Sunday, January 13, 2008

Sunday, January 13, 2008 - Counting Your Blessings ...





Olivia had fun today impersonating various rock legends.
Elvis. . thank you, thank you very much

Gene Simmons from KISS

Storytime with Mommy

I feel like I have been given the opportunity to raise awareness of not only prematurity, but of infant loss and infertility. Do people understand the intense pain of losing a child? Do people truly understand the pain of infertility? For a second, please think of all of the joys that your children have given you. Those people who suffer with infertility and infant loss are robbed of those joys. I was always taught that I could become anything I wanted to be and found that is not always true if what you wanted to become was a mother. No matter how hard I tried or how much I prayed, it seemed impossible. It didn’t matter that I knew more about the human reproductive system than some medical professionals. As I look ahead, I realize that this is probably my one shot at motherhood and it saddens me that Olivia may not have any siblings . . .at least here on earth. I’m in no way discounting what is possible with God, but I just know how difficult it was for me. I mean, my husband had to give me shots in the stomach. I had weekly doctor visits and had to take progesterone three times a day for the first 13 weeks. I was still only able to carry them until 23 weeks. Not only do I have trouble getting pregnant, but I apparently have difficulty staying pregnant as well. Olivia is truly my dream come true. I still know so many people struggling with their journey to motherhood and I’ll never forget how hard that lonely journey is. A simple baby shower or another baby blessed to someone else was enough to send me into a depression. I think it’s so important to take time in our lives to appreciate the joys that we have, but to also acknowledge those people who struggle to have those same joys. . .whatever they may be. Open your arms and your hearts to them as you have done the past few months to me. I couldn’t have made it through myself without God and the kindness of people like all of you.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Jodi, Ryan and Olivia,
I LOVE the pictures of Olivia. She is such a little cutie!! Savannah loves to look at the pictures and read the captions. On your update about people wanting to know when she'll "Catch Up", I just have to comment on that. Every baby, toddler, adolescent, and adult is DIFFERENT!!! I really hate it when people compare their to yours. Savannah may not be the prettiest, skinny, smartest, second grader that was ever born, but as her Mommy, I think she's a princess. And to her thats all that matters too!! I feel like I know you since, like I said at your shower that I spend alot of time with your mom. I feel like I am Olivia and Izzy's "Aunt". I am a little defensive when it comes to negative things about Olivia. She is a princess! I told your mom at work several times that God has a purpose for that little girl. I don't know what it is, but there is definately a reason she's here. I think she's just perfect. Give her and hug and kiss from Savannah and I. I can't wait until we get to see her someday. We are willing to wait until she's 14 if thats what it takes!!
Have a great day,
Love,
Gina

Anonymous said...

Jodi-Unless you've experienced, first-hand, infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, etc., it's very hard to completely understand and relate. As someone who got pregnant, twice, had uncomplicated pregnancies,and delivered, just a few weeks ahead of schedule, I was clueless! Regarding miscarriage, I thought, "aw,that's too bad but, she'll go on to have a baby". Infertility? They'll adopt. I don't want to make it sound like I wasn't compassionate but, surely did not know the impact. Now, as a woman who has had two easy, healthy pregnancies, and two, healthy children, AND two, miscarriages, I get it!! I am now almost six months pregnant and worry about it everyday. When I first became pregnant with this baby, I was expecting miscarriage-now, if something happened, I would just die. Literally, a part of me would just die. Thank you for bringing this to other's attention. I will always be MUCH more compassionate and understanding. Babies are the most special thing we experiece here on earth.-Stacy Woodard

Miracles said...

Olivia looks great! I can't believe how big has gotten.

You both are doing a great job!

Anonymous said...

You hit the nail right on the head Jodi! Just as with everything else in life, unless you have been through it, you just don't fully understand.

But, Livi's pics are cute and they brightened my day!

Anonymous said...

Yay! I was so glad to see new pictures! She looks so gorgeous!
Jodi, when you said stop and think about the joys your kids have brought you, I can kinda relate. When I was growing up, I had a baby doll and her name was Cheyanne. She brought me, what I thought, all the joy in the world. I would take her anywhere and everywhere. I would be a 'regular' mom and read to her, tuck her in, and sometimes she was lucky enough to get a bath. But when I was with her, I was happy. Now I'm sure with Livi, that happiness has been multiplied by one million! And I know I can't truely understand, but I'm attempting. So yeah...
I love you all more than there are stars in the sky.
Stay Strong,
Shea♥

Shannon said...

hahahaha great pics!!!!