A Little Souvenir

We had been told that it would be difficult. There was really no way to know for sure, but more than likely a past medical issue could make the process of conceiving a child a long one. We braced ourselves for the long haul and mentally prepared ourselves for the fact that having a baby might not be easy.

When our five-year anniversary and Jonathan's 30th birthday rolled around this past summer, it also marked the point when a baby would be born after Jonathan had wrapped up his second year of optometry school. In his program, the first two years are very coursework-intensive and require long hours of late-night and early-morning studying. The third and fourth years, however, are primarily based in the clinic and on studying for board exams, both of which allow for more of an 8 to 5, "normal" schedule. We knew that even though we would be blessed to have a child at any time in this point in our marriage, it would definitely be more practical for us to wait until halfway through optometry school.

So here we are, in the stereotypically well-planned-out window for having a baby, still knowing that things would probably take awhile. We figured that we might as well begin the process now rather than waiting and starting the long process later, if that makes sense. We embarked on our New England/Canada adventure and planned to just enjoy the trip for what it was: a family reunion, quality time with friends, an adventurous getaway, Jonathan's only summer off of school, a break before the grind of another school year began for me. No pressure. No expectations. Just vacation.

Well, folks, let's just say that medical advice was...well...inaccurate. Because a couple of weeks after returning home from vacation we realized that we had brought home the best souvenir ever.

And if our child someday developes an affinity for poutine, creme de cassis, Roots clothing, smoked salmon, cold mountain air, the French language, and real maple syrup we will know why.

Oh, Canada. ;)

At this point I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the fact that we realize what an absolute gift it is to have received this blessing so quickly. We have walked the road of infertility and loss with some of our closest friends and realize that things are not always this easy. As such, we are humbled and awed at the miracle of creation and give credit only to God for this blessing. He gives and takes away, blessed be His name. We appreciate your prayers for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and at the same time ask you to remember your friends who are struggling to conceive or grieving the loss of a child.