ryan. You actually cracked a smile and got excited when the bear came up close to you, instead of crying or trying to hide from him. After the zoo, you boycotted naptime. So, we played soccer and baseball in the backyard and then enjoyed some snow cones! By then, it was time to meet Daddy at Nanny's house so he could take care of her yard while we played with her. Finally, we wrapped up our day with a pizza picnic on Main Street, a surprise visit by Zsu Zsu and Paka (who were out to eat on Main Street too), an up close visit by a choo-choo, and a short walk for some tasty ice cream. What an incredibly full day and awesome kickoff to a super weekend.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday: Daddy kicked off his day bright and early, hunting with Grandpa. While we waited for him to get home, the three of us met Zsu Zsu for a breakfast picnic at our walking trail and park. We had some breakfast, threw rocks in the pond, blew bubbles, and went for a short walk. Later in the day, we headed downtown for your first UL baseball game. An impromptu dinner followed afterwards!

 

  

Sunday: was a relaxed day at church and home, wrapped up with a walk down by Zsu Zsu and Paka's creek and a bonfire. I don't think we could have squeezed one more thing into our weekend, but what a great weekend it was!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Shoot

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful, generous friends and family in our lives. Today, one of Tse Tse's good friends, who has been working on photography, asked to take some pictures of you boys. How could we turn that opportunity down? She did such a great job with you boys and captured some really sweet pictures of you both.