swim lessons

Lexi has been in private swim lessons at Lifetime for 6 weeks. Lexi LOVES her teacher at Lifetime, but we just weren't seeing much progress. Jason and I had been researching other programs when my friend, Michelle told me about the class Addie is taking. Jason and I watched a video of Addie swimming and we were sold. The class is only 10 minutes a day/4 times a week. Yesterday was Lexi's first day. At first, she didn't know what to think and when she figured it out, she screamed and cried for me to get her out of the pool. Today before swim class Lexi came up with every excuse why she couldn't go...tummy ache, headache, boo boo on her foot, you name it, she said it. BUT, today at swim class Lexi did great! No tears, no screaming, all determination! I am so incredibly proud of her. I had happy tears in my eyes for most of her lesson. Thank you, Michelle for telling me about this program. Lexi is going to be a little mermaid just like Addie soon!! Since the girls did so well today we took them for ice cream after their lessons (Addie's lesson is right after Lexi's. We get to be each other's cheerleaders!).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

directions

Lexi and I were talking yesterday and I said I needed to look up directions because I didn't know how to get where we were going.  Lexi said, "Just listen to the radio.  When he says "turn left," turn left and when he says "turn right," turn right.  Then you will get there!"  Think I use the GPS much?!?

play date with sweet p

Aunt Sarah and Preston came over last Friday for a play date.  Sarah and I enjoyed some adult conversation while Lexi danced, Preston napped, and then they played together.  They are so sweet together.  Lexi calls Preston, "Baby Preston" and Preston loves to look and laugh with Lexi.  We just know they will grow up to be great friends!!  I didn't get many photos this time.  Next time we'll take them outside together.  :)

mommy/daughter day

I told Lexi last night today was going to be a mommy/daughter day.  Jason left for work & the NHL draft this morning.  We had a haircut appointment for Lexi at 11:00 AM and I promised to take her swimming and for ice cream after (she REALLY did not want to get a haircut).  We stayed at the pool for 1.5 hours, ate lunch there, ran a few errands, got her an ice cream cone and then had to come home to meet the plumber (we had a hot water heater leak).  The plumber was only here for about 30 minutes.  Lexi and I then fed the baby birds that have a nest in some low bushes by our driveway and made dinner for ourselves before bath time.  During Lexi's bath she said, "Mom, you said it was going to be a mommy/daughter day today."  I replied, "It was."  Lexi said, "No, it was a mommy/daughter/plumber day!" Haha!  Here are some "after" photos of Lexi's hair.  The curls at the end were pretty much gone.  I was nervous to cut them off in case they magically came back, but it looks so much healthier now!

the sister quest

I started a separate blog called "The Sister Quest."  I only posted 4 times and now I have ended it.  Here are the posts:


(1) Jason and I have thought and prayed long and hard about attempting to have more children.  Our desire for more children originated because we wanted a sibling(s) for Lexi; for Lexi to be a sister.  After a few years, our desire has grown significantly into wanting to love and nurture another child(ren).  Although it doesn't seem possible to love another little soul as much as we do Lexi, we know we will and we are more than ready.  We are praying for another miracle.  Lexi would be an excellent big sister and we would be honored to raise another gift from God. 


Four years ago, we kept IVF a secret from family and friends because we were scared of it not working.  If it didn't work, we would not have to tell anyone that we had a failed attempt.  The truth is, we would have been so upset that everyone would have known we went through something devastating.  This time, we are open to sharing our story and are grateful for all prayers along the way. 

Here is the basic rundown: once I start my period (within a week or so) I will begin birth control for 10-14 days.  After that, I will go in for daily sonograms and begin shots (2 or 3 per day for 10 days).  Next step, retrieve the eggs (praying for a lot, but not too many).  I will go under during this procedure.  The same day they will perform ICSI.  The next few days will be the toughest.  We will have to wait to see if/how many embryos grow.  The wait will be 3 to 5 days before transferring the embryos (up to 2) to my uterus.  This procedure is not painful, but will require strict bed rest for 24 hours. I will begin progesterone shots at this time and we will pray through the dreadful "2 week wait."

Here we go again...with smiles, positive attitudes, faithfulness and gratitude.  :)

(2) So, I'm back seeing Dr. Zhou for acupuncture treatments.  I'll go once a week until the week of the actual embryo transfer.  That week I'll go two times.  I really enjoy acupuncture.  It is relaxing and a great place to meditate and pray.  Today I thought about how I felt when giving birth to Lexi.  It was the most amazing experience I have ever been through and I pray I am able to feel that again.  I also reflected on how our lives have changed drastically over the past four years.  Four years ago I longed to be a mother.  Now I am one and feel forever blessed for that.  I sometimes feel selfish for wanting more children when other men and women don't have any.  While receiving acupuncture treatments I also pray for other infertile couples and that their wishes are also granted.  It is an extremely tough road to walk and I know now that you just have to have faith.  God's timing is perfect, even though sometimes we don't understand it.  This journey and process is difficult, but Jason and I will do anything to kiss the face of another Baby Walsh.

(3) Well, I'm very disappointed.  I don't know what else to say.  I called the doctor this morning to schedule my first sonogram since I started my cycle this past weekend.  Unfortunately, the ARTS department (where the procedures are held) will be closed for cleaning and maintenance during the time frame of when my egg retrieval would be done.   There is not another place that my doctor can use.  And actually, the ARTS department is fantastic, that's where we conceived Lexi, so I don't want any other place.  I guess God's timing has changed.  We will continue to pray for a successful pregnancy.  Hopefully we will have a birthday one month later than originally planned.  Trying to keep my chin up, but feeling pretty deflated right now.

(4) Jason and I both believe in signs and it seems we have seen a lot of them lately.  This time around, Jason had to kind of "talk me" into doing ivf.  I was scared of it not working and how I would handle that.  I of course want another child, but I; we rather, have fears.  Last Monday we found out the ARTS department would be closed during the time of my egg retrieval.  We also found out on Monday that Jason will be traveling full-time next hockey season.  It is hard not to take these two things as signs.  A few months ago Jason was going to be out of the TV truck; meaning, no travel.  We saw that as a huge sign that this was the time for ivf.  But now, perhaps if we did ivf it wouldn't work and what we have is perfect.  We have our miracle baby that we prayed so hard for.  Our prayers were answered.  We truly believe if we are meant to have a second child we will.  It may not be through ivf.  Maybe, just maybe, we won't need medical intervention.  If not, that's okay too.  We are thrilled to be "Walsh, Party of Three."  One day we may have to change our family blog name, but for the time being...we are happy just where we are.  I don't really plan on continuing to update this blog (unless something BIG happens) so, if you want to know what is going on with us please check out: walshpartyofthree.blogspot.com.  Thank you for all the support and continued prayers.

I felt the need to transfer the 4 posts to this blog so Lexi knows one day how much of a miracle child she really is and how blessed we are to be her parents.   

call me maybe

Last week (Monday through Friday) Lexi went to dance camp from 9:00 AM - Noon each day.  She loved it!  They did story time, arts & crafts, and of course danced!  The day after dance camp ended, I got this email from Ms. Ryan, Lexi's dance teacher:

I didn't get a chance to tell you this yesterday, but your daughter had the funniest moment in camp yesterday.... on Friday I need a a little break from princess music all morning so we decided to stretch to the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson.....and all the girls were following my steps and your daughter (who never talks in class) screams out oh yeah this is my song....sings alll the words while she shakes her little bootie.... I couldn't stop laughing and if I had a camera I would have video taped it.....HILARIOUS!!!! Just thought that you might appreciate hearing about that little moment. :-)

Aunt Kim introduced Lexi to "Call me maybe" and it is by far Lexi's favorite song.  She listens to it all the time while singing every word and dancing!

God & Heaven

Lexi asks a lot of questions about God and heaven.  The things she asks make me smile.  Yesterday she wanted to know how people dance in heaven without any music.  I told her there is music and you can listen to whatever song you want to, as loud or soft as you want to.  She asked if God has a radio.  I told her that He has a big radio...big enough for everyone in heaven to hear.  She asked, "How do you know?  What if it is a small radio?"

The other night she made a card for GiGi.  The next day (not even talking about the card), she brought the card to me and said, "Mom, when we go to God I want you to carry this."

Yesterday in the car I had the AC on full blast.  Lexi said, "I wish God would make it even hotter outside because I'm cold."

healthy hearts

I promise this is not going to turn into a food blog!  Lexi and I have been talking a lot lately about having "healthy hearts."  I try not to say, "I have to workout to get in shape."  Rather, I try to say, "I would like to workout so I can have a healthy heart."  My friend, Amy says this with her boys and I love it, so I adopted it.  Today, Lexi and I went to the grocery store and ONLY bought things that are healthy for our hearts.  For the most part, Lexi eats really healthy.  She likes the occasional chips or crackers, but is really not a fan of sweets...definitely not chocolate!  We made our lunches today and Lexi said we should take a picture...so we did!  Man, our hearts feel healthy this afternoon!  :)

fun times

Today we watched a friend after dance camp while her mom worked.  The girls had so much fun jumping off "the bouncer."  They laughed and played and thought this was the greatest thing ever!

one happy family

I've said it before and I'll say it again, often times we wish we had more. Jason and I had a long talk last night about work, life, etc and both of us agreed we are truly happy.  Happy just where we are in life.  Our marriage rocks, our daughter is healthy and the apple of our eyes, and our home is happy.  We are happy and confident we are right where we are supposed to be.  I really don't know if life can get better than this.  :)

simple summer salsa salad

I really am enjoying cooking lately.  I seriously love making new recipes and then sharing with friends when they are a hit (we have made and love many, many recipes from www.mixandmatchmama.com).  Tonight's dinner was a HIT and I LOVE that!  I absolutely love when my husband takes seconds.  Tonight though, he had thirds.  So, it's a no brainer that I have to share.  I got tonight's recipe from my photography friend (she is amazing by the way), Veronica Lola. Here is where I found it: http://cookingtothegoodlife.com/post/568525146/simple-summer-salsa-salad.  I made the salsa and then cooked fajita chicken on the stove, cut it up, crushed up multigrain tortilla chips (brand: food should taste good), mixed it all together and viola, a new summer staple in this house! This was also a hit with Lexi...she loves dumping chopped ingredients into a big bowl for me.  :)

Funny...

Yesterday at the grocery store we saw a woman with purple hair.  As we walked by her Lexi loudly said, "Mom, look at her hair.  It is so cool.  She is a rock star!"

Park day

Lexi and I had the best time at the park last Friday. The weather was perfect - it almost felt like spring!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

100 things

On my Wildflowers Photography retreat, we were asked to write a list of 100 things we love, are thankful for, or where we are the happiest.  I finished my list.  Here are 100 things in no particular order...