Reflections!

In just an hour and a half Rylan Renee' will turn one-year old! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It's hard to believe that we have been parents to such an awesome little girl for a year. It hasn't always been easy, but God has been faithful to see us through every moment and we are grateful that He chose to bless us with her. I just found a journal entry tonight from October of 2006 where I was asking God if He was ever going to let be a mom. That he is graceful enough to see past my selfish pleadings is overwhelming. He clearly had a plan all along and shame on me for doubting. Shaun and I are going to try and do a John Waller song on Sunday called While I'm Waiting. It was used in the movie Fireproof and the words perfectly describe the journey we have been on. While I did have times of weakness and heartache, above all we sought to glorify God in our wait for a child. And in June of 2007 when Dr. Marshall told me that the clomid had not worked and I would need to see a specialist, I was at peace. We still hadn't received an answer about what to do (see the specialist, give up, look into adoption, etc) when my mom told me she thought I was pregnant. She was right! I love to look at Rylan and let my mind drift back to that morning I saw the words "pregnant" on my first of six pregnancy tests. All there was to do was fall on my hands and knees and cry out "Thank you!" over and over to my most gracious Lord. He is so good to us and we are blessed beyond measure. And now on to pictures of a year ago today and some of my favorite pics since I waited so long to start a blog!

My sisters visiting me while I was in labor. I'm sorry girls-and mom--and Shaun-for being such a poop head! I was mean to everyone and they will probably not be present at another birth!

My first time holding my precious daughter. I still could not believe she had arrived!

I love this picture-I'm cuddling with my daughter and looking young!

Miss Rylan has always adored her daddy!

Rylan's first big trip to the North Shore with my family-June '08

Standing: Daunee', Damion, Shaun & Ry, Kenzie, Echo & Ella, Paul

Crouching: Aiden and Mom, Dad


Rylan sporting her daddy's hat at Hills Alive-July '08

Rylan's Dedication-August '08. We were thankful to have lots of family present!

First Christmas present!!

Last Sunday before church-she's not doing so well at looking at the camera anymore!

We are so excited that we get to celebrate Rylan's first birthday with family and friends tomorrow night (or tonight here in a few moments)! The decorations are all set out and ready to be put up, the cake is waiting in Uncle Tucker's fridge, and the fixings for calzones and salad are waiting in our fridge. Yum! My students have begged and pleaded for me to let Rylan come to school so they can sing Happy Birthday to her. They even offered to have their moms bring treats! I think Shaun is going to bring lunch in for us and then we will have some brownies with my students. They will be thrilled, I'm sure. And all because we love you so much, Rylan Renee'!! Happy Birthday!!