2011 - then and now

2011 was another eventful year for our family. 

Personally and professionally we had some highs and lows..

Of course one of the main things that sticks out to me is our struggle with infertility and the road that's led us down.  We were fortunate enough to be able to do IVF, not once but twice.  The process was a success but we lost two embryos each time.  I can't put into words the anxiety, organization, stress, time, money, appointments, ultrasounds, shots, drugs, did I say money.. that goes into this process.  We thought we were prepared but when it's all said and done you feel like you're road kill.  In-Vitro is an amazing process when you think about it and it is successful for many people.  We ended up having issues with some of the staff at the fertility clinic and ultimately had to chose not to go back.  So the last few months of 2011 we, in regards to our infertility, went back to my regular OB, started taking Clomid, and enjoyed the holidays with family.  It's hard when you know you have issues (in our case, I don't make many eggs) to sit back, relax, & just try month after month....... Clomid is an inexpensive drug that you can take by mouth every month, we figured it couldn't hurt.. One of the hardest things I've ever done and continue to do every month is wait to see if mother nature comes or I'm pregnant.  Unless you've been there you do.not.understand.  I can't explain the anxiety that comes with those long short two weeks.  This is not a pity party or poor Sarah, this is real, my life.  Thankfully I am not alone, Ben is by my side every step of the way.  Along with Ben, I have both of our families & friends supporting and praying for us!! 

Speaking of Ben, or should I say Ben, RN!!!!  He finished nursing school the first few weeks of December and we couldn't be more excited!!  I've spoken briefly about Ben and his professional goals.. I've always joked since we met that he should of gone to med school.. I would've never believed that he would seriously go into the medical field, and love it!!  He received so many awards all the way through nursing school, he was that student that always did well on tests, teachers loved, always volunteered, never missed a day, studied 24/7, etc.. He was even highlighted for an article in the Baptist December paper!!  It's no wonder he finished RN school on the honor roll which is a victory in itself!!  He's worked in the ER for the past few years, first as an aide and currently as a LPN.  He's worked with wonderful people and hopes to stay on and work PRN for them.  Our ultimate goal is for him to go back to school in a few years (1 1/2 to be exact) but we'll take it one step at a time.  With what he wants to do he needs critical care experience.  As a new graduate it's not always easy to get hired on in the intensive care settings.  Ben was blessed to get an interview and ultimately offered a job in the CVICU!!  If you asked him his dream job before applying anywhere this is the place he said.  He will start working in the next couple of weeks as a registered nurse. 

Besides family vacations & work, IVF and school pretty much consumed our 2011.  That is not a bad thing, we learned a lot about each other, ourselves, and what we're made of professionally and personally. 

Crazy to think Ben and I are both registered nurses, have great jobs, families that love & support us, friends that stick by our side, even with our busy schedules, a dog that thinks she's human, nieces who think we're pretty special, and a God who loves us no matter what.  When you think about it, what more could you ask for?!! 

2012 - bring it on!!