Alivia's First Cardinal Game

All these "1st" days are so much fun! We took Alivia to see her first Cardinal game on Sunday, Stan the Man Day (she was born on Stan's bday!). I can't say we actually saw much of the game (except on the big televisions), but it was nice walking around with her in the concourse area (staying out of the sun). She was so amazingly good; always smiling and laughing!

I'm sure we'll write more after Craig gets his few words in, but I just had to post some pix! May have more to come! :)

Alivia's Godparents were also there and we all met up! It was nice to be with everyone! Alivia loved it!Wow! The real live Fredbird! Alivia knows Fredbird through her mobile, but this guy is BIG! :)

My First Official Mother's Day!

What fun I had! I celebrated Mother's Day last year while Alivia was growing in my belly, but this year was just amazing! Saturday night, my Mom and Dad came over so we could celebrate with them. It was so nice and relaxing and Alivia "performed" like a champ. She's doing all sorts of cute things now; rolling over, laughing, examining things so closely, talking...it's so much fun!

Sunday, I woke up to many strategically placed cards from Craig and Alivia, along with a cute picture frame...exactly what Mama loves! Alivia knows me so well already! We had our little family time on Sunday morning and I cherish that. I love going to church with all three of us and then spending Sundays together. It's become my favorite day (since Craig is off sometimes)

We spent the afternoon at Tish and Kent's. It had been a month since they had seen Alivia, so they were so happy to have her there (and us too, I guess!). The food was yummy and we got to catch up.

Here are a few pix from that VERY special day!!!

This pic is from a different day...notice the warm weather clothes!

DON'T FORGET!!!!!!

The Gang's All Here!!!

That's right! The gang is all here!

During our days of invitro, a small family was formed of women, each facing different challenges on the road to having their own family. Each has an absolutely amazing story to share leading up to now, but now the next chapter has begun for all of us! All the ivf babies have arrived, again, each having an amazing story!

I owe much of my sanity to Robyn, Rachel, Julie, Lindsay and Mandy. We went through all of the challenges together and cried, vented, smiled, and laughed our way through the ups and downs of the process, some having more ups and downs than others. To me, they will always hold a VERY dear place in my heart and I hope we always stay in touch and that our kids will play together at our annual bbq! :) (Robyn...you have the pool, so we'll do it at your house).

Like I said, each of us have our own stories, but one thing we have in common; we have a very good support system in each other and in all of our families and friends. I know I do not speak for myself when I say that we are all so thankful for EVERYONE who shared our journey with us. IT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

Here are our little miracles, newest to oldest!

Taylor (Lindsay's Little Angel)

Olivia (Robyn's Youngest Angel)

Abigayle (Robyn's Oldest Angel, by a minute!)

Mia (Julie's Little Angel)




Carson (Rachel's Little Angel). Carson is the only boy! Lucky kid with all these cute little girls around him! :)

Alivia (Our Little Angel)

Victoria (Mandy's Little Angel)

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Before I was a Mom

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,

the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

Before I was a Mom.

thanks to Amy Yount for sharing this poem with me. :)

To find out the history of Mother's Day, Click below:

http://www.brownielocks.com/mothersday.html