Update

Many people have asked for an update since the last post about our doctor's visit. I have delayed updating the blog about this because we have been trying to sort through all of the emotions that come along with being told in one sentence that we probably cannot have anymore children of our own and then in the next, being asked the question, would you like to adopt? It has been a lot to weigh in such a short period of time. But after examining the situation from all angles available to us, we have decided to pursue the adoption. We have made the first steps in this pursuit by writing a "Life Letter". This letter is where the adopting family writes to the birthmother describing the family with words and pictures. The birthmother will look at several letters and select the family that most closely fits her adopting family ideal. So, we may or may not be selected. However, we reasoned that the opportunity was too great to pass, and beyond that, we felt lead in this direction. Within a couple of weeks we should know if we were chosen by the birthmother. Until then, I plan on relaxing and enjoying my summer. If we are selected, then I think we will have much to prepare for very quickly, so a little R&R should be taken while I have the chance! :) Thanks to all the friends and family who have called and sent letters. You guys are the best and really have helped us feel loved.
P.S. My tests have come back inconclusive due to a benign cyst on my ovary and will be repeated again next month.

Friends!

We've had a lot of friends pass through OK this past month! It was great to see a wonderful friends from my teaching days, Jenni, and her family Aja and Aaron. Aja has grown into a beautiful little angel! It was also a treat to see one of my best friends from college, Allison, and her husband Yong and his parents. Her son Michael is active and adorable. Gigi thought he was adorable too (see last picture). We sure are lucky to have so many great friends!

Georgia and Aja having lots of fun in the blazing hot sun.

Hand patrol to keep heads from knocking.

Yong, Allison, JoDee & Rodolfo

We're moms now! My how time flies!

Michael and Georgia having lots of fun!

Awww! Isn't that sweet?

Weekend fun

This past weekend Michelle, John & Ashley came over for a backyard Greek bonanza. Georgia and Ashley had fun playing in the pool and running around the house. We were going to eat outside, but the skies turned a dark gray and the air was moist with the anticipation of rain. We ate inside just in case the it decided to pour. It didn't end up raining until much later, but it was nice to be inside all the same because it was pretty humid outside. Michelle and John brought the wine and I made my Greek chicken and salad recipe and we had baklava and peaches for dessert. It was really a much needed fun evening. Don't Gigi and Ashley look adorable in their swimsuits?

Unexpected Twist

We visited our doctor today, arriving five minutes later than our appointment (we are never on time, this is something I need to put on my New Year's resolution list). After filling the paperwork and signing what seemed to be a whole lot of papers, we moved through a typical doctor's office routine. Upon meeting the doctor, I instantly liked him. He was very kind and had the demeanour of a true scholar. His office was decorated with some funky paintings and knick-knacks that I'm assuming he collected on travels to Asia and Africa. He had an ease in talking to us and spoke with the hint of an accent. He told us basically what I had anticipated. My FSH level is quite high, it is very likely that I am experiencing ovarian failure, that we are going to do some tests and if these are negative, we have the option of invitro. What happened in the middle of this discussion is where the unexpected arrived. While we were in his office discussing these details, he received a phone call and excused himself to take it. I was a little nervous about the whole visit and wasn't really paying attention to the doctor's conversation on the phone. However, Rodolfo was, and while the doctor was talking he turned to me and whispered "babies". I wasn't quite sure what he meant but smiled at him to reassure him that yes, babies are what we hope to have. Little did I expect then what the doctor was about to tell us. When he finished his phone conversation he looked at us and explained in a very non-chalant way that this phone call was from a doctor friend of his who has 2 patients wanting to place their as yet unborn babies up for adoption. One will be born in 2 weeks. The other will be born in September. He said, quite frankly, that he rarely receives phone calls like this, that it is quite unusual that there are 2 babies, and that if we believe in miracles or serendipity that, well, this may be just that. When he said this I realized that he meant that here is an opportunity for us to adopt a child if we are interested. I really did not know what to say. I mean, this is quite a bit of information to take in a doctor's visit. Let's see, confirmation that this ovarian failure thing is real and that if we are open to it, we might have the possiblity of adopting a child in 2 weeks. Hmm... My response was, yes we do believe in miracles, that we have been praying for one and that we would like to think about this information. He seemed happy with the response and told us to let him know in 24 hours. We then talked more about the tests that we will be doing and concluded our appointment. And then as we were leaving he told us one more time, as if to emphasize the point, that this type of phone call is a rare occurance and we should really consider it.
Wow! Well, let me tell you we have been thinking about it non-stop ever since. We have no doubt that this "serendipitous" moment was indeed a miracle! One that was orchestrated and perfectly timed by the Creator of Life Himself. And because of this we have decided to learn more about the birth-parents and their situations and to present our family to them as well. If all pans out, we will pursue the adoption. It is amazing to type these things only 24 hours since my last entry. I did not expect anything like this from today's appointment. But how can anyone doubt that this is not from God? I think it would be foolish to not pursue this possibility. Will we be able to conceive a child of our own again? Maybe, maybe not. But here is an opportunity right in front of us where He may be presenting us with a child. We will see. Please continue to pray for us. Thank you.

Answered Prayer #1

I didn't think I would be writing this soon, but God has answered the first prayer. An appointment opened tomorrow with the doctor. I am so glad!! Once we have talked with him I will update this entry. Good night.

Great is thy faithfulness

Well, last week we received some rather startling news. I have been getting regular blood tests because my thyroid is low. About a month ago the doctor noticed that my FSH level was high (around 40). She ran the test again last week and it was much higher-- 95. At this level the doctor said that it appears that my ovaries are failing or have already failed. Basically put, at 31 years of age, I may have passed the point of being able to conceive another child. I have had about 5 days to digest this information and have decided to write about it on this blog for a couple of reasons. First, it is a nice way for me to sort through my thoughts. Second, it will give me an opportunity to discuss my faith. You see, I believe very firmly that God is going to work through this situation to encourage my faith and the faith of those who read this blog. It is a scary thing to be told at 31 that you cannot have any more children- ever. Especially when you very much desire to carry and nurture another one. Yes, I am fortunate to have been able to at least have done this once in my life, and I am very, very thankful for my beautiful daughter, Georgia. Still, there is a longing inside of my heart to have another one and I am trusting that in His way, and in His perfect timing, God will provide another child for our family. So, what is the first thing on my agenda besides prayer? It is a meeting with a fertility specialist. We have an appointment on July 24. I am in the process of trying to move the appointment up. Apparently there are only 3 fertitility specialists in Oklahoma, so they are quite busy. Every need out there is important, for sure. Time is of the essence in my situation and so I am hoping that we can get in before the 24th. I will keep you posted on how things progress. In the meantime, dear blog reader, please pray for us that God would work as the Great Physician and heal my ovaries if it is His will. Thank you.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good to them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-261

Hi there Truman!

Shelley, one of my best-friends, visited last week. She and her family were en-route to the airport after having visited Jason's family in Picola (about 3 hours from here). I'm so glad that we had a chance to see them because this was my first time to see their adorable son, Truman! We only got one photo (see above) and neither Georgia nor Truman are looking at the camera, but he is such a cutie-pie and I can't wait to hang out with him again in October. :)