The goodbyes have official started. Last week I had coffee with a good friend to both catch up and say goodbye. Saturday night we had dinner to say goodbye to two families that have been so special to us over these two years.
Yesterday was our last Sunday at church. Our pastor prayed for us and we got more hugs and congratulations than we could count. Of course there is no perfect church but this group of people became like family to us, which is what we needed during this season of living so far away.
On Friday night, our neighbor insisted we go out on a date while she watched the kids. It didn't take much convincing... ;) While we were out, a transformer blew in our 'hood and almost everyone lost power except our house. So it turned out to be a party at our house while we were gone. The girls loved it! This neighborhood and the people here are truly something special.
It pains me to think of all we are giving up to make this move. I know we have a lot to gain in this move but right now I'm focused on what we are leaving. It is painful but truly it just highlights how many amazing relationships we've been able to enjoy over these two years. I always dreamed of living in a neighborhood like this and what a blessing it has been to get to experience that, even if just for one year! Our church and small group have been such sweet experiences and my life is richer from knowing these people. I have been challenged, encouraged, cared for, thought of, loved on, and blessed by my friends here. I am so thankful for these two years. They haven't always been easy but looking back on them, they have been good.
Isn't that just the truth though? Things don't have to always be easy. And, honestly, I think it's easier to see God show up when we are being challenged. It's so much more obvious. Reflecting on our time here, I can honestly say I am thankful for the way God challenged us by moving us here. He has proven that He will provide what we need, when we need it. He doesn't answer on our timeline and sometimes He leads us in a way that we don't understand. But, even when it's hard, even when it's confusing, even when it's painful, it's always good. Because He is good.
The last time we moved away from Atlanta, I couldn't get out quick enough. I hated living here last time. I never wanted to see this place again. But this time, I am sad to leave this place. I love it here. I really do. And I think it's cool that God redeemed the ATL in my mind. When I leave here in 11 days, it will be with sweet, sweet memories. And maybe even a tear in my eye.
Showing posts with label remembering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label remembering. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
10 crazy years
As we start a new calendar year, I have been doing some reminiscing about the 10 years Justin and I have been married. I realized that we have had at least one, if not more, huge life changes every single calendar year...and that 2013 is the first year since we got married that Justin DIDN'T start a new job!
Because I love to look back and see how far the Lord has taken us and what He has brought us through, I thought I'd review some of these crazy years..
2003: We got married.. we were living in Iowa City and Justin graduated.
2004: I graduated, we moved to the burbs of Chicago and both started new jobs. (me - teaching 4th grade and Justin teaching high school science)
2005: Moved to Chattanooga, bought our first home, and both started new jobs. (me - teaching 4th grade and Justin teaching middle school science)
2006: Justin started a new job selling life insurance. I changed from teaching 4th grade to teaching 2nd grade.
2007: Got pregnant, lost the baby, sold our house, and moved to Atlanta. Justin started a new job - inside sales with Sciele. I started teaching 1st grade.
2008: Got pregnant again, moved back to Iowa City, bought a house, Justin started a new job as an outside sales rep with Sciele, and we had Claire.
2009: Justin was laid off from his sales job and we got pregnant.
2010: Justin started a new job at IDT as an account manager and we had Emma.
2011: Justin started a new pharmaceutical sales job with Arbor.
2012: Justin started a new job as a sales trainer with Arbor, sold our house, and we moved back to Atlanta.
2013: Bought a house, got pregnant, and had Charlie.
It's amazing to me to read that all... I knew our life was crazy but reading that makes it sound REALLY crazy. This is what happens when two spontaneous, youngest children get married. ;) Love living this crazy life with my man... and can't wait to see what happens this year.. I think...
Because I love to look back and see how far the Lord has taken us and what He has brought us through, I thought I'd review some of these crazy years..
2003: We got married.. we were living in Iowa City and Justin graduated.
2004: I graduated, we moved to the burbs of Chicago and both started new jobs. (me - teaching 4th grade and Justin teaching high school science)
2005: Moved to Chattanooga, bought our first home, and both started new jobs. (me - teaching 4th grade and Justin teaching middle school science)
2006: Justin started a new job selling life insurance. I changed from teaching 4th grade to teaching 2nd grade.
2007: Got pregnant, lost the baby, sold our house, and moved to Atlanta. Justin started a new job - inside sales with Sciele. I started teaching 1st grade.
2008: Got pregnant again, moved back to Iowa City, bought a house, Justin started a new job as an outside sales rep with Sciele, and we had Claire.
2009: Justin was laid off from his sales job and we got pregnant.
2010: Justin started a new job at IDT as an account manager and we had Emma.
2011: Justin started a new pharmaceutical sales job with Arbor.
2012: Justin started a new job as a sales trainer with Arbor, sold our house, and we moved back to Atlanta.
2013: Bought a house, got pregnant, and had Charlie.
It's amazing to me to read that all... I knew our life was crazy but reading that makes it sound REALLY crazy. This is what happens when two spontaneous, youngest children get married. ;) Love living this crazy life with my man... and can't wait to see what happens this year.. I think...
Friday, June 7, 2013
Agape
In church this past Sunday, the pastor was preaching on loving our 'enemies' the way we would love our friends. He began to talk about not just kind of loving them, but really loving them.. agape kind of love. Unconditional. Self-sacrificing. Divine. As soon as he mentioned the word agape, with tears in my eyes my mind instantly went to my Grandpa Lower. Grandpa Lower taught me what agape love was. I mean, he really explained it to me- what it meant, what it looked like.. and then he loved me that way. He went home to be with Jesus in February and I have been wanting to write about him ever since.
I was blessed with four INCREDIBLE grandparents. Seriously. I lost my first grandparent when I was 26 so I was so fortunate to be able to know my grandparents into my adult years... such a treasure. They all loved so well. They loved each other. They loved their families. They loved me. Each one of them is just so special to me.. I have so many incredible memories of them all. For some reason, Grandpa Lower is the one I can look back on and say, "I learned so much from him." Maybe it was because we lived only fifteen minutes from them growing up. Maybe it was because he had such a BIG personality. Maybe it was because of his boldness. Whatever the reason, Grandpa taught me so much.
Grandpa had an impressive resume and career... he pastored churches, was a principal of a school, held masters and doctorate degrees, was a dean of students at Moody Bible Institute, and was a professor at Wheaton College. He was so passionate about the Lord and about scripture. He had a verse for every occasion, committed a crazy amount of scripture to memory, and told everyone he came across about Jesus..
My grandparents had five children, the middle one being my mom. I always thought it was so neat that they had such a big family... it makes family gatherings and reunions so much fun! There are so many people with so many interests and talents.. never a dull moment!
As a child, I often felt embarrassed that in the middle of Cub Foods, he would tell EVERYONE we crossed paths with that I was grandchild #8 and I was spending the night and whatever else we were doing... but looking back, it always made me feel so special. I knew that he was so proud of me that he wanted to tell everyone we met about me... and what better way to boost a young child's self esteem but to BRAG about them in front of everyone? Grandpa never met a stranger!
Yes, that's right ladies and gents... the girl with the little neon number? That would be me! ;)
When each grandchild turned ten, Grandpa and Grandma stopped giving us birthday presents, but instead would take us on a birthday experience. One year they took me to see the play 'Annie', another year we went to Disney on Ice... I just love that they would think of something we could actually do together and celebrate our life in that way.
When I was a freshman in college, my grandparents heard about an experience they wanted me to have. Someone from their church shared about a ministry called Little Lambs, which took short term missions trips to orphanages in Ukraine. Knowing about my love for children, they thought this was a perfect experience for me. They called me to tell me about it, sent me a brochure, and offered to pay for me to go on the trip. Because of their prompting, I went on the trip. I didn't know anyone going and was terrified, but that month I spent in Ukraine that summer was one of the most life-shaping events I've experienced yet...just because they knew me and encouraged me to go. I still have the email he sent to me before I left for my month long adventure:
Dearest Annie,
Here is a Verse or two to take with you -- as you go to Serve -- as
unto Jesus (Ala Mother Theresa)....Just read them recently: "O Sovereign
Lord, I am your Servant. You have only begun to show me your Greatness and
Power. Is there any god in Heaven or earth who can perform such Great Deeds
as Yours?" (Deut. 3:24 LBT) "The Eternal God is your refuge, and His
everlasting arms are under you. He thrusts out the enemy before you; it is
He who cries, 'Destroy them'!" (Deut. 33:27 :LBT)
Our prayers, thoughts, and Love go with you. We are Trusting in God's
Care for you and His working through you. We hopefully await your return --
and to hear some of the Great things He (our God) has revealed to you.
Grace, Mercy, and Peace -- from the Source (Jas. 1:17) And
MUCH Love, G..&G. Lower
So so thankful for my sweet, stylish (did I mention he had the sharpest sense of style??) Grandpa who loved so well. Love you, Grandpa!
I was blessed with four INCREDIBLE grandparents. Seriously. I lost my first grandparent when I was 26 so I was so fortunate to be able to know my grandparents into my adult years... such a treasure. They all loved so well. They loved each other. They loved their families. They loved me. Each one of them is just so special to me.. I have so many incredible memories of them all. For some reason, Grandpa Lower is the one I can look back on and say, "I learned so much from him." Maybe it was because we lived only fifteen minutes from them growing up. Maybe it was because he had such a BIG personality. Maybe it was because of his boldness. Whatever the reason, Grandpa taught me so much.
Grandpa had an impressive resume and career... he pastored churches, was a principal of a school, held masters and doctorate degrees, was a dean of students at Moody Bible Institute, and was a professor at Wheaton College. He was so passionate about the Lord and about scripture. He had a verse for every occasion, committed a crazy amount of scripture to memory, and told everyone he came across about Jesus..
My grandparents had five children, the middle one being my mom. I always thought it was so neat that they had such a big family... it makes family gatherings and reunions so much fun! There are so many people with so many interests and talents.. never a dull moment!
As a child, I often felt embarrassed that in the middle of Cub Foods, he would tell EVERYONE we crossed paths with that I was grandchild #8 and I was spending the night and whatever else we were doing... but looking back, it always made me feel so special. I knew that he was so proud of me that he wanted to tell everyone we met about me... and what better way to boost a young child's self esteem but to BRAG about them in front of everyone? Grandpa never met a stranger!
Yes, that's right ladies and gents... the girl with the little neon number? That would be me! ;)
When each grandchild turned ten, Grandpa and Grandma stopped giving us birthday presents, but instead would take us on a birthday experience. One year they took me to see the play 'Annie', another year we went to Disney on Ice... I just love that they would think of something we could actually do together and celebrate our life in that way.
When I was a freshman in college, my grandparents heard about an experience they wanted me to have. Someone from their church shared about a ministry called Little Lambs, which took short term missions trips to orphanages in Ukraine. Knowing about my love for children, they thought this was a perfect experience for me. They called me to tell me about it, sent me a brochure, and offered to pay for me to go on the trip. Because of their prompting, I went on the trip. I didn't know anyone going and was terrified, but that month I spent in Ukraine that summer was one of the most life-shaping events I've experienced yet...just because they knew me and encouraged me to go. I still have the email he sent to me before I left for my month long adventure:
Dearest Annie,
Here is a Verse or two to take with you -- as you go to Serve -- as
unto Jesus (Ala Mother Theresa)....Just read them recently: "O Sovereign
Lord, I am your Servant. You have only begun to show me your Greatness and
Power. Is there any god in Heaven or earth who can perform such Great Deeds
as Yours?" (Deut. 3:24 LBT) "The Eternal God is your refuge, and His
everlasting arms are under you. He thrusts out the enemy before you; it is
He who cries, 'Destroy them'!" (Deut. 33:27 :LBT)
Our prayers, thoughts, and Love go with you. We are Trusting in God's
Care for you and His working through you. We hopefully await your return --
and to hear some of the Great things He (our God) has revealed to you.
Grace, Mercy, and Peace -- from the Source (Jas. 1:17) And
MUCH Love, G..&G. Lower
I can't read that without crying...so filled with truth and love. And he held true to his word - I remember they accompanied my parents in picking me up from the airport after my month away.
Another sweet note I saved from him...
DEAR Annie,
Praise the Lord! We have a 'Sunshiny' day! I am (1) Looking for
the coming of Spring, and (2) the Coming Again of Jesus -- Whichever one
comes first! Both are Wonderful thoughts; pregnant with promises of
Enjoyable times. I (we) are hoping that, you too, are Rejoicing in these
and other Hilarious Hopes.
My personal word of encouragement to you -- via loads of
Grand-paternal love and concern -- To be on Guard against ANY idea of an
'Anthropomorphic' View of God (i.e. -- Creating God in the Image of Man;
conceiving of God in 'Terms' of Human' nature -- as though God thinks and
acts like unto a man.) This has been a part of Humanistic philosophy for
some time; and is, even now entering by traces of inference into Evangelical
theology. And is Not a part of Reformed Theology.
Whereas, the Bible plainly teaches that God is 'ONE' (i.e. Totally
'Unique' -- 'Holy' (apart, separate, intrinsically different). Totally
different from Man.! His Way and Thoughts are Not Our thoughts! (Isaiah
55:11 & following).
A verse of Scripture I have recently found worthy of memorizing is
Numbers 23:19. "God is Not a 'Man', that He should lie. He is not a 'Human
being', that He should change His mind. Has He ever Spoken and failed to
act? Has he ever Promised, and not carried it through? (New Living
Translation)
We Think often of you and Look forward to seeing you. We pray God's
Best to be upon you.
Love ('Agape', even!), G&G Lower
Praise the Lord! We have a 'Sunshiny' day! I am (1) Looking for
the coming of Spring, and (2) the Coming Again of Jesus -- Whichever one
comes first! Both are Wonderful thoughts; pregnant with promises of
Enjoyable times. I (we) are hoping that, you too, are Rejoicing in these
and other Hilarious Hopes.
My personal word of encouragement to you -- via loads of
Grand-paternal love and concern -- To be on Guard against ANY idea of an
'Anthropomorphic' View of God (i.e. -- Creating God in the Image of Man;
conceiving of God in 'Terms' of Human' nature -- as though God thinks and
acts like unto a man.) This has been a part of Humanistic philosophy for
some time; and is, even now entering by traces of inference into Evangelical
theology. And is Not a part of Reformed Theology.
Whereas, the Bible plainly teaches that God is 'ONE' (i.e. Totally
'Unique' -- 'Holy' (apart, separate, intrinsically different). Totally
different from Man.! His Way and Thoughts are Not Our thoughts! (Isaiah
55:11 & following).
A verse of Scripture I have recently found worthy of memorizing is
Numbers 23:19. "God is Not a 'Man', that He should lie. He is not a 'Human
being', that He should change His mind. Has He ever Spoken and failed to
act? Has he ever Promised, and not carried it through? (New Living
Translation)
We Think often of you and Look forward to seeing you. We pray God's
Best to be upon you.
Love ('Agape', even!), G&G Lower
See, he even signed his emails with agape love! ;)
My brother had the privilege of holding Grandpa's hand and being by his side at the hospital when he left this earth. Before he was gone, Jason had the great idea of using FaceTime to allow us to see Grandpa one last time and say goodbye for now. I was so overcome with emotion that all I could say over and over was, "I love you so much, Grandpa." As much as I miss his presence here and in my life, he is finally home. He's with his Savior who he loves so much and reunited with Grandma Millie.
My brother had the privilege of holding Grandpa's hand and being by his side at the hospital when he left this earth. Before he was gone, Jason had the great idea of using FaceTime to allow us to see Grandpa one last time and say goodbye for now. I was so overcome with emotion that all I could say over and over was, "I love you so much, Grandpa." As much as I miss his presence here and in my life, he is finally home. He's with his Savior who he loves so much and reunited with Grandma Millie.
So so thankful for my sweet, stylish (did I mention he had the sharpest sense of style??) Grandpa who loved so well. Love you, Grandpa!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
One year ago
One year ago today, Justin and I returned home after a wonderful four night getaway to Arizona. (Which reminds me, honey... we haven't had a night away from our children in a YEAR now! I think it's time for one!) One year ago today I was sure that we had finally, after so many years of moving around, made a home for ourselves where we would raise our family and remain settled. In Iowa City. For good. One year ago today I was feeling so thankful to live 45 minutes from my parents. So thankful that we had been able to get away for a few nights and leave the girls with Grammy and Babu.
One year ago today, after picking up the girls from my parents' and getting them to bed, Justin got an email. One year ago tonight Justin read that email aloud to be, announcing an opening in the training department at his company's home office. One year ago tonight I laughed when he read it and pridefully replied, "Why are you reading that to me? We are NOT moving to Atlanta!" One year ago tonight I couldn't sleep, asking God if He actually wanted Justin to apply for the job. One year ago tonight God began to stir my heart and He began asking me if I truly trusted Him. One year ago tonight I could not picture my life looking any other way than it did at that moment. I laid in bed, shedding tears over the possibility of having to give up the 'perfect' life that I had. One year ago today God started our family on a crazy, unimaginable journey. One that I didn't ask for, didn't want, and tried my hardest to resist. But as I sit here, sipping my coffee on a 60 degree January afternoon in Georgia, I am truly thankful that we are here. {and not just because the weather rules.} I am so thankful that God doesn't give up on his children. Even his most stubborn ones. I'm thankful that He challenges us for our good. I'm thankful that He led us here because He had lessons He needed us to learn. I'm thankful that He is faithful to fulfill our needs.
For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 108:4
How good it is to look back and be reminded that God truly 'causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them'! Romans 8:28
One year ago today, after picking up the girls from my parents' and getting them to bed, Justin got an email. One year ago tonight Justin read that email aloud to be, announcing an opening in the training department at his company's home office. One year ago tonight I laughed when he read it and pridefully replied, "Why are you reading that to me? We are NOT moving to Atlanta!" One year ago tonight I couldn't sleep, asking God if He actually wanted Justin to apply for the job. One year ago tonight God began to stir my heart and He began asking me if I truly trusted Him. One year ago tonight I could not picture my life looking any other way than it did at that moment. I laid in bed, shedding tears over the possibility of having to give up the 'perfect' life that I had. One year ago today God started our family on a crazy, unimaginable journey. One that I didn't ask for, didn't want, and tried my hardest to resist. But as I sit here, sipping my coffee on a 60 degree January afternoon in Georgia, I am truly thankful that we are here. {and not just because the weather rules.} I am so thankful that God doesn't give up on his children. Even his most stubborn ones. I'm thankful that He challenges us for our good. I'm thankful that He led us here because He had lessons He needed us to learn. I'm thankful that He is faithful to fulfill our needs.
For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 108:4
How good it is to look back and be reminded that God truly 'causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them'! Romans 8:28
Sunday, November 20, 2011
She's THREE!
Today this sweet lil thing celebrated her 3rd birthday. We had a super fun rainbow party for her to celebrate!
Last night, Justin and I spent about an hour reading old blog entires, starting with this one. Then this one and this one and we continued reading about all of the ups and downs we went through during the first few months of her life. We both cried, laughed, and were reminded of God's faithfulness to us and our sweet girl.
More to come on her birthday bash when I'm not so exhausted. :)
Last night, Justin and I spent about an hour reading old blog entires, starting with this one. Then this one and this one and we continued reading about all of the ups and downs we went through during the first few months of her life. We both cried, laughed, and were reminded of God's faithfulness to us and our sweet girl.
More to come on her birthday bash when I'm not so exhausted. :)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Dear Emma
I love looking back and remembering where we were a year ago and praising God for his goodness!! One year ago today... RIGHT NOW.... I was just arriving at the hospital for the big induction!
When I think back to Emma's delivery, I think about how quick and easy it was! (yes, I did have an epidural! :) It's nice to look back on it with happy thoughts because that was definitely NOT my experience with Claire. Her delivery was ROUGH. Anyway... they started pitocin around 9 am and 5 1/2 hours later, sweet Emma Annette was in my arms!
One year ago today, I held this sweet girl in my arms for the first time.
One year later, she's as sweet and as beautiful as they come... (at least in this mama's eyes!!)
Dear Emma Annette,
I can't begin to describe how much joy you have brought to our lives in just one short year!! You have the sweetest and most sensitive spirit and I love seeing how God made you into such an individual... so different from your big sister. God has taught your mommy and daddy so many lessons in this year... through your life. We have really learned to trust Him more, as we watched you go through lots of sickness and even two short stays in the hospital. Of course we were worried but ultimately we knew that God wasn't surprised by any of it and that brought us comfort.
I love everything about you. Your big blue eyes, your chunky thighs, the way you cry when we tell you 'no', how much you adore your big sister, seeing you dance when you hear any kind of music, the way you give kisses with your tongue hanging out, your sweet smile with only two little teeth.... everything about you is so precious to me!
My prayer for you is that your heart will yearn for your Savior and you will grow up to love Him, serve Him, and know that life without Him is meaningless.
Happy 1st Birthday!!! I love you so much! xoxo
Love,
Mommy
When I think back to Emma's delivery, I think about how quick and easy it was! (yes, I did have an epidural! :) It's nice to look back on it with happy thoughts because that was definitely NOT my experience with Claire. Her delivery was ROUGH. Anyway... they started pitocin around 9 am and 5 1/2 hours later, sweet Emma Annette was in my arms!
One year ago today, I held this sweet girl in my arms for the first time.
One year later, she's as sweet and as beautiful as they come... (at least in this mama's eyes!!)
Dear Emma Annette,
I can't begin to describe how much joy you have brought to our lives in just one short year!! You have the sweetest and most sensitive spirit and I love seeing how God made you into such an individual... so different from your big sister. God has taught your mommy and daddy so many lessons in this year... through your life. We have really learned to trust Him more, as we watched you go through lots of sickness and even two short stays in the hospital. Of course we were worried but ultimately we knew that God wasn't surprised by any of it and that brought us comfort.
I love everything about you. Your big blue eyes, your chunky thighs, the way you cry when we tell you 'no', how much you adore your big sister, seeing you dance when you hear any kind of music, the way you give kisses with your tongue hanging out, your sweet smile with only two little teeth.... everything about you is so precious to me!
My prayer for you is that your heart will yearn for your Savior and you will grow up to love Him, serve Him, and know that life without Him is meaningless.
Happy 1st Birthday!!! I love you so much! xoxo
Love,
Mommy
Friday, December 17, 2010
Hot chocolate, anyone?
One year ago tomorrow (December 18) we found out we were expecting another new baby! I just have to re-live the day because it was sooo funny how it all went down...
For some reason, I had wondered if I might be pregnant. I really had no basis for thinking this because my period was literally only ONE day late, which wasn't abnormal. I couldn't justify taking a test because, like I said, there really wasn't any reason to think I was pregnant yet. Anyway, it was a Thursday so that meant we had playgroup. We went, as usual, and before leaving, my friend Bridget (all of you blog readers know by now who Bridget is, right?? My best mommy friend, mama of Liam and Nora...) asked if I wanted to come over the following morning for some 'really good hot chocolate.' Right away I thought... HUH?! Bridge and I are the type of friends that do things last minute all the time... never really planning much ahead. We usually would just call in the morning and say, "Hey, wanna come over?" So right away I was suspicious. I kinda looked at her funny and said, "Sure." By the time I got home, I had convinced myself that she was definitely going to announce to me that she was pregnant, so I sent her a text and said, "Do you have a little announcement for me?" She called back right away and said, "I really wanted to tell you in person, but... I'm pregnant!!!" She said she was due on August 21st, we got really excited, I congratulated her, etc... As soon as we got off the phone, I told Justin the news. Then I said, "I think I might be pregnant too, so I'm going to HyVee to get a pregnancy test." Justin was like, "HUH?!" because he had no idea that I even suspected I could possibly be pregnant (mostly because there wasn't much of a reason to suspect), but being the supportive hubby he is, said, "Okay."
I went straight to HyVee, bought the test, came home, and took it. I waited the five minutes and then went back to the bathroom to look at it. Guess what I found?! TWO PINK LINES!!! I think Justin was down in the basement with Claire and I immediately screamed, "Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant!!!!!!" We hugged, screamed, freaked out, and then went online to figure out my due date... August 25th.... 4 days after Bridget. I called Bridget back and, through my laughter, said, "Hey, umm, so I was wondering if you wanted to come over tomorrow for some hot chocolate?" She was like, "Huh?" and then I said, "I'M PREGNANT TOO!!" She started freaking out and screaming and I remember Liam started crying because he got scared from all of her screaming. It was the most hilarious, exciting, unbelievable moment!! The best part is that, surprisingly, we hadn't really discussed much about when we wanted to start trying to have another baby so we had no idea the other was trying.
And now, here we are with sweet Nora and Emma... 4 months old and the best of baby buddies! :)
I love that story.
For some reason, I had wondered if I might be pregnant. I really had no basis for thinking this because my period was literally only ONE day late, which wasn't abnormal. I couldn't justify taking a test because, like I said, there really wasn't any reason to think I was pregnant yet. Anyway, it was a Thursday so that meant we had playgroup. We went, as usual, and before leaving, my friend Bridget (all of you blog readers know by now who Bridget is, right?? My best mommy friend, mama of Liam and Nora...) asked if I wanted to come over the following morning for some 'really good hot chocolate.' Right away I thought... HUH?! Bridge and I are the type of friends that do things last minute all the time... never really planning much ahead. We usually would just call in the morning and say, "Hey, wanna come over?" So right away I was suspicious. I kinda looked at her funny and said, "Sure." By the time I got home, I had convinced myself that she was definitely going to announce to me that she was pregnant, so I sent her a text and said, "Do you have a little announcement for me?" She called back right away and said, "I really wanted to tell you in person, but... I'm pregnant!!!" She said she was due on August 21st, we got really excited, I congratulated her, etc... As soon as we got off the phone, I told Justin the news. Then I said, "I think I might be pregnant too, so I'm going to HyVee to get a pregnancy test." Justin was like, "HUH?!" because he had no idea that I even suspected I could possibly be pregnant (mostly because there wasn't much of a reason to suspect), but being the supportive hubby he is, said, "Okay."
I went straight to HyVee, bought the test, came home, and took it. I waited the five minutes and then went back to the bathroom to look at it. Guess what I found?! TWO PINK LINES!!! I think Justin was down in the basement with Claire and I immediately screamed, "Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant!!!!!!" We hugged, screamed, freaked out, and then went online to figure out my due date... August 25th.... 4 days after Bridget. I called Bridget back and, through my laughter, said, "Hey, umm, so I was wondering if you wanted to come over tomorrow for some hot chocolate?" She was like, "Huh?" and then I said, "I'M PREGNANT TOO!!" She started freaking out and screaming and I remember Liam started crying because he got scared from all of her screaming. It was the most hilarious, exciting, unbelievable moment!! The best part is that, surprisingly, we hadn't really discussed much about when we wanted to start trying to have another baby so we had no idea the other was trying.
And now, here we are with sweet Nora and Emma... 4 months old and the best of baby buddies! :)
I love that story.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Remembering
Today is December 11th. That date has always held significance to me because it's my sister's birthday.. Happy Birthday, Jorie!!!! December 11th holds another meaning to me now as well. That is the date our first little baby was due... December 11, 2007. If things had been different, today we would be celebrating that baby's first birthday. Instead, she is with her Heavenly Father.
We only knew about my pregnancy for a couple of weeks when I was hit with excruciating pain on my right side and Justin rushed me to the ER. After five hours and countless tests, the doctors determined that I was having an ectopic pregnancy and that sweet little life was growing in my fallopain tube instead of my uterus. I don't think I even really knew what an ectopic pregnancy was but in the next several months, I learned more than I ever wanted to know. I was rushed into emergency surgery and the doctors "removed the pregnancy" from my tube. The thing that still hurts the most is knowing that our baby was living before the surgery but not living after it. She didn't just die on her own... her life was taken. Following the surgery, we went through many months of healing... my body physically had to heal from the surgery, but more than that, my heart had to heal from the pain of losing my first baby. After getting a test done that confirmed my right tube had some blockage in it which could potentially cause another ectopic pregnancy, I didn't know if we would ever be able to have a baby. That makes my sweet daughter Claire even more of a miracle.
This day last year was one of the hardest days of my life... knowing that this would have been my due date. As I reflect on this day today, my heart still hurts and misses that little baby we never got to hold. There is hope, though, because I know she is with her Savior who created her and one day, we'll get to hold her. It's also a day of rejoicing because God chose to bless us with another pregnancy and this time, we get to hold this baby in our arms. What a miracle!
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