My Rainbow Baby

I never would have guessed during my 20s, that I would be struggling with infertility.  I did though.  I had Valerie at age 20, and promptly went on birth control pills for about ten years (going off when there was no need to take them).  the plan was absolutely no more babies until I was finished with college- which then became grad school- all the while knowing I wanted "lots more babies," and it really never occurring to me that it was not going to be that easy.  After all, I am one of five, my mother, one of four... and Valerie was not hard to "get."

I figured I would have lots of time for more babies once I was done with all my education, and that then I could focus most of my days on raising children.  Turns out, I was wrong of course.  After 5 miscarriages, I got my rainbow baby.  I have had 2 more miscarriages since he was born.  Those hurt every time.  Still, thinking about them hurts.  I really wanted several children.  When Asher was born, I desperately wanted a sibling close in age for him.  It just felt so unfair.  It really did hurt to have to deal with infertility.  It is impossible to relay that sort of thing to someone who has never had to deal with it though.  Suffice it to say, it is pretty much agony.  Living on the 2 week ovulation/pregnancy test schedule is just not fun for anyone.  Regardless though, I ended up with a baby.  Some people dont, so I always feel badly complaining about it.  

Asher was born 5 weeks early.  His first days were my scariest days.

Such a hard pregnancy and birth (LINK HERE)

I had to give myself shots every day to prevent miscarriage (thank goodness for insurance).

my legs within a week of Asher's birth.  Also: I really, really miss that bathtub 

That is all I will say about that, because it has all been said.

Through it all, I have been so aware of how lucky I am to be Asher's mom.

He is such an amazing boy.  He is smart, and inquisitive, and very, very sensitive.  He is extremely aware of the feelings of those around him, and he will do whatever he can to make everyone smile.  My students absolutely love him, and I get regular requests from them, and faculty alike to "please bring him in and TEXT ME when he is here."  He cracks everyone up with the "I am a nuclear scientist, and I am here to make a mutagen..." and the like.

I can hardly believe he is SIX.  His favorite things are science and ninja turtles.  He talks about science and doing experiments EVERY day.  When I get him out of bed for school, he does his ninja jump into my arms and I carry him downstairs.   He loves his family and his dog, and he makes all of us smile.  His best friend is Avery next door, and luckily, 2 new boys from one street over.

Valerie and I worked so hard creating his nursery

this is asher the day I finally got to bring him home.  My posh baby in Janie and Jack that I had monogrammed for him.

Asher and I when he was about 2 months old.  

Asher and Dreama before we started lecture in November of 2008.

He was so, so chubby!  HAHHA!

I loved dressing him in those rompers with matching hats

Spring outfit 2009

Asher and I used to hang out at Valerie's swim meets every night together for the entire summer 2009

Always so happy and cute with his one dimple

Asher's first beach trip was Memorial Day 2008, he really loved to try to eat the sand

Asher and I mostly hung out under the pier for the rest of the afternoon

Look at this little guy 

Second Halloween costume- we went to UVA's Lawn for trick or treating

I am always trying to get a photo of his pretty eyes, and man, I miss those curls

Asher LOVED LOVED LOVED Disney world, and especially Animal Kingdom.  

Asher's Fourth Birthday  (LINK HERE) was a LOT OF WORK, but probably one of his favorite days

He is always looking for things to pick up and inspect.  This has included wasps, and spiders from time to time

I love you so much, Asher.  We are going to have an AWESOME age 6 together.  So much awesomeness is headed right toward you.