Sunday, May 9, 2010

Twice Blessed

That's right-the Nevels are expecting not one, but TWO sweet little ones this November! I'm fairly certain those of you reading this already know this wonderful news, but I have been delaying putting it on the blog because there is something so daunting about putting this out into the internet world.

For those of you who have followed our journey through trying to become pregnant, overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe my thoughts on becoming pregnant. I am AMAZED, in awe, and astounded by God's blessings in all of this. Although I always hoped and, in many ways, knew that I would be blessed enough to become a mommy someday, somehow, NOTHING prepares you for when you see that plus sign for the first time. Because I want to always be able to look back at this, here are the events that led up to that amazing day:

Not too long ago, I posted something and jokingly put my face on Kate Goslin's sextuplet pregnant body. I did that because at our last fertility appointment, my Dr. informed me that it would not be wise to proceed with trying in the month of March because we had a total of SIX follicles that could release eggs. At the time, I was thrilled that the medicine had worked so well, but disheartened that we couldn't "try" that month. Something in the back of my mind kept nagging at me, telling me that I should not waste this great opportunity; in spite of the fact that we could end up with potentially SIX babies! It nagged at me all week. Kyle and I avoided everything that week, and I thought we were in the clear (s0rry if this is TMI for some of you-it has become 2nd nature for me to share this information with people). So we went on with life, and I had a fairly certain day in mind for when we could start our next round of fertility drugs. I had been anxiously anticipating our fun spring break trip to Austin with friends for a much-needed vacation. I started feeling very bloated and PMS-y right before we left. I figured the inevitable was coming (which I was irritated about since we were on vacation). As the week went on, nothing happened and I just continued to feel bloated, gross, and slightly nauseous at some points. Of course I never chalked it up to pregnancy because I was fairly certain there was no way I was. The last few days, everyone on our trip had become convinced that I was and kept pushing me to take a test. Given our history, I explained how upsetting it was to see negative pregnancy tests, even though this month I had NO reason to believe it should be positive. Looking back, it makes me laugh to think about Kyle crawling into bed one of our last nights and whispering in my ear that he was certain I was pregnant. So we arrived back in Edmond Sunday, March 21st. The whole evening I went back and forth on whether or not to take a test. Even though I was most definitely late. I finally decided "What the heck?" and pulled my last one out. Needless to say, it turned positive before I could put it on the counter. I will never forget the incredible moments that followed. I remember saying, "Oh my gosh" and then Kyle walked into the bathroom. I asked him if he saw what I saw, and we both burst into tears, and started jumping up and down. I can't even describe to you the emotions that I felt during those first few minutes of knowing. It was the highlight of my life next to the day I married Kyle.

If you had told me when we began our fertility journey that the day I found out I was pregnant, I would be 'surprised' and it would be 'unexpected', I wouldn't have believed you. But I was both of those. The first month Kyle and I had NOT tried to get pregnant, we ended up with TWO. If that doesn't show you that God has quite a sense of humor, I don't know what does. As you can imagine, the days leading up to our first ultra sound were "tense" to say the least. We were hoping we would not be making news headlines the next day or signing a contract for a reality show. Even though I'm fairly certain God gave me a 'sign' before we officially knew. As I was laying in bed awake in the wee hours of the morning one of the first few nights after we found out, I started watching Joyce Meyer (one of my fave TV preachers). I didn't watch her for long, but one verse she mentioned said something like "you will be blessed two-fold for your struggles" and I wondered to myself if that was God giving me some reassurance. Sure enough, at our first ultra sound, we saw 2 little hears beating. And we were smitten.

Each ultra sound becomes more and more exciting. At our last one (10 1/2 weeks), we got to see them moving and bouncing around. I wanted to lay there all day and watch. It was incredible to see them thriving and growing!

I could go on and on about how unbelievable these last few months have been (minus the nausea and tiredness). But I will end it by saying how we are not only overwhelmed by these miracles inside of me, but also by the incredible amount of prayers and support Kyle and I received from so many of you. It has made sharing this news so much sweeter.

I also hope this goes to show that just when you think God has forgotten you, He is always working behind the scenes, and His plans are WAY more amazing than you could ever imagine.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Masterful

So I am definitely not one to watch just any old golf tournament on TV, but there is something quite magical and fun about watching The Masters. First of all, the golf course is unbelievably beautiful, and I DO love looking at (and playing on the rare occasion) gorgeous golf courses. I especially love pictures of golf courses in the mornings. A golf course is truly one of the most peaceful places to be early in the mornings, and it always seems to take me back to wonderful memories of my childhood, both being and playing on golf courses all my life.

Here's wishing everyone a beautiful, peaceful weekend! ;)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Welcome spring!

Hope everyone has a Happy Easter. Kyle and I are feeling unbelievably blessed as we welcome spring and the celebration of the true meaning of Easter. :)

On a side note, I feel it is my duty as an English teacher to correct the many grammatical mistakes via facebook, blogs, etc. that I have seen lately. Did you know that "spring" along with all of the other seasons are NOT capitalized? Nuts, I know. But I speak the truth!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

SOLD!


Yep, that's right. We sold our house! I can't believe we finally get to move onto building our very own home! I know people sell their houses everyday, and it's no miracle, but I feel so unbelievably blessed. Here we come Mom and Dad!! ;)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

While we are patiently waiting for our lovely, little house to sell, I keep myself encouraged by visualizing rooms in our future, newly-built home. These are a few things I'm pining for. I love this riad print fabric for curtains or pillows, as well as this lovely linen bedding. Love the simple chic-ness of it. I think I underestimate the power of white (probably because I envision Teddy's dirty paws jumping onto white things). My goal for my new home will be "less is more."



El Paso Imports is such an amazing furniture place. While I want MANY items in this place, I love this beautiful armoir. Preferably for our bedroom.


Absolutely in love with these little drum chandelier shades. I am currently trying to convince my sister to put these on her beautiful kitchen chandeliers. Which I, of course, will later copy for my own home. :)




I am really starting to love all of these fun, modern fabric prints. I found a new website that I am hoping will be my inspiration for decorating my new home.


I am loving anything in this quatrefoil pattern, lately. My sister just recently painted a lovely canvas that looks a lot like the mirror (linked above).





Monday, March 8, 2010

Oscar-worthy Quote


As I watched the lovely, humble, and well-deserving Sandra Bullock claim her Oscar on Sunday, I was reminded of a quote I heard once of hers that stuck with me. It's interesting that when I heard this quote of hers, I had no idea it would perhaps one day really pertain to me in the way that it does now.

Obviously, as she ages, the inevitable questions of why she and her husband have not tried to have children have come up. In response to all of it she said in an interview with Harper's Bazarre, "You don't have to give birth to someone to have a family. I'm not going to spend two seconds of my life wishing I had something I don't. It's hard to do it your way when you hear everyone else telling you to do it their way. I just want people to admit there is no one way to live your life."

It's that part where she says that she's not going to spend two seconds of her life wishing she had something she doesn't. I can't even explain why that part stuck with me when I heard it, but I think it is so very wise of her to say that, and perhaps so very relevant to my situation. Although I have every reason right now to believe that the fertility treatments I am on will help me in getting pregnant, nothing is 100% certain. While we will do everything in our power each month to make it happen, we cannot control the ultimate outcome. And, if after whatever period of time, I am not pregnant, I can't imagine wasting years of my life willing it to happen. I realize I am getting WAY ahead of myself, but it's a reality we need to prepare for. I hope I am as strong as Ms. Bullock, and that I don't waste too much of my life wishing I had something that isn't meant to be.

This past Sunday, while sitting in church, a thought came to me. As I listened to our pastor and other members of our church speak about going through unimaginable seasons of grief, I realized that my worst day with God is infinitely better than my best day without Him. And I know this because I've experienced both. When and if I am ever lucky and blessed enough to see a positive pregnancy test, that will be my best day. And I hope the first person I thank, in my own personal acceptance speech, is Him.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

cute + fun


I realize this is kinda artsy fartsy, but I just couldn't resist. I think this is such a cute idea! So I ordered one of me, Kyle, and Teddy today. :) I'm hoping it will look the the one of the couple with their cat at the bottom; but instead of a kitty, it will be Teddy. I have been seeing these custom, fun portraits on several blogs lately, and I think it's such a fun way to capture Kyle and I at this stage of our lives. For an 8 X 10, it's only $40. And she gives you a digital copy to reprint whenever you like. She has some pretty cute stuff if you want to look for fun.