Capturing Memories

I'm not sure why it's so difficult for me to routinely blog. I have such good intentions and it never seems to become a habit. I'm going to start blogging immediately when Reed goes down for his nap. It should be a relatively easy thing to fit in...it really only takes 15 minutes or so per blog entry, so I have absolutely NO excuses.

Reed turned two on November 12th. We had a nice party with family and friends. It was a cookie monster theme and I think Reed really enjoyed it. A couple days before his birthday Neil and I learned that we were expecting a second child. This news was nothing less than miraculous. I began seeing a fertility specialist in August because we'd unsuccessfully tried for a second child since Reed was 4 months old. Since it took us 5 years to get pregnant with Reed, we prayed about it and felt led to see the specialist. Our thought process was that we needed to know whether or not I could bear another child. If I couldn't, we were ready to hear that news...I was prepared for that...and we would begin traveling the road toward adoption. After what seemed like endless tests sent all over the country for analysis we decided to pursue the path of fertility drugs and IUI beginning late November. That's right, LATE November. Obviously, God had everything under control - yet again. I had the injection in the refrigerator and the prescriptions picked up and paid for...and we found out we were expecting. We are beyond thrilled and in complete amazement and awe at God's faithfulness and love for His children. Baby Blessing #2 is due to arrive mid-to-late July.

Neil's been traveling a lot lately and I've found myself in a state of stagnancy. When I was in the corporate world I was good at challenging myself and experienced continuous personal/professional growth. Since I've become a mom I feel that this part of my life (a part that I loved) has, well, basically become non-existant. I've tried, unsuccessfully, to achieve it in other avenues (besides motherhood) - I started building things, scrapbooking, I became a CASA volunteer and started a Pampered Chef business - but none of these has filled the void that I feel. Not that they haven't been fulfilling...just not in the way that I desire. I supposed I haven't truly listened to nor sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit in helping to fill this void. Once again, I've tried to figure everything out on my own...done my own thing and come up empty, yet again. Well, the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to step out of my comfort zone...and I've ignored it for some time but am finally stepping out. Pray that I wait upon the Lord for guidance as to what this new path will look like (I truly have no idea what it will look like but He's calling me to something).

Reed is growing up so fast! He's become quite the little commentator, giving us play by play of nearly everything we do in a day. I'll say, let's go to the gym and he'll say, Mommy and Reed to gym. He's such a tremendous blessing and I'm so honored to be his mommy. We're working on listening, patience, kindness, and also colors, numbers and letters. A lot of the time I feel like I'm not doing enough to encourage his intellectual and emotional development but then am reminded that I need to trust the Lord to guide me in being the best mommy that I can be. We have our battles and I am often reminded that I need to pray that I embrace the opportunities the Lord gives me to develop patience.

I truly have a blessed life and am incredibly thankful for all of God's gifts...even the "gifts" that He uses to grow me in what are often painful and uncomfortable ways.