Thursday, April 19, 2012

6 Weeks.....



Dear Family & Friends,


I think I've used this phrase more in the last 15 months than I ever have in my life.... but it's true! "It's hard to imagine".... but our baby girl is 6-weeks old today. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from NICU. Technically, she should only be 4 days old, considering their due date originally was April 15th. She is growing by leaps and bounds and there is not a day that goes by that she does not amaze me; nor is there a day that I do not think of her sister [Bridgette].


It's so funny how my priorities have changed since having her. I used to be consumed with work and horses and now all I want to do is sit and watch her breath and cooo and smile and grow... she does things that just make me laugh and then I cry (with joy) in disbelief that I am finally a mother and that God has blessed us with such an amazing little girl. She is more than I could have ever dreamed or imagined.


It's true... Faith is believing even when the eyes cannot see and the ears cannot hear. I also am so glad that God is faithful even when we aren't... He promised me a baby and He delivered even when I turned away and went astray from living for Him - He never deserted me. I will forever be indebted to our Lord for Alexis & Bridgette. They have made me complete... I no longer have an emptiness or a hole - I can honestly say that I have been blessed beyond measure and I am complete!! So when you think you cannot go on and that He has forgotten about your prayers - re-read my blogs and know that it's all in His time (not ours) and even though that is the hardest thing to comprehend and imagine (trust me, I know) it is so worth the wait!


And He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest (Exodus 33:14)


(outfit courtesy of Flip Flops & Lip Gloss, Debi Hutchinson)


Blessings,

Ryan, Candye, Alexis (& Bridgette, RIP 1/4/12)

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Never Give Up.....


Dear Family & Friends,


Who knew life could be so wonderful!! All these years I just thought my life was grand; little did I know the best was yet to come.....


Alexis brings us more joy and fulfillment than I could ever fathom or even try to describe using the English language. It just is not possible. She is such a blessing and amazing!


Since my last blog, we have had many "firsts"..... first church service, wedding, funeral, birthday party, road trip & evading a flurry of tornado's... she's been quiet the busy little girl. But the best of all... the first most embarrassing moment. Yes, that's right..... I said embarrassing. We were at a funeral and she belched so loud it would have startled any bugler! I wanted to hide. Instead, I simply ran off & prayed I wouldn't trip....to make matters worse, she didn't do it just once, but twice. :(


That leads me to the purpose for today's blog. "Never Give Up"


I almost gave up hope that I would ever be a Mom. I honestly thought it was time to hang up the dream, face (what I thought was my reality), and channel my energy elsewhere. Although you could not believe this now, but God bless my husband, he simply was not a man that was driven or hung up on having children to complete our lives & marriage. Simply put, he was very content and I was not. I had pretty much given up trying to convince him to spend our money on the expensive procedure of IVF (In vitro Fertilization).....but I had not given up on praying. Then out of the clear blues I came home from work one day and he advised me that he had called and scheduled an appointment with our fertility specialist. I was honestly in shock. Just goes to prove that he really does listen to me... (albeit the hearing is selective....lol). This process started almost 15 months ago and you know the rest of the story.... so never give up because anything is possible. Regardless of the obstacles in your path - if it's meant to be it will be. All you need is a lot of faith, courage and perseverance and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to! Life is short... don't have regrets.... even cherish the embarrassing moments... they're priceless and make your story complete.


Some days I am still in awe and feel like I'm living a dream; then it hits me that this really is my life and it's wonderful beyond imagination. The other day Alexis & I ventured out to the grocery store and by the time I was on the paper towel isle tears flowed down my cheeks as I gazed at her. I had several people (including grown men) stopping me to catch a glimpse of her and comment on how little but beautiful she is. I know that may sound silly - but when you've gone through what we have it simply makes you appreciate every second... even the little compliments or the embarrassing moments.


Here's a little treat.... a picture from a month ago when we were in NICU still & the other one from yesterday. This little bear given to her by her cousin (AKA: Sissy, CJ) helps gage her growth.



"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12)

Blessings,

Ryan, Candye, Alexis (& Bridgette RIP 1/4/12)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Family Update - April 3, 2012


Dear Family & Friends,

It's hard to believe that our little girl is 26 days old. We had our weekly weigh in appointment today and she has gained and is now at 5lbs 11ozs (up from 5lbs 4ozs from 5 days ago). We are steadily increasing our gain and that is really important right now.

It's so hard to believe we have gone from the picture on the left to the picture below.... talk about a miracle from our God!! And, trust me, we take nothing for granted any more. This journey has taught my husband & I many things but mostly it has taught us the true value of life and what it means to live and trust in God completely. For that alone I am grateful. I find myself simply not asking for anything but merely thanking him for our many blessings.



I pray that if you get nothing else from our blog and journey updates, I hope that you will simply learn to trust in the Lord with all your heart; and know that He knows our today and tomorrow and it is already planned out. We need to learn to live in the moment and cherish life as it is and make the absolute best of it without passing judgement or blame. Life is short and there is no guarantee of tomorrow (or the next minute for that matter); so live for the day and love those who matter the most in your life! Have no regrets!

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:18)

As always, we will continue to keep you updated and all we ask is that you please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Blessings,
Ryan, Candye, Alexis (& Bridgette RIP 1/4/12)