National Infertility Awareness Week

Some of you who don't know our story are confused by the title, we do have 3 kids we can't be infertile, right? Those of you who do know are story might think I need to quit talking about it, after all I do have 3 kids right?

But little do some of you know, I think about this week every year and I think it is about time to share our story and what God has done for us and through us. No better time than now, National Infertility Awareness Week, April 25th through May 2nd this year !

I read a post today on Kelly's blog that had a video posted with it about this and I decided it was time for me to share.

I found this article today...Most people still think that infertility is all in your head. That it isn't a real problem and that it certainly isn't something you go to the doctor about. They tend to think you should just relax and let it happen. For those of us who suffer or have suffered fertility challenges, we know that there is more to it than that. National Infertility Awareness Week is a time for people to see that infertility is a prominent problem facing one out of every six American couples. It is not something whispered about by women anymore and it is definitely not just a woman's problem. The causes of infertility are split evenly over the male and female problem.

This sums up a lot of how I felt at times, so here is our story...

In February 2001 I had exploratory surgery to see what was causing some of my problems and the doctor found endometriosis. I was told there was quite of bit there and he could do nothing about it. He couldn't remove it because it was too close to the nerves in my uterus. This doctor told me to get pregnant quickly and that would help. We tried for about 6 months on our own with nothing. Meanwhile, several friends and even a couple of students (I taught junior high) were pregnant. This was hard to take to say the least! I was getting frustrated and was pleading with God for a child.

So at this point, I went to another doctor who reviewed my surgical photos and decided on a more aggressive form of treatment. In July of 2001, I started taking some serious hormone injections which put my body into menopause for about 6 months...fun stuff let me tell you! Then after that we started the monthly doses of fertility drugs and testing. I was driving twice a month to this doctor for the drugs, ultrasounds, etc. At some point during this part of the process, a close friend had gotten pregnant, miscarried, and gotten pregnant again. My sister-in-law became pregnant, and even another student was pregnant. Really, people you know me...I was ticked! This was such a hard time in my life! Cory was so great and encouraging. You know him, Mr. laid back...it will happen when it is supposed to. Hello honey...I know, but I still want a baby!

During all of this, I prayed, we prayed together, I read books about God allowing women to conceive. You name it, I have probably read it! I read all about the women in the bible that couldn't conceive and then God touched them and blessed them with babies. I put my faith and trust totally on God and allowed Him to be in control. Yes, I had down times where I would cry out to Him and ask why, what are you teaching me, etc. But I knew that He had a bigger plan and he would bless us in some way with a child.

We took the monthly meds until about August-September 2003. I can't begin to tell you how many ovulation kits and pregnancy test we went through during this time, but I am sure you can imagine! I then went to another doctor because I was so frustrated. The new doctor was great, she reviewed my file and talked with me at length. But her words to me still bring tears to my eyes. "I am sorry, Kara, but there is nothing more I can do. You will have to go to an infertility clinic." I know that doesn't sound that bad, I mean lots of people go get help at these clinics and that is great, but it was not the news I was wanting to hear.

I remember going home with a heavy heart and crying out to God. I knew we didn't have the money saved up for any procedures and I knew insurance wasn't going to help. Cory and I talked about it and prayed about it for several days. We knew God had something in store for us and we decided not to go to the clinic. I truly felt a peace about this like I had never known! It was amazing.

Well most of you know the ending to our story! I quit taking the meds after that appointment so by the time we conceived they were out of my system! We conceived some time around Thanksgiving and took a pregnancy test on December 20, 2003. Imagine my shock to see the two lines! We were thrilled and gave total praise to God! Caden is one of our little miracle babies and we love him dearly. We were once told by one of the doctors that if we were able to get pregnant and have a child, that this would help the endometriosis greatly. If we wanted more children, we were to try and get pregnant every couple of years. So when Caden was 18 months we decided we should try again. After about 2-3 months we were pregnant with Carter, PRAISE GOD!!! Then as most of you know with Cole...God was just showing us His Mighty Power again! We weren't trying and it just happened!

God has blessed us in so many ways and we are so thankful for that! Looking back we see how He used us in many ways that might not have been possible if we had children. We were able to go on mission trips, participate in programs at our church, serve in a variety of capacities at church, etc. This would have been challenging to say the least if we had a child. We also started a new Sunday school class for newly married couples and led separate husband and wife bible studies for the class. God definitely used this trial to strengthen our marriage and our relationship with Him.

I am sharing our story with you to testify what God has done with us and through us and to give Him the glory. May this be an encouragement to you or someone you know this week. Also remember the people struggling with infertility, especially as Mother's Day approaches!

Here are the lyrics from a Matt Redman song that several of you know. This song came out while I was pregnant with Caden and it so perfectly fit our life!

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Praise God for still being in the miracle business and for giving and taking away! I am so privileged to be a child of the King and so thankful to Him for seeing us through this trial!

Also, just in case Cory reads this, thank you so much honey for walking this journey with me. Your faith, courage, patience, etc. were so amazing and inspiring to me. God blessed me far more than I deserve with a man like you and I am so thankful to Him. Thank you Cory for standing by my side through good times and bad, I love you!

Carter is a Pirate

Another video for the grandparents...Carter is hooked on pirates these days! So I got this great video of him dancing and saying pirate, shark, and argg matey! I try to translate Carter speak for you on the video...hope you get a laugh!

Diaper Cake

Brandy and I made a diaper cake yesterday and it was so much fun! I had never made one before and can't say that I have really seen one up close before. It took us a while but we had a great time and the boys actually cooperated for the most part :) I am not sure if I could tell you what we did, but I just followed Brandy's lead and had a great time! Thanks Brandy for teaching me something new :)

Playing Outside

We have had such beautiful weather lately and we have been outside enjoying every last minute of it! Here are a few videos for the grandparents, showing off what we have been up to.

PS - thanks Gigi and Pops for the new kickball!

Wearing Orange and Praying for Stellan

Today the Reid's are wearing orange and praying for Stellan...won't you join us?

Information Update

Hey fellow bloggies...I have some updates to pass along to you.

#1 - Go to the Promote Oklahoma Adoption button on the right, click it and read. There is an adoption task force meeting to consider the laws and such. We need to let the government know that we support this law and Molly is calling it "cooper's law." Go read the blog and email the senator and representative listed.

#2 - Stellan is having surgery tomorrow for his heart. If you aren't familiar with his story click over and read a bit or ask me. I don't know these people from Adam, but I feel drawn to pray for this boy and his Mama daily. Also several people are apparently wearing orange tomorrow for Baby Stellan as well. Count me in! Can I count you in?

#3 - Baby Matt, his family is listed in my blog roll, has gone to be with Jesus today. Go over to their blog and let them know you are praying for them!

Okay, update over...get back to work :)

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Carter decided to play with Cole this morning while Caden was at school and it was pretty stinking cute. Cole was just hanging out playing with his usual toys when Carter came over to him. Carter showed off his fire truck then drove off. Cole started crying loudly so I told Carter to go back over there and Cole instantly quieted down. It was too cute! So I went over to them and got in the floor and encouraged Carter to roll a ball to him. That lasted about 2 minutes then off Carter goes to his room. I just figured he got bored, so I played with Cole a bit longer and back comes Carter with his doctor kit. "I doctor, Col-eeee sick" Carter tells me and proceeds to analyze his patient! Cole loved the attention and Carter was pretty gentle. It was so sweet. I can't wait until they all 3 play together like this :0)

Carter started by checking Cole's heart. He said it was good!

Then he decided brother needed a shot. Carter kept saying, "it otay Col-eee!"

Then he decided to check Cole's ears...they too checked out.

Cole got a great check up and had a blast too!

Egg Hunt

A church here in town has a huge Easter Extravaganza and we decided to take the kiddos and head out to it Saturday afternoon. There were egg hunts for each age group, so Caden and Carter got to hunt separately. There was a bouncy inflatable obstacle course, snacks, and a petting zoo. It was fun and we will definitely go back next year.

Caden and Carter getting ready to hunt eggs.

Cory giving Carter specific instructions...

Carter getting some eggs.

Carter showing off his loot...

Caden getting ready to go hunt.

Caden on the prowl for some eggs.

Coloring Eggs

Last week while at Grammie and Papa's house, Aunt Kayla and Grammie let the kiddos color eggs. They had a great time dunking egg after egg. Carter really got into it this year and thought it was so funny to drop his egg in the dye and see it splash! I wasn't so sure that was really funny :)

My favorite thing about these pictures besides how much fun the kids were having, were how great the photos turned out. I covet my mother in law's camera...is that a sin :) I need a new one so bad and I love hers! Someday soon....

Caden and Brooklyn really got into it this year!

Grammie had to help a little!

This picture doesn't show it, but Carter had fun, I promise!

When you tell Brooklyn to smile, this is what you get...cracks me up everytime!

Caden was so proud of each egg he did!

Carter had to have lots of assitance!

He let Aunt Kayla help too...they bonded over eggs!

There is that precious grin again.

Carter with his favorite egg decorator...Aunt Kayla

Cole just sat in the high chair playing while he watched the big kids have fun...next year little man!

100 Things

Got this today in an email and thought it was cute...here we go! Most of these are Caden but Carter has done several too! If I don't specify it applies to both kiddos, Cole is almost there on some of them too!

100 things to do before Kindergarten:

1. Go to the zoo
2. Visit a farm
3. Go on a hike
4. Play with kittens or puppies
5. Catch a frog
6. Make a gigantic mess
7. Help clean up a gigantic mess
8. Master the monkey-bars
9. Swing high up into the sky all by themselves - Caden
10. Try ice-skating
11. Go sledding
12. Make a snow-man
13. Blow bubbles
14. Plant seeds and watch them grow - Caden
15. Have a pillow fight
16. Jump on a big bed
17. Jump on a trampoline or in a bounce house
18. Hang out in a tent - Caden
19. Spend days at the beach
20. Build sandcastles
21. Go fishing
22. Go out on a boat
23. Play with blocks and puzzles
24. Read the classic picture books
25. Read a classic chapter book
26. Check out library books with their own library card
27. Get a passport
28. Carve a pumpkin
29. Hold a newborn baby
30. Love a special doll or stuffed animal - both although more Carter than Caden
31. Bake cookies and cakes
32. Help plan their own birthday party - Caden
33. Go to the circus
34. Go to a museum on a quiet weekday
35. Play hide-and-seek
36. Play a board game
37. Do nothing whatsoever all day
38. Try a sport
39. Watch a sporting event
40. Learn to swim
41. Be tickled in hysterics
42. Paint and draw as much as desired
43. Have the use of scissors and glue
44. Display artworks and other creations around the house
45. Learn to use a camera (and keep an album of the results!)
46. Play with clay
47. Pick flowers
48. Climb a tree
49. Gaze at the moon and stars
50. Toast marshmallows
51. Learn to eat an ice-cream cone
52. Watch a sunset
53. Learn to write their own names - Caden
54. Learn their addresses and telephone numbers -Caden
55. Learn their parents' full names - Caden
56. Set the table - Caden
57. Clear the table - Caden
58. Help wash the dishes
59. Learn to say their pleases and thank yous and excuse mes
60. Watch fireworks
61. Go to the ballet or theater or a puppet show
62. Put on a ballet or play or puppet show at home
63. Face paint
64. Dress up in costumes at will
65. Learn rhymes and poems and songs by heart
66. Have a dance party
67. Enjoy friends at preschool and at the park
68. Invite friends over to play
69. Get to know grandparents
70. Play with cousins
71. Become attached to a wonderful preschool teacher and/or babysitter -Caden
72. Learn the name of our president
73. Know the name of their town, state and country - Caden
74. Be familiar with a map of the world
75. Listen to music from many different ages and genres
76. Hear and learn words from a different language
77. Learn the difference between trash and recycling
78. Grow their own vegetables
79. Learn to ride a bike (or try!) - Caden
80. Take a road trip
81. Draw a self-portrait
82. Slurp alphabet soup
83. Learn to twirl spaghetti on a fork
84. Pick apples
85. Star in a home movie
86. Learn a magic trick
87. Try different hair-dos
88. Practice writing letters -Caden
89. Practice counting to 100 - Caden
90. Make up stories - Caden
91. Send a letter - Caden
92. Receive a letter
93. Ride on a merry-go-round
94. Give away toys and books to less fortunate children
95. Learn the value of coins and bills
96. Keep a piggy bank
97. Try a musical instrument
98. Have a heartfelt wish granted - Caden - heartfelt to him right?
99. Have a heartfelt wish denied - Caden - see #98
100. Receive a million (make that a billion) heartfelt kisses and hugs from their parents!

Easter Family Pics

These are the pics we got this morning before church. They aren't the best, but I thought they were okay! It was raining and dreary outside so the lighting was bad and I can't get my yucky camera program to get out the red eye...boo! I really need a new camera!

This a good one of all 5 of us...since we had to use the timer!

My 3 little boys...they were so cute today! Made Momma proud!

My four guys! Love them dearly!

Even bubba Jack got in on one!

Stay tuned for egg coloring pictures and egg hunting pictures...

Cole's Crawling...sort of!

Cole is trying to figure out this crawling business. He seems to want to go places, but mostly just spins around all the time. He is starting to scoot some and army crawl. He can actually do a little better in the playroom on the wood floor, but has a hard time going anywhere because the other two are constantly in his face! I am a little concerned because the other two were crawling everywhere by this age, but I realize they are all different. He will get to it when he wants! Also he might just be even more laid back like his Daddy and not want to go anywhere!

AWANA Races

Wednesday night we had AWANA races at church. Since Caden is a Cubbie, he didn't get to paint a wooden car, but we got them all hot wheels and they got to have their own races. Also the parents got to come watch so Cory tagged along with Carter and Cole of course!

After the kiddos raced their cars we took them out to the playground. It was a beautiful day and they love to play outside! We had a great family night and the hot wheels were a big hit!

Carter showing Daddy his car.

Once all the kids were done, we let Carter race Caden! There are perks to being the teacher :)

Playing on the playground!

Cole's Holiding His Own

Cole can hold his own bottle now...but only for Brandy. He won't do it for me!

Riding Too Hard

Caden has been riding his plasma card so much and so hard that we have officially ripped two huge holes in two pairs of tennis shoes and now apparently this...

Relay For Life

My sister emailed me last night and I want to share it with you. It was a generated email from Relay for Life. I read it quickly and realized she was walking and wanted me to support her. That would have been pretty easy for me to do and I was happy to do it...

but the more I read about Relay for Life the more I wanted to get involved again. I had walked this relay in college and I remember our sorority raising some money and it was fun. I haven't done anything since then. I have wanted to do a Race for the Cure for the longest time, but it hasn't happened.

Anyway, I digress again! I know there is a Relay for Life here in Woodward at some point, but I want to do this with my sister. I think we can walk together in memory of our families members who have lost the battle with cancer and also in honor of those who have won! We have several cases of several types of cancer in our family. So now is my chance to make a difference.

I am reminded of a Sunday School lesson on Nehemiah several weeks ago. We studied Nehemiah the entire month of March...good stuff by the way. But the author of the lesson pointed out that Nehemiah taught us that when we have had enough of a wrong we should stand up and take action. Nehemiah had enough of the wrongs being committed against the people of Jerusalem. He first got angry then became compassionate and did something. He took up matters with the people causing the problem and made them a part of the solution. (Nehemiah 5)

I am not going to find a cure for cancer...I gave up my dreams of doing medical research long ago (biology 2 my junior year of high school was a little more challenging than I anticipated) but I can support cancer research. It would be too easy for me to write a check so I am walking this year and getting involved. I plan to continue this, not just with my sister, Jana, but also here in Woodward!

Please consider joining me in this fight by either walking with me at some point or donating to my cause! You can go to my page to support me or my sister's page to support her.

Thanks so much for fighting this disease with me!

Aunt Jana Got Us Some Cool Gifts

Jana went to DC over spring break and came back with presents! She got Caden this amazing book entitled, "600 Black Spots". It is a really cool pop up book with lots of spots on each page...Caden loves it!
She got Carter a great puzzle of the painting Starry Night by Van Gogh, he loved it too! He is right in the middle of that puzzle phase the Reid boys seem to go through so it was perfect!

I love that my sister exposes them to art and culture and reminds us to do so! Great gifts Jana - you are the best! Cole didn't get anything, but really in the end the best thing...play time and loving from Aunt Jana!

The other part of the gifts...while Jana and I were at Wal-mart we saw this 3-D chalk...she was smart enough to get them a package with 2 pairs of the 3-D glasses...way to go! We had a blast with it this morning!

Momma and Carter modeling the glasses!

Caden decided to ride his car and draw at the same time - what a multi-tasker!
Of course...monkey see, monkey do! Momma showing off her art work! I had so much fun with this!
Caden had to have a hopscotch thing - what do you call it, a board, game, who knows. Anyway, I apparently drew it wrong the first time so I had to draw another one! He is obsessed with this game!
Pops got creative drawing their names and tried to make them 3-D. He started with Carter and put his whole name. I started Caden's but decided Montgomery was too long so I just wrote his first and last name :) I was getting lazy and it was too windy!

Pops is showing Carter how to draw a fish!

Caden took it up a notch and drew a boat with a fisherman inside!

Thanks Aunt Jana! The chalk kept us entertained all morning! We love it! Sorry you had to miss out...we will keep it here at Gigi and Pops' house for next time! WE LOVE YOU!!!