sadness

Tonight I had a breakdown on the way home from a wedding reception. With Christmas just days away, I am sadder and sadder that I'm not expecting the only gift I really want....yep...a baby growing inside me. If my first pregnancy had stuck, I'd be 20 weeks now. If the 2nd one had stuck, I'd be almost 11 weeks. I was SO looking forward to telling my family I was pregnant at Christmas this year. Now I'm sad about seeing my extended family...worried people will ask me about when I'll have kids. Worried about what to say when I'm asked that...IF I'm asked that. Worried that this time next year I'll feel the same. worried that at some point I will have to give up on this, even if I don't want to. Worried that I will always have this pit of pain deep within me. Now, don't get me wrong, most of the time I am very content. I can see the blessings I have, but it's so hard to overlook the one that I don't. I am so afraid of what 2009 holds. Here's hoping that there is another stocking on my mantel next year.

My Mother In Law....knows me too well...This is AWESOME!!!

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A Week Of Tears

Tears have become a regular part of my life, but this week was different. Had many different causes, and one that remains...
1. Saturday, 8:00pm
We were staying overnite with our two favorite little guys (the Dill boys) and it was story time right before bed. Connor asked me to read his new book "God Gave Me You." It's about a bear cub asking about when he was born. I was fine until the page that talked about when "we went to hear your heartbeat." Yeah...not great timing there.
2. Saturday 9:00opm
I was reading my chapter in "Little House on the Freeway" for class on Sunday and was recapping the info for Joe. As I talked about worry, hope, and relationships, I realized again what I have and what I still wish for.
3. Wednesday 8:00pm
Our class provided Christmas gifts for a needy family in our congregation. Last night we gave the wrapped packages to the mom and her 3 kiddos. To see those girls so wide-eyed and exicted HAS to bring a tear to your eye!
4. Thursday (today) 7:30am
On the way to work I listen to Kidd Kraddick. It was his annual "Breaking and Entering Christmas" where they break into someone's home and decorate, as well as provide insane amounts of money and gifts. This year it was a single dad with 4 kids under 14. He's an army man, served 7 years overseas, and after his last tour in Iraq came home to 4 kids and no job. He can't interview since he has 2 not of school age and has no way to pay daycare or babysitters. When they told him they were paying for 6 months of daycare and this tough army guy started crying, I almost had to pull over. That's a moving radio bit!
5. Thursday 1:00pm
Now, I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but not really. :) My kids are talking about how they make animated movies this week and we have been looking at drawn, computer and stop action animation. Today we looked at "Polar Express" (incidentally my FAVORITE kids book ever!!). When we got to the part where the boy can't hear the bell and repeats "I Believe" over and over. And then Santa asks him what he said....When he tells Santa, "I believe. I believe. I believe," the tears started streaming. What's really funny is, we were watching it in Spanish! It was a billingual class!

TAGGED

8 Things
I was tagged by Becky Terlisner, so here goes...

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. On the Border
3. Hickory Street Cafe (abilene)

4. Harolds (abilene)

5. Bravo
6. Glorias
7. Chipotle

8. Joe T Garcias


8Things that Happened Today:
1. The garage stopped fully shutting
2. I made my lunch
3. I watched CLAYMATION XMAS 6 times
4. I Dance Dance Revolutioned for 45 minutes
5. I recovered a stolen memory stick
6. I got gas for $1.45
7. Drank hot cocoa with cloves, cinnamon and red hots in it(try that!!!)
8. I wore my favorite red coat with a long scarf and gloves

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. Having babies....one day soon
2. Christmas with my family
3. Giving Xmas to a needy family (with my friends at church)
4. Driving a minivan permanantly (I love yours, Dills!!)
5. Being completely content with life
6. Friday afternoon at 3:10 when I'm on break!!!
7. Sleeping late
8. turning 30 in 2009!!!

8 Things I'm Scared Of:
1. Never having my own babies
2. being robbed
3. being lonely
4. losing joe
5. losing my job or joe's job
6. losing ANYONE I love
7. Not having retirement money
8. facing another year like 2008

8 Things I Wish For:
1. Babies
2. a bigger home
3. for Joe to get a better paying career (cuz mine will NEVER be better paying)
4. that my brother can find happiness again
5. that my happiness will last
6. good test results from my d and c
7. the economy will turn around
8. matt will cave and concede on the trip to NYC for our 30th bdays!

8 Things I Watch on TV:
1. Pushing Daisies
2. LOST
3. 30 Rock
4. The Office
5. Heroes
6. The Biggest Loser
7. Project Runway
8. Ugly Betty

8 People I TAG:
1. Tanya
2. Taylor
3. Carrie
4. Amy
5. Jamie
6. Andrea
7. Becky H
8. Jaime

a reason to be happy

It's been 3 weeks since we found out we were losing baby #2. For many people this would still be the low point of existence. For us though, we have decided to hit the "PAUSE" button on babies, and try to go back to normal life, for the first time in almost a year. And it's been great! In fact, I think I am the happiest I've been since we started testing last January. Here are a few things I have to be thankful for/happy about.
1. Medical Science. It's amazing the things they can do for us now and while it's not benefiting me just yet, it's such a blessing to be able to find out so much and have some options.
2. My family. While we've gone though all of the phases of this journey, our families have been incredible. From Mom and Dad helping us with money and coming at a moments notice, to Dad driving here to get my furniture and take it back to Lubbock to sell, to my in-laws cooking and cleaning for us, we've been well taken care of.
3. Friends. This incompasses so many. Here are a few I need to single out...
a. Hannah Group. This is my support group I've attended since April. These girls have been my heart and soul this year. I'm not sure how I would've survived without the meals, prayers, cards, emails and calls I get from them. For any of you out there who are suffering thru infertility, FIND A SUPPORT GROUP! It's been a huge blessing to me.
b. Amy. We've been though a lot this year and bonded in ways no one will ever be able to understand. I'm thankful to have had her by me in the joys and tears.
c. Carrie. My best friend from high school and I have reunited thru this and talk more often than we have in 10 years. It's been great having her to lean on.
d. Tanya. My bff in training. She has come thru in so many ways and has gladly let me push her aside on more than one occasion. She deals with just as much stress and craziness in her own life, but always manages to make time for me and my stuff.
e. Tracy, Marshon, Lori, Debra, Emily....these ladies at church always ALWAYS ask me how I am and check on me. Weekly I hear from at least one of them, if not more and they always make me feel loved.
f. My work friends. They cry with me and celebrate with me. In fact, I had more tears shed for me on my return to work than I shed myself.
g. Melanie. Even though she is giddy and proud of her new bundle of joy, she mourns with me and always has a kind word and prayer to offer me. It's almost like her new baby reminds her that I still don't have one.
4. The future. I have so much to look forward to. We are trying to plan an incredible trip just Joe and I think Spring, before we start round 3. I am almost 30 and am looking forward to a great next chapter in my life. It's Christmas, WHICH I LOVE!!! And I have hope in a God who wants to give me a hope and a future! And I can't wait to find out what that will be!
5. And lastly, and most of all, I am thankful and happy about my husband. I am so deeply in love with him and coming out of a hard, rough year, I know we are stronger than we were before we started. And I know that many marriages would not have survived.

There are lots of other things, but I'm rambling already. Basically, I think John Lennon had it right. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." And I don't want life to pass by with me worrying about babies. So I choose happiness. I choose to live with joy.

A Thanksgiving to Remember

This morning my alarm clock went off at 8:55. Why, you ask? The Macy's Parade starts at 9:00! I had no idea I would be this is excited to see it again, but I AM!! In honor of what will forever be known as "the best Thanksgiving EVER," I want to take a look back at last year.

Thanksgiving 2007-NYC

At 5am Joe and I arrived at a building directly across from Macy's, some hotel. There were lines wrapped around the corners leading into the hotel, so we found the clown line and jumped in. Luckily, this was one of those glorious fall days in New York. The previous 3 days had been cold and rainy, but not today. Clear and eventually up into the low 70s, as I recall. Once our IDs had been checked, we were shuffled into wardrobe. We donned our giant,multilayered cowboy clown costumes, and were whisked off to wardrobe. We entered a giant ballroom full of makeup tables, maybe 150 or so. A man with a microphone announces "We need a cowboy clown!" An artists stands up, and off I go. I get my mustache, red nose, etc. Then back to wardrobe to frantically look for my hubby and grab my oversized yellow hat. We rush down some stairs and onto one of several charter buses. And off we go to Central Park West. We're dropped off and pointed in the right direction. Now we are just to find our appointed corner and wait to join the parade.

So we walk down to the corner of Broadway and 82nd, passing Kermit, Mr. Potato Head and Shrek on the way. We were close enough to touch those giant balloons, still roped down in the street! Once at our corner, we spend the next 3 hours in a constant goofy grin. It was, without a doubt, the coolest thing I have ever gotten to be a part of. We saw celebrities mere feet from us (Neo, Ashley Tisdale, BIG BIRD!!!, Dolly Parton (scarier in real life), and so many more. We wandered around and saw all the floats, clowns, and balloons.

Then the fun begins! The announcer comes on and he and Matt Lauer give everyone a pep talk. "Let's make the best parade ever!" Then, as the parade starts, the announcer invites the next group to "join the parade!!!" We were in the last 15 minutes of the show, so we literally watched the whole parade pass right in front of us!! I touched Shrek's foot when he came by, cuz I was in the street!!!! When we were finally invited to join the parade, we yelled and "yahooed!" and ran down into Columbus Circle. The next hour was a blur of insane fun. Millions of people smiling, waving and taking your picture. Kids hug you as you come by, parents grab you to take a picture. I'm someone's holiday memory from last year!! You look up at the tall buildings and see faces pressed against EVERY window. And walking down the middle of Broadway, especially through Time Square is an experience all it's own. Every once in a while, we'd stop and have a bar brawl or do the cotton eyed Joe. But mostly we just laughed and waved and threw confetti. We even made it onto TV!

Being a part of such a huge event was such a huge blessing to us. It has been something we look back on and smile quite often. What a difference a year makes. Gives me hope that next year will be just as different from where I stand today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

one week down

Today was a day I was dreading...going to church the first time since the news. I made up my mind I was going to hold it together, not cry. Too many people don't even know I was ever pregnant. So we sat down and I had a few people come hug me. I kept my mouth shut, knowing if I opened it, I would start crying. So far so good. Right before service started, my little boyfriend Mac(3) and his brother Conner(5) came running down our pew to us. **They have attempted sitting with us before, but never made it thru a whole service. Well today, Mac made it through. (conner...no...) Mac sat with me, folded his hands during prayers, stood when we sang. All of it. I was impressed. I felt like a mom those few moments and was happy to have my little munchkin to watch over. About 20 mins in, he told Joe he needed to go to the bathroom. Joe suggested he go tell his mom so she could take him. He said, "No Joe! I want Rachel to go with me!" So I did. That really makes you feel like a mom to take a kid out in the middle of church. When we came back in, it was time to go put money in the jar at the front (Coins for Christ, where the kids make their "donations"). I gave Mac a dollar and off he went. I sat back down in time to see him barrelling down the aisle, away from mom, and back to Rachel. We coerced him to go with her to BIG, but it was that breif few moments of pseudo-motherhood that was going to make this day bearable for me. I stood without singing during the invitation, konwing fullwell I would lose it after being preached to about faithfulness.
After church, I had a heart to heart with a fellow infertility sufferer and then wandered into class sniffling and teary. We said nothing during prayer requests. But my sweet, sweet friend Emily broke down in the middle of class, desperate to pray for us. So we stopped everything, were surrounded and prayed for.
The rest of the day was easier. Conner sat with me at lunch, while Mac and mom and dad were at another table. (More mothering for me). And tonight, Conner sat with us at evening services. Those boys go through spells where they love us, and thank God they did today. It was somethign I really needed. So thanks, Dills, for sharing your kids with us. We love them so much and cant wait to spend an overnight babysitting adventure with them soon.
We were singing tonight a youth group song really made my heart beat. It is something I've sung a million times, but never meant to me what it did tonight.
Lord, Reign in Me
Reign in your power
Over all my dreams
In my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won't you reign in me again....
YOU MEAN MORE TO ME THAN ANY EARTHLY THING
So won't you reign in me again

rock bottom

This year has been hard. In fact, the hardest I've ever had. Good ridance 2008. Farewell 29th year. And as of yesterday, so long 3rd year of marriage. that's right, Joe and I have been married for 3 years as of yesterday. Who knew at our 2nd fabulous NYC anniversary, we would be at such a low point today? Everytime something hard has come our way this year, we feel like we've hit bottom, but sadly, each next blow knocks us even deeper. I have to believe that if we haven't hit bottom yet, we can't be far from it.
I have been back and forth with my doctor this week and finally have made some tough choices about this pregnancy and future possibilities. It's not something I want to face or am ready to deal with, but....one day at a time, right?
My friend Kara came to see me the other day and brought me a book of short devotional thoughts. Her instructions? Read one every night and feel the peace and plan God is trying to give to me.
I opened it at random last night and this is what it said:
DIVINE POSSIBILITIES
God does not ask you to do things that are humanly possible. He does not fill your heart with goals that you could easily achiever on your own.
Rather, God gives you dreams that are far bigger and more wonderful than you could ever aspire to, dreams that can only be accomplished if he is actively involved in your life.
Why? Because God want you to know that the good that happens to you is from him- so that you will rely on him.
He is bringing the hopes that burn in you into being. So tonight trust him to make all those impossible dream come true.
"With God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

devastation

We kept it quiet...but I found out I was pregnant from cycle two on November 2nd. Last week I started spotting a little. Had a sonogram to hear the baby's heart today...and there's no baby there. Just an empty placenta.
I am so devastated. I am so scared that I will never have a baby now. We need prayers so badly. This year has been agonizing and just when we have a ray of sunshine, the darkness rolls in again. Pray hard for us.

Success!!!

There are only a few things left....
COFFEE TABLE
BUCKETS
RAINBOW CHAIR
PAISLEY CHAIR

Any takers??

at long last

At long last it is time for the craft fair!!! I have been working on furniture for about 4 months now and am finally finished and ready to sell. If you live in Lubbock, come by Monterrey Church of Christ on Saturday and check it out!




Giraffe dresser for future baby varneys

giraffe rocker for baby room (couldnt part with those two peices...someday there will be a baby for them!)

Zebra teacher chair

Kids table and chair set

paisley teacher chair

personal favorite....RAINBOW teacher chair

Black and White end table

leopard side tables

coffee table

console table

zebra lamp

red raider lamp

leopard lamp

buckets

mirror

Brace yourself

On November 4th we elected a new president. Regardless of your view, Republican or Democrat, it was a day to be remembered. I haven’t spoken much about my views for this election, due mostly to the fact that I don’t follow politics much. But I also choose to stay quiet because I live in a red state where most people begrudge the fact that I have a different viewpoint.
But in light of what is being said on tv and radio, and sadly, amongst our Christian brothers and sisters, I feel like I need to voice it now. I read Allison’s blog earlier about standing together for change in our country and communities, embracing the fact that we live in a country where we get to CHOOSE our leaders and keep them from absolute power. That’s a great thing, and something to be proud of.
I have had a significant interest in Barak Obama for a good while now. I really believe he’s a good man, a good father and husband, and that he wants what’s best for our country. What he sees as best may not be what you do. And at times, what he votes for and stands for are not what I think is best either. But since when can you please everyone all the time? And…is there anyone besides yourself you can agree with always? I mean, we chose our husbands, but we don’t always see eye to eye with them either!
While I can’t argue with you Newsweek reading republicans who know all the ins and outs of every vote and issue, I can tell you why I am proud that America has voted OBAMA and why I was among those who did.
1. He stands for change. I have no problems with McCain. I think he is a good man and God bless him for what he has done in service to our country. But we have spent 8 years with a president who has been less than great, and while McCain supported him most of the time, Obama did not. He is ready to make a change. Change for the good? We hope so. Change is scary. No one likes it. Most of us would rather go on living our lives with no twists and turns. But it’s time. Our country is low right now and we need someone to lift us up.
2. He’s inspired a new generation to vote and care about its leadership. I’m always shocked when people don’t vote. I know we live in a red state that will never be blue, but how awesome is it that I have a say in who the most powerful person in the world will be? Every time I hear Obama speak, I am on the edge of my seat. He’s a powerful speaker and knows what he’s talking about. He has definite ideas and goals. He’s decisive. I could hear him talk about dirt and still applaud his fervor.
3. Race. Some will admit it’s an issue. Some won’t. But it is. And for me, if I’m really honest, it was one of the biggest reasons I voted for him. As Jeremy said on election night, “Yeah, you love black men. We get it.” (that I do…my cute husband in particular). But here’s the reason having a black president is so huge in my life.
a. I work in a school with mostly minority children. They have hard lives. Parents who don’t want them or can’t take care of them. No money. No food. No shoes sometimes. Their view of America is very different from mine. They see it as a place where white people make the rules and we have to try and find a way to live within them. They can’t see how they will ever be better than what they are now. It is such an amazing gift to them to be able to see the highest office in the land being held by a man of color. They are so excited. It’s one thing they can rally behind and their families can be proud of for once.
b. It DOES affect my family. Joe and I sat and talked as Obama gave his speech on Tuesday about how our children will live in a country where there is no question “can I be president when I grow up?” The answer will be yes undoubtedly. They will never know a time without a black president. I’m so proud to be able to say that years from now when my kids ask me about that night in history, I can tell them I was thinking of them.
Now, sadly, some of you are going to think less of me since I voted Obama this year. I’m sorry we disagree. But I won’t apologize for exercising my right to vote. I’m proud to live in a country where we now have a black president. Let’s pray for him and that he is able to do wonderful things for our country these next 4 years.

Mr.President

waiting

Tonight at group we talked about waiting. Again, with my hormones amuck, I had a crying evening. We listened to part of a sermon by Rick Atchley. He talked about this need to hurry and how we are an instant gratification society. Which line is the shortest, why is this guy driving so slow, where is that pizza, it's late! We want things how we want them, when we want them. I am completely guilty of that. I come home and see this on Taylor's blog:
"God has not run out of wonders where we are concerned, Beloved. We have not seen the last great work of God in our lives. You and I will never move to the next level with God if we're scared half to death of what awaits us. On this mysterious pilgrimage we will find that when we do meet difficulties and sorrows, they were not meant to stop us but to form the character required for our great harvest in the coming season. Step into your future, Precious One. Something wonderful awaits you." (Stepping Up by Beth Moore)
It spoke volumes. I can't allow myself to start doubting God. As the girls in group constantly remind me, God doesn't want me to be in this situation. He is allowing it for a time, and for a purpose. So now how do I move to the "next level" as Beth Moore says? Take it a day at a time I guess. So tomorrow is day one. With everything I do, I am going to ask God, "how can I glorify you right now?" If I can try as hard to praise him, as I do worrying about me for one whole day, maybe I can do it for 2. Or 3. Or more. And hopefully, not only will it take me one step closer to God, but one step closer to the happiness and peace I've lost.
Thanks Taylor. And thanks Hannah girls.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Tonight Randy was preaching about peace. He told the story about Jesus calming the storm and how peace is something Jesus attained from his hours of prayer and "me time" with the father. We've heard it before: No Jesus. No Peace. Know Jesus. Know Peace. So how come peace is so elusive right now?

Jesus Calms the Storm
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

In so many ways, this is my life right now. I KNOW Jesus. He's in my boat for Pete's sake!?!! But there is this massive storm swirling around me and my mind is completely wrapped up in how I am going to manage to survive it. I look to my friends, but they are all worried about how THEY will make it through the storm they are facing also. I'm crying out to God (just as I imagine the disciples would...) " Jesus!?!?! Where is he? He can stop this, or at least protect me from it! JESUS!!!!" But where is Jesus? Asleep. I've said before I felt that God was being silent in my life. Then he began speaking, and for several weeks, I felt him closeby again. But today, right now, in the storm, I look around and find Jesus sleeping. Not fighting the storm. Not quieting the winds.
So here I am. Screaming in the wind and rain. Scared of what's crashing in on top of me and being as loud as I can to wake up the Lord, so he'll calm it all. Sometimes he lets the strom rage and quiets his children. If that's on the horizon, I'll take it! But for right now all I see is wind and rain and feel my heart racing harder and harder.
How do you push the fear and hurt aside to make room for the peace and patience?

I LOVE YOUR BLOG

Well...this reminds me of myspace and email forwards, but why not? not very often you get nominated for a blog award, right?

Answer in one word? hmmmm....

1. Where is your cell phone? couch

2. Where is your significant other? Penson

3. Your haircolor? streaks

4. Your mother? vacation

5. Your father? same

6. Your favorite thing? chocolate

7. Your dream last night? babies

8. Your dream/goal? babies

9. The room you're in? living

10. Your hobby? painting

11. Your fear? infertile

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? kindergarten

13. Where were you last night? Melanie's

14. What you're not? pregnant :(

15. One of your wish-list items? wii

16. Where you grew up? Lubbock

17. The last thing you did? cooked

18. What are you wearing? clothes

19. Your TV? sony

20. Your pet? none

21. Your computer? laptop

22. Your mood? eager

23. Missing someone? carrie

24. Your car? RAV!!!

25. Something you're not wearing? hat

26. Favorite store? Maurices

27. Your summer? tedious

28. Love someone? Joey

29. Your favorite color? Red

30. When is the last time you laughed? Today

31. When is the last time you cried? Today

Big weekend for me!

My weekend was so fantastic! I went out with Amy and Audrey on Friday and sat talking for hours at Red Robin. On Saturday I went to see the COLOR PURPLE musical with my inlaws and my hubby (can't beat a good musical!) But Sunday was the big day. 2 HUGE events!
First of all, my old roommate, maid of honor at my wedding, Melanie had her baby! Here are a couple of pics of me and Joe with Grady Cole Henderson.

And the 3 hours I've waited for since 5th grade...

NKOTB REUNION TOUR!!!!

I saw NKOTB when I was 11 with my Mom. It was the highlight of my young life, as I ADORED these boys. So when I found out they were not only back together, but touring?!?!? Oh my!!! I MUST BE THERE! So I went with 4 other girlfriends to the event of the year...to see those heart-throbs from the late 80's, known as NKOTB!

The concert was awesome! They did all their old hits, even the old dances. We screamed, we sang, we danced. It was such a blast! So here's a few of my favorite pics from this amazing night... Big Finale??? Hangin' Tough, of course!!!

"I'll Be Lovin' You Forever"...I WILL be lovin you boys forever. :)

Oh to be on that floor right now. I think Amanda would have hyperventilated and dropped like a rock.

"Please Don't Go Girl" Joey really doesn't want me to go. Look! He's on his knees for goodness sake!

Look how they point to us and we point to them. Awww. (No we are not on the front row. Nowhere close to that).

Yeah...you know it. We're hangin tough

my boys then and now...time has been good, eh?

And now...and ode to each member. Why I love them and why they are now and forever my favorite boy band...

Jordan Knight. You still can hit those insane high notes. How do you do it? And how does your body look like that when you are easily 10 or more years older than me?!?! I remember my first boyfriend asking me out on a note...left on my Jordan doll. (Yeah, I had one...complete with the rat-tail hair.) The highlight of the night was the "Didn't I Blow Your Mind" with your open shirt flapping in the wind. Classic.

Jonathan Knight. You may be Jordan's brother. You may be the strong, silent type. You may even have anxiety issues that casue you never to be in the spotlight or soloing. But I love you none the less. You can still dance like you could 15 years ago. To that, I tip my hat. Ah...Joey McIntyre. You were my favorite. Sure, I loved Jordan. (Who didn't). But I secretly believed I could marry you since you were the youngest. Instead, I found my own singin Joey. :) You sounded amazing last night and I'm pulling for a Joey solo career! Oh! And thanks for singing "Please Don't Go Girl" just for me. Danny Wood. Let's face it, you never were the looker of the group. But you do have amazing biceps now. And come to think of it, you always were the muscle man of the group. Rock on, man.
Donnie Wahlberg. You're a Wahlberg. What more needs to be said? In the words of Amy last night, "that momma made some pretty fine boys."

Who was your favorite Kid? Or weren't you a blockhead too?

things are looking up

So my friend Jamie does this thing called THE HAPPY LIST. She keeps track of things that are funny, amusing, or just smile worthy and jots them in a journal she carries in her purse. She's done this since high school and it's really fun to go back and read them. In a mere 4 or 5 words, we can remember an entire evening of hillarity from college.

My mom has been suggesting that I start writing down 3 things that make me happy every day. Just to keep in perspective how good my life really is. So in that spirit...here are a few things I've found to be happy about this week.

1. Gas keeps getting cheaper! I found it for $2.59 today!

2. Kids who talk like grown-ups. Here was an exchange today:

Me: How do we find the middle of the oval? (We're drawing faces)

Ricardo: I'm going to use one of my strategies to solve this problem.

Me: What?!!?

Ricardo: You know, a strategy? I'm gonna use one from first grade. If I use my fingers I can find the middle fast.

3. The state fair! I LOVE fried stuff with cheese! :) We tried chicken fried bacon. Not all that. But we DID see a bunch of great stuff, including a zebra, a camel, and a giraffe!

4. The circus! On Wednesday Joe and I went to the Shrine Circus with our new friends James and Kristen. It was AWESOME! How come we don't go to the circus as adults? It's incredible! The contortionists? The tight rope walkers? The motorcycle steel cage? It's fantastic! And spending some quality time with new friends is always enjoyable too!

5. Painting. I'm still painting more furniture. And I LOVE IT!!! It's therepuetic to me. Wish I had enough time to work on it every day.

6. Things to look forward to this weekend. Two MAJOR ones.....going to see the Color Purple Musical with my husband and his parents tomorrow. And...the big day has finally arrived....a day I have waited for for months now....NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! I'm going with 4 girlfriends to see them in concert in Dallas on Sunday night! Whoohoo!!!! Look for a post about THAT on Monday!

okay...this one IS sad

I'm at a real low point this week. I can't seem to be happy about anything. I know you've been there...everything seems wrong...work, friends, home, everything. That's where I am right now. And the fact that I'm on hormone medication is making it worse (I think). I'm on a higher dosage than I was on cycle one and I find myself crying ALL THE TIME. Really! I've been awake for 15 minutes and already have cried.
So just a rundown of why my life is making me crazy right now....
1. School bites. The kids are so difficult this year. To the point that I am doing kindergarten lessons with second grade due to the fact that they can't listen or act like they've been in my class for 2 years already. I've had about 15 kids pee in my room and one poop. (YEP! On the floor...and he was a 1st grader!!!) Teachers are on edge with so much work and their own discipline problems. It's been a really rough start.
2. Baby stuff (of course). My friend Jamie and I were going to plan a pledge class reunion this year (10 years since we pledged GATA), but we kinda dropped the ball. Jamie sent an email finding out if anyone was still planning to go and now the replies are coming in. So many are not coming because they "just had a baby" or "are due any day now" or have stuff with their kids already on the calendar that weekend. So everytime I read one of those I cry again. How come everyone else has a family? How come everyone else is havign their first babies right now? Why not me? I also got upset at work as I found out a drug addicted set of parents (whose kids are MAJOR discipline issues at school) are preg with #6. Mom says they are stopping at 6 since the government doesn't pay after that one. How can this go on? How can I still have an empty womb when there are druggies funding their addictions with their ability to concieve?!?!? It's TERRIBLEY unfair! I'm just at the bottom of the pit again on all this baby stuff...
3. Friends. I'm starting to realize that I don't have many. Not close ones anyways. My best friend (amy) is getting close to girls in Granbury now (which we knew would happen eventually) and I am so scared of what that means for me. We never go out with anyone except the Tindells, unless we do the asking. So mostly it's just me and Joe. What's a girl to do? I felt this way when I first got married too. I had left my church and placed membership at Joe's church. I knew everyone, but no one well. Then Amy came along and we clicked right away. So...I don't know what to do from here. Maybe we kind of segregated ourselves when we got so tight with the Tindells. I just feel really alone in general.

Was this all too much? Probably. Blogs are for venting tho, right? Got some advice? Got some wise words? Leave me a comment. That's actually another thing that makes me sad. I check my blog for comments and have one person say anything. (thanks Carrie!) I'm horrible at commenting too. But comments are what lets us know someone out there cares. right?

That's so sad...

Last night Joe and I did something I love to do...PAINT! We moved all the furniture out of our guest room and painted it the color I want for the future nursery. "That is so sad....that poor girl is painting a baby room and has no baby!" I don't see it that way at all. :) I see it as having complete faith that the baby is coming! I'm just getting ready to bring him/her into this house! As I was looking at the new green room before bed, I was picturing where the crib (or cribs) will go. Where will that dresser I painted sit? Where is my rocking chair going to be? I imagined rocking my sweet baby and groggily feeding him/her at 2am. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of what I will get to experience in this room. (needless to say, my current cycle is going well....slow...but good.)
So as I was having these daydreams about my future, I spotted something on the floor. A penny. My granny (mom's mom) was known for finding pennies. She found them everywhere she went. Or so I've been told. She died when I was 7. Every time we find a penny, my mom says something about Granny must be watching us. It's funny how we always find them at special times...birthday parties, graduations, my wedding. It was nice to see that Granny is here as I am getting ready to be a mommy. I've thought a lot about Granny the past week or so. When she died I didn't really know how to deal with it. Then one day it just hit me and I fell apart. Dad said he thought that's how I was handling our miscarriage too. Accept it, and let the weight of it hit you later on. I've missed not having my Granny. I missed getting to introduce her to my fiance or take pictures with her in my wedding dress. I missed that hug when I came off the stage at high school and college graduations. And I will miss her when I have her great-grandbaby in my arms. It's nice to think that maybe she is holding the one we lost right now tho. I thought a lot last night about what my relationship would be with her if she was still here. Would we be close? Would I call her like I call mom, just to talk and catch her up? I like to think so. I like to think that she would've been another best friend of mine. Losing grandparents so early makes it hard. (I lost 3 of my 4 by age 10).
So...this post is kind of sad, but not really. :) I'm happy to anticipate pregnancy and I'm happy to imagine what Granny would be doing if she were here.

ideas....

I am working on my furniture painting almost every day now. I have the coffee table finished (and not how I started it at all!!), the console table, an end table and a drawered table all done. YAHOO!!! I am about to start on my kids' table and chairs set. I'm not sure what to do with it. Joe says just paint it in primary colors, but I want to make it something unique. I am thinking that it needs to have a theme, maybe from a book?!? What ideas do you have? Gals with kids, what would be cute for a little coloring/playdough work table for your kids? Right now I'm thinking Dr.Seuss. Maybe "Cat in the Hat?" I also like "Green Eggs and Ham." Give me some advice! I want to draw it off this weekend so I can start painting on Monday!!

FIREPROOF

You need to see this movie. I heard Kirk Cameron speak about 5 years ago at an evangelism conference and it changed me. He was so inspiring and passionate about his faith. It was impressive.

I went to see FIREPROOF with my inlaws and some of their couple friends today. No Joe. Just me. If you dont know (like I didn't when I entered the theatre), this is the story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart. FAST. Neither are making it work and both are ready to quit. Through a series of events, the hard-headed husband (Kirk Cameron) is persuaded by Dad to take the "Love Dare" for 40 days. Every day there is something new to do to try and salvage his marriage. Through the story, not only does he find God and faith, but he realizes how much he really does love his wife and wants her to stay with him.

Now being a movie lover, I have to say that the dialogue/acting was like something out of A Walk to Remember or some other such cheesy feel good story. But the story is just so wonderful. So relevant. I ended up loving it! I found myself crying at several points in the story because I felt so emotionally connected. It was so great to see a sold out theater watching people talk openly about God and what he can do in your life!

At one point I found myself teary listening to the words of a song. Its at a point where Kirk's character is waiting on God to move, well into his 40 day "dare." The words fit any point where you find yourself in a trial you have to wait out. Any time that you are doing what you can, but waiting on God to swoop in. Here's what I remember from the lyrics. Sorry, I don't know who sings it...

While I'm waiting I will serve You

While I'm waiting I will worship

While I'm waiting I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

It talks about being peaceful and faithful as you wait on God. Great song.

Anyhow...this movie made me appreciate my wonderful husband and the sweet way he always does things for me. Several moments in the movie, Kirk Cameron is trying things to show he cares that my boy does almost on a daily basis. He always calls to see if I need something on his way home from work. He calls me just to say hi and that he loves me. He buys me flowers for no reason. And he genuinely loves to do things to make me smile. In fact, just tonight our plans kind of went by the wayside and Joe was so excited to take me to my favorite store and buy me a new jacket (my fashion weakness). I told him over and over I didn't need it. We need to save that money. But he insisted. He wanted to "keep me looking pretty (wink)."

I'm so blessed to not be facing this particular trial in my life. I have a husband who loves me so much and so unconditionally. And I try to tell him and show him everyday that I would marry him all over again, and that he is not only my husband, but my very best friend. He was for years before I fell in love with him and I thank God for allowing me to spend my life with him.

So...see this movie.

5 Questions

Did you ever see Craig Kilborn on the Late Late Late Show? Or on what is now the Jon Stewart Show (it used to be hosted by Craig Kilborn?) He has this thing where his interviews only consist of 5 questions. It keeps it short and with strategic questions, you can get some good info and (hopefully for him) a few laughs too.
Mom and I were talking last week about a 5 Questions class that she has done on Wednesday nights with ladies before. It's been rolling in my brain for the past 5 days and I thought it would be good to do here. The idea is that you get a panel of 3 ladies who have all faced a similar struggle (cancer, divorce, alcholoism, etc.) and have them answer the same 5 questions about how it affected them. The hope is that it will inform people better about what it is like to stand in these people's shoes and what they can do to help in those times. It also lets women get to know eachother in a way they may not be able to day to day.
Through my months of infertility I've had a lot of ups and downs (more downs I'm sad to say.) And now through miscarriage I have yet another story to tell. So I'm going to take a crack at this. I hope it's enlightening!
1. In a couple of sentences, tell us why you qualify for this topic. (miscarriage)
I got pregnant after a year and a half and some fertility procedures. I only stayed pregnant 8 days past when I had my first pregnancy test. I miscarried on Sept 7, 2008.
2. What are some things that people said or did that made it easier?
I had several women at church hug and cry with me. Knowing people were sad for me was nice. My friends at work all check on me daily and make sure I really am as okay as I try to let on. We were with Amy and Brian when I physically miscarried and it was good to be with friends then, even tho I didn't feel like I needed people with me. It wasn't a meltdown, devastating moment. I knew it was coming. I got a really sweet card from my Aunt Jackie in Lubbock. And the ladies at Hannah Group have been really great to spend time with us, helping Amy and I think through what has happened to us.
3. What did people do that hurt?
Mostly what hurts is when people do nothing or act like it's part of the process. "I thought it was wierd that it worked the first time. Doesn't IVF usually take a couple of tries usually?" I know that sounds wierd because that has been my general outlook on it too. I have looked at it as a failed IVF cycle and not a death of my first child. I'm putting people between a rock and a hard place. I want people to be worried about me and ask me how we're doing and be as sad as they were happy when the news was good. But I also tell them I'm fine and we're moving on to the next step. Of course they leave me alone about it then! I guess it is starting to catch up to me that I should be having a sonogram this week to hear a heartbeat. I should be finding out if there are twins growing in me. But there is nothing there. The baby that was once growing in me is with God now. I understand that people don't know what to say to me.
4. What do you wish people would have done differently or said differently?
I wish more people would say something. I expected more cards. More calls. More emails. And there just weren't many at all. Lots of people did exactly what I needed...gave me a hug and told us they love us. That's been the best thing anyone has done. It's nice to know that people know, care, and will let me know that. It was hard to go through this while Amy was too. Her grief was so much more than mine and so the floodgate flowed to her from lots of people. Even from me, I directed all emotion to concern for her. I wish I could have recieved more of the outpouring. I'll remember that next time I hear someone else has miscarried. I know I have had friends experience that and done nothing also. But going through it makes me so much more aware of what it really means.
5. How has this strengthened your relationship with God?
Especially in the past week, I have been talking to God a lot about that baby. Was it a he or a she? Are they okay? Is Jesus rocking them to sleep every night? Have they found baby Tindell and started causing a ruckus up there? At Hannah Group last week they were talking to us about our babies being in Heaven and it was a thought I hadn't really had yet. I hadn't thought about my baby being "dead." I was still thinking "the embryo didn't stick." But now, I have really found a lot of comfort in the fact that God has my little one. A friend at group gave Amy and I a song called "Glory Baby." At first I didn't think it really applied to me. After all , this doesn't feel like a loss or a miscarriage. But it is. And now I feel that. This song is speaking to getting to see our lost children someday in Heaven and finally getting to hold them. After listening to that song about 12 times in my car, I listened to praise music. And found myself unable to sing along without crying. (not good when you are driving.) I find myself very connected in praise right now to God. My emotions are completely wrapped up in it. I like feeling close to him again and I love that praise is where I find myself closest. Right now I'm not feeling excited or hopeful, nor worried and scared about the next round of IVF. I think I'm in a state of normalcy for the first time in a while and completely content to be with my husband, resting in God's hand.

The Tracks of my Tears

Back in April, my mother in law had a prayer session for me with women from church. My best friend Amy gave me two things that have become a mainstay of everyday life for me. One is the Willow Tree set of prayer partners. It's two brunette girls, holding hands in prayer. Ironically, one has longer hair and one has shorter...just like me and Amy. It sits on my nightstand and I look at it every night and every morning. It reminds me of the friend who prays for my future as I pray for hers.

The other gift she gave me hides away in the depths of my purse most days. But I know it's there. I see it when I dig for my keys. It gets caught in the zipper and shoved into the corners, but it's always there when I need it. It's a hankerchief. I've never had one before, but Amy gave it to me for this reason: it's to catch all the tears I will cry in this process...both happy AND sad. And it has done that well. I've cried over friends finding out they are pregnant while I am not. I've used it through 2 baby dedications. I've used it when I found I was going to have a baby at last! And I used it again when I found out I wouldn't stay pregnant for long. Amy has even held it as she's cried through her hurts these past few weeks. It has been in my hand through all the love and heartache. So when Joe told me I needed to wash it and people tried to throw it away as a dirty tissue this past week, I had a hard time letting go of it. It holds all my tears. It reminds me that God is catching every single tear I cry and holding it in his hand. How can throw away or wash away that reminder?

But then I started thinking about an activity we did with the campers at Kadesh one year. They had these sheets that were all marked up with the pain and fear they had about themselves. They wore them all week. The last morning, we took them out to a field of crosses and their sheets were all gleaming white, nailed to a cross. It was a great visual of God taking away the pain, the fear, the heartaches. It occured to me I could do that with this hankerchief. It could be a release and way to let go of what's happened these past few months. So I gently hand washed my hanky and smiled as I looked at it's new appearance. Those tears I've shed are no longer there.

ode to Tanya

With all of my treatments, I have had so much to tell you about that single aspect of my life and have left out so much of what else goes on! I thought it was about time I paid tribute to a little lady who has been waiting there in the wings for me every moment of the past 9 months.
TANYA WILSON!!!
Tanya and I have been friends for several years now, as our husbands were roommates when we were dating them. In fact, I saw Tanya's engagement ring on the day Jake bought it. I joke with Tanya about being my back-up best friend, but she really has been working hard to fill that roll. From sitting with me in the bathroom while I cried one Sunday back in January to letting me ditch my plans with her multiple time last week, she never complains and always shows up when I need her. Tanya was with me the night before my pregnancy test. Tanya was with me while I was hooked up to IVs when I got dehydrated. Tanya was there when I got the call that I may lose the baby. And Tanya was ready to run away with us later that week, but was even more ready to let me cancel mere minutes before we were to leave.
For those of you who don't know Tanya, there is something more you should know. She has so much on her plate, so much to whine about and so much to be down about, but she always makes time for her friends. She always can put someone else before herself and I admire that so much about her. She is only 23 and has had to parent her parents for way too long. Now she carries a full work schedule on top of a full school schedule containing multiple art courses (which take at least 5 times as much time as other course studies.)
She is an amazing girl, and while she feels she can never catch up or compete to be my BFF, she is so dear to me and always will be. We are in such different places in life that I know we may never be tied at the hip, but I love the effort she puts into me and aspire to do the same for her.
Love you Tanya!!!

hi ho! hi ho! its off to the doctor we go!

We went for our followup to failed fresh cycle appointment today. Wow. That was a mouthful! Dr. Kevin went through our chart with us and told us repeatedly how great we did. He said I produced great eggs. He said usually not all of them are good quality, but ALL of mine were mature and good. Then Joe didn't have to have surgery (YAY!!!) Usually 60% of eggs are successfully fertilized. ALL of ours were successful. He said that is very unusual. Then to add to the unusualness...they all grew! He said that again, only 60% usually mature. While not all of ours did good enough to freeze, he said we got so many! He said our 2 that we implanted were pretty good quality but we have even better ones frozen. (Why didn't they implant those? Well, they got to grow a few more days, so they got better over those days.) He explained that my pregnancy was biochemical, which I thought meant the baby never fully attached. He said it DID attach and started growing, but then stopped. For reasons we may never know. He said it was nothing I did or took that caused it, probably a problem in the embryo itself. Hmmmm. One of those things I'll have to ask God about later.

So Dr. Kevin is very optimistic about this round. It's cheaper, it's faster, and it's easier on my body. WHOO HOO!!!! So all the paperwork is done. All the money is paid. We are scheduled to start!!! Yay!!!!

Now the predicament I'm in. I LOVE BLOGGING ABOUT THIS!!!! But I don't want to publicly miscarry again. I don't want to go through the possible downs with everyone I know. I want so much to tell you everything, but I know there's a reason people don't tell everyone they are pregnant for several weeks. What do I do? Can I really keep my mouth shut about everything? (of course I can't!) I'm going to attempt to just keep this between our families and close friends, but I know i will cave here and there. All this to say, I want you to pray with us. I want you jump up and down screaming when I have babies in my tummy that are actually growing! so please email me. call me. Check in on me. But don't look for big news here. At least not for a while. I will email those of you who comment often and I know need an update. And I will self blog on WORD and save highlights for when I'm done and telling everyone! Deal?

So look for something other than embryos on my blog the next few weeks/months. What else is ther to talk about???

And we wait...

Since last Wedesday I have been back to the doctor twice, on the phone with them 4 times, and scheduled for at least 2 more appointments in the next 7 days! Whew! We decided to start our frozen transfer process as soon as possible. Which is now! I have been on my birth control pills since Sunday and they are taking blood to make sure my hcg levels are dropping back to zero. I am having a consult with the doctor on Thursday to get our timeline and costs nailed down. I am really excited!!! I feel good about this one!!!
This weekend was a little tough for several reasons. Amy found out her hcg level is also very low and so now we wait to find out the fate of her little one. Right now we are waiting on her test results...Due to that new revelation, we spent the weekend in granbury with her and Brian, just trying to help them take their minds off of things. Sunday was hard for a couple of reasons. #1. I bled out what was once my baby. It wasn't tramatic, but just surreal that it was actually the beginning of a little life. It made me sad, but also amazed at God's work. Then we went to church and there was a baby dedication. Awesome. Amy held my hand and cried, but I actually fought through without crying. Whoohoo!
Monday I went to take pregnancy test number 4. It was positive. Still. my hcg number is at 9, so we are waiting to get back to zero. Moving slowly. Another blood test next Monday, and a meeting with the doc on Thursday. Hopefully we will have two more embryos trying to become babies soon! Keep praying for us!

2 parter

I wrote a blog the other day detailing the glorious news that we were pregnant. I never posted it. I've debated whether I should or not, but it was such an amazing day, I feel like I need to. Before I do that tho, I wanted to tell you all about what has happened since. How we went from pregnant and telling the world to crushed, crying and curled up in bed.
Monday
I went in for my 2nd blood test at 7:30. Yes, it was Labor Day, but I wanted to hear what was going on in my body and have an idea of how many little babies there were. At 1pm 9 people came to our house for Labor Day cookout! We laughed and prepared and were all geared up for some burgers, when my phone rang. I took it in my bedroom, eager to hear the news and was told my numbers dropped from 37 to 27. I asked what that meant. The nurse said I may have a biochemical pregnancy. What's that? The embryo is still inside me, but it can't survive because it isn't attached. Do I need to be worried? Come in and do another test on Wednesday. Okay. I ran outside to tell Joe, who was grilling with Jake. I think I said something like, "I may not be pregnant." I ran to the gazebo and called my Mom. She prayed with me. Momma T came out to me. I told her everything. She prayed with me. I came in, we prayed over the food and everyone started eating. I was holding it together. But two bites into my hotdog, my Dad called. I took the phone into the bathroom, sat on the floor, and fell apart. Joe came in and sat with me. I called Amy and broke the news to her. She cried with me (while sitting in Disney World). For the next several hours Joe and I laid on our bed, crying and thinking (maybe too much thinking.) We called and talked to the nurse again. She said it wasn't normal, but my levels were very low to start with. (Would have been nice to know that 2 days earlier...)So Momma T got our house cleaned up and all our guests left after being abandoned by their sad sack hosts. That night we decided we couldn't face work the next day, so we made arrangements for that. We stayed up late eating frosties and fries and watching funny movies.
Tuesday
I slept in and spent the morning on the couch with Joe in my pjs. At noon we went out for pizza and went to the movies. The sweet ladies of Hannah Group (our infertility support group) offered to have a special prayer time for Joe and I. So Tuesday night we went and were prayed for for over an hour by the wonderful women there. It really made us feel better. Loved. A lady I met that night asked me what God had been saying to me in the past 2 days. At the time I didn't know what to say. We told her about how we've learned to trust the plan, even though we don't know what the plan is and how we've been remarkably at peace through out the past few weeks. But then it occurred to me that something did pop into my mind on Monday afternoon. It sounds so strange, but it was the song "Sing and Be Happy." How can I do that right now? But it really spoke to me. Oft we fail to see the rainbow up in Heaven's fair skies. When it seems the fortunes of Earth frown and pass us by...if we hope and trust him each day, we shall have pleasures untold. Sing and you'll be happy TODAY. Press along to the goal. Trust in Him who leadeth the way. He is keeping your soul. Let the world know where you belong. look to Jesus and Pray. Lift your voice and praise him in song. Sing and be happy TODAY. Cool.
Wednesday
We both went back to work, knowing in our hearts the news would be bad. Joe and I texted all day about how we were worried, but feeling okay about things. At 2:30 I called the doctor's office (after my last class) and heard my numbers were at 29, and now classified a biochemical pregnancy. Stop my meds. Come back on Monday to make sure my levels are back at zero. So what now? I can meet my doctor next Thursday (the 11th) and start as soon as I get my next period on a frozen transfer! WAHOO!!! I called Joe, Mom and Dad, and Amy to tell them the news. While we are so sad that we were no longer pregnant, we get to do it again! We have money for it! We have embryos for it! So after no tears, I came home to my Joey and we decided to celebrate the fact that we were pregnant for 4 whole days. Celebrate that we came so close. Celebrate that we have a future with babies in it that is just around the corner! We bought eachother presents at Target, and went for Margaritas and Guacamole Live at On the Border. We laughed and smiled and fell farther in love with eachother and the journey we are travelling together. We sang and were happy TODAY.
So we're good. We're ready to try again. We are blessed in so many ways and we know that God will not let us linger here for long. He is a faithful God and wants us to have a hope and future. And we know that THAT is in the plan!
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Blog I wrote on Sunday about Saturday...
Friday night I was so nervous. I cried with Joe. I cried with my Dad on the phone and I fought crying when Tanya came over. What if??? That question was bearing down and I knew all I could do was wait and pray.
As you remember, we were supposed to go to Orlando with our best friends, Amy and Brian this week. They were leaving, as originally planned, Saturday morning. And we were on tap to take them to the airport. You may also remember, that Amy is also struggling with infertility and has walked through every step right along side me. When they arrived at our house Saturday morning, they stood in front of Joe and I with shocking news. "Well....we're pregnant!" Joe and I had absolutely no response. We just stared at them, standing there smiling, beaming with happiness. WHAT!?!?! How did this happen?? We took them to the airport and Amy and I chatted in the backseat. She told me she had taken 2 pregnancy tests and they both had faint second lines. Her doctor told her that she's never seen a false positive, so she must be expecting! Suddenly I felt a wave of excitement. Unbeknonst to anyone, I had also taken 2 tests. One Thursday and one Friday, against Joe's better judgement. They also had faint second lines. I confided in Amy that I had taken one too and she was more certain than ever that I too was pregnant.
We dropped the Tindells off and Joe told me how nervous he was feeling. That the news that our friends were expecting was multiplying the pressure for us now. True. I told him I had taken a test and it was positive, to which he said, "and you still freaked out? why didn't that make you feel better?" I have no idea.
We went and had blood drawn at 8:45 am. Meredith told us she would keep her eye on the lab and call us as fast a possible with the verdict. I asked her how long that would be (hopefully not until the afternoon!!!) She said 35min-an hour. Okay. We left and grabbed breakfast and came home to nervously wait. After about 2 hours, my parents started to call to make sure things were okay and we were getting restless. Finally we put in THE SWORD IN THE STONE and started a game of Battleship. Tommie called and Joe was barely beginning to speak to her when the phone rang. It had been over 3 hours, just after 12:00. I answered and Meredith told me not to kill her, that it had taken so long. But that I could breathe easy because I'm pregnant. "Yay!!!" was my response. I nodded at Joe, still on the phone with his mom, and tears started streaming down his sweet face. Of course that triggered mine and we sat and hugged as I talked more with Meredith and made my next appointment.
As soon as I hung up we hugged and cried and laughed. Seconds later the phone rang. Amy. "What's the news? How come I haven't heard from you? We just landed and I don't have message. Is it yes or no?" "We just got off the phone 30 seconds ago." "Is it a yes?" "Yes. We're pregnant!!" More crying from both ends of the phone. We got off the phone quickly so I could start calling family and Joe and spent the next several hours calling, texting, emailing and blogging the news. Every once in a while we had to take a break to hug and cry again with eachother. Joe had been saving a song to play for me that Babyface wrote for his wife when she was pregnant. He played it and fought through the tears trying to sing it to me as we danced and cried in the living room.
As miserable as I have been in the past 8 months, I find it incredible how in one swoop, I am magically happy again. I have been hugged and hugged and cried with over and over in the past 36 hours and LOVE that my excitement is being shared by so many. Thank you for following my story so far. I am loving sharing it with you all. And have no fear, there is much more to come. One chapter is closing, but a much more exciting one is beginning. Praise God for that!

Houston, we have a problem

We lost the baby today. My levels were apparently too low to begin with and have dropped since Saturday. It was a bio-chemical pregnancy, meaning the embryos was never fully attached to me. We are very, VERY sad, but taking it well for the time being. We were getting prepared for the bad news since Monday. We can start round two pretty immediately and it will be much easier than round one. We have 4 embryos waiting for their chance. I will let you know what the plan is from here after we meet with the doctor next Thursday. I told you the other day that a new adventure was starting now. Not the one I anticipated, but still a new one. Keep praying for us. We are getting on the roller coaster all over again.

Baby's first picture

Thought you might want to see the first pictures we have. Now, most of you mommys won't have this early of a picture since you didn't know you were pregnant when they looked like this! So I have one up on you! The pre-ultrasound pic! These are the 2 embryos they put in me. One of these is our baby! Or maybe both of these are our babies?!?!? We shall see!!!