Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Park Day


So if this was a MYSPACE or EHARMONY, the following would say:
NAME: Jeremy Hartke
AGE: >1 year (but mommy is older than daddy...so age doesn't matter)
INTERESTS: Mommy, Milka (mommy's only), hearing my own voice, Mommy, my sunglasses, Mommy, and Daddy in that order.
HOBBIES: Milka, Mommy, walks in the park, and "urping on myself and mommy as we walk in the park and I pick up chicks".


We spent the afternoon having a family walk in the park. All the ladies in the park couldn't stop talking about how cute he is. To end the day...

yup...

Jeremy was out.

He had a tough day, and an early night.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Snowball loves Jeremy


The funny thing about Snowball is, LATELY whenever Jeremy cries, she has to come and see what is going on. I was looking through the different videos I found this one. She has now adopted Jeremy and wants him to know that she is there for him. When he cries, she will lick his face to tell him it is ok. When she sees something of his, she will make sure that she rubs on it to let him know she is there when he needs it.

As long as she doesn't try to feed him...we are ok!

(and don't try to pet her when she is rolling on Jeremy's blanket)

Jeremy makes his first political statement


So, officially yesterday Jeremy was able to make his first political statement by joining the party of BALD IS BEAUTIFUL. Yup...I have told him since he was born that chicks dig the bald guys. With the Hartke family hairline, I am proud as a father that he has embraced his future.

Rock on Jeremy...rock on.

Jeremy says HI!

Jeremy was in a one of his talkative moods while mommy was in school, so we thought that we would record a message for everyone. Now...Jeremy has gotten to the point where he is talking (only in language that mommy and daddy understand), but he sometimes gets camera shy as you will see.

So, HEY from all of us!

Saturday, March 08, 2008

NINJA JEREMY!


Ok...it has been a while and I (Matt) have been catching flak for not updating this. Sorry...things have been busy. BUT you will be happy to know that Jeremy's favorite thing to do in daddy time is to play Ninja Jeremy. It is fast becoming a requested game by those students in the Youth Ministry as Jeremy displays mad punching power as well as a ridiculous amount of stealth as he can sneak in through unlimited cuteness to attack his prey without being seen as a threat. He is already a champion as you can see by his gloves. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

He's too cute not to share!



Jeremy has gained a COLOSSAL 1.5 pounds and has grown a full inch over the last week! As you can see from the pictures...it is quite possible that he broke the cuteness scale when weighed.

After much anticipation and the plethora of questions about when Jeremy will make his public debute in cold Indiana, the date has been set! Jeremy will be baptized on February 10th after the 10:45 service (and Grandpa can do it!). The countdown is on...and now it is time for a diaper change.

Much love!

M&M&J

Saturday, January 19, 2008

CLEAN!


Today was the big day...BATH DAY!!! After a good breakfast, Jeremy didn't know what to think about his new bathing experience. So what did he do? He had to think about it. Jeremy didn't cry ONE TIME. The trick to this new miraculous method of parenting perfection you ask?

A SPACE HEATER!!!

(Mommy had to strike the Jeremy pose after it was all done)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Thumb sucking and the first night...

Not real sure what to make of this...but, apparently Jeremy is part of the whole NEW AGE thumb sucking techniques. I (Matt) have learned that I am old. Where are the days of the "ball up your fist and stick the thumb in your mouth" method gone? Apparently, I have a lot to catch on to.

First at home night in the books. Was restless for the first half of the night. He didn't want to sleep in the cradle, so Misty took him to the family room where he slept on mommy for a couple hours. When Matt WOKE UP (fell asleep at the first feeding) and took Jeremy to the family room, he went to sleep for about 4 hours (after screaming for the first 30 minutes...but that was a test of will. Jeremy is already playing games with my emotions).

So...any advice out there on what Matt is supposed to do other than falling asleep on Misty as she feeds Jeremy? Problem is, after i fall asleep...i don't hear Jeremy scream for a couple hours unless I am holding him. Any dad (or CONSTRUCTIVE *aka* "not make fun of Matt because he snores"...chick) advice out there? Hook a brother up...

(Jeremy is still ridiculously cute)


Homecoming and siblings



We FINALLY were sent home on Wednesday (at about 4:30 in the PM). After much anticipation, Jeremy was introduced to his brother and sister. Tiger was curious, but not curious enough to care(still doesn't). Snowball...well...she wasn't all that excited about the whole screaming, attention grabbing, bundle of something smaller than her. She wasn't impressed.

Later on, Matt was able to hold Jeremy for a while. When Snowball saw this, she made her statement as to WHO was daddy's favorite. I haven't had the chance to talk to her yet...so that conversation will have to wait with Snowball.

(Snowball says hi Alli)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

JEREMY!



Jeremy Wade Hartke made his appearance on Monday, January 14th at 2:09am weighing in a 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches. He is very strong (doc said so...but Matt was standing behind him so could have been due to intimidation) and is CUTE! Yup...we were worried about having the "not-so-cute" baby. But we didn't...he is officially cute!
Mom is doing well. In some pain, BUT she is one to stay on the legal drugs WAY before the pain hits. Jeremy and mommy had a rough night of getting used to the feeding frenzy...and the father figure slept through most of it (*edit...Misty says snoring) (**edit...Matt wants proof) (***edit...Jeremy has no comment)
Thanks for the prayers and love!

M&M (+J)

Thursday, January 10, 2008

38 Weeks!

38 Weeks today! Due date is only 14 days away, so really...we just wait! I started feeling significantly larger a few days ago, and now comparing this picture with last weeks picture, I think my shape has definitely changed about. I don't feel like Jeremy has dropped though, but something sure is different!

Friday, January 04, 2008

37 Week Belly Shot



Here is 37 weeks exactly!! I don't have anything exciting to add to this post, as I just posted the nursery pictures. Sorry.

Nursery Pictures




The nursery is complete! Here are some pictures I took to share. As you can see...Winnie the Pooh is the theme.

I'm not sure of the style we are achieving as we have light brown, medium brown, dark brown and white furniture. But, we used what we had and the crib was given to us by a friend. That sure helps on the cost of things!

Matt and I bought the glider last night using money that people have been giving us. The box wouldn't fit in my car though, so we had to stand out in the parking lot in the freezing cold, opening the box and putting all the separate parts in my car. It was pretty funny.

Today we also undertook the task of installing the car seat. To our dismay, the convertible car seat will not fit in my car in the rear facing position. Matt and I are too tall and have to have our seats back, and that didn't allow for the baby seat to recline to the proper position. So, well use it when it's time to face forward. So we went back to the store today and got a car seat with a base and installed it instead. My bags are packed for the hospital, so I guess all we need now is our baby!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Someone is going to be jealous!

I think that Snowball is going to have a rough adjustment when Jeremy arrives. Matt is hers. She owns him. She does not share him with anyone or anything. This is one of her favorite spots to lay. I think Matt and I just need to come to an understanding...I hold Jeremy, he holds snowball.

Friday, December 21, 2007

35 Week Belly Shot





Here is 35 weeks exactly! From the side it looks like my Belly Button is popped out. It isn't, that little bump is just the top flap sticking out a little bit.

We had a Dr. Appointment today. All is well. I've gained 4 lbs, but, I think that it is at least 2 pounds of water. If you look at my feet....they are nice! The top picture is "normal" feet. The bottom picture is my "cankles", as Matt likes to call them.

I can't believe that my countdown to the due date will be in DAYS, not Months very soon! It doesn't seem
time should be going so fast!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Baking at the Hartke House

This year, I decided to go domestic, and bake! I thought since we are on a tight budget, it would be nice to make some little treat baskets to share with out friends. So, today Matt baked his world famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, but they came out a little flat. He blames the butter. I baked 4 dozen Gingersnaps, but the shortening was bad and they tasted HORRIBLE (and smelled bad too). So, I made 4 dozen more with a new recipe that used butter instead of shortening, and they are quite yummy! I also made 4 dozen Snickerdoodles, two batches of chocolate fudge, two batches of chex mix (I had accidentally turned the oven off on the first batch, so it was a little soggy). As a special request from Matt, I also made some Peanut Brittle. Surprisingly, it's pretty good...even though I had to heat it to 290 degrees when my candy thermometer only goes to 22o...I had to guess.

I finally got tired of baking for the day, so all that's left tomorrow is caramels, and maybe some peanut butter fudge.

Next year, I might start baking sooner. It's been a long day.

Friday, December 07, 2007

33 Week Belly Shot and some thoughts

The time is flying by!! Here is 33 weeks. I can't believe that I will be "full term" in 4 weeks and due in just 7! Jeremy will be here in no time flat! I am taking some heartburn medicine now, and I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I've been on it since my last Doctor visit, about 2 weeks ago, and haven't had a single bought of heartburn since! I think that has helped me to gain a few pounds too, as it is easier to eat when your esophagus isn't on fire!

Jeremy just started having hiccups a few days ago. Hiccup movement is somewhat annoying, since it happens every 3 seconds! But, Matt thinks it is funny to watch my belly jump. He still moves around a lot, and now you can even see it right through my shirt. I am just so excited to see him move around in our arms!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Turkey Day! (and 31 week belly shot)




Happy Turkey Day everyone! At the request of Julie, we decided to have a little fun with our 31 week Belly Shot! We hope you all have a Happy Holiday and don't eat too much turkey! We wish we could be with all our far away family and friends today.

Friday, November 09, 2007

29 Week Belly....for Linda



Okay, here is 29 weeks! I thought I'd add a front shott too...so you can see my little brown line. AND, my belly button is still IN! Even though it isn't as deep as it used to be :) I have gained 8 pounds so far. The Dr. thought that was a little low, but nothing to be concerned about. I might need to put my head on there sometime, but my head isn't as cute as my belly :)

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

3-hour test...PASSED!

(The little guy is supposed to say A+)

I passed the 3-hour GTT test! No problems at all. I'm quite releived about this. I was worried as I read up more and more on Gestational Diabetes. It doesn't sound like fun at all. Hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will continue to be smooth sailing, and before we know it, Jeremy will be here!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

GTT test...FAILED!

So, Monday I went for my GTT test (Glucose Tolerance Test) to check for Gestational Diabetes. Those of you who have been pregnant before, I'm sure you are familiar with this test. Those who haven't, you basically have to drink this super sugared drink (mine was like Hawaiian Punch) then have a blood test an hour later to check your sugar levels.

The Doctor called yesterday and told Matt that my sugar level was "extrememly high", so now I have to go do another 3 hour test today. That is 3 hours of sitting in a Doctor's office! Not my idea of fun for the day. Hopefully I studied better this time and pass the test!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

The Nursery is painted




My Grandparents came over today and we painted our nursery. It looks FANTASTIC! We haven't got the furniture arranged yet, but we still have time for that.

This border is actually my 2nd choice of border, but, it cost 1/2 as much as my 1st choice. It prepasted and you just pull the back off and stick it on. The first roll worked out quite well. The second roll was defective, so we had to return it and get another, which also turned out to be defective. There was only ONE roll left at the store, so we prayed that it would work, and it did.

I'm excited to start getting the rest of the nursery pulled together and have a baby to go in it!

Friday, October 12, 2007

25 Week Belly


Because Linda is such a belly nut...here is 25 weeks! I love watching my belly change! It's really strange when I stand up and it starts stretching further and further out b/c Jeremy is moving. How crazy! Occassionaly I can feel what I beleive to be a butt poking out. He's got a tiny little butt--hehe.
He still likes to hang out nice and low. I'm getting concerned that I'll be like one of those pregnant ladies who literally looks like a basketball is hiding under her shirt! So far, no stretch marks!! My mom doesn't have any, so maybe I have good genes :)
We are heading out to Matt's brother's wedding. Hopefully I can post some pictures from that (yes, with my head on them Julie T.!)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Tums are my friend


Everyone, take stock in Tums! The heartburn has majorly kicked in. Now, I have never been a heartburn sufferer. And, as I am now finding out, it stinks! I woke up in the middle of the night last night, and was in some major discomfort. But, alas, my mother was thinking ahead and bought me some Tums. Ahhhhh....the relief. I love Tums. I think I might marry them :) They even taste pretty good going down.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

23 Week Belly Shot


Here is 23 weeks! Jeremy is growing like a little basketball! He's hanging out nice and low, jumping around on my bladder. I am waiting for the time that I pee my pants!
Overall I am feeling GREAT! I am a little tired, but, I think that is more due to having an extremely busy schedule than being pregnant. Jeremy wiggles around alot, and my favorite thing is to have my hands on my belly and feel the kicks inside and out! He rarely cooperates and moves when other people are around. Maybe he is a little shy.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

21 Week Belly Shot


Here it is. 21 weeks with a 22 week baby :) I forgot to weight myself this morning. I'll add the weight gain tomorrow.
I'm feeling more movements. My belly button hurts frequently. Still wearing my regular pants, they fall down, but the maternity ones REALLY fall down. Belts aren't comfortable when I sit, so I guess I should invest in some suspenders :) That would be fashionable.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

It's a....


Today was the BIG ultrasound!
The top picture is our beautiful baby, with a hand up by the mouth.
The second picture is the babies profile.
And the third picture is the money shot!! We are having a bounching baby BOY!!
We had already decided on names, so Jeremy Wade Hartke it will be! However, I don't feel that Jeremy is suitable for a baby, more a teenager, so I'm thinking J.J. for short. (Because the ORIGINAL Jeremy wants to call him Junior, so Jeremy Junior=J.J. Even though, technically, he isn't a Jr. But, we
don't care)
He is measuring a full week ahead :O! And he is very long. But,
that was too be expected as Matt and I are not small people. So, we will be pulling out all the sporting equipment early and training our kid so he can support us into our elderly years! :)





Thursday, September 06, 2007

Matt felt the baby move!

Last night when I got into bed, Baby was moving quite a bit. I usually put my hand on my belly so I would know when you could start feeling it from the outside. I felt the kick! So, I called Matt and he came and had his hand on my belly when the baby kicked again! Matt kinda freaked, he thought it was SO amazing!! It is only detectable from the outside right now when it is a big kick, so I can't wait until it is more obvious. Matt hasn't got to experience too much yet except watch me puke (well, not anymore) and hear the heartbeat when we go to the doctor. By the way, Matt has NEVER felt a baby move. When our friends were pregnant, he would tell them that the first baby he wants to feel move will be his. That's kinda cute.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Round Ligament Pain

Well, pregnancy sure has a lot of surprises for my body! I made it through the morning sickeness, and now moving on to ailment number 2, round ligament pain. It started Friday morning where it hurt to stand up and walk, and I had to hunch over while walking. Then again last night on our way out to dinner. It feels like a muscular type pain in my lower left abdomen. Supposedly it's normal and not much can be done about it but to try not to change positions too fast. Now it makes me nervous to stand up! But, I still love being pregnant :)

Thursday, August 30, 2007

19 week Belly Shot



Here it is! 19 weeks and growing!! I weighed myself this morning, I am not back up to my pre-pregnancy weight! I am guessing weight will now go up and up and up since I can eat now without puking!!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Busy Busy Busy (Us and Baby)

Well, we are in the end stages of our move! I am living in a room full of boxes. I get them unpacked, then go back and fill them again! I hate moving!!! We have everything from our old house now, but our new apartment is MUCH smaller and I just can't seem to find the space for everything. We are having a BIG yard sale on Saturday, that will surely clear things out and bring in some money to buy more stuff :)

We had a Dr. appointment last week. Things are going well. Baby is very active, and the Doctor confirmed what I am feeling is most definately baby movement. I like to poke Matt when the baby pokes me. It is really an amazing feeling to know that there is another human hiding in my uterus and that it is moving all around! We find on on September 12th if it is a boy or a girl. I'm very excited for that appointment. We will have a 3-D u/s too, so hopefully we can get a good peek at our perfect little one.

I'll be updating with a new belly shot when I get my house in better order. I don't want everyone to see my mess!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Feeling Movement?

How exciting it is getting! I'm starting to feel things that **might** be the baby!! For awhile now, on occasion, I would get little quivers in my abdomen. I couldn't quite decipher if it is just muscles or baby. Tonight I was sitting at the computer with my feet up, and twice I felt a poke. Still not sure if it's baby or something else. I am anxiously awaiting the OBVIOUS movement of my little one :)

Thursday, August 16, 2007

17 Week Belly Shot



17 Weeks today!! I think I finally 'popped'. Now, the growing will surely begin more rapidly! Weight is still down 2 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Morning Sickness has really slowed down, so I imagine weight will being pouring on too!

Thursday, August 02, 2007

15 Week Belly Shot


Here is 15 weeks on the nose! As of Tuesday, I was down 5lbs. from what I was at 4 weeks. All my old clothing still fits, just the same. I admit, I did get some Maternity shorts, and they are just way more comfy than regular clothes, pregnant or not! I might just keeping buying Maternity clothes from now on :)


Sunday, July 29, 2007

One week free of MORNING SICNESS!

Okay, just a quick praise note here. I HAVEN'T PUKED IN A WHOLE WEEK!!

I have actually been feeling really well and my appetite is back to normal! Is it a fluke, or have we left the morning sickness with the first trimester! I am so thankful to at least be pregnant and have had the opportunity to experience all the glorius vomitting to go along with it, but, enough is enough and I'm glad that it is seemingly gone!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

13 Week Belly Shot

Here it is! 13 weeks! (I apologize for the yellow undies hanging out!) I have lost 5 pounds! I didn't realize pregnancy was supposed to be a diet! I got in trouble for being dehydrated, so Matt is the water nazi now. I drink plenty, but, I also puke plenty so it cancels itself out.

We had a dr. appointment yesterday. She prescribed some meds for me to stop vomiting (Phinigrin). The problem is that I took half a pill, and was OUT cold! So, it isn't something I'll be able to take when I have to go to work. We heard the heartbeat, it's still good and strong.
I love hearing the heartbeat. It makes it really "real" that there is something in there. Other than that and vomiting, nothing is different, yet.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

10 Week Belly Shot


Here it is, 10 weeks. I think things are starting to grow!
Just for statistical purposes:
Girth: 35 inches at belly button
Weight: +1 lb. (after lunch)
(I came back the next day, I think most the belly yesterday was bloat.....)

Monday, June 25, 2007

Baby's First Picture

Our first picture of the newest baby Hartke. For those of you who need help, the head is the round circle on the right :) It was SO amazing to see on the U/S machine, as it was so much more clear. Right away you could see a tiny white spot in the middle of the lower circle, just beating away! We got to hear the heartbeat, and it was so strong! I saw the arms, but you can't see them quite as well in the photo. I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off my heart after seeing the baby. All is well, and we pray things continue to go so smoothly for us. We are so blessed.
Oh, this is 9 weeks, 4 days.

Monday, June 18, 2007

8 Week 2 Days Belly Shot


Here it is! I still think it's just my usual fat that is hanging out there. I should have been measuring my belly. Maybe I'll start doing that now.
I went up 4 pounds, morning sickness hit and I lost 4 pounds, now I am back up 4 pounds. Maybe I'll just keep losing and dropping those same four pounds!

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Morning Sickness begins


Today Morning Sickness kicked in full force. I got up and ate breakfast, as usual. Went about my business of getting ready for church. Just as we were walking out the door, it hit me. I threw up in the grass.
This evening after we ate dinner and came home, hello again. I'm realizing, it comes on not too long after I eat. That's not good. A girl has to eat.
Fortunately for me, and Matt, I've never really minded puking. I just do it and get on with it. So, I won't complain too much. I've been waiting two years to feel this way, so, I'll do my best to enjoy it.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

6 Week Belly Shot





Here is 6 weeks. I don't think it's baby yet, still just fat.

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First UltraSound~ Viability Scan

We had our viability scan today. And all was well. The baby was measuring at 5 weeks, 3 days. Ovulation calculations put us at 6 weeks. The Dr. said as long as baby measures within a week on either side, it's okay. We didn't get to keep the picture today, but we go back June 25th. Hopefully we can keep that one!

What I learned today:

I learned that pregnant women should NOT clean out the refridgerator. Matt offered to do it, after I was gagging over the trash can.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Bloodwork is very Positive

I had my first bloodwork done on Thursday, after we got a positive HPT. The checked my progesterone levels (which I did not get results from) and quantitative HCG. The HCG level was 158. That's pregnant!

I was scheduled for another one for Saturday (about 48 hours later). Just as a precaution, they do the second one to see that your numbers are going up. They should double every 48 hours. I was VERY nervous about this. I just kept thinking they would say, "we're sorry, but your level is only 50", which would be indicitive of miscarriage. I had this overwhelming sense of dread all day. However, I got my results and it was 338! That's GREAT news! Now, if I can just relax, and trust that God will care for the tiny baby. Not an easy task sometimes, but, I'll pray about it and we'll get through.

Okay, here it is, the REFERENCE photo


Okay, so this is the very first belly photo for you. That little bump, that's fat. Not baby. This is 4 weeks, 1 day. If I remember, I'll try to post a new picture every week. Any bets on when I start showing baby, not just fat?

Friday, May 18, 2007

WE'RE PREGNANT!!


Well, here it is. After praying so hard for so long, our prayers have been answered. We are still in SHOCK! I never thought that our first IUI would work. But, as you can see, it did!
The Doctor told us we could test on May 17th, but, I was going to hold out a little longer. I cracked, and POAS (that's Peed On A Stick) and thought I saw a faint line, so I decided I better try a different test. It was DEFINATELY a nice pink line. So, of course, we just had to have MORE proof, so we took the pretty digital that you see here. And, expected it to say, "not pregnant". When we turned it over and looked, we were just in shock and awe. WE are finally pregnant.
Now, going through the infertility journey we have, I know alot can go wrong. I pray so hard that this baby (or babies) stick and grow big and strong. Thank you God for answering our prayers!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

IUI #1







We had our first IUI last Thursday. It has been quite a journey for us and the day came with much anxiety and excitement. On Tuesday before the IUI, we had an ultrasound to verify that my ovaries did their job (with the help of a friendly drug called Femara) and made some eggs. We had two very nice eggs, one on each ovary. They measured 22mm and 24mm.

That night, my Grandpa gave me a shot of HCG to trigger the release of my two mature eggs. (Matt was at a meeting, Grandma and Mom were chicken, so Grandpa got the honor of giving the shot in the butt!) The shot wasn't bad at all, I barely felt it.

Thursday morning, bright and early we went in for our insemination. It was not bad. Similiar to an annual exam. I had to remain laying on the table for 30 minutes, and the nurse set a little kitchen timer. The timers dial had a sperm on it! It was somewhat humorous.

So, now we wait. And wait. And wait some more. The waiting is already very hard, and it has only been 6 days!

We are sending up much prayer that at least one egg fertilized and implanted. I'm getting very impatient as we have just crossed our 2 years mark of trying.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

What do I think God meant when he gave me infertility

Couples experiencing infertility often receive well-meaning but extremely insensitive "advice." We can all list the most popular ones: "Just relax and you'll get pregnant," or "adopt and you'll get pregnant," or "things happen for a reason", of the most painful from those who think they've got the goods on God's plan, "Maybe God never meant for you to have children." The sheer audacity of making a statement like that never fails to amaze me.

"These same people would never walk up to someone seeking treatment for cancer and say, "Maybe God never meant for you to live." However, because I am infertile, I'm supposed to get on with my life. It's hard to understand that people can not see infertility for what it is, a disease for which I have to seek treatment. What if Jonas Salk had said to the parents of polio victims, "Maybe God meant for thousands of our children to be cripples, live in an iron lung or die." What if he'd never tried to find a cure? Who could think for one minute that that was God's plan?

"What do I think God meant when he gave me infertility?"

I think he meant for my husband and I to grow closer, become stronger, love deeper. I think God meant for us to find the fortitude within ourselves to get up every time infertility knocks us down. I think God meant for our medical community to discover medicines, invent medical equipment, create procedures and protocols. I think God meant for us to find a cure for infertility."

No, God never meant for me not to have children. That's not my destiny; that's just a fork in the road I'm on. I've been placed on the road less traveled, and, like it or not, I'm a better person for it. Clearly, God meant for me to develop more compassion, deeper courage, and greater inner strength on this journey to resolution, and I haven't let him down."

Frankly, if the truth be known, I think God has singled me out for a special treatment. I think God meant for me to build a thirst for a child so strong and so deep that when that baby is finally placed in my arms, it will be the longest, coolest, most refreshing drink I've ever known.

"While I would never choose infertility, I can not deny that a fertile woman could never know the joy that awaits me. Yes, one way or another, I will have a baby of my own. And the next time someone wants to offer me unsolicited advice I'll say, "Don't tell me what God meant when he handed me infertility. I already know."

(Excerpted from a post on ivfconnections.com - IVF Boards)

Title edited : because yes KATE, you're right, it is NOT the will of God for any woman to be childless. "I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land." Exodus 23:25-26

Monday, November 13, 2006

A Poem I Found

I found this poem and it touched my heart. For those of you who know Matt and I, you know our journey.

Some Day Baby

I wait, and I wait and I wait and I wait.
The slow horse still wanting out of the gate.
Hoping you'll begin before it's too late.
Where are you? My someday baby.

Each night I pray a prayer for you.
It is a prayer for daddy and me too.
I pray taht I will someday feel you
My kicking someday baby.

Everyday I see children everywhere around.
I long to hear your laughing, cooing sound.
Your fingers areound my one tightly wound
My happy someday baby.

How will you smile? What color your eyes?
How swill you like your birthday surprise?
Will you come to mommy to comfort your cries?
Wondrous you, my someday baby.

I touch terry sleepers, and booties so small
And wonder how much longer my heart can bear all.
Hoping and wishing through now my third fall
To spoil my someday baby.

How I long to rock you to sleep,
And to rub your head until you dream deep.
To watch you roll over and sit and then crrep
My sweet little someday baby.

The things others think are a pain you see
Sound like a piece of heaven to me.
To be awakened by something other than dreams
My pleasure, my someday baby.

I don't know when you'll see this, or if you'llk now
How much my heart dreamed of you, prayed for you so.
To feel you, and watch you and help you to grow
My love, my someday baby.

I do hope and I pray, and sneak cries though the day
with hope daddy and I will have you "someday".
The sooner rather than later you can hear my say
"With love I welcome you", my someday baby.