4D Sono of our Little One

I wanted to show you a few photos of our beautiful Little One.  We were blessed to be able to have a 4D sonogram over the weekend and get to see how cute and amazing our Little One is growing up to be.  Wow - just look at that face!!!

With the long weekend, we were able to make a quick trip to Wichita on Friday and Saturday to visit our special friends at Choices Medical Clinic who we met through our journey with Karinne.  Martha was SO sweet to let us stay with her on short notice and to do the sono on Saturday morning.  Denise met us for the sono and they were both ecstatic to share in this joyous occasion of viewing our healthy baby!

Little One's eye looks a little funny in a couple of the photos.  But Martha & Denise assured us that was normal.

We took the kids too.  And they really enjoyed getting to see their new little sister or brother on the big screen.  Of course they also loved staying at Martha's big house, watching a movie in her "theater room", going to Chuck E Cheese, and visiting pet stores to pick out a beta fish for Noah's birthday on the 2nd. 

Kissin' that Bicep!

Now, I have to admit - it was strange and bittersweet at times to be back in that room.  That place where we went through so many emotions during our pregnancy with Karinne and where we watched her "grow up" before our eyes.  It even felt a little wrong to be there again - almost a year since our last sono with Karinne - but this time with a healthy baby wiggling in my tummy.  Leaves me with the feeling once more - "oh how I wish we could raise them both."

We are actually supposed to have a diagnostic sonogram this week on Wednesday as well.  I am trying not to let my fears get the better of me - having been told and shown that everything looks great with our Little One.  But I can't help but fear that we could still be given bad news.  I would definitely appreciate your continued prayers for the health of this adorable child.

Surviving Prom Week

Well - It's over and done with for another year.  My 11th year as prom sponsor went pretty well all in all.  It was exhausting, but we had a great group of juniors and I had an excellent assistant sponsor in Dayna.  Curt was great with taking care of the kids.  And DaNae & Noah did a great job of playing and staying out of the way all of the times they were there hanging out.

I just wanted to share a few photos of all of our hard work.  And show off the baby bump of our Little One and I - all dressed up for prom.

Amazing what a lot of cardboard, foam, lights, netting, and hot glue can turn into.  And amazing that someone's job is to come up with all of these prom kits.

We had 2 of these archways.  And although very attractive, they were not at all sturdy.  One actually got knocked over by an unsuspecting couple at the promenade.  Oh, well.  No one got hurt and it gave us a funny memory from this prom - that's for sure!

I always try to "match" the prom - at least a little bit.  This year it was a turquoise ribbon above my baby bump and a fused glass necklace I made in one of my art classes.

And Turquoise Nail Polish - which Ian says is pretty and DaNae says is very ugly. =)

It really was a good week.  I'm so thankful for that and thankful for all of your prayers that helped me along the way.  I did find myself overcome by emotions though and boy the tears did flow - in quiet moments to myself - remembering prom a year ago.  My baby girl Karinne's one and only prom and the time I spent with her in the last few weeks of my pregnancy.  It's a strange sense of deja vu to be pregnant again - to wear a maternity dress again - to have people catering to me during decorating again.  So hard.  So bittersweet.  So very up and down.  

And Karinne's 1st birthday is just 3 weeks away.  So very hard to believe.  Miss you Baby Girl!!!

Aurelia Update

It is with a heavy heart this morning that I share the news that little Aurelia Rose DeWolf was born into heaven last night at 9:45 pm.  Please continue to pray for her family as they begin this "afterwards" part of the journey - that God's peace beyond all understanding would surround them and carry them through their grief.  They plan to post more about her birth at their caring bridge site and you can show them your love and support in their guestbook there if you'd like.  

Aurelia's Caring Bridge Site

To "Faithful One"

Hi all - 

I'm writing a quick post to "Faithful One" who commented on my recent post about Aurelia.  I looked and looked, but couldn't find any other info about you or a way to contact you.  But I would love to share with you about my experiences while pregnant with Karinne.  I'm so sorry that your daughter has also been diagnosed with acrania.  Please send me an email at    kdlarshus@yahoo.com   so I can give you more info.  Hugs & Prayers!!!

Aurelia's Birthday

I wanted to write real quick this morning to ask for prayers once again for Katrina, Matt, and baby Aurelia.  Katrina is in the process of induction today and hopefully they will be meeting their baby girl soon.  I haven't heard any news yet today, but am praying and hoping and looking forward to hearing about her arrival!  

I had sent Katrina a package of "Lasting Impressions" materials so that someone could make them of sweet Aurelia when the time comes.  And I included my phone number in case they have any troubles.  Matt's parents actually called me last night to ask a few questions ahead of time.   It was so emotional for me and also such a blessing to hear of how little Aurelia has impacted so many lives.  And how Karinne's story has helped and impacted them as well.  Sure wish I could just snap my fingers and be in California to do their impressions and meet this amazing family!!!

Please keep all of them in your prayers on this most difficult - and yet hopefully beautiful of days.  And I will update with news when I have it.

April Randomness

Well, today's post may be a little random....a little here and a little there. 

Yesterday, I spent time with some of my family for my beautiful niece's 3rd birthday.  And my sweet littlest niece and nephew were there too.  Jonah is now 10 months - and walking.  And Hallee is almost 9 months and crawling around.  They are both as cute as can be.  Of course, as always, I found myself thinking at times that there should be 3 babies.  But it wasn't as painful as it once was.  (Thank You Lord.)  And I don't know why, but I can't seem to imagine what Karinne would be like had she been able to stay.  For some reason, I can only imagine her the way she was - tiny and fragile - broken and yet oh-so-beautiful in her own unique way.  I guess it's comforting to me in some ways and it gives me a kind of peace knowing that I accept her just the way she was.  That I don't try to imagine her any other way.  Not that I don't wish things could have been different.  But I accept it - or as last week's song post - "It Is Well With My Soul."

This week is 20 weeks with our Little One.  In many ways, it's hard to believe that we are 1/2 way there.  We have so much to do.......   I've been able to feel his or her wiggles for a couple of weeks now and it's a wonderful feeling.  And yet - - it brings tears to my eyes too - - remembering how much I loved and cherished Karinne's movements this time last year.  Yet another bittersweet part of this journey.  Oh, how I would love to be able to raise them both.......

Boy - I'm making myself cry here.  That wasn't really my plan when I sat down to write tonight. 

I wanted to also request prayers for a couple of families tonight.  A while back, I told you about sweet baby Aurelia who has acrania.  Today marks 40 weeks!!  I'm so happy for Katrina and Matt that they have been able to carry her to her due date.  And I ask you to join me in praying for an easy delivery and for precious time with their precious little girl.  You can send them your love at their caring bridge site by clicking here. 

Please also say a prayer for baby Abigail's parents.  Abi has anencephaly and is currently 34 weeks along.   I "met" her mother, Melissa, through Denise and the perinatal hospice team at Choices Medical Clinic and have been emailing with her today.  Abi is their first child and they are really struggling with the decision of having a vaginal or cesarean delivery.  I offered her my own experience and also insight I gathered from several other moms last year when I was asking the same agonizing questions.  Please pray that they would be able to make the right decision for their family and to know God's will for Abigail's birth.  And that if they decide to go cesarean - that their doctor will be understanding and supportive.  It's SUCH a hard decision.  Just breaks my heart for them.  Pray for PEACE above all about whichever way they decide to go.

Oh, and I wouldn't mind a few prayers coming my way either.  April is my crazy month at work.  As a high school art teacher - I have 3 art shows between now and May 2nd.  Setting up and taking down.  Traveling to shows and taking students with me.  AND next week, I will be sponsoring my 11th Prom - supervising and task-mastering all of the decorating ALL WEEK LONG - and sponsoring the banquet and dance on the 16th.  I could sure use your prayers that things would go smoothly, that I can stay rested, fed and hydrated, and that my family can keep from going crazy while I do so.  =)