Christmas Preview

Well, we had our Christmas photo shoot - here are a couple of the photos. These are not the final pick but they were in the running! They were such good boys. I couldn't believe that they were both awake and so happy at the same time!

Little Santa's Helper, Cole:



Little Santa's Helper, JD:



We also had our last home nurse visit today and Cole is tipping the scale at 6lb, 14.5 oz. And we threw JD on the scale, just for kicks, and fully clothed and diapered, he came in at 9lb, 13 oz! Believe it or not, we're actually getting some sleep. Both boys are pretty good sleepers at night (hope that I'm not jinxing us by writing this...) and are up to eat about every 4 hours. We've refined the feeding routine a bit so within an hour or so, we're all back in bed and sleeping again (give or take a few minutes). I'm enjoying Mommyhood more than I could have ever imagined and not an hour goes by that I don't thank God for these little miracles.

It's been an interesting week, aside from the events at the Licameli house. Two of my friends who are currently pregnant with twins are experiencing bedrest now. One is only at 20 weeks and one is at 26 weeks. You girls know who you are and please know that my heart goes out to you during this difficult, scary time. I know you are in great hands with your doctors and I just pray that you are able to hold out a bit longer and deliver those babies healthy and safely. You've been on my mind non-stop and my phone stands ready anytime if you need to chat or vent. I've been there, and done it ~ and am hopeful that I can return the support for you that you so graciously gave to me. I also have another friend out there who recently lost her twins at about 8 weeks. It was a traumatic experience for her when the miscarriage occurred and I want you to know C. that you are never far from my thoughts either. When I see my IF sisters struggle, it breaks my heart. It's never a good time but during the holidays, it's even tougher. We lost our first baby right around Christmas back in 2004 and I know from experience that it certainly makes the holidays a little bit harder.

When I think back on where I was last year at this time, I can't help but remember how hard the holidays are for people struggling to have children. It's such a special and wonderful time of the year - and a magical time of the year for Children. A keen reminder of what those struggling with fertility issues can't have. Christmas is not ALL about Children of course, but it's hard to see that sometimes when having children is your primary focus in life. When the Christmas cards arrive, it was with mixed emotion that I ran to the mailbox. I always love to see the annual photos of the growing families, yet in a very selfish way, it was hard at the same time to see the growing families leave ours behind. I will always remember that feeling. Although we are in a different place this year, I still think of all of those who have not yet been blessed with Children and can't help but feel their pain. I am hopeful that by seeing my pictures here that you will continue to have HOPE and FAITH that your dream can come true. After many years of struggle, we made it. And you can too. You all hold a special place in my heart this holiday season.