10 Months and Reflections

This post is probably going to ramble, so bear with me.  Hope is 10 months today and I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the last 10 months and the months leading up to Hope's birth.  Life has changed so much in this short amount of time, but some things have remained the same.

Our families have always been great and supportive and that is one thing that has not changed.  We may not get to see them as much as we would like, but I know that if I need something, I can call and know that someone from one of our families is more than happy to help.  I have leaned on family for so much support before and since Hope has been born.  Our family is our rock...they are solid and supportive.  Thank you all so much for everything you have done for us!

Our employers have been the best!  I am not real eloquent in my writing, but with everything that we have gone through, our employers have given us the time we have needed to take care of Hope.  Both of our employers have been very understanding of everything we have and continue to go through.  There has been no issue getting time off to take care of Hope and that takes a lot of stress out of our life.  I feel bad for the families that do not have the same respectful and caring employers.  I would list our wonderful employers here, but I am not sure I am allowed....but know that they are great companies to work for!

My heart family is a group of parents that I love and many of whom I have never met.  The first blog I started following is a beautiful woman from Lakewood.  She is so close and yet we have never met.  I know that will change one day.  Her beautiful daughter did not win her fight with HLHS, but I know Kaia is watching over Hope.  Another wonderful mommy I 'met' also lost her beautiful daughter, Sami.  She is from across the country, but she and I went through a lot together and she supported me so much when everything was so heartbreaking for our family.  I belong to a couple of support groups as well and met some of the best women and mommies ever.  These ladies met with me and shared their stories before Hope was born.  They solidified my decision to carry Hope and pray that everything would be fine...they saved my life and Hope's as well.  My heart family that follows my blog has given me so much more than I can ever describe.  I love all of you and pray for your little ones all the time.  Heart families are a close group and we share a lot...experiences, emotions, friendship, love, sadness, and happiness.  It is a 'family' no one would voluntarily join.  You belong because of experience.  But...it is a family that knows and understands and is a shoulder to lean on any time.  Thank you to everyone in my heart family.  You all hold a special place in my heart!

I know most of my posts are focused on Hope and how well she is doing.  I have been reflecting so much lately on everyone that has done so much for my family.  This post is for all of you.

THANK YOU!