Welcome 2010 Update

Wow - so much has happened since my last post.

Christmas was womderful - the boys were very excited and didn't like Santa again this year. At least some things never change!

We found out that my aunt (Mom's sister) was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors. One was the size of a grapefruit and the other a golf ball. We were unsure whether or not she would even survive the surgery - but many prayers later and skillful surgeon hands and she is recovering in a rehab unit. The tumors are benign and the the surgeon was able to remove the larger one intact.

My niece, Addison, is now at home as well recovering from RSV. She spent about 48 hours in the hospital - where she learned to hate respiratory therapists and nurses! Luckily she still likes me even when giving her breathing treatments.

We have also had a consult with a new RE. Mark and I both really liked this man and believe that he may be able to help us grow our family. If we decide to try again, we will be doing so this spring. No reason to wait....time is not on our side.

We are also planning on taking the kids on a vacation this spring - on a cruise to Cozumel! I think I'm more excited than anyone - I just really need some sunshine and warmth. However, no one is looking forward to the 13 hour drive to the ship!

I entered Luke into the Regis and Kelly Baby Contest. I'm sure the outcome will be the same as years past - nothing for us - even though they are passing up two of the MOST adorable kids EVER - but that is their loss!

I will post some current pictures some time this week.

Baking For Santa

Our baking for Santa is complete. The boys decided that Santa needed giant cookies this year!

Floor Day

Today Grandma will be getting a new kitchen floor! We are very excited for her - she does so much for everyone else all year and really deserves this great looking floor. Mark and I are installing it - a gret test for our marriage! I am going to try to get before and after pics so everyone can see the dramatic change.

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!