Monday, April 9, 2012

Stretching and Growing...

Dear Baby,

Throughout this life, we are given lots of opportunities (aka trials) to stretch our capacities and to grow our faith. On the days where I am able to think positively, I realize this is an incredible opportunity to stretch and to grow. I came home from church a few weeks ago and was particularly touched by the lyrics of this song:

Stronger than the Storn
by Katherine Nelson

She feels the storm around her
Her heart is filled with fear
The dreams that she once held
No longer seem so clear
And She wonders if
She has the strength within
She feels the raging seas
And doubts that she can win

His Hands have power to calm the winds
And the seas are under His command
And He stands when all else falls
He is always stronger than the storm.

And as the winds grow stronger
She knows she can't let go
She pleads to the Father
He strengthens her soul
The winds beat down
they wash away her pride
when the storm moves on
All that is pure is left inside.

She knows His Hands have power to calm the winds
And the seas are under His command
And He stands when all else falls
He is always stronger than the storm.

She knows He's stronger than the storm.


Honestly Baby, there are so many days that I wonder if I really am stronger than this storm. I think most of my days are spent in some measure of prayer of communication with Heavenly Father. I find myself sometimes just asking to help me make it through the next 5 minutes. Today after one of those moments I was reminded of a time a few years back when I trained for a marathon. Although baby, this life really isn't a race- this experience can be compared to the preparation spent for my marathon. It's easy to run a 5k. And really, a 5k is a good thing. You should be happy to be able to be physically fit enough to run a 5k.... A 5k is quick. You can finish it in under a half hour. You find a measure of satisfaction being able to do it. And really anyone can. A marathon however, requires so much more. It requires training. You have to use and stretch new muscles. They have to become strong. To do it successfully it takes time. There is a huge measure of satisfaction and joy you feel when crossing the finish line. Not many people can do it. And so is my struggle to have you.... Most will only have to face the distance of a 5k to have a child. I feel like I am on mile 18 of my marathon. I am tired, my muscles are weak, but they are stronger than they were before I started training. I can't quite see the finish line yet, but I know it's out there. And baby, like a crossing the finish line of a marathon- the first time I hold you will give me so much joy. More satisfaction and elation than any 5k finish.

There is something about having to exercise patience for something your heart aches for. It has the ability to refine you, not define you. I have days where I almost let this challenge define me. I almost let it make me unhappy. Sometimes I even let it make me feel like I am somewhat of a broken woman, that somehow I don't measure up... that the quality of my life isn't what other women's are because I don't have you. But Baby, it simply isn't true. I am a woman that is a marathon runner, capable of the strenuous training that is needed to make it to the finish line. I have faith that I will have this burden lifted from my shoulder, and in it's place you will be in my arms.

One of my greatest hopes for you is that you have the courage to face the daunting challenge of whatever marathon yours may be. I hope that you know, that you literally can accomplish anything. You will have a mom and a dad that will believe in you... not only will we love to the moon and back we will help you accomplish yours dreams, because you will be our dream come true.

Until Next Time,
Your Future Mom


Sunday, April 1, 2012

It's so hard waiting...

Dear Baby-

I haven't written you letters for so long because my heart has hung heavy for the past few months. The purpose of writing to you is for you to know someday how long we loved you and yearned for you before you ever came into our lives. So Baby, I am going to share with you why my heart hangs heavy.... and why it's so hard waiting for you....

I have wanted to be your mother since I was a little girl... Did you know when I was little my favorite song was "When I Grow Up I want to be a Mother"... Here are the lyrics:


"When I grow up I want to be a mother
And have a family
One little, two little, three little babies of my own
Of all the jobs, for me I'll choose no other
We'll have a family
Four little, five little, six little babies in my home
And I will love them all day long
And give them cookies and milk and yellow balloons
And cuddle them when things go wrong
And read them stories and sing them pretty tunes
When I grow up if I can be a mother
How happy I will be
One little, two little, three little babies I can love
And you will see each sister and each brother
Who look a lot like me
Four little, five little, six little blessings from above."

I used to dance around in my Halloween costume which by the way was a little bridal gown and hold my baby dolls. So you see Baby, I have looked forward to having you all my life. Each month you aren't here feels like forever. When you are trying to have a baby you live your life in 2 week cycles.... 2 weeks waiting to see if the medicine worked... and then 2 more weeks to see "if it took"... Somehow living your life in 2 week cycles makes time drag on forever.... Each year feels like 10.

New babies are making their way into this world each and everyday. Right now it feels like everyone is pregnant. As a matter of fact 3/4 of my sister/sister-in laws are pregnant or have recently had a baby. That's not counting any of my dear friends. I am not unhappy for them. I do not harbor any negative feelings for them... In fact, I am happy for them. But baby sometimes it makes my heart hurt knowing that of all of those babies who are coming to this earth right now- you aren't one of them. I have learned that you can be happy for someone without being excited. I am working on the excited part. I sometimes wonder Baby, if you are just having too much fun with Heavenly Father to want to come down and live with us for a while... I mean I understand... I probably would too.

The fear of the unknown can be a very scary thing. Sometimes it can even bring you to a breaking point. I think I may have even gotten to mine. But you know what Baby, we can't live our lives in fear. I am learning that. Fear is a tool of the adversary. There is nothing about living in fear and doubt that is productive. It won't help you come here any faster.... Even worse it won't help me be any happier or make the pain any less while I wait for you. I thought for split second that the negativity would help me stop wanting you so badly... so I let is fester for a little while. But it doesn't. There is nothing in this world that could do that. You're part of the thread that stitches me. Even though I haven't had you yet, you're a part of me. So, I am going to pull myself up- by the boot straps if I have to and find a way to shed the hurt and anger so that I can be the best woman I possibly can. Because Baby, you deserve it.

Sometimes waiting for you seems like the meanest joke in the world.... But somehow I can't help but know that all of the pain is going to be worth it. I am going to love you so much- a big part of me already does. I am going to appreciate you and savor every second with you. I picture the moment we find out we're going to have you and I find tears of joy just at the thought of it.

While I wait for you I promise I will try to be patient. I am going to turn this over to the Lord, because only He can help. He is in control, and I need to surrender to that. I am going to work on laying this challenge at His feet. I am also going to have Faith. I am going to have Faith in all of the blessings that have been promised to me instead of being skeptical of them. As you can see I have lots to keep me busy to prepare to meet you. But Baby, please hurry. I look forward to meeting you... to holding you... because I love you.

Love,
Your future mom....