National IF Awareness Week

April 24 - May 1 marks National Infertility Awareness Week. 

Although Shaun and I were lucky enough to conceive without medical intervention, our journey was not without struggle.  Often I wonder what we would have done if we hadn't been so fortunate.  Our insurance does not cover infertility treatments, which are costly.  Our company offers adoption assistance, but not nearly enough to cover the astronomical expenses. 

Would we have found a way?  Would we have learned to live happily, child-free?  It breaks my heart to ponder that even now; and I still hurt for those who are facing this reality today. 

The only good thing to come out of all of this is that I now find myself the member of a community of supportive, amazing women who are all at different places on their journey to their happy family.  To my sisters who have made it to the other side, I am overjoyed with you.  To those who are still making their way, I feel your sadness and frustration.  Keep fighting the good fight.

A goregous day outside

Today Kayla and I went to visit with Pepere and Grammy Sue.  We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon out on their patio!

Where's Kayla??

Peek-a-boo!

Life is good!

Look what else she can do...

Bring on the spring weather!  We love it!

Another must-have giveaway!

My girl t.bird is at it again!  This time it's a fabulous print from CanvasPress on the line!  Check out T's blog and make sure to vote for her for top mommy blogger! 

(Don't ask me what picture I would choose if I won - I haven't even started to contemplate that yet and I have thousands to choose from; even if you only count ones from the time I got the D40 on!)

Dr. Appointment

I just realized I never posted about Kayla's doctor appointment last Friday.  I got to take her in since Shaun had a meeting to attend that morning.  Yay!  She weighed in at 18 pounds 2 ounces and is now 27 1/2 inches long.  Her doctor gave her the once over and marveled at how quiet and still she was.  She is mesmerized by people; she didn't take her eyes off of him the entire time. 

He gave her a clean bill of health, told me we are doing well, and gave us the OK to start giving her small amounts of watered down juice with her meals.  I smiled and gave her lots of kisses when he said we were up to date on shots, but immediately got unhappy when he said that she would need blood drawn.  He ordered tests of her hemoglobins and lead level.  (I didn't go along for that part, but Shaun and my MIL said she did great.)  Yesterday a nurse called to let us know that the blood work all came back normal.  Her next checkup will be in July. 

She's getting so darn big I can hardly believe it.  I'm so proud that she's healthy though.  Despite some sleeping setbacks, and questioning myself with how much we're feeding her and whether my milk production is keeping up with her needs, she is growing and developing as she should.  I'm so thankful for her and Shaun and our amazing families that show us all so much support and love. 

Life really is good. 

Happy 9 Months!!

Dear Kayla –

Nine months. Three quarters of a year. Almost a full month longer than the time from when I found out you were my baby until you were born. Unbelievable.

I think you have changed more in the last month than in any single month before. From rolling everywhere you wanted to go to crawling, pulling up and cruising. From slurping down liquefied carrots and peas to stuffing your mouth full of chicken nuggets, green beans, banana slices and (your favorite) Gerber fruit and vegetable puffs. From milk only to little sips of water from a straw. So many exciting changes and new things.

It only took you a few days past your 8 month birthday to start crawling, and from there it was mere days before you were pulling up. On the recliner. On the coffee table (eek!). On the dishwasher door. On the bottom stair. In your crib. Anywhere you can put your hands on something solid you manage to get to your feet. You cruise pretty confidently around the furniture now, and even push your music table a bit. It won’t be long before you will be completely uncontainable!

I don’t remember exactly when these things started, but you also understand a few words. You’ve been reacting to your name for a while. You know when we say “clappy” or “yay Kayla!” that means to clap your hands. Whether it be in your jumper or on the floor, when we say “bouncy” you bounce up and down. I think you understand what “no” means and you already know how to ignore me when I say it. You’ll often look back, grin and then go right back to whatever I was trying to discourage you from doing. Little bugger. You still babble a lot – you love using your voice! You use mama and dada a lot, but I’m not certain you understand what you’re saying. It really doesn’t matter though, I love to hear you talk. My current favorite is when you get excited about something and exclaim “ooh!” as loud as you can.

With the onset of the nice spring weather, we have been able to take you out for walks in your stroller. We tried sitting you in it rather than using your car seat for the first time. What fun! You immediately sat back, propped your feet up on the front of the stroller, and enjoyed the ride. We’re going to attempt the park either tonight or Friday afternoon for your 9 month photos. I can’t wait to try putting you in a swing!

You are such a sweet, lovely little girl. Your smile lights me up in a way I never imagined. You are a true joy and I swear that I love you more every day. Happy nine months little angel. I hope you know how special you are to Daddy and I.

Love Always –

~Mommy

Hoppy Easter!

Easter gift from Nana:

So cute!

Then the Easter Bunny visited the next day:

We hunted eggs at Grandma and Pawpaw's house:

(Well, as much as she could sitting still - she wasn't digging the feeling of the grass so crawling was out of the question.)

Then we visited with Grammy Sue's family:

Little miss then skipped her afternoon nap which made for a long night, but that part isn't so important.  We had a wonderful day, and we hope everyone else had a very happy Easter!