***1 SAMUEL 1:27***

" I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I ask of Him" - 1 Samuel 1:27

To say that I am grateful would be an understatement, to say that I am excited would not do it justice, but to say that I have a tiny miracle growing inside of me would be 100% fact! Watch out world there will be a new Smith in town-ETA January 2012! :)  I understand it is completely taboo to make an announcement like this so early in my pregnancy. I am, as of today, an estimated 6 weeks and 4 days and I believe that just as this baby was a miracle from God, that His hand of protection will be surrounding my womb-and I rest in that peace.

Many of you are fully aware that my heart bleeds for the gift of life and also the gift of adoption. I have surrounded myself for the last 5 years with those who "blink their eyes" and are pregnant. Never would I have known creating life would be so hard. I was diagnosed around a year ago with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and so for a year now I have known that for Tripp and I to conceive it would take time, work, patience, and a miracle!  PCOS means that I dont ovulate regularly (or at all for my case) and rarely have periods. (sorry if thats TMI for you folks) Yes, those things have their benefits-no PMS for this girl. But, they also have their downfalls-making a baby is gonna be tough. Before being diagnosed I was highly encouraged by a dear friend that I should visit her doctor (she knew of my "no period" history, she knew I was a newly wed, and she knew I wanted kids eventually). I could never thank her enough for referring me to the greatest doctor ever! For my first appointment at Lakeside OBGYN I was introduced to Dr. Jason Bailey. I reviewed with him my history and my desire as a newly-wed to make sure all was well with me before me and the Mr. started trying for a family. Dr. Bailey was patient, he was thorough, and he had the assumption I might have PCOS. So once a round of bloodwork and test and ultrasounds were completed it was confirmed-these ovaries are as stubborn as the owner of the body they exist and I have PCOS. So, now that we know all that, whats next??  I'll be honest, I may have had a pity party or two but I knew there would be a purpose reveiled in all of this and I counted every single blessing that came from knowing what I knew at that moment before Tripp and I spent years trying on our own to figure it out. The one thing I would not allow myself to do was give up on God.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Tripp and I knew at the time we find out that I had PCOS that we werent ready to start a family yet. We were enjoying the season of life that we were in and taking full advantage of being newly weds and traveling and doing all of the things we wanted to do just the two of us. I feel those moments are so special in developing a strong marriage and getting to know more about each other. We knew that when it was meant that we start "trying" to have a baby that God would lead us there. And so we waited. By my doctors instructions he suggested I get on birth control to regulate and create consistent cycles for atleast 3 months before we take the next step. (who would have thought birth control would be helpful for getting pregnant!) That next step including months of hormone medication (Clomid), bloodwork, ultrasounds, and praying. And still no baby. At this point I really had to pray through my frustration and disappointment. And many times I would wrestle with God in asking, "how could I continue to work with so many women who take their pregnancies for granted, some dont even want to be pregnant, and how can I be strong enough to talk to them about why they shouldnt have an abortion" "How come I have worked so passionately to support the gift of life, that I myself am not even able to create one" "God, have you put in me such a strong passion for adoption that maybe I am not supposed to have bioligical children too"??? All of these things went through my mind, but prayer has kept me accountable for knowing God was in control-and I again rested in that peace. When Dr. Bailey informed me that the Clomid wasnt working he suggested I try a different hormone medication called Letrozol (Femara). So for another month I would take my medication, accept the 3 ultrasounds to monitor my progress and wait and cross my fingers that my bloodwork would come back showing that I did infact ovulate that month. That month was April, and that month I ovulated, and that month my period didnt come! As I waited "patiently" for my next appt with Dr. Bailey I had a small hope that I could be pregnant-and I was determined not to take another at home pregnancy test and bare another negative result. So I waited and when my appointment came Tripp and I made another trip to the doctor's office (at this point I have my own parking space and everyone knows me by first name). 

Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Never have I experienced a more sweeter moment than being next to Tripp when the doctor came in and showed us the POSITIVE pregnancy test. I think we were both in shock and were so grateful. I was able to get an ultrasound that day and see that there inside me was growing a miracle from God. I have never felt more honored that God has chosen to bless me with this sweet baby. Everyday I am reminded to thank Him and pray over this sweet baby. I also pray everyday, over every couple experiencing the pain of desiring nothing more than to be parents. I do not take for granted that our journey has been a short one and that many many other couples wait years for God to move. I pray that through this season of my life I gain an even greater appreciation for the birthmothers I have had the pleasure to work with and I pray that I can be an impact for the clients that come to the pregnancy center looking for answers to their unplanned pregnancy.

Psalm 20:4-5 "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests."

Thank you for allowing me to share this exciting time with you and I apologize for all the details in my journey. If it provides encouragement to one, I believe it to be worth sharing. I know we still have a long road ahead and I welcome your prayers for this baby. Our God is so good, and is so faithful, and I rest knowing He is with us every step of the way. :)