Probably Jinxing Myself

So seriously probably jinxing myself, but I feel pretty good because here it is: I have not thrown up in 5 days!!! Not to say I haven't been close or haven't been nauseous, but I even have had a might bit more energy. I am moving this week into the 12th week (which for the non-week understanders is about 3 months along almost) and I am hoping that since typically  morning all-day sickness makes most of it's debut during the first trimester and 13 weeks marks the start of the second trimester, that most of the sick days are hopefully behind me (and I should say us because poor Mike and Collin!) I still feel exhausted in the evenings and sick, but I think that has to do with just being a busy pregnant Mom. I am so sorry we have not shared any pictures lately. My camera disappeared about 6 weeks ago and we have torn our house apart looking for it but sadly we cannot find it. So still no pictures currently. Collin is busy going, going, going. He runs around (still falls A LOT!) and is pretty funny. He drives us nuts some moments, but when he lays his head on your shoulder, or hands you a book and wants picked up into your lap to be read to, you forget those stinker moments. We play outside a ton. I think Collin would live outside if he could. His vocabulary is Momma, Dadda, Gramma (this is more difficult one to get him to say though!) Grandpa, stinky, bath, ball, moo, E-I-E-I-O(he LOVES the song "Old McDonald had a Farm"), bite, dink (drink), bath, book, Hedder (my sister Heather *we did not teach him this one, it was purely his Aunt!) Sip (Skip), George (Curious George) his personal favorite: dog, duck, please, and tink-you (thank-you!) I think that is about it, well at least that we understand. He loves to laugh, loves to ham it up, and loves to fake cough. He eats pretty much anything, but is getting to where he will try a bite or two and if he does not like it, he lets us know. If he could live in a bathtub, outside, life would be perfect. He loves playing with other kids, but treats them like he does Skip so sometimes it is not very nice. He loves his family, loves to swing, and loves to steal Skip's toys. He thinks it is pretty hilarious to throw various items into the toilet, which is not only gross and wasteful ( we toss whatever gets thrown in) but really obnoxious. He loves a PBS show or two, but really actually loves to look at books and be read to. He would happily have us read this book all the time:

If you have not read this one, it really cute. The illustrations are funny, and actually enjoyable to read again and again. I love to read, as does Mike, and I always wanted to share that love with my children. It is interesting to see how young they are when they learn to love books. We always have some sitting out, so sadly some do get "loved" a little more than most books should, but hey, I am okay with that. Collin started having to wear shoes about two months ago. He still is not the biggest fan, but shoes are sadly part of life.

This last Saturday I had the privilege to attend a Heart Mom Appreciation Lunch. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and make some new friends too. Although I was not perfect at making new friends. You see, I love our heart friends. And we especially love Ryker's buddies. But sometimes it is hard. I sat with three other angel Moms and a mom to a cute heart kiddo. The reason I sat with the angel Moms (besides them being wonderful friends) is because they are a comfort in my life. We are all a little broken. There will forever be a little piece of us missing. And we are okay that each of us is a little broken. There is strength with them. And I feel like saying "oh, my heart child did not make it" to fellow heart Moms can be depressing. Not sure this makes sense, but just want to say how I appreciate the angel sector. 

 Can you believe how many heart Moms were there???

They help me realize I am normal in my insanity. But seriously, the lunch was yummy, the music by Paul Cardall was so peaceful, and the words from his Mom were so inspiring. It was held at Gardner Village (one of my favorite places) and I hope that we have it again next year. Carolyn and everyone who were in charge need to be applauded. Carolyn Quiggley is one of most selfless people I know. She spends hours and hours preparing for wonderful activities that bring heart families into contact with each other which brings support. On her sweet angel Hope's birthday, she spent it selflessly serving others at the lunch. 

She is an angel amongst us.

Next Tuesday, in a week, we will be having some genetic tests. I am nervous, excited, scared, anxious, and ready for it to be here. We will also be finding out what we are having about a week after that. Each step is step closer to hopefully finding out we are finally going to be having a healthy babe, but there are no guarantees. Anyways, I am sorry for the rambling. Thank-you for the prayers and words of support. It means so much to feel the support. Please continue to keep Mason Strickland in your prayers. I know miracles can happen and that he will be able to go home. Just is facing the fun road bumps that make the road a journey!