THE Story

After three years of asking for a child, we found out that for the first time we were pregnant on January 13th. Since then I have been pretty sick and barely find times when I feel good enough to fulfill my day to day responsibilities, let alone blog about what happened! 

So I want to share our story with you, at least just the part about finding out we were pregnant. Not the whole three years before… 

Since September I had been taking Hormones. The Doctor didn’t really know if they would work because as far as the doctor’s were concerned there was nothing in either one of us that could be pinpointed as the reason for why we were not getting pregnant. The doctor also told us we could only take them for four months. What they didn’t tell us at first was that these hormones could cause my cycles to be irregular. We found that out the hard way in December, after being convinced that “THIS WAS IT.” We were more than let down when my period came 7 days late. 

That seemed like a breaking point for us. Even though we knew we had one more month of the medication, we were not convinced that it was going to make a difference. We started asking Papa about In Vitro. Was it the right option for us? We have always wanted to adopt, but we had already looked into International Adoption and that was not possible for us for several reasons having to do with our life overseas. We had never really looked into Domestic adoption, but really thought it was almost impossible unless we moved back to the states long term.

But the more we asked, the more we felt Papa challenging us to seek out this option. So we gave it over to him. We surrendered the life we love to him and just agreed that we would do whatever it took to get a child through adoption if he didn’t give us one naturally, which we honestly didn't even consider as a possibility at this point… It was a painful letting go process. 

We really started to consider and talk about what life would look like back in the states. It seemed depressing to leave everything from the past five years, leaving our work would be a challenge, but mostly the thought of leaving the relationships behind was excruciatingly painful . 

I remember Sunday January 12th well. I was 9 days late and we were both convinced that the hormones were once again effecting my cycle. I might have had a few passing thoughts of pregnancy but shooed them away with the reality that these hormones did it last month and from what I read it progresses more and more the longer you take them. 

But since I was a whole 9 days late I figured that I should take a test to just completely get the thought out of my mind for good. To know for sure and then just wait for my period to start in peace. Boy was I in for a surprise the next day.

I woke up groggy the next morning at 6:30am as usual. Knowing that I needed to take the pregnancy test right away, but not really feeling like it was going to be positive, although I had just dreamt twice that I had positive pregnancy tests, and to be honest that had only happened once or twice before, in the very beginning. I didn’t really take the dreams as anything…

I took the test and within seconds I was wide awake! Usually it takes a moment for the first line to appear, but it seemed almost immediate that both lines were bright red!! 

I screamed and ran into the bedroom! “Curtis it’s positive!!” I was amazed! He was so confused! He had completely forgotten I was taking a test! He usually wakes up if I’m gonna take one and worries about it. This time he slept soundly because we were both convinced that it was going to be negative. I cannot stress enough how convinced we were of that! 

So what ensued was an amazing moment with tears and kisses and hugs and disbelief! Unbelievably Curtis fell back asleep, but all I could do was praise God! I was in a daze most of the day. My head was in the clouds. 

The next day the worry started to set in, and thus it began. The journey of parenthood. I know that I don't have a baby yet. But it began that day, with the knowledge of this little life inside of me. I was no longer responsible for only myself. I couldn't be more afraid or excited of what lies ahead.

Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

I saw this quote on pinterest a few days ago.

http://www.shopdandynow.com/products/start-each-day-with-a-grateful-heart-gold-foil-poster-print

It got me thinking, what helps me start my days with a grateful heart? Not that I always do, but I feel that a good percentage of the days I do more than I used to, because I am intentional about being thankful. So I put this list together of some helpful hints on how to start your day with a grateful heart. Hope it helps or at least inspires you a little bit :) 

Surround yourself with Happy thoughts 

Strategically place posters and photos in places that you will see every morning to remind you that life is good and you have things worth being grateful for. You can purchase the print pictured above here.

Give yourself a few extra minutes to take in the day 
This takes a little planning, but it’s worth it. Don’t just get up and go through your routine and fly out the door. Give yourself an extra ten to fifteen minutes to sit and drink coffee, look out the window (if the sun is out… ) and thank God for the wonderful day he has planned for you. This could very well be the best day of your life! 

Smile 
Seriously. It’s not that hard, but we don’t naturally do it in the morning and it’s scientifically proven that smiling can actually boost your mood. Don’t believe me? Read about it here. 

Think of one good thing that happened the day before 

This can help especially if it’s related to work or wherever it is that you are going after getting ready. It will motivate you as you prepare to go to work if you think of something nice that happened the day before. It won’t always be about work, but it’s nice if you can remember positive things about your job and why you can be grateful for it, even if it’s just the people who you work with :) 

Listen to upbeat music while you get ready
I usually have a more difficult time feeling awake in the morning, especially in the winter months, when I don’t listen to upbeat music. Apart from waking me up, as long as I listen to the right music, it helps me to focus on good things and really sets a good mood for my morning. I usually try to listen to worship music, to remind me to set my eyes on things above. 

And, a little bonus for those of you who are married… 


20 second Morning Hug
I have a confession to make... My husband and I have this little tradition. It might sound lame, but it is wonderful and if we don’t do it, it can effect our whole day, in a negative way. We even yell out “morning hug” every day while we stand in our living room and hug for 20 seconds. So there. It’s out, we are dorks, but happy ones. This is a really nice boost in the morning, it’s comforting and it’s good for your relationship. Just try a morning hug and see how it can revolutionize your life! 

February Gratitude Challenge

I chose Health for January and oddly enough ended up the sickest I have ever been in my life! (I think...) What a reminder of how wonderful my health actually is! Honestly. I couldn't have had a better reminder. I was sick for five solid days, and I mean SICK. I could barely get off of the couch. It was crazy. There were times when I wondered what it would feel like to be healthy again. I watched lots of movies and was thinking it would be amazing to have as much energy as the people in them and to be able to eat the food that they were eating without gagging.

I didn't do much writing in my journal these past five sick days, but I did a lot of things to get myself better including drink some amazing tea made with fresh ginger, honey and lemon juice. You must try it some time, no other ingredients. So simple and so healing. 

So I am writing this post to catch you guys up on the February Gratitude Challenge. Let me tell you, it's super simple. All you need to do is choose someone that you are very close to, preferably who you are closest to, i.e. your spouse, your roommate, your best friend, your sister, your mom... You get the idea. Every day you must write something that they do that makes you thankful for them, it doesn't have to be something that they do FOR you, but it probably will be most of the time. Because if you think about it, we do things for the people we love basically every day.

The GOAL? The goal is very simple, to get you to love them MORE than you already do! I know, How can it BE?! Well, usually when we focus on the good things in a person we tend to like them more. So I dare you! Take this challenge and be wowed by how much you really CAN appreciate your loved ones. 

Don't forget to write all of these things down in your wonderful "Happy Thoughts Journal" or whatever you like to call it :) 

and PLEASE, let me know how it goes! 

15 Simple and cheap things that can turn your bad days around

I guess I have a lot of experience with this. Struggling with infertility these last three years has given me a reason to look to the brighter side and do things that help me from slipping into depression. So since it’s winter and I am sure more people out there also struggle with feeling down, here are 15 things that can help turn your days around. 

1. Make Something Beautiful 

Something for your home, something for a friend, anything! Usually when I am feeling depressed it helps me to change things up a bit in my living space, make life a little brighter, take this book shelf for example :) 

2. Make Yourself a Cup of Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate 

Sit and drink while just relaxing or reading a book. Sitting with a hot drink can feel like quite a luxury, sometimes I am not sure why I don’t do it more often ;) 

3. Bake

There have been so many days when I have come home super down and baking has been so therapeutic. This picture was snapped on a day when a little baking turned my afternoon around. 

4.Do Something Active

Go swimming, hiking, biking or even for a simple walk - doing something active always gives you a boost and it’s a plus if it’s outdoors, unfortunately for many of us this isn't an option. Oh how I miss you Southern California! 

5. Write Down Ten Things That You Are Grateful For in Your Life

Write them down and try to find pictures to match them, it will give you a visual reminder of how good these things really are. Even if you have to search the net to find them, you can always look back at that list on another difficult day to lift your spirits.  

6. Listen to Some Upbeat Music

I know that this sounds like a no brainer, but sometimes we forget the this is even an option and just sit at home feeling depressed with no soundtrack. Putting on some happy music can really make you feel different about life, I even do this when I am at work sometimes just sitting at my desk in a boring office can be depressing, but when you add music... By the way, I can’t recommend this album enough.

7. Go To a Cafe

Sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, just sit and read a book or even take your computer, I can’t stress enough how much it helps to get out of the house when you are feeling down. It’s just important to remind you that there is a world outside of your own mind sometimes. 

8. Look At Pictures 

From your last vacation, the last holiday that you celebrated or just life. If you are anything like me and take lots of photos, flipping through them can be a great visual reminder of how blessed you are with friends, family, food, vacations and the list goes on and on… 

9. Watch a Funny or Uplifting Movie

This is another no brainer, but before I started going through this difficult time, I was very disciplined about very rarely watching movies, when I started watching more movies, it really just helped me to escape. It can obviously be dangerous if we use any of these things to cheer us up too much, but these things in moderation can be really useful to battle depression. This is one that I often go to for cheering up. 

10. Call a Friend 

This one can actually hurt the situation if it’s not the right friend, but it’s good to know who you can call to cheer you up. Some friends just know how to bring our minds out of that dark space. 

11. Do What Excites You

Sometimes you just have to throw responsibility or obligation out the window and let yourself enjoy doing something that you love! If that is writing, do that! If it’s playing the guitar, go for it! Painting! Whatever it is, just do it! 

12. Review What Inspired You on Pinterest

I’m so serious about this one! We pin these things because they inspire or encourage us, why not let them do it again and again! I do this a lot and it really helps! Click here to view my truth board if you need some new inspiration. I also have one with scriptures that inspire me here. I also added a happy thoughts board which is filled with things that just make me smile :) 

13. Do Something for Someone Else 

This isn’t exactly something that you can do if you come home feeling upset, but it is something that you can start doing that will help you get perspective.  I have the wonderful opportunity of visiting the orphanage for disabled children once a month and hanging out with little guys like him :) 

14. Buy Yourself Some Flowers 

Put them on your dining table or in a place that you will see them often. 

15. Read a Book

Not only is it productive and brain food, but its also a source of entertainment, escape and inspiration at times. Just make sure it’s something uplifting or inspiring. Kisses from Katie was one of the most inspiring books that I have ever read.

Hopefully this list helps! Would love your feedback for more ideas :) 

Gratitude Challenge Week 1

So far, so good! I feel healthier and more grateful! What a wonderful combination ;)

Here is a little recap of how it has worked so far. 

To be honest I am making a lot of healthier choices because I have some health and fitness goals for the New Year, but each day I sit down and write something in my “Happy Thoughts Chronicler” that really stood out and made me feel good that day or even made it easy to be healthy. Focusing on being thankful for these things encourages me to continue doing more. 

I have realized throughout the days that the thing which has helped me the most is trying out new and healthy recipes with real food. Of course exercising always puts me in the mood to eat healthy and also gives me the energy to try out new recipes when I get home at the end of the day. 

Here are some of the recipes I have tried this past week and a half. Hope you find them useful. :) 

Easy Feta Chicken Wrap

My personal Creation

1 cup romain lettuce

1/2 cup shredded carrot

3 oz shredded boneless skinless chicken breast 

1/4 cup feta cheese (I used full fat because you can’t get reduced fat here) 

Place ingredients inside one flour tortilla (wheat would be good, I used Lavash which is a turkish bread that is basically like a tortilla only thinner) 

Pour 2 TBS of Italian or Greek Dressing over the top and be amazed! 

Spinach Broccoli Quinoa Soup 

adapted from cooking quinoa

http://www.cookingquinoa.net/broccoli-spinach-quinoa-soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 red onion, chopped fine

2 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 teaspoons minced garlic

4 cups water

3 cups milk

2 Chicken Bouillon cubes

1 package frozen Broccoli

1 package frozen spinach 

2 tablespoons tahini

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Homemade Hummus

adapted from the cozy apron 

http://thecozyapron.com/cozy-cameo-when-pita-met-humus/ 

2 cups chickpeas 

(I use dry ones and boil them in a pot for about two hours till they are soft)

4 tablespoons lemon juice

4 TBS olive oil 

1 TBS Tahini 

1/3 cup water

2 cloves garlic 

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dry oregano

Berry Banana Smoothie 

My personal Creation

1/4 cup frozen raspberries

1/4 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup milk (any kind, I used 2%)

1/2 banana 

1/2 TBS Chia seeds

Now go out there and be awesome! and grateful!