Ba-bye 2011

Dear 2011,
Ah, you weren't one of my greatest years. It started off okay with a baby that was finally sleep trained and completely on formula. But, in March things started to go downhill-major fallout with the fam, worst vaca ever in April, conception in May, miscarriage in July, and continued hostility with the family. Not really a stellar year.

But, God's Grace abounds. I have grown closer to the Lord and done things I never thought possible out of love for Him. DH and I pray way more together. We got rid of our cable and talk more at night. We go to daily mass often with our daughter and have beautiful family time together. We have formed some close friendships with new friends and gotten closer with old friends. We see His Grace often in our lives.

I am looking forward to 2012 with hope. What else do I have?

Tomorrow I am getting a blood test (HcG and progesterone) because I will be P+17. I'm not sure what I think since the results of my ultrasound series weren't great, but the Lord is in charge.

Happy New Year and here's hoping 2012 is better!

The Best Years of My Life

After reading Elizabeth Hannah's article at Inside Catholic, I was inspired and introspective.

When I was in high school, I had the assumption that those years were the best years of my life. I agree that they were fun and filled with great and character building experiences, like marching band, sports, dances, and youth group. But, many times I felt unfulfilled. I experienced many heartbreaks and felt lonely because I didn't have a large group of friends. My dad would try to comfort me and say that I would make my life long friends in college.

My undergrad years where also filled with fun, learning, personal and spiritual growth, and travel. I also was blessed to meet my husband right after college. However, I recall many lonely times there as well. My dad was right, I met some life long friends there (and a life long spouse!).

Now, finally a mother after years and years of waiting for children, I feel fulfilled. I believe that these are the best years of my life, caring for my daughter and husband. I spent many years in a health education career and many years studying for it. There were times I felt really good about helping adolescents and families, but nothing like I feel caring for my own family.

I have fun everyday-hearing my 8 month old daughter laugh and learn new things, having a relaxing dinner with my husband after she is asleep, and meeting new friends and cherishing old friendships. I also find solace in caring for my home, right down to washing cloth diapers. Now, not everyday is so blissful-we have had sleepless nights, marital spats, and a teething baby. But, for the mostpart, I really feel like I have finally arrived. My high school and college self would have never expected to be so happy in the ordinary.

Barf-O-Roma

Did you see that scene from the movie Stand By Me? Well, that is what has been going through our little family and my extended family. We went to visit family and I thought that they were over this "noro" virus, but not so much.

Saturday night, the baby threw up like 8 times (once all over my husband) and then in the middle of the night, my husband got really sick, too. It was awful! I felt so bad for him, it is so hard being sick away from home. He was a real trooper, though.

The baby isn't eating food like she used to, but I think she is still under the weather a little. I am just so grateful that I didn't get this bug this time around. So, I was able to serve my family and be there for them.

Motherhood always has such unforeseen opportunities for sanctification.

Family Planning

Since attending some mom groups since having Ella, it has been brought up to me once or twice-"What are you doing for birth control?" I find this question quite funny since for 6 and a half years we weren't able to conceive a baby!

This question amazes me for many reasons. One, is that no one ever thought to ask me that before having a baby. Two, it is amazing to me that women are so nonchalant about their fertility. Three, other women assume that I wouldn't want another baby right away.

So, my answer is usually something like, "I teach a form of natural family planning and if you are interested I can give you some information, it has a 96% success rate for avoiding pregnancy." So far, no one has asked for more information, sadly.

Unfortunately, I have a feeling that trying to have another baby is going to be something that is calculated and thought out. We both have hormones issues and I might have to have my tubes cleaned out again. So, I don't really think we have anything to worry about in that department. Probably, what I should say is that we allow God to plan our family for us. Now that would get me some, "You are crazy!" stares.

20 Week Ultrasound

Our baby is a girl! I can't believe it! I am total shock. All along, I thought that we would always have boys. God always surprises me!

Overall, the baby is healthy. We did see that I have a placenta previa, which means that the placenta is cover my cervix by about 1 CM. I am on pelvic rest until our next ultrasound in 4 weeks. Also, I have been having some episodes of an irregular heartbeat so I saw one of our docs today and now have to see a cardiologist. My thyroid levels were normal as where my iron levels. Good news is that my progesterone is up to 47! I am going to stay on the prometrium and if it stays up, I can hopefully lower my dose.

DH and I are going to be stepping up our prayer life. We really need it. For starters we are going to pray together every morning, go to daily mass on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Also, we are going to look into attending a retreat before the baby comes. Any suggestions are welcome!

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure. Baby D had her hands up by her face (praying?) and her legs crossed (modest). Can't wait to meet her!