LESSONS LEARNED

This week we hit our goal of 31 weeks! This wasn't only our goal, but it was actually the doctor's goal. He told us if we make it this far, our sweet baby girl should be the healthy baby that we have been hoping and praying for, for so long. I feel so blessed and so grateful today. As I think back on the past few years leading up to this point, I realize how much I have grown from this experience. I have really learned a lot!

I have learned that life is not easy. It is actually kind of hard sometimes!

I have learned that things do not always go the way we plan... in fact, they rarely do. If plan A doesn't work, then we go on to plan B...or C... or D. Luckily, there are a lot of letters in the alphabet so we can just keep changing plans if needed.

I have learned that patience is important. It is something I don't have much of and is an attribute  I think I will always have to work on. 

I have learned that when life is too hard to stand, to kneel. This is a quote by President Hinckley, but I have learned that it is true. I remember specific moments when I would walk in the door from a doctor's appointment, crying my eyes out and before I could do anything, I would drop to my knees in prayer. I know that I couldn't have gone through everything I have, without getting on my knees. 

I have learned that trials can bring us closer to the ones we love. Tyson and I have a special bond now that we have gone through this, a bond that may not have been there had we had a baby 4 years ago. 

I have learned that everything happens for a reason. It sounds cliche, but it is a fact. 

I have learned that every prayer is answered. It sometimes isn't answered immediately and it sometimes is answered differently than we would like, but I have learned that He is there and He does comfort us when needed. 

I have learned that I have a lot to work on. I am not perfect and can do a lot better. 

I have learned that baths heal everything. If I don't feel good because my stomach hurts or if I am just really tired - a warm bath makes me feel SO much better. Who needs medicine when you have a bath? 

I have learned to have FUN when things don't go my way. For every negative pregnancy test that came our way, we would throw it in the garbage and go get ice cream or something! Tyson was much better at this than I was, but he helped me see the good in things. 

I have learned to never give up. There were times that I wanted to. There were times that I DID. After our failed IUI treatments, I told Tyson that I guess I wasn't supposed to be a mom...ever. I needed a little bit of time to heal, but luckily I was able to pick myself up and try again a year later. Never give up. 

I have learned to choose to be happy during our trials. I truly believe it is okay to be sad during hard times. I cry all the time and I think that is totally fine and healthy! I don't like crying because I look so ugly, but I think it helps me get my feelings out. But after a little while of crying or anger or sadness, I have learned how important it is to pick myself up and to carry on with a smile. Life is a lot more fun when I smile! 

I have learned that anything is possible. Don't let anyone tell you that you "CAN'T" do something. Yes, you can. It may take a lot of sacrifice and hard work. It may take a lot of time. But anything is possible. 

I have learned that miracles happen. I have one kicking me inside right now.

I have learned to be grateful. We will always have trials and hard times come our way, but it seems like to me after the craziest bumps we experience, the most incredible blessings come. 

Baby D has a NAME and her first PHOTO SHOOT

I am so grateful for the special blessing of being pregnant right now! I feel like I have learned so much through this experience and my big belly is a reminder on a daily basis of EVERYTHING we have been through the past few years. I honestly still cannot believe we have made it this far (will be 30 weeks in a few days!) and we are so grateful for this opportunity. We feel like this moment of being pregnant is so special, that we decided to go on a maternity photo shoot. My talented mother in law did SUCH a good job! I am so glad we were able to go take these pictures to capture this special moment in our lives. 

As for an update on the pregnancy and Baby D... They will remove my stitches on December 20th, which is in about 6 weeks! I will go into labor shortly after that, so we are planning on having a Christmas or New Years baby! I will continue to be on bed rest until that day comes, to prevent her from coming earlier than that!

 In addition, Baby D has a name! It could always change, but as of today it is Laila Marlie Davis. Laila is a name that Tyson has always loved and wanted to name his little girl. I fought him on it for a while and tried to tell him that I am the one that has endured everything with this pregnancy, so I deserve the honor of naming her. BUT as I have thought about it, Laila is the perfect name for our little miracle. Even though I physically have been through everything, Tyson has been by my side 100% of the way. He had faith when I was full of doubt, he smiled when I couldn't do anything but cry, he held my hand when I needed to know I wasn't alone and he truly always knew we would be parents when I was just unsure. Naming her Laila will always remind me of how strong her dad was, when I was not and I feel like it fits her PERFECT. Her middle name, Marlie, is so special to me too. This name represents the two most influential women in our lives - our MOMS. Tyson's mom, Marchelle, and my mom, Julie, are the best moms in the world. They are talented, hard working, christ-like, strong and kind women. We figured Laila would have a lot to live up to if she was named after her amazing grandma's. 

We are so excited for the next 7 weeks or so. We have a lot to do in preparation for her arrival, but can't wait to hold our sweet girl in our arms.