UPDATE: I wrote this back in 2020 after bringing home our sweet miracle from the NICU. I don’t know if anyone will ever read it but it seems strange to remove it. Just in case there is someone out there walking a similar path, I pray it brings comfort to you and above all, shows God’s intentional care and love throughout each step of the way. Since then, our journey has taken unexpected turns. We lost our second child to miscarriage but we hold onto hope, knowing we’ll meet them in Heaven one day. Just when we thought our family was complete, we were surprised with little man. Due to medical reasons, we had to make some tough choices and, through a lot of prayer and counsel, decided that he would be our last. Even though our journey has been a bit bumpy, we’ve never walked it alone and we are OVERWHELMED with gratitude for the two little people we get to love! If you’re a family out there that has or is currently experiencing infertility or loss, my heart goes out to you. And if you’re in that season alone, please reach out. I can’t promise to have the right words but I’d be honored to sit in your season with you. Above all, I hope our story is one of encouragement and hope. April

From our season of infertility to our season in the NICU of UNC, she has been covered in prayer and hope. Pregnancy and birth in the midst of Covid has been a wild ride, one I’ve not always done perfectly. And now as I look at this sweet little girl and think about all the fear, oppression, and social injustice that floods my news feed, it’s easy for me to become overwhelmed. I want to protect her, to be the perfect mom so I can set her up for success in all things. I know I can’t always protect her. I am also CONFIDENT in my imperfection. However, I do want to pursue wisdom in how to love, lead, and pray for her. It’s on my heart this year to read stories of women of the faith. To draw wisdom from their walk with the Lord and the ways God used them within their communities. I know they aren’t perfect but I keep thinking about Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11). Thankfully I’ve gotten a long list of recommendations that I’m excited to share. Some of these posts will just be reflections on our journey. Some will be thoughts on my readings and others will be copy/pasted form Maggie’s journal. I hope you find encouragement and companionship in whatever you’re walking through.