So Ben and I have been trying to start a family for 6 years. For the first 4 years, We started with infertility treatments and then quit. I was DONE. We were trying to find peace in it being just the two of us. "Me & you, just us two". Then we felt led to adopt. That was a PROCESS and after leaving the hospital empty handed (see our Adoption Story post), we were back to "me & you, just us two". It was a horrible, grim experience but we we're determined to NOT let it draw us apart. We sought The Lord, both individually and as a couple. We prayed for our marriage, we prayed for peace and most importantly we prayed for Ansley.
And then Ansley came!!!!!! It was so unexpected we didn't have time to think, much less "prepare". We were thrown in as parents. We have had to learn to adjust (we are still learning!!!) as parents and as husband and wife. It's not just us two. We now have this precious DEMANDING diva! It has been so sweet seeing our dreams come true as a family. There have also been obstacles learning to adjust to it not just being us two! Were both exhausted and that causes emotions to run crazy. We've had to learn we can't just go to dinner at 10 pm, we can't do crossfit every night/all night like we used to (at least for now), we've had to learn to adjust our lifestyle.
With unexpected baby comes unexpected maternity leave. Learning to adjust to one income has been the hardest. We never fought about money, I won't say we fight now, but it's definitely more tense when it comes to our finances.
All this being said, we wouldn't change this for the world. We are sooooo blessed by Ansley. She is so fancy and the love of our lives!!! We love this new lifestyle of being parents. It's exhausting, yes, I won't lie but it's AMAZING!!!! When she looks at you and smiles it lights up the whole room. Our hearts are full!!
Side note: several have emailed asking how they can make a monetary donation for Fancy girl. We've created a "gofundme", as I think that will be the easiest. http://link.email.dynect.net/link.php?H=qBOBTgXouCZdO5t3GY2KOjXlNMQdALHb%2FH7ZDewSQF3BeJQxow71fDz8PAw2hkIV291R3Bg03oj47t9SvmcIfGn94tIwd%2Ft7503p5qagdNQ%3D&G=21&R=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2Ff3a2n0&I=20140926211849.0AC7490DC63F%40mail6-02-ewr.dyndns.com&X=MHw3NzY2NjI6VEVNUElEXzQ5OzF8Nzc2NjYzOlFVRVVFSURfMTYyNDMyODcyOw%3D%3D
this is so sweet! I just love following all of your IG photos and now your blog! My heart is so full of joy for you and your little family! God Bless! <3
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you, Ben, and Ansley! You are such a blessing to that sweet girl, just as she is to you!
ReplyDeleteI pray that God will bless you abundantly for opening your hearts to His Will!
Motherhood looks fantastic on you!
This has been such a wonderful story to follow, you are amazing people and she could not have ended up in better hands, i can't wait to watch her grow and develop!
ReplyDeleteDoes your state provide any type of disability for taking care of Ansley full time due to her condition? I know CA does but some states may be different!