My journey in photographs

I have had a tough week emotionally.  I have been doing so good at school staying focused, accomplishing tasks, and working well past my allotted "hours".  Today I had trouble focusing.  I have along list of things to do, but had to check out for the day.  I hoped I would be more productive with my schoolwork at home this evening, but I am still struggling.  The idea of seriously considering getting pregnant again has brought me to my knees - emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  It has stirred so many feelings.


These past few weeks I went through photos on my computer.  Finally developing and getting photo's on our walls.  All of my photographs are stored in date order.  I feel like even that tells our story.  I wanted to document here, some of that journey in photographs.  It is all part of my journey.

Very newly pregnant ... our family didn't even know yet.  I can see the joy in my face.

February in Chicago.  I remember being so tired this trip and it shows.

Our high school girls basketball made it to state semi-finals in March.  Koen kicked that whole game.  I remember it so fondly.

In April at Easter.  Our best "family" picture.

Hackett grabbed my camera on Easter and wanted to take a picture of my belly.  I agreed.  I would have never suggested documenting my belly growth, but willingly would honor my Hackett's request.  Now it is one of my most treasured photographs.  A cropped version hangs on my bedroom wall and is a banner on this website.

We found out this day that Koen was a boy.  I bought the outfit Hackett's doll is wearing - it said "Little Brother".  I picked Hackett up from school and brought him to the car to tell him the news.

Look at his joy and excitement to be a big brother ...

At the Big Brother/Big Sister class at the hospital.  Hackett was the star student.  I am happy we did this, as sad as it is, because Hackett was able to see the maternity rooms prior to me being there.

Just a few weeks before Koen was born.

I took this picture 7 days before Koen was born to text to my friends so they could see how big my belly was getting.

I snapped a picture of this the day before Koen's birth.  Hackett was upset and expressing his feelings on the deck.  I am mad too ...

Koen's birth came and went without a single personal picture taken.  The only picture I have is one I quickly took of the outfit I selected to bury him in.