Our Story

So, you know how some people say "We weren't even trying to get pregnant..." or  "We only tried for a month!"  ---- Yeah, that isn't our story.  We are happy for couples who are lucky enough to get pregnant that way, but unfortunately, not every couple has such an easy time.

Jim and I have tried for almost 2 years to get pregnant and stay pregnant.  After trying naturally for about 9 months, my doctor gave us a little help in the form of medicine. After one month with the medicine-- we were pregnant! All was going well until we went to our 'heartbeat' appointment' and there.was.no.heartbeat.

Crushed. Devastated. Lonely.

It's strange because when you have a miscarriage, you hear of so many people who have had one as well, although you have never heard that about them before.  No one talks about it until it happens.  I was thankful for people opening up to me about their pregnancy losses, but it didn't bring a heartbeat back to my baby.  I am not sure what I needed in that moment, but I am desperately searching for an answer because I know so many others needed 'something' in that terrible time...but what?  I am not sure how a conversation would begin about miscarriage, when someone isn't going through it...but I have tried to be open about our story.  I want people to know that they can come to Jim and I during such a tragic time and while we might not have words to say (because there aren't any)...we do understand.  We understand each emotion and feeling that comes along with pregnancy loss.

We have been fortunate enough to get pregnant two more times.  I know for some people the struggle is getting pregnant.  So we are thankful that we were blessed with getting pregnant...even with help from medicine.  Unfortunately, both lead to miscarriages again.

So in 2012, we got pregnant 3 times and lost 3 babies.  To say we were ready for 2013 was an understatement!

My regular ob/gyn referred us to an infertility specialist in January.  We were so thankful for the knowledge that our specialist has.  After one round of treatment with her...we were Pregnant again!  As usual, we were very timid with our emotions and waited causiously for our 6 week appointment where we would 'hopefully' see a heartbeat.

We went in for that appointment with one emotion...anxious. We were anxious to know whether we would see a heartbeat for the first time ever, or be told the news that was all too familiar. After waiting for what seemed like forever, they took us back and did the ultrasound.  It was then we fell head over heels in love with a tiny flicker on the ultrasound screen.  There was a heartbeat!

Since then, I have been released back to my regular doctor (whom I also love and has given us many ultrasounds since!!) We have had plenty of wonderful appointments where everything looks textbook!  I am now on a "regular" schedule of appointments, so I will go back in 4 weeks.

I have been sick since 6 weeks and while I am thankful for the reason of the sickness... I would be perfectly fine with it diminishing at any moment :o)  Luckily, I have had more "night sickness" instead of  "morning sickness", which has been good for a school teacher!  I couldn't imagine trying to get through the school day while feeling so sick--- because in the evening, I just choose to go to bed so I don't think about it-- not really an option during the school day!

It has been a long road to get to this point, and although I wouldn't say we are thankful for the journey, I will say it has made us appreciate each and every day that I have remained pregnant.  I know everyone is thankful for their children... but we are even more aware of the miracle that getting pregnant and staying pregnant is.  What a blessing from God!  We will be forever thankful!

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words...

... but our one word is THANKFUL!

I thought we'd never get there!

That was the saying from the trip that Jim's family had when they came to visit us  last month.  His mom, dad, grandma, Jenny, Drew, and the twins all came to spend some time in Tennessee!! PHEW! I am sure it was an adventure in the car, but we were so glad they could come!!!

 Jim and Drew swinging out back

 Jake and Ella having some play time

 Uncle Jim and Aunt Jess on food duty!

 Champ watching over Jake as he plays

Drew getting his workout on!

Miss Ella

Mr. Jake

Jim with the babes

Us with our precious Nephews and Niece!  (Look how great that big brother is!)

Champ was WORN out after the visit!!!

Louisville Visit

Last week I took some time to visit my family in Louisville.  I went to my old school and saw my students from last year and visited with some of my old co-workers.  I went to the Wednesday night youth service at Highview.  Mom took Kayla and I to see the Kellogg's Gymnastic Tour, which was way more fun that I thought it would be!  Overall, I had a wonderful visit!! 

Beth and Ted's Wedding

Jim's sister Beth got married the first weekend in October.  It was a beautiful wedding and we had a wonderful time visiting with our family in North Carolina and welcoming Ted into the family!!  Here are some pictures from our visit!

Florida 2012

Today, we just finished a full day of work (I accepted a sub position through Labor Day), but just a couple weeks ago we were relaxing by the pool and splashing in the waves, which is what I would rather think about ;o)

In case you would rather think beachy thoughts too....

Changes

Well, it's been a LONG while since my last post :o(  

but...

We've moved!

Jim and I are now in Knoxville, TN.  Jim received a promotion with his work, which has given him such a great opportunity with the company, but along with that we had to relocate.  We were sad to leave Louisville, but we LOVE Knoxville.  I haven't secured a full time teaching job yet, so I will stay busy substitute teaching and I will get to travel with Jim this season which I am excited about since I haven't been able to do that in the past :o)