Counting Our Blessings

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have been looking back on 2014. I had my students write about three things they were thankful for this past year. As they wrote, I mused. It was challenging to chose just three.  I am so blessed, and though this year has had some ups and downs, I am grateful for ever step.

I am thankful for my husband, Donny.  He has held my hand for every IUI. When they failed and I fell apart he held me. We have the same goofy, child-like sense of humor and have kept each other laughing. I am beyond grateful that God protected him during the rough blood sugar low. He is my hero. Thank goodness he could give me those icky injections!

I appreciate Alabama Fertility Specialists.  Dr. Steinkampf has made solid, professional decisions in my treatment. I have never doubted his leading. Karen has been my fairy godmother, always bubbly and welcoming, a listening ear, and usually the one who performed each IUI.  Leslie, the sweet smiling face behind the front desk who bravely delivered so many bad reports to me month after month.  I could not do her job!

Finally, I am thankful for my baby. That's right friends! Today we heard the most wonderful news! We are pregnant! I was so nervous today before the appointment - terrified that the injections, our big guns, had failed.  I'd been hurting more this cycle. This past week my lower abdomen and back had been hurting, sometimes sharp pains, other times a dull ache. The girls have been sore too. I tried to explain it all as injection side effects.  By the time I got to the doctor's office I was shaking, I was so nervous. We had our normal visit - talk with Dr. Steinkampf, have blood drawn, and wait.

As we were leaving, Karen called down the hall, "Leigh! When we give you your positive, can we take Hawk's vest off and love on him?" That made me laugh. It turns out that she was right. About an hour and a half later I answered my phone and heard Karen on the other end. I instantly felt hope.  Karen has never called to report my results before.

" Hi Leigh! Tell Hawk to get ready! Your whole fan club is here in the office to give you the news. You are so pregnant!"

All I could do was say, "really?", cry happy tears, and hug Donny.  I could hear cheers in the background. What an amazing Thanksgiving! God is so good! Praise His name! His timing is perfect!