Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Years
We didn't find the time to send out Christmas cards this year. With intention in every bone in my body I just couldn't muster up the energy or brain power to put something together. We have had quite the amazing year and want to update everyone on this year's occurrences, as well as pictures of joyous moments.
2015 didn't come with smiles and instantaneous joy. We had just made it through our first Christmas holiday without Mom, which was tough, heart wrenching, and a blur. As well, Craig and I had just found out that our chances of conceiving stood at 2%. We weren't sure what the upcoming year had in store for us but we grabbed each other's hand and committed to HIS plan.
January - I had received my Master's in the mail after finally graduating in December of 2014! Craig and I enjoyed dinners out and happy hours with close friends.
February - Dad came to visit and the both of us enjoyed a quick 24-hours together, celebrating daddy/daughter time around Spokane and Coeur D'Alene. Craig and I watched the Seahawks return to the Super Bowl without bringing home a trophy. We purchased our very first case of wine (!) from Whitestone Winery, the "Love You to Pieces" label to remember Mom. Injections also began for our first round of IVF - sometimes adding up to 5 injections a day!
March - I celebrated my one year anniversary since entering treatment at The Emily Program and focused on how far I'd come over the past 365 days. On this day I also got a recovery tattoo to remind myself of the progress and dedication I had put forth. I learned how to "whale," which at the time was a craze. I ended up really injuring myself (see video below)! Craig and I enjoyed various date nights and weekends together. Laughter is what kept us going! I quit my job I had received back in December, which was a very good choice, and started nannying for two of the cutest kiddos in Spokane! The family quickly accepted me as their own.
April - Craig and I decided to celebrate our 5-year anniversary 3 months early by purchasing tickets to go see "Guys & Dolls," as well as indulging in a steak dinner beforehand! We celebrated Easter in Camas with Dad and Karen, Molly and Dustin, and Grandnan. My friends and I discovered the app Dubsmash (see videos below). A good friend of mine and I took a road trip to stay with my sister and go visit my best friend and her brand new twins! Welcome Josiah and Ellinor Wing! Craig built quite a few campfires out in the backyard as the weather begin to take a turn for the better.
May - An extremely hard month as we celebrated Mom's birthday and Mother's Day without her. She would have been 56 this year! We also traveled to the west side of the state to not only celebrate these two special days but to commemorate Mom on the 1-year anniversary of her going to Heaven. Her memory will last a lifetime and the heartache feels like forever. Craig and I had our very first IVF transfer of two embryos and soon found out that it was an unsuccessful procedure, deciding to start over next month. A lot of hurt occurred this month but God provided tender care and support.
June - We began injections again, beginning round two of IVF. Craig and I went camping with the 20's and 30's group from our church and enjoyed a really good time with close friends! Fellowship was truly felt during this time. I decided to surprise my Dad for father's day by flying into Portland and having one of my best friends come visit and stay with us for the weekend. We had so much fun, Me, Dad, Karen, Molly, and Seneca!
July - Happy 5th year of marriage to us! We also found out we were pregnant after a successful 2nd round of IVF! Dad, Karen, and Molly came to visit for the exciting news. We later found out that we were expecting triplets! What a whirlwind and our lives instantly began changing as we made necessary decisions in preparation. We had good friends come and visit us in Spokane, we went to visit good friends, and enjoyed our summer evenings at our little house. I was able to take another trip to the west side of the state to stay with a good friend and go visit Camp Gilead while my niece was a camper that week. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing and genuine friends to get us through.
August - We bought a mini van! A little sooner than needed, but we were able to quickly check one thing off of our LONG "triplet" list of things to do. Craig got in a lot of hours at work, I continued to nanny the kiddos I love, and we enjoyed dinners out, time alone, and rest together.
September - Labor day weekend Craig and I packed up the car and headed to Sunriver for fun with Dad, Karen, Molly, Dustin, and four dogs! I then made the tough decision to leave my nannying job and return back to intensive treatment at The Emily Program, knowing that the start of my pregnancy had been rough. I wanted to get the support for my babies and myself. Hard to return but one of the best decisions I made for my pregnancy and future. Craig and I moved into a bigger place that will hold the Haskins party of five. We will miss our little house but are excited about the new condo!
October - Craig and I were blessed and gifted a Babymoon to Whitefish, MT! We stayed close to Glacier National Park and got to celebrate my 29th birthday, as well as the last trip of it being just the two of us for a while. Molly and Dustin came to visit to help us decorate our new condo, as we also visited Greenbluff, and indulged on meals out! Had my first baby shower, thrown by Molly at her home in Burien. Found out we are having identical girls and a boy!!! And stayed busy unpacking our house.
November - Baby Shower's 2, 3, and 4! Blessed by all of the gifts and support! Three of everything is A LOT of stuff. Celebrated Thanksgiving on the west side of the state with Craig's family and my side of the family. Survived the worst windstorm in Spokane and lived seven days without power! We now appreciate electricity about that much more.
December - Continued preparing the nursery for babies arrival, went to a lot of ultrasounds and doctor's appointments, and I was discharged from The Emily Program on the 10th!!! Dad, Karen, and Grandnan came to celebrate Christmas a little early in Spokane since I am now on "Spokane rest/Baby watch." We exchanged gifts, enjoyed some of our favorite restaurants, attended one of my ultrasounds, and took a tour of the labor and delivery unit at the hospital I will be at.
We could not be more pleased with how the year 2015 unfolded and can only give God the glory for revealing His plan and blessing us with three tiny miracles due in 2016! Thank you to friends and family for the prayers, support, visits, letters, emails, etc.! We are excited to be on this journey with those around us.
