November 20, 2012

We had an appointment this morning and were so excited to see how much baby Nola had changed from our previous appointment. Last time we weren't able to get a good picture of her face because her hand was in the way, so our doctor gave us a nice shot of her bottom. Dell wasn't amused. So, I had been talking to Nola and asking her to show her face at the next appointment. We just love seeing her. So, she did. I can't get the pdf to upload here, but trust me when I say she's adorable.  She's weighing about 4lbs 4oz, which is apparently right on average for her age. It was a great appointment and we're going back again in two weeks. I can't believe how close it is.

However, on the way in to see the doctor, I saw something that I have not forgotten about. As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw a woman crying hysterically and the husband comforting her. I don't know her story, but I know her pain. It quickly reminded me that not everyone is coming to that building and leaving with good news. I was her several months ago when I received the news of the cyst and thought I may never be able to have biological children on my own. I was her in Arkansas when we lost the last baby at 8 weeks. I haven't forgotten what it feels like to receive disappointing news, instead of the happy news of a growing, healthy baby. I wanted to hug her, to let her know that she's not alone in feeling sad and that it's normal to be upset. I started to cry just thinking about her heartbreak and knowing that, even if I did hug her, there's nothing I could've said to make her feel better. So, I just silently prayed that God would give her comfort and peace to help with whatever she's suffering through. And that I would never lose my sense of gratitude for my situation. I am so thankful to be where I'm at today.  

Maternity Pictures

November 7, 2012

Things have been very busy lately and I've not done a good job of keeping up with the blog. We have been building our house for months and the end is drawing near. That's one thing that keeps me up at night. While I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity, it has also been painful at times and I'm ready for it to be settled. Growing up, and even as I got older, I never imagined being able to build a home, so I am grateful to be in this situation. But I have mixed emotions about it all. Since moving back to Tulsa, we have been staying with my sister and her family for the past year and a half. In reality, the situation couldn't be better. We literally thank God for them and the way they've opened their home to us all the time. It's such an unselfish thing to do and it could've been very painful for everyone involved, but it hasn't been. Not at all. We have two (and a half now) humans + two dogs living in ONE bedroom and sharing a bathroom with all our necessary belongings. In total, there are four adults, two children (with one on the way), three dogs and five vehicles sharing a house, a refrigerator, a pantry, parking, living room, kitchen and everything else you can think of. It's not normal, but it has actually worked for us. I think we're beyond lucky we all get along as well as we do and we've managed to stay friendly throughout the entire process. 

And, as much as I can't wait to have our own space, settle in, spread out and get Nola's room ready, I do realize I will miss the crazy living situation we had at the Corbin house. I've spent so much time lately focusing on how great it will be to have our own place, but I can't deny the fact that there are things I will miss about living with my sister. 

Some things I know will miss:
Coming home after a bad day to a greeting by my nephews
Hearing the boys play together downstairs
Having Gavin bring me my mail or the paper upstairs
Helping each other cook Sunday night dinner  
Always having my sister there to talk to
Seeing Chris and Dell bond over sports
Hanging out in our pajamas playing games, telling jokes or whatever
  
Some things I'm looking forward to: 
Unpacking and arranging both new and old things, furniture, etc.
Getting the nursery set up
Having a fridge and freezer to ourselves
Not sharing a bathroom sink
Parking in a garage this winter
Lighting the fireplace and putting up a Christmas tree
Sleeping in a comfortable bed, not on the floor
No train noises in the middle of the night
    
 I'm sure there is more to be added, but that's a start. To Starr and Chris, we can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. We love you and are so glad we'll still be close.