A Little R&R

We all just returned from a marvelous break to Arizona to meet up with friends, see some family, and do a whole lot of nothing. You know a vacation is good when it feels like you were gone 2 weeks, even though you were only gone 5 days. We were in Sedona, which was amazing, scenic, relaxing and the weather was fabulous and dry! We also didn't realize until we got there that we had almost forgotten what a blue sky and bright sun actually feel like. It was so nice to get away, and a much needed vacation. We are all feeling 100% better.

The BK took the LG on a little hike. I say little because the LG ran his poor little face into the ground not long after the hike began, quickly calling the "hike to a halt. A few before and after pictures:



The LG also got to rekindle his flame with his BFF. It was so great to see some of our best friends from DC and hang out like we used to.


As you will see above, I had a debacle with my contact lenses the morning we were leaving, so I was disappointed to have to wear my glasses the whole time, particularly since I was hoping to get a nice pair of shades, but it seems useless until I get my eyeballs fixed. I also got a massage, a nice reward for Mother's Day. Count your blessings that I am not posting photos of that. Another highlight, was that they were all out of compact cars at the rental place, so we got a free upgrade. We chose the Nissan Murano, which I was quite happy with. Gotta love a freebie. Speaking of car rentals, as we were waiting in line, the woman in front of us looks at the LG and says, "Oh, he's so cute. I just drove past an accident where a little boy about his age was thrown out the windshield." EXCUSE ME? ARE YOU KIDDING? Who says that? I didn't ask if the kid was in a car seat, but after recovering from her complete lack of tact, it made for good consolation that we do use a car seat, and that neither the BK or myself would EVER make such a ridiculous statement.


Finally, we drove to Tucson to visit the BK's 98 year old grandmother, and to visit other family. Always a pleasure to hang out with people who have to love you, or at least pretend like they do! Here's a pic of the view from grammy's back porch. Amazing. We're off to Utah Wednesday for more R&R which we can't seem to get enough of, and to see Gma and Gpa before they ship out on their mission to New Hampshire.

Saying Goodbye

Part of the drawback to blogging is that once information is out there, it is out there. The BK and I were so excited to announce our news about #2, after what we thought was a reasonable confirmation from my doctor. A few misunderstandings, and one very rough week later, we are heartbroken to announce that this is not a pregnancy that was meant to be.

Typically, this is just the type of event in my life that I prefer to keep to myself. I have learned many things, however, through this experience that have made me extremely grateful that I was forced to share it with quite a few people. I have learned that many of my friends and family have also experienced similar or much more difficult losses. I have been reminded that people are kind and compassionate and willing to do just about anything in their power to make me and the BK feel better. I have learned that women, including myself, often bear unbearable things with courage and resolve and faith. Thank you to all of you who have already shared your own stories with me. It does help, not with grieving the loss, but with the other grief which creeps in when thinking that there is something wrong with me. It helps to understand that this is a fairly normal, but very difficult part of building a family.

More than anything, it has made me more grateful for every moment with the LG. What a blessing it is to have even one beautiful child to keep us laughing, working, and getting out of bed even when we don't want to. The day I found out, the BK came home to take care of us, and I decided that what I needed was a very long nap. As the BK was dressing the LG to take him to the park, the LG escaped to run in and give me a very soft and sweet kiss (a virtual unknown for me previous to this time), he then turned and ran to the door only to turn right back around and give me one more.

What a beautiful life this is. Hard, but beautiful. It is quite something to feel the love of so many people. I am always amazed, particularly by women, and their ability to comfort, serve and bounce back. A special thanks to the BK who is my rock, and who makes life better always, particularly when things get messy.