The end of January we found out that we were expecting another baby. It was very surprising since we had been preventing because we had just miscarried in December. It is very difficult and emotional to be pregnant right away after the third pregnancy loss in a row, but we have trusted that God has a good plan (no matter what the outcome) from the start. I have had many appointments with my doctor and have been seeing a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist as well. I have had tons of testing. We have been very thankful to know that we have done everything in our power (and the doctors) to keep this baby alive.
We told Lane and Ava that they had another sibling on the way the end of February. They were so happy and began to pray for the baby right away. I was unsure how Lane would react because of how the loss of Carina has impacted him. I asked him if he was fearful, and bless his little faith-filled heart... he replied, "No, Mom, because I can pray for the baby."
On May 12, 2009 (nineteen weeks, two days into the pregnancy) we found out that we were expecting another baby girl! Barely though... she finally spread her legs at the last minute to confirm that she was a girl! All of us we're happy with that. All of us but Lane, that is. He began to argue with Dr. Boley. It was quite humorous for Jeremy and I and the doc. He was like, "Stop saying she, it's a he" and "It's not a girl, it's a boy." Poor boy. He wanted a brother so badly that he was convinced it was a boy. He had told me, "I already have two sisters, I want a brother." We have had to talk about how this baby is a girl because that's what God made her, and that she is just what is best for our family (including him)! Praise God that we have made it to here with this precious little girl... we are thankful for every day of her life!
On Memorial Day we headed up to the cabin for a week of vacation. When we arrived my Mom's side of the family was all still there and we shared lunch and a walk with them. Before dinner everyone but Nan and Pop headed home. They stayed with us for another day. We so much enjoyed getting to spend all that extra time with them! They left Tuesday afternoon and left us in the rain. It rained on and off for a couple of days. That didn't dampen our experience, though. We made and played play dough, painted with watercolor, drew with stencils, read books, played toys, watched a movie or two and played games. We made several meals over the fire and had smores every night.
One night our camp fire was rained out and even that did not deter us from smore making. We fired up the electric stove and went to town. Lane and Ava thought that was cool! Thursday we had a big photo shoot and went down to the creek and made a dam. Friday we headed to R.B. Winter State Park for a few hours. Jeremy and I sat on the beach in our jackets, while Lane and Ava insisted on splashing in the water, playing in the sand and on the playground in their bathing suits... crazy kids! It was SO chilly! Saturday we did some more creek stomping, built another dam and had wagon rides down the gravel road. Jeremy and I played games pretty much every time the kids were sleeping and enjoyed some evening conversations by the fire. The week was delightful, relaxing, refreshing, and filled with sweet family memories! We look forward to it again next year, Lord willing!
