I rarely post personal stuff to my blog. I prefer to keep it this way, but you all have been waiting for me to get better. It has been over a month since I last posted (and colored) and I know you all are waiting for the next Tag of The Day. So before I start posting again with your new color combos I thought I would share a little about my “sickness” and my recovery.
This photo above is a picture of my “to be” baby girl. She is already borrowing my Copic markers. I am pleased to announce she is healthy and quite busy. This is a photo of her in action.
The Story for anyone interested…get comfy.
It has been a long road getting here. I have a 17 year old son of whom I adore. My husband and I decided that we are not the retire and go on cruises type of people and I wanted to another little one to enjoy out later years with…we are much wiser now. I am getting older and my time to have another one was slipping away. At age 39 we decided to try. Over the last 3 years we have had a difficult time with the loss of 5 babies in the early stages. Saddened, frustrated and bewildered we decided to have genetic testing done to see if we could figure out why. I was surprised to find out I have a genetic disorder called Turners Mosaic Syndrome. I am partially missing some of my chromosomes. What a relief to actually have an answer to the miss-carriages. Most likely the little ones also carried a genetic issue. God knew best. I was told that it is a female related disorder and I would be unable to have a healthy girl. With my mind set on having a boy we kept up the faith, as disheartening as it was I knew God had a plan. I excepted not having another child and figured I would stop trying when I hit 44 years old. Two months after we lost another little one I got pregnant. (Way to go Hubby!). I was at peace either way and knew this was it. Last chance. Sicker then a dog who ate banana peels (been there, seen that)…I have been in bed unable to move from nausea and lack of energy. For those that know me, know that I DO NOT SIT STILL. This has been very hard on me but never the less I could not function and no choice but to rest. I finally decided it was time to go to the doctor. Under ultrasound a little tiny thing was spotted…and a swooshing sound was heard. My baby had a heart beat…I had never heard this sound before and burst into tears muffling any sounds coming from the machines. Our baby had a heart beat! Still skeptical and knowing this was a good sign but we have learned to not get our hopes up I kept the news quiet.
Every two weeks a heart beat was heard. Still I knew the chances were slim unless it was a boy. At 13 weeks we had a special ultrasound and blood work done. The ultrasound showed a baby with a strong heart beat and high chances of being a girl. We would have to wait a week for the blood work to come back showing the results of any genetic disorders and the sex of the little one. In the mean time life must go on. Sickness had subsided at 13 weeks like it had never happened….I was off to Indiana to record my next video and wait for results.
On the flight back…as I landed for a slight layover a text came through from the husband saying our baby had a 1 in 10000 chance of having any disorders. I was so excited a billion questions running through my mind. I called him and said…are you sure?..is it a boy? He said “oh, I forgot to ask”…men….really? I called the genetic specialist and asked the sex of the baby while we were taxiing in. I was told it was a 100% certainty we are to have a baby girl. SHOCKED to say the least as we had spent the last 3 years told NO chance for a girl. I am over the moon blessed to not only have a healthy baby on the way but a little girl. For those that know me know that I DO NOT do pink and girlie stuff…God is a little funny sometimes…but I will gladly except his humor as He does know best.
Thank you all for your prayers and support over the last 3 years. Thank you all for the virtual hugs and cards and being such a blessing to me.
I love you all!….Now to get my creativity back and enjoy the pregnancy ride. Oh Yah….Due date Sept 25 2014
Love Jenn Dove
PS…been a while since I have done this…any advice is appreciated…LOL
Congratulations! Just enjoy, life moves too fast.
Oh Jenn!! I'm very happy for you!!!! ! this little girl who already loves the copic, will compete whit you! but you will be a beautiful couple! LoL!
all my thoughts are with you dear!
Hugs
Nicoletta
So excited for you! What a blessing! Take care of yourself and that little bun in the oven! Godd Bless!
Omg yes!!!!!!! I'm gonna be an aunt again yeeha!!!!
I can't believe she's coloring already. A little prodigy in the making I say 🙂
congrats!!!!
Rube
Dibbs on her second coloring you could have first 🙂
Oh my gosh! I had no idea and I am so thrilled for you. I literally have tears. I couldn't be happier and you know I have lots of experience. Love you and am so glad for this great news!
OMG….[*SNIFF*] CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is absolutely WONDERFUL!!! The Copics in the ultrasound was a nice touch!
I am so very very happy to hear your news girlie!!! And a GIRL?!! YAY!!! Enjoy going through pregnancy. Eat all the junk while you can. 1 cookie for mommy…1 cookie for baby 😉 LOL
Congratulations Jennifer!!! I am over the moon happy for you and your family. Prayers and lots of hugs are coming your way.
What wonderfully special news!!! I just love the Copics in the ultrasound…definitely modeling after you already! Congratulations my friend!!!!! Love & Hugs!!!!
What a beautiful story!! Congrats to you and your hubby! You will do fine–like riding a bike again. Cherish every moment–life moves at high speed, especially when you are looking back…
Wonderful story and congratulations!
Jenn,
It's been a while since we connected but when I ran across this post today, I was overjoyed for you! God certainly does have a sense of humor and knows just when to pull it out on us. I'll keep you and the little miss in my prayers that all goes perfectly while you wait for her to come.
So happy for you and the hubs!!!
Misty Blankenship
Ooh Jennifer, I've been visiting your blog everyday waiting for some news… and WOW! that is wonderful news and a daughter too!! our first is a daughter and is so much fun, she will be 14 on April the 9th… she has always been the singer before she could talk or runner before she could walk! I would sit around in circles with other mums and their babes were in frilly dresses and lacy socks… My daughter… dungarees and trainers!! So don't worry about the frilly stuff (it's over-rated! lol)I shall sleep well tonight now I know why you have been absent, I was praying for you to get well and it was so worth it!
Love from Lisa, Alun, Tessa (& her 2 brothers) from the West Country, UK
xxx
Oop forgot to say
ps… When can we expect another Color of the day? 😉
Lisa
xx
Ackkkk, JENN! I am tickled PINK for you! We married late, had one miscarriage, and took five years to have our only child. Went to doctors for there or four years after that trying, but God obviously meant for our quiver to be full at one. 🙂 All of that to say that I truly understand some of what you've been going through, and I will be praying for your health as well as the health of this precious GIFT of a little girl. {{{Hugs!}}}
Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing! Thankfully God is in control!
Beautiful story and so very exciting, congrats to you and your hubby!
A precious miracle from the Lord.
Congratulations. Loved reading your wonderful story. God is good.
Break out the pink LOL.
Hugs Maz
Oh Jenn!! Congrats to you and hubby!! Soooo excited for you. Now take it easy and enjoy!!! Wondered why I haden't seen ya in blogland lately!!! Woo hoo!
Congratulations! 🙂
Hi Jen – You might not remember me since it has been about 3 years since taking one of your classes and being in the crafting world. I still follow your blog occasionally, but silently. Congratulations to you and your husband! Your daughter is truly a blessing from above and your story hits home to my heart as you know I had 4 miscarriages before having my daughter in 2011 (with fertility assistance). We want to try for another, but am having a harm time even with fertility assistance this time around, but I have hope and faith and is truly blessed to have my daughter.
Ying
Ooooh, congratulations! Wonder whether she'll be a mini-me artsy girl or a super Pink Power princess?! hahaha Glad you are feeling better. Best wishes! =) ~Christy
Many, many blessings!! Such exciting news!!
I'm thrilled for you Jenn. all I can say is…enjoy the rest of your pregnancy! Everything else will come back to you. You will do just fine. xxx
Oh what a beautiful blessing for you and your family! Congratulations!!!!! Glam Girls don't need pink. There are plenty of other colors to get prettied up with, lol.
Nadja
Congratulations Jenn! I am so happy for you all the best!
Jen-I am so excited for you and your family!!!
Congratulations…….what a joy, a very special gift!
I am in tears reading your story but I am sooooo sooo happy for you now you are on the way. Life sure can throw some curve balls but this is one of THE BEST!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS gorgeous lady (and hubby) I'm over the moon for you both
xXx
As a 52 year old woman who never was blessed with children, no eggs even with invitro, I can truly appreciate what this means for both of you. Thank you for sharing your story with us and know how happy I am for you. Hugs from "peach girl", lol.
Girls rock!! So glad for the good news and a great story to know you more too. ;D
What a ride! Sending such massive congrats and the biggest of hugs x
Congratulations Jenn! All the best for the pregnancy 🙂
Oh Jenn, huge congratulations. Wishing you all the very best with your pregnancy and for the future. Thank you for sharing your story. <3
What a roller coaster. Congratulations! Pink will come easier I am sure! Hope your pregnancy goes well – I am sure September will be here before you know it.
Félicitations pour ce bébé, gros bisous à vous
I only had boys so I really have all this pink, frilly stuff that's been held tight inside me all these years. It might accidentally explode! LOL! Congrats from the depths of my heart. Prayers do work. :o)
Congrats, I can hardly wait to see her 'boots' lol. Blessings to you all.
Irene
Jenn all I can say is congrats to this wonderful blessing. What a roller coaster ride you've been on and now knowing you're having a healthy baby girl …God is so good. We have missed your posts but glad to know you are feeling better and with such exciting news. This is my first comment which I'm ashamed to say because I have loved all yoour Color of the Day posts. Keep us updated and will be looking forward to pictures in September. hugs, Ruth Ann
What a wonderful surprise! And I've been wondering why I haven't received your color of the day emails! Reading your story this morning was a beautiful way to start my day. You are truly blessed. That is going to be one lucky little girl, with two loving parents. Best wishes.
P.S. Loved the picture. You are too stinkin' clever and talented.
Congratulations! I am so happy for your and your DH. And am grateful that you are healthy! Continued prayers for you. Please take care of yourself in the days to come! Lots of rest and water!
So excited!!
Congratulations to you and your husband. May God bless you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Our daughter has endometriosis and her husband and she have been unable to conceive so far. We continue to pray that a baby is in God's plan for them.
You are being so blessed. Congrats!
God Bless! You're a stronger woman than I, mine are 19 and 13 and I don't think I've got the stamina to give it another go-round…but truthfully, I have this feeling you'll enjoy every bit 🙂 My advice is to get a few updated books from the library and then pick your fave and buy it. There is always some new advice–back sleeping etc. But my final advice is what you already know–enjoy each stage, they are fleeting and there is bad and good in each, so just enjoy the good! Have fun with your new adventure! Congrats to the family!!
I have been away from the computer also due to major back surgery. It was such a wonderful surprise to see your email today. Truly a blessing, it breaks my heart you had so many losses but as we all know God knows best. Love the picture you posted of your little girl, like mother like daughter for sure. Congratulations to you and your husband and many thank yous to God.
hugs, diane
HE knows best and I pray that He bless your family with love, health and many joyful moments.
Wilma :o)
CONGRATULATIONS! Such Wonderful News..
Chrissyxx
Your story is beautiful ….Congratulations, what wonder news. I am so happy for you and your family. Take care of you and your little bundle of joy there will be plenty of time for colouring later. enjoy this special moment and look forward to seeing pictures of your little princess.
Lynn xxx
Congratulations!
Congratulations! So happy for you and your hubby! :^)
Hugs, Penny
Jenn – ooooooh what wonderful news. Loved the Copic sonogram! You realize you have a 50/50 chance – she'll love denim and cowboy boots or everything pink and princess related… Either way, I know you will be very happy. Congrats to you and hubbie. Don't forget, if you need assistance getting ready for your "big CA class", call me. See you soon.
Congratulations! I don't know you at all but I follow your blog and I'm so happy to hear your news!
So happy to read of your joyful news….congratulations!
What a beautiful story and I feel blessed just reading it. I am so happy for you. I too am an old Mom for the same reason, lol. Not ready for a rocking chair any time soon and I love having little ones around. Make sure you get plenty of rest, it's a little more exhausting this time around, lol. Congrat's to you and Dad on your good news!
Such happy news! Congratulations to your family. I bet it was hard for you to rest. Take care and look forward to hear all about your little girl in September.
Jenn,
I don't usually comment, but I had to say congratulations! Your story is an example of trusting God and having faith that He will do what is right, when it painful and when it is wonderful. Congratulations on your beautiful, healthy girl (who obviously loves Copic coloring as well!). I don't have any good advice, but I can offer lots of prayers and all my best wishes for the joy ahead!
Hugs,
Maureen
Jennifer I am so happy to hear that things are going well! What a blessing! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs, Janice
I visited the other day but couldn't comment so wanted to come back 🙂
I know how hard this journey is, and know how it feels to hold your breath and wait for that heartbeat. I really and truly could not be happier for you. Take care and sending you lots of hugs across the pond xxx
CONGRATS!!! God does have a sense of humor. We have a 10 year gap between what was our youngest and our now youngest. We have a boy graduating High School next month, a freshman girl and a 5yr old girl. We definately felt more knowledgeable with the last one. LOL Just enjoy all of it because it goes WAY too fast.
Congratulations!! My daughter doesn't do pink either, but my granddaughter is so beautiful she doesn't need to do pink. So happy for you!
Congratulations, best wishes and glad you are feeling better!
Congratulations Jen, hub & son 🙂
Girlz Rock!!
Congrats I am so glad to hear your news. I have 4 granddaughters and had two of my own. Girls are great and they rule our lives. This is great news……congrats again
Many many Congratulations!
Congratulations on your bundle. Glad to have you back.
Congratulations on your amazing announcement!!! So happy for you and your family. I'll be sharing in your joy of a new little one … my son is making me a grandmother for the first time around September 28th.
Wow!! Congrats!!
So that's your sickness 🙂
I hope and pray all goes well!
And yeah, more colorcombo's again, I missed them!!Hugs,Sandra
Great news. Congratulations. Wishing you all the best and hope that things are going well.
What fabulous news! Congratulations and best wishes to your whole family.
Congratulations! I've missed your posts but it was for a very good cause! Enjoy! xoxo
I have just read your post and congrats, had to leave a comment I had my daughter at 39yrs old she is 18mths old now. A joy and blessing, my other daughter is 23yrs old I had 21 years between children, and whilst you feel like you have no idea what to do, more patience and the benefit of age and wisdom pays dividends. Also you will remember more than you think!
Congratulations to you and your husband Jenn! I know this baby is going to be happy and healthy, provide you with much joy, and be right by your side as you continue to bless the world with your creativity.