2012 Summary and Looking Forward to 2013

Sorry this is a little late.  Happy New Year to everyone who takes the time out of their busy day to read what I have to say!!! I am really astonished that I have people who actually want to read what is on my mind and of course to see what is new in our family.

So I am going to take a moment to reflect on some really great moments in our household. There were obviously times this past year that were very very challenging. But when 2012 came to a close I have to say we have had an EXCELLENT year and one that we will never ever forget.

In January we were beginning our second round of IVF and were filled with mixed emotions. There really is not a way to describe what Maria and I were going through during this time but I tried to remain calm and positive. I had faith that this second round of IVF would be successful.

The month of February came and we implanted two little embryos on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5. February 5^th was also Maria's father's birthday so it must have been a lucky day for us. This month we found out we were going to experience the greatest miracle of our entire life. We received news that we were PREGNANT!!! Honestly, it was a feeling like no other. After everything that Maria and I (well mostly to Maria's body!!) have been through it was a blessing to hear these words.

March came and it was time for a celebration. March is my birthday month. I turned the big 27!!! Birthday's are very important to our community I would have to say. It just defines that we are ALL living fighters against CF and that everyday we have on this planet is never taken lightly. (Well that statement is my thought. I believe many of my cysters and fibros would agree.) I felt like a new person on my birthday. I know kind of an odd statement. But now knowing that I would become a father in a few months I was just so eager to be a part of my family's life for many many years to come.

In April we went to our first official OB appointment post IVF center, and we were able to see our little miracle on the ultrasound. At this time, the baby looked like a little baby obviously the size of a little shrimp or smaller. But baby's head was formed, we could see arms and legs, and even that miracle flicker of her heart. We will never forget that little flicker on the screen. It reminded me of a lighthouse flickering. At that moment when we saw baby formed it just really sank in. We were going to be a mom and a dad very soon and it was a feeling that I cannot describe.

May 29^th we had found out the gender of our miracle!! We decided to tell all of our family by having a cookout.  We had a hamburger party as we were having a girl.  This really was a great moment in 2012 because now we could start planning the baby room!

The month of June came and went. But I am not to sure of any big events that took place.  We continued to attend OB appointments and Maria was feeling movement of our little miracle.  I was also able to feel our little girl moving and it was UNBELIEVABLE.  I was also obsessed with our baby's development.  I had at least 5 baby apps on my phone!!!

In July, I decided to start my very own on blog.  After reading blogs of my fellow cysters and fibros for well over a year I decided that it was my turn to share with everyone how I am living my dreams with CF. (Hence the title of my blog!!!) I never really knew that I actually enjoy writing/blogging and even talking as much as I do today.  Through this I have connected with such wonderful people who are just like me.  I have also read through other blogs that I am not alone in my experiences as my fellow CF friends are dealing with similar experiences as me and it has been a blessing that we have an opportunity to share our battles and triumphs through this media.  I am still astonished today that I have people who actually follow this on a daily basis.  I was even told recently why haven't you posted anything new John.  To me that is what it is all about connecting with others and bringing awareness to this disease.  THANK YOU again for taking an interest in my life!!!

August was an extremely busy month for us and it included again celebrations.  We celebrated Maria's birthday and our 5 year wedding anniversary!!!  I still cannot believe I have this wonderful person in my life in Maria.  She understands me and puts up with all my craziness.  God created Maria to be with me and I am so thankful for this.  I think many of my CF friends would agree that having someone who cares about you and understands this disease is priceless in our life.  Thank you Maria for giving me the motivation everyday to fight and live my dreams.

Also, in August I started using hypertonic saline (HTS).  As many of you already know I love this stuff and I really notice a difference in how I feel.  If you are not using HTS you need to talk to your CF clinic to experiment and see if this will help your mucus clearance. It sure has made a world of difference for me!!!

In September, we finally completed Alayna's nursery/bedroom.  Let me tell you I am not a fan of painting at all.  Thankfully the room was completed in time for Alayna's arrival and we are very pleased with how it all turned out.

October was a month we will never forget.  Alayna was born on October 17 to two very excited parents. (Post to introduce Alayna Our Miracle Alayna As many of you know our birth experience was like no other. (Here is the post to  Our Birth Experience) This month was the start of a new chapter in our life and we couldn't be happier.

In November, we were still adjusting to Alayna and learning how to be parents.  To be honest it just comes natural.  We have learned from experience that you cannot read a bunch of books on what to expect so thankfully WE did not.  Also during this month Maria was dealing with health issues related to her C section which will continue into December.  She is such a strong and inspiring person in my life!!

December we celebrated Alayna's first christmas and it was wonderful.  Maria again was still struggling with health issues due to mastitis and placenta that was still remaining in her uterus. The mastitis was a scary moment and the doctors were talking about the lovely C word, cancer.  Thankfully it was in fact mastitis.  Maria had a DNC performed to remove the remaining placenta. Hopefully we will be looking past these health issues.

WE had a great year in 2012 and we will be looking forward to another wonderful year in 2013. As
I am not a big fan of resolutions  I do want to improve on some things. In 2013, I hope to be on here writing more posts because I have a lot on my mind to share with everyone. Some of my other objectives (NOT resolutions) for this year is to help or shall I say continue to make a difference in people's lives. What I mean by this is I want to see more people happy living everyday to its fullest potential because life is SHORT.  So anyway, hopefully you will continue reading and following along in my ever so exciting journey of what I call my LIFE!!!!  I am wishing everyone a wonderful 2013!!!

Alayna and Daddy in her first snow!!

Alayna loves her daddy's blanket!!