This past Thursday one of my best friends, Ashley, gave birth to the precious Kamryn Reese.
This was my very first childbirth that I've personally witnessed...I can't put into words just how amazing it was; this was one of the best experiences I've ever had! The baby story (on TLC) has nothing on the real life thing!! I really can't put into words just how special this day was to me; it meant alot that Ashley and James asked that I was in there while Reese was born...I appreciate them letting me be apart of there special day more than words can express!!
Ashley made labor look so amazingly easy; she handled her contractions like a champ; she progressed fast (from an 8 to a 10 in less than 10 minutes) and only pushed about 4 times!! I'm so proud of her!
Here are some pictures from the special day!
Ashley and I a couple hours before Reese was born...
Minutes before she started pushing... (feeling a little pain, but looks amazing!!)
Kamryn Reese Heard
She was much bigger than any of us thought--Ashley was def. all baby!
Love this picture!
Happy Daddy and Reese
I'm her favorite :)
Zach and Reese
Too cute!
Love this picture!
Love her hat--complements of Veronica--(Everyone loved it Ver!!)
I was born and raised Baptist; Zach was born and raised Catholic… my Grandparents are members at the First United Methodist Church and we visited there a good few months before we joined. Being Methodist was the perfect mix for us, it’s just the right about of Baptist and the right amount of Catholic; we are really happy that we found a church home.
* Where does your strength come from and how do you stay so strong through this hard time?
My strength comes from God. Yes, my husband gives me strength, as well as my family and my wonderful friends…but ultimately it’s God…and God is also the one who keeps me strong through this journey. I lean on him a lot, trust in him and have faith in him that he has a plan for Zach and I.
* As far as your infertility, did you have things that happened before you started trying to conceive? When did you realize that something was wrong?
I’ve always had irregular cycles; when I was young my mom took me to the Dr. and they discussed birth control to help regulate me. Having irregular cycles could have been a sign, but nothing was ever mentioned about them; and that was the only thing that could have possibly been a sign. As far as when I realized something was wrong—our TTC story didn’t start like others, we were engaged with only a few short months until our wedding date. I went in for a regular pap and it came back abnormal; that’s when I had to undergo biopsies, scrapings and more intense testing’s to figure out why…they told me I had severe dysplasia—border line cancer cells. At that time I was more scared, TTC never entered my mind—that was until my Dr. took Zach and I in his office and told us if we planned on having children it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start now because with the looks of my cervix I possibly might have to have hysterectomy by the age of 30…that was about the time I knew something was really wrong….to read my whole story click here.
* If you could describe Zach in one word, You and in word (and Peanut-Ginger and Sasha since I know how much you love your fur kids!) what would it be?
First how sweet of you to add my fur-kidos into this, they def. are a HUGE part of our little family and I appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Zach-Adventurous
Me-Observant
Peanut- Messy
Ginger- Pre-Madonna
Sasha-Needy
* Where do you stand as far as IVF—will you be having this done anytime soon?
To be honest, where just taking one day at a time…it’s hard to pinpoint a day in which it will be done. We are still saving money and praying that a miracle happens in the mean time.
* Have you thought about adoption?
Adoption has been a big thought; as well as discussed between Zach and I a few times, if this is the journey God wants us to go down, we are prepared.
* Have you looked into IVF in another country due to the expense?
Actually, yes we have (I surprising also get this emailed to me the most out of all topics), This is something we are observant of, but not sure about as well… I am SO scared about scams and not sure what’s real and what isn’t (if anyone knows of somewhere that is proven to be real, please feel free to email me so I can look into it future).
* How long did it take you to accept infertility and be happy with your life?
Infertility is such a hard struggle in life. It’s one only those that walk these shoes understand…I was depressed off and on for about the first year…it wasn’t until I had a pure melt down that I realized it’s not worth it, why dwell on something you have no control over? I accepted infertility close to a year ½ after trying. I still have my moments as you can all see…but that’s part of being human!
* How did you start blogging? Did you think your blog would become so big?
I started blogging in order to keep my family updated with our Dr. appts; I figured it would be easier vs. calling and emailing each person; I never thought people would be interested in following our journey—I wouldn’t consider our blog ‘big’...there are so many out there like, Kelly’s Korner and MckMama’s Blog that are BIG blogs! J
*My question for you is in high school did you play any sports?
I was in track my freshman year, then went into drill team (dance class) and was in there until I graduated.
* If you could give any advice to an infertile couple, what would it be?
Take one day at a time, find peace with this journey and learn from it…if you let God guide you, it can make you and your spouse stronger. Have faith and don’t give up!
It's that time of year again (well almost)...it's JIMMY time!
I never knew who Jimmy Buffett was until I met Zach, of course I've heard his famous hit songs, 5 o'clock Somewhere and Margaritaville....but never put the two together...
His family took me to my first concert the first year we met and I immediately feel in love with his unique songs and amazing show; now I'm addicted like his family!
Well...tickets went on sale earlier this week and Zach's brother ordered them for everyone! Were taking an RV this year and spending a couple nights up in Frisco--which I am so excited for because we've been wanting to do this for years and never have. The concert isn't until May, there are 6 people going with us so far, but more could always come...I absolutely can't wait!!
(I will be posting the answers to all the questions I received tomorrow--if you have a question for me you can email it to me or comment it and I will add it to the list)
What is up with this Texas weather…we have had more snow within the past couple months than we have had my entire life! If you don’t know already, Texas doesn’t normally participate in the season most call ‘winter’…The low in TX normally consist of ‘maybe’..‘MAYBE’ a week of 35, very rarely do we see anything below that…last Christmas my whole family had short sleeve shirts on. So snow in TX, multiple times, is a big deal!!
My co-workers and I ran outside several times to play in the snow…other states would laugh at the fact of our whole town closing down due to a few inches of snow, but most everything is closed. I know when I was up in PA when they had a couple feet, everything was opened…but TX drivers are not used to driving in this, me being one of them! So, I was one who left early so I could drive 10 miles an hour home to play in this BEAUTIFUL snow!!!
Only in TX can you go from 78 degree sunny and beautiful day to 35 degree and inches of snow!! Love-Love-Love it!!!
Here are a few pics from the day:
Our yard...
Ginger wasn't a big fan of the snow...
Look at that look on her face...she's saying 'Mom--PLEASE take me in now!'
Peanut stayed on the 'doggy path'...she didn't like to stand in the snow either!
Sasha, her look is pretty pathetic also; after being in the snow all day long she was ready to come inside...
This past weekend was one of my best friends baby shower…Rosemary and I have known each other since 6th grade, she’s always been one of my closest friends—and here recently we both shared the journey that neither one of us would have chosen for ourselves…infertility.
I’ll never forget when she told me about her infertility journey, my heart ached for them…I knew emotionally wise what Zach and I have been through and really hated to see Rosemary and Derek going through the same thing…however on the other hand I was thankful that one of my personal friends knew exactly what I’ve been going through.
Although neither Rosemary nor I would ever wish this journey on anyone, I think we were both thankful that we had each other!!
Seeing her pregnant this weekend and seeing the pure excitement on her face gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes…I can’t express just how excited I am for them.
Rosemary is proof that God answers prayers and miracles happen to those who believe!
Love you Rosie and Derek—we are beyond happy for y’all and can’t wait to meet Gavin!
Here are some pics from the shower:
Jenn, Me, Aimee, Amber (with Parker), Kelly, Rosie, and Mindy
Mindy, Rosie and Me
Rosemary's mom painted this, it matched her nursery perfect--too cute!
Rosie opening her goody basket from the one and only...me ;)
G is for Gavin onsie
This is the cutest onsie!
(Kristin--I think it's safe to say she LOVED it) You can click here to check out Kristin's boutique, it's amazing, plus she does custom orders- if you have something special in mind just email her!!)
I often get asked this question...my answer is simple.
TRUST....
You have to trust in our Lord in order to find Peace!!
It can be difficult to overcome the struggles that we encounter, we allow many things to devour us from the inside...life's biggest hurdles can steal peace and contentment from our hearts IF we allow them to...instead of allowing yourself to live in the despair from your struggles, we can reprogram our minds to think positive and peaceful thoughts.
Feel free to blog about something motivational today, if you do leave me your blog link in my comment section so I can read it!!
Infertility is not an easy journey...unlike any struggle it can really put a damper on things.
Sometimes it's nice to step back and find the humor in the situations were placed in, there is always humor....I could name numerous times throughout this journey that Zach and I looked at each other in disbelief that we just did 'that' in order to get pregnant.
Now that I sit back and think about it, in the beginning we sure did some crazy things...you know; all the 'myths' about 'ways' to help boost pregnancy....yup, we've probably done every one in the book! (I'd name some of them...but there kinda embarrassing...maybe that will be another post some day...we'll see)
I recently found a blog that list a lot of the humor and truth in infertility and I've laughed my head off while reading it. I recommend any one of my fellow infertile readers to check it out....even those who are fertile; it might help you understand just a 'tiny' bit of what we go through at times....click here to go to999 Reasons To Laugh at Infertility.
You might be wondering what exactly the picture above is. Well it's a home work out device that attaches to your door frame (obviously huh?)--It's for pull ups and it has these straps that came with it for abs (these straps are for your arms to go through, this is an important part of this story to remember for later on!!!). This device doesn't seem very sturdy but trust me it is(when done correctly)...this was one of Zach's Christmas presents from his mom, he loves it and tries to use it every night...me on the other hand, I can't pull myself up if my life depended on it...my arms are super weak!
Well...the other night Zach started doing pull ups...just like any normal night, except this night he decided to 'experiment'....I can't really say that I know what was going through Zach's head at the time, but I can pretend it went something like this....
"Hmmmm....I wonder if I put my 'legs' through these straps if I could hang upside down and do reverse sit ups....hmmmm, let me try this, although it doesn't look safe, I think I can do it....."
About this time as all these wonderful thoughts are going through his head......WHAM!!!!!!!
What happened you ask!?!?!!?!? My ever so clever husband crashed, straight on his back...his grand idea of sticking his LEGS in the slots where his ARMS are supposed to go didn't work well for him!!!
After I checked on him and made sure he was ok, I died in laughter...because that's what wives do when there husbands act like goofballs! :)
SO, ladies and gentlemen, this is what NOT to do with your home exercise device!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful Friday and an awesome weekend!!!
Mr (or Mrs.) Bird to my left cracks me up, he (or she) puts a huge smile on my face and I hope it does the same for you!!
As you might have noticed...my comment section has changed. I have been getting quite a few 'spam' comments; and after talking to many fellow bloggers I've learned that this new comment program is wonderful as I can do away with all my spam comments...
I hope it's not to complicated for anyone, you can either comment anonymously or you can set up an account (similar to google)... I would love for everyones feedback and y'all to let me know if you are liking the new comment section or not...
UPDATE: I am aware my comment section isn't showing up--I am trying to fix this :) UPDATE #2: I believe I fixed it...let me know if you have any troubles :)
Random tid-bits...
One of my best friends baby shower is this weekend, Rosemary--I can't wait to see her!!
One of my other best friends, Ashley, is going to have little Kamryn Reese ANY day now...I am so excited!
It's getting warmer outside (please stay this way!!!)--TX is not meant to be a freezing cold state; I miss my sun! .....well, thats about it!
Sorry for the random post about not-a-whole-lot, the ostrich was kinda cute though huh? :)
Hi-My name is Tiffany and I am a Reality Show Addict!
My favorite reality show of all time is Big Brother, I become glued to the TV like a 3 year old watching Dora the Explorer—no lie!! If Zach tries to talk to me while it’s on I get in a tizzy, you would think he committed a crime! Ha!!! At my work we have a ‘Big Brother Pot’, we all put in money and draw names, whoever's contestant wins Big Brother wins the pot—I have a ‘Big’ BB Problem!
My favorite of all time was last season with Jeff and Jordan; they have to be the cutest little couple ever…
This brings me to my new addiction….Amazing Race. I’ve never watched the Amazing Race before; however guess who is on there this season…Jeff and Jordan! This show is new to me, and it’s not one of my favorites as of right now, but I just crack up and love watching Jeff and Jordan…there personalities are too cute. If they had a Jeff and Jordan reality show I would be hooked for sure!
Another one of my favorites is the Biggest Loser. Last season was the first season I’ve seen and I was hooked almost immediately. There stories are amazing, and I believe this is a very motivational reality show; it’s not about just being overweight, it’s about overcoming life long obstacles and finding your happiness again. I love it!
Some of my ‘not so proud addictions’ are:
Although I haven’t watched it in quite some time and my addiction is wearing off, The Hills…I used to watch this show religiously; not so much anymore…it’s changed and I’m just not that into it anymore.
The Real World…I’ve watched this show for many years; however this season isn’t doing too much for me…I’m not a huge fan of this season, but guess who still finds herself recording it (when I remember too) and watching it…that would be me!
Another one of my ‘not so proud addictions’ is The Bad Girls Club. This is one of those shows Zach and I watch in pure amazement and disbelief that people can really act in such behavior! The yelling, fighting…bickering…Pre-Madonna’s all the way, it’s quite amusing and the annoyances of it is very addicting.
Zach tells me I am a ‘Reality Show Junkie’…what do y’all think? Do I need help?? :)
Last Saturday Zach and I, along with our friends Nikki and Billy, went to his ex-coworkers wedding…it was a cute little wedding. Matt is a singer in a rock band so there wedding was very different, but fit them perfectly. Instead of walking down the isle to the normal ‘here comes the bride’ song…she came down to a rock song; it was really unique!
Remember way back when, when I told you Zach and I are complete opposites and he is the life of the party while I am the shy observer? Well, Saturday night was no different. Zach was out on the dance floor dancing away…at some points he was the only one out there; it was quite hilarious!
Here are a few pictures of the night!
Love him!!!
Billy and Nikki
Nikki and me
Nikkie, Me and Tiffany
Zach, Josh, Matt and Billy
Zach dancing with the bride and some cute little kid...
Ashley and I a couple hours before Reese was born...
Minutes before she started pushing... (feeling a little pain, but looks amazing!!)
Kamryn Reese Heard
She was much bigger than any of us thought--Ashley was def. all baby!
Love this picture!
Happy Daddy and Reese
I'm her favorite :)
Zach and Reese
Too cute!
Love this picture!
She's so sweet :)
