Project Life, Week 1

There was a time when we thought biological parenthood was going to be something we would not get to experience. Not for lack of trying, but due to some complications. At the time, the only option we were aware of was adoption...and we were somewhat accepting of that option. But the thought left us feeling incomplete.

 A little research led us to the reproductive endocrinology clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. We scheduled an appointment, and found out there was an option for employees to get assistance. Jackpot! We were anxious to sign up.

A long process ensued... a journey including many appointments, a barrage of shots, a retrieval procedure, and a "transplant" procedure. Then anxious waiting and hand wringing, culminating in the conception of our first son. Once he neared his second birthday, we decided we'd try again... and were successful in the conception of our second son. They are 27 months apart in age.

Elation is truly an understatement. I honestly feel like I am walking on clouds every.single.day.

I don't just believe in miracles blindly, I have physical evidence they exist. I get to watch two of the most amazing miracles grow and explore their world. Any amount of time I spend with them is cherished... and I love being their playmate. They are literally the best things that have ever happened to me. For them, I thank God every single day.

Life's greatest miracles are beheld in the sending of God's angels to dwell among us.

Disney Cruises are like....

I often joke with friends that going on a Disney Cruise is the only time you walk into a situation reluctantly and walk away needing a 12-step program for recovery.

Flash back to 2006. My parents had planned a family vacation to Walt Disney World. We were all excited and happy to be getting away together. After a few weeks, the trip had morphed into a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas followed by playing at the parks for a few days.

Wait, what? I don't want to be on a floating vessel for any amount of time. Isn't it dangerous? Will I get sea sick? The barrage of questions ensued as our brakes were applied. We'd gone from ecstatic to a feeling of instant trepidation.

We were gently encouraged. My parents kept telling us all would be ok. "You'll love it." They'd say. "You'll see."

So, begrudgingly, we packed our bags and were off for a stop in Orlando on our way to Port Canaveral.

We got on the ship... the Disney Wonder... still leery. We didn't know what to expect, but we were sure, at least in the back of our minds, it would be riddled with thousands of small children and the adults would be bored to tears. Because Disney is geared toward families and children, after all.

By the night before disembarkation, we were excited to go to the Magic Kingdom... but we were also sad.  A looming dread came over us as we knew we would be disembarking the next morning. We were genuinely bummed.

As soon as we got home, we were in search of our next trip. Longing to be on the cruise ship again... searching for the smell of the ocean as the wind blew through our hair. Having flash backs to one of the greatest vacations we'd experienced to date.

Yep... we were addicted.

Now, 9 years and 6 cruises later... we are hopelessly addicted to the DCL fleet... longing for our next cruise like an addict longs for their next hit.

Seriously... there should be a 12-step program to help with the withdrawals. But, then again, if you participated in a program, the objective would be to get over the experiences ... and that would be impossible. So... how about signing up for our next adventure instead?

Project Life

I have decided to delve into a project of sorts.
A few years ago, I purchased a project life binder. I have every intention of completing it one day... when life slows down a little bit. However, in the mean time, I have decided to try to do an online version.

I will be sharing details... photos... and perspectives of day-to-day life... giving a glimpse of what life looks like for a working mother of two.

So... let the fun begin!