After lots of soul searching, heartfelt prayer, escapist travel, and many, many, tears, we were blessed with a pregnancy. The time of trying to conceive was a long and lonely place. But I can already sense that in the rosy glass of retrospect there is a fresh perspective. The love of friends and family shines during heartache. I was fortunate to have friends who had traveled this road before me and companions along the way, as well, to share in the bewilderment of infertility. So many questions arise that cannot be answered. But what I know now is that even if we had not conceived, I have experienced amazing love. My advise to others on this journey is simple: You are not alone - reach out those in your sphere of influence - you may be amazed at the healing that begins with the words or the touch of a friend.
During the holiday season of 2010 we found out that we had conceived. We already had plans for a three week trip in December and January, and our first ultrasound would be early. On Christmas eve of 2010 we saw for the first time our daughter, along with her strong and steady heartbeat! Joy cannot begin to describe the gift of that ultrasound! The gift of that Christmas led us to choose her middle name as a constant reminder, Noelle.
Celebrating our final year of marriage pre-children, we took a last minute trip to Santa Barbara in the third trimester. Josh and I attended college, met, and fell in love in Santa Barbara... it's a special place. We still dream of reasons to move back to Santa Barbara!
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