Snow Day

We had a great time sledding today. It was warmer than yesterday so my fingers braved the cold to take some pictures. This is one time of the year that I'm greatful our backyard is a giant hill!

First snow of the season

We have had our first snow of the season this week. The boys couldn't wait to brave the cold to play in the snow. While thinking this morning how I wished it were July again, the boys were begging to be sled riding. We all got bundled up and headed outside. The three of us played in the snow for over 2 hours! Luke had to be dragged inside because he was so exhausted. He fell asleep in 2 mins! Dominic and I are still red cheeked and enjoying hot chocolate. Having fun with the boys in the snow, I changed my mind - I'm glad it's not July. This is exactly what I wanted to be doing with my children today.

Infertility Thanksgiving of Sorts...

I'm thankful that God blessed me with a prince charming of a DH that has held my hand through it all. From sitting in the RE office being told we have less than a 5% of ever conceiving, allowing me to squeeze his hand during the HSG,taking off work to attend every single RE appointment with me, learning how to give injections, letting me see HIM cry with all the BFNs, the BFPs, the miscarriage and seeing/hearing our baby's heart beat for the first time, wiping away my tears when he was able to lean down and tell me our sons were born.

I'm thankful for my two miracle children. The ones I was told would never be.

I'm thankful for all birth mothers that can give the most loving and selfless gift ever - their child - to another couple. This is especially for my niece's birthmother and to my BFF daughter's birthmother. I'm thankful that God granted them the strength to make that decision.

Today, while my babies (yes they will always be my babies) are still sound asleep in their beds, I'm completely thankful for my life. I'm actually thankful for IF - it has helped my DH and I become a more faithful and loving couple. IF has granted us the wisdom of love and patience. IF has helped us be better parents to our children.

Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts you have blessed me with today.

Happy 5th Birthday Dominic

I can't believe that 5 yrs have flown by. My "baby boy" is 5 years old today.

Five years ago, I was getting my iv started and being prepped for a c-section. Silly Dominic was breech with his feet behind his ears - by the way - he still has to take the path less traveled and to the beat of his own drum.

Mark was brought into the OR when Dr. Penney was ready to start. Mark was in charge of taking pictures and announcing the gender - we were being surprised - at least something in our infertility process had to be "old-fashioned". About 8 mins later, I heard a baby crying. Still one of the best sounds I have ever heard.

At that moment, Dominic took his first breath that took ours away.

Mark was so taken back by the entire process that I have one picture today! Plus he had to be reminded to tell me if it was a boy or girl! I was already crying but Mark looked down at me with huge crocodile tears and said, "It's a boy! We have a son. Dominic is finally here."

Mark was able to trim the cord and after Dominic was all wrapped up, Mark brought him to me. I didn't want to let him go but he needed to be taken to the nursery to get cleaned up more and warmed up from being in that cold OR.

Two days later we were all headed home - as a family. I sat next to Dominic in the back seat and held his hand for our drive home. I was a complete teary mess before we left the parking lot! Mark turned around to look at us and he was crying too.

All the emotions that we had been experiencing throughout our fertility struggles - plus being tired already - just all came out at once. We were finally parents - finally Mommy and Daddy. Our lives had now forever changed in ways we could only imagine at the time.

When I woke Dominic this morning for school, I told him his birth story. He had the biggest smile on his face. I told him that mommy and daddy cried so many happy tears the day our miracle was born. He looked up at me, wiped the tears from my eyes and said, "Mommy, you still have happy tears right now."

I responded with, "Yes, Dominic. Mommy still has happy tears whenever I think about how God sent us you."

I love you with all my heart, my sweet child. You are our beautiful work of A.R.T. Happy 5th Birthday!

Happy Halloween!

Cutie Addison in her fluffy bunny outfit.
Here is our family! We looked great.

Mark loves scaring the trick-or-treaters with his costume. We had tons of help this year in carving pumpkins too! Grammy brought her scarey music so we were very festive.

Wow - Birthday Cake #2 Much Improved!

So you all have seen my humble attempt at making a 3D Dinosaur Cake for Dominic's 5th birthday. That was disaster to say the least. We had to come up with a different plan. Here is the finished product - I think it turned out great and so does Dominic. He is also very excited to celebrate 5 days early!

Pumpkin Patch

We visited a pumpkin patch while in KC with Grammy. Dominic was not wanting to cooperate with photos.

Finally got a handsome smile to peek through!

Luke loved taking the path less traveled while navigating the corn maze.

Luke , once again, chose going through the hay bale maze on top of the bales rather than on the ground.