7 Years Ago...

Seven years ago today I was the proud mother of two year old triplets who was expecting a very special surprise on August 6th. I had no idea that our baby bunting would decide that she had no intention of waiting that long. On Sunday night, July 27, 2003, I had no idea what glorious gift we would be given the next day.
The night before on Friday the 26th, I had thrown a small birthday gathering for my sweet DH whose birthday is the 29th. I decided to celebrate his birthday early since I was scheduled for a c-section on August 1st. We had our dear MH come to help with the children while I prepared for the party. Somehow we had time to run to Dos Taquitos to eat before our sweet guests arrived. As we left, I felt like perhaps my water had broken right there in the parking lot. I called my doctor who was on call AT THE HOSPITAL. In other words, it would have inconvenienced her in NO WAY had she asked me to come into the hospital to be checked. She did not. She told me that it sounded like I was fine and to not worry about it.
Therefore, I had DH's party and worried all night that something more might happen in front of our guests. It didn't, so the next day I SAT ON THE GROUND and painted chairs. Remember, I have trusted the medical professional and believe that there is no way my water broke.
Sunday morning the 5 of us went to church. While I felt uncomfortable, I sat through the service and came home afterwards. That evening my brother and his new bride brought over some delicious lasagna and we enjoyed a great meal together. I continued to feel ill and started feeling like I had the flu. Then, I began to have contractions.
I called our wise medical professional, who informed me that I was not having strong contractions because I was speaking too well. Never mind that they were less than 5 minutes apart, mind you. At 10pm, I called her back and then told her that I was going to come to the hospital (where she was ON CALL) because I could not scramble for help with 2 year old triplets any later than that. She told me I would most likely be sent home, but DH & I packed our bags anyway and went to the hospital.
The story will be continued tomorrow as we celebrate the birth of our fabulous blessing #4, our dear Bug. We love you, Buggy!

Creative Dinner

Our friend, D, is an avid hunter. He has been to Africa and other exciting places to hunt. On the walls of their house, unique animals like the kudu are displayed. It is fascinating! He just had a little birthday and his wife, W, invited us over for a very last minute dinner with our 2 families. She made the best fried chicken I have ever had (sorry, Mama, I haven't had yours in years). It was fantastic! She also made yummy mashed potatoes and fried okra, a meal sure to win every man's heart. (I fear DH is ready for a trade-in on this model-me). She had set the loveliest table in honor of her love. I thought you'd love to see the antlers and china and just how perfect everything looked!

Our Bug

We were told we couldn't have children, and so we prayed and prayed about what to do. We felt led to fertility treatments, and pursued them cautiously. Our triplets were a great surprise and blessing, as I have posted in the past here and here. What a blessing to be given three little angels. As crazy as it may sound, we didn't feel like our family was full and we prayed for more children. The doctors let us know that we would probably not be able to have another child without fertility treatments. DH & I were ready for more babies, and did not do anything to prevent the possibility of a baby, though I had never been pregnant without medical intervention. On a very cold December day, in the midst of the worst ice storm in the history of NC, I took a pregnancy test at Target. Now let me tell you something, this was not unusual. I was so hopeful for another baby that I took HUNDREDS of those tests over the years. They were always negative. So the fact that I took one when I was just a few days late was just par for the course! Imagine my surprise when it was POSITIVE!!!!!

And so began the path that led us to our BUG. Buggy was a great JOY, born just 2 years after the triplets. The night she was born, the nurse told us, "THIS is a particularly FUSSY baby!" I asked if she could be hungry, and she said, "No." I finally fed that sweet baby, and she hardly ever cried after that. Our Bug was an EASY, HAPPY, Funny baby. Her sense of humor was evident at an early age. She possesses a spunk and pizzazz for life that very few have. Not only is she funny, but she is kind. At school, our Bug is often the one who reaches out to the new child in her class. She is a leader around peers who are younger. As a baby, we called her our "mensa baby" because she was so smart. That baby has brought us so much joy, and we just loved that she was a shock, a surprise, a miracle.

Today marks the day that our Bug entered this world 6 years ago. I can hardly believe she is already six. In fact, it makes me cry thinking about it. She is beautiful, kind, loves Jesus, loves being part of a big family, and is very funny and smart. As she began opening gifts this morning, she happily played with each thing and hugged her siblings with so much enthusiasm! She is a delight. We are so thankful for this little angel, who graced our lives on July 28, 2003. Thank you, Lord, for our Bug. Thank you for the gift she is to our family. Please, Lord, bless her, protect her, grow her into a woman who puts you first in all things. Happy 6th birthday, BUGABOO!