Blessed Beyond Measure

On the eve of my retrieval, I can't help but think this: I have been so very, richly blessed. I am so humbled by the outpouring of love and support for Sam and I during our journey towards tomorrow. Infertility is a really rough hand to be dealt; there is absolutely no denying that. But I feel so thankful to be here, to have arrived at this day, to have this opportunity. I could have been born in a different century, heck, a different decade in which IVF wasn't an option... I'm so thankful that I can even attempt this. I could have been born in a different country, a country where I would be shunned for my inability to produce offspring, or a country where I am unable to pay for something like this... I am so thankful for the financial stability and the freedom to pursue treatment. I am incredibly blessed to be right where I am.

In addition, I am so blessed to have such an incredible support system! I have been showered with so much love and support... and so many gifts. Seriously, did someone leak the secret that my love language is gifts? Okay, maybe I shared that, but never in my life have I felt so loved. So many kind, sweet, thoughtful people have reached out to let me know that they care and are thinking of me... it's an incredible feeling and I am truly humbled.

Kara, a precious lady who found my blog and reached out to me during my IUIs in 2012 has been such a treasure to me. She was one of my first legitimate friends that I made via the blogosphere. I hate that you guys don't get to know her like I do, but the good news is that she now holds her miracle... she gave birth this year to a precious baby boy. She's a real gem and someday, I'm going to get to Raleigh to actually meet her and her sweet family.

Kara sent the world's softest PJ's, a box of decaf teas, and a precious
CD of songs that she listened to while she was pregnant!

Caroline is also such a good friend. It takes a bond like infertility to make Gators and Dawgs play nice, but I can say I'm honestly thankful to be friends with a Gator fan! My IVF cycle lines up almost exactly 11 months from when she started her IVF cycle... but she has been through so much since then. Caroline has had such a rough year, and yet she has been so selfless in supporting me! And today I actually did get to meet Caroline! She was sweet enough to drive from Gainesville to Jacksonville to come hang out and get pedicures! Sadly, neither of us thought to get a picture, but I promise, it happened, and it was LOVELY!

Caroline's sweet care package for the retrieval! Some
comfy, purple pajama pants, fluffy socks, and Shrek:
the movie she watched after her transfer.
Hopefully, I'll be sporting these fun socks next Tuesday!

I've mentioned before that I get the pleasure of working in my church's preschool environment. I have the most beautiful, special group of two year olds that I absolutely love to pieces! But in addition to all the hugs, smiles, and 'I love you's that I get every Sunday, I have the pleasure of serving with some of the most fantastic women I know. I am so blessed that the Lord led me to them... serving alongside them has changed my heart and gifted with me some beautiful friendships!

My Waumba team's gift of a soft, fluffy robe (monogrammed), socks,
Burt's Bees,  Essie nail polish, and a collection of Nicholas Sparks movies!

When my mom came down to stay, she brought her own special care package. Not only that, but mom stabbed me with the needle every night (and morning)! I know she didn't enjoy it any more than I did, but she was a trooper and did a great job! I'm so thankful that she has has been so supportive of Sam and I on this journey. She's pretty special!

An overnight Cinda b bag filled with all kinds of goodies like body butter
from The Body Shop and a super cute workout outfit!

My friend Jennie was sweet enough to send an excellent gift! In the midst of the holidays and trying to convince her new son that he does, in fact, like a bottle, she was kind enough to ship me her left over Crinone! So thoughtful and generous!! Jennie is precious and finally welcomed her miracle son this year, but she has been so sweet to continue to cheer me on through our journey! Crinone is EXPENSIVE and after we just shelled out more than twice what we expected on meds, it was a very nice reprieve to not have to make an additional order for progesterone!

And lastly, sweet Suzanne! Suzanne and I couldn't possibly have journeys that look more different... we struggle with completely different issues and it has led us down very different paths. But I could not ask for a sweeter, more kindhearted friend to walk this road with. She is constantly and consistently asking how I'm doing, checking in throughout the week, and cheering me on with every next step. Suzanne is another sweet friend that someday, somehow, I am going to meet!

Beautiful flowers from Suzanne to brighten up the space! 

And it's not just all the gifts... it's the incredible outpouring of love and support that has meant so much to me. Every hug, text message, comment, prayer... they have inspired me so much along the way! So thank you all so, so much for your encouragement!

No matter what happens tomorrow, I am blessed beyond measure. That, however, does not mean that I'm not praying and hoping for even more blessings (I'm greedy that way). Please join me in asking the Lord to bless us richly tomorrow with beautiful, healthy, mature eggs and the start to our future family! I'll give you all an update as soon as I'm lucid!