Our Story

Well, I've been inspired! Thanks to all the wonderful families that I have met on the web I have been inspired to start a blog of my very own. It has been such a blessing to have received the support I needed and I hope to do the same for others. I think this will be a great way to keep friends and family updated on our lives out here in the big ole state of Texas! I hope everyone enjoys reading about our journey not only raising a child, but a special child.
I can't believe that Cole is almost 5 months old! It seems like just yesterday he was born. I have been reflecting quite a bit lately about this past year. In church on Christmas Eve the pastor asked us to sum up our year in one word. My word...Roller coaster (okay that's 2 words) !! It has been a roller coaster of emotions. I went from on top of the world to feeling like I wanted to curl up in a ball. I still remember the day when I went in for a "simple" 24 week check-up. That was the day that completely changed my world. Normally Brooks goes with me to all of my appointments, but I figure that there is no need at this appointment. It's just a quick lets-see-how-things-are-progressing check-up. I sit down and notice that my doctor was making nervous small talk with me. Then she breaks the news. There is a possibility that something is not right with your baby. I'm without words...the room is spinning...tears are pouring out of my eyes. She sends me to a specialist. The minute I leave the office I'm on the phone with Brooks. We get to the specialist and are told there is a possibility of skeletal dysplasia. What?! Skeletal dysplasia??! I couldn't believe it. I will have to wait the next 16 weeks to see what will be "wrong" with my baby. Fast forward to Cole's birth. It is an easy day. I get in, get hooked up, get my epidural, push for about an hour and get my precious baby boy! He's perfect!! Ten fingers and ten toes. Then my pediatrician comes in and sends my world into a whirlwind. "We are pretty sure that he has Achondroplasia," she says. OK. "What does that mean?" Dwarfism. Again...tears come pouring out. I should point out that I wasn't able to do any research on the subject while pregnant. I just couldn't get myself to do it. I was living in denial. I knew deep down in my heart, but I was still holding out hope. The next few days was kind of a blur. I could feel myself just sinking into a hole. We went from one doctors appointment to another. I couldn't have done any of this without my amazing husband and wonderful parents who were there by my side the entire time. Then I start letting my friends in. I couldn't believe the love and support I received from ALL of my friends and family, including people I didn't know. Once I broke the ice about Cole it got easier and easier until one day I woke up and I didn't even shed a tear. It may have taken me a few weeks, but I came to realize one thing...I have my baby. I get to hold and kiss and love my beautiful baby Cole. He made it! I get to fall asleep with him in my arms every night and wake up to his smiling face every morning. I know that we have a long road ahead of us, but I get to take that road with Brooks and Cole.
So to sum up my year...my word is Roller coaster. What's your word? What are you grateful for this year? Now on to the next chapter in my life. May 2008 be a year filled with joy and happiness!