My, How They Grow!

Taken June 4 and March 15, respectively.

He's a biggun!

I Like 2nd Graders!

As we were bathing Jersey, Kira said she'd really like to wash the bathtub as well. So, armed with cleaner and a sponge, my very willing helper scrubbed the tub. Granted, she wasn't as cheerful after starting the process (it's a lot harder than it looks!) But I love that she hasn't completely outgrown her wanting to help stage.

The Ottoman Empire

We have been wanting a coffee table in our living room for a very long time. Finally, I went shopping with Mom on Monday, and found the next best thing - ottomans! Actually, Stephen and I both think they're even better, since they can be moved more easily, serve as casual seating (for small people), and won't hurt our shins if we bump into them.

A silk throw on clearance, a couple of pillows, and a mahogany serving tray complete our own little empire. Yea! I love World Market and TJ Maxx!

Health Update

First, thank you all so much for prayers, phone calls, and flowers. Your support has meant so much!

Following the D&C last Thursday, I actually felt okay physically. I was tired, but not really sore. The pain kicked in on Sunday, and kept getting worse. The doctor confirmed yesterday that I have a uterine infection. Fortunately, she didn't see any indication of damage, so antibiotics should take care of everything. I'll go back in a week to make sure everything is healed up the way it's supposed to be, and discuss future options with the doctor. More on this later...

Emotionally, we are amazed at how God has worked this last week. After pretty much withdrawing from life for a few days, we spent all day Sunday together as a family, saw a movie (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, the BEST movie we could've seen), and took a family photo. We started easing back into our routines Monday. Although we've had a few rough patches, usually in the middle of the night, we are starting to heal. We know this is not over, and we will probably have more relapses, but for now we are thankful for the peace that we do have.

As part of the grieving process, we named our baby Daisy Victoria. It has helped give a sense of reality and closure to our loss.

Published

Several weeks ago, I was asked to submit 4 articles to the Lowell weekly newspaper, beginning the first week of March. My first article was due this Friday, and in typical fashion, I was waiting until the last minute to put down my thoughts on paper. So, come Wednesday, readers in Lowell will be exposed to my rawest emotions, as I struggled to keep my commitment in the midst of grief.


Lowell Reflections article - appearing March 5, 2008

Where do you go in times of need? Where do you turn for safety?

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7) This verse has been in my mind all week, as I shared it with my ministry team last Monday evening. As God’s people, the church is called to be a safe haven for those in trouble. We are called to show people the One who can deliver them. Because ultimately, He is the only one able to protect, comfort, deliver, and save.

I found that out in a very real way last Wednesday. Nine weeks into a long-awaited and much welcomed pregnancy, I lost my child. I belong to a great church, have a wonderful family, and am surrounded by amazing friends. I have leaned on all of them this week, thankful for their love and support. But they are people just like me, and realistically cannot always be around. In those times, when I can only crawl in bed and hide, God is still there. He is the one whispering words of comfort when I am by myself. He is the one holding me day and night. He is the one giving me words to sing when I cannot find my voice.

Do you have that? When the worst life has to offer comes at you, do you turn to God? Did you know that you can? As David declared in Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me.”