Gender Reveal & a Name

"If you knew hope and despair were paths to the same destination,

which would you choose?"

-Robert Brandt

In late July, we had five of our closest friends and their families over to share the reveal of our new baby along with our own families. Because of the baby's condition (if you are not aware of our baby's condition, please read this post) we had to put the party together quickly and we knew our own families would not be able to make it.

Dave and I have family spread between San Diego, Colorado, and the South but we knew we wanted them involved so thankfully technology helped us do that. All members of our families were with us via Skype, Face Time or phone and it made the event all the more memorable. To look out in the crowd during the reveal and see our friends holding up cell phones and toying with the computer will be something I'll never forget: (please press play to watch a brief slideshow)
I've never taken the selection of names for my kids lightly. I put a lot of time and effort into it and, thankfully, so does Dave. I take on the role of researching meanings, verses, quotes and definitions for many weeks and then Dave is the one who will be able to nail down the perfect selection and I've never had a single regret.

For this baby, we both talked and wanted it to have special meaning because its an unusually special circumstance and we wanted to honor that. 

Oddly enough, we took much less time solidifying the name because we just knew what felt right. We told our kids first and the older ones said they really liked it and Cash loudly cooed (we took that as a positive) so that made it all the more sweet.

We are pleased to share our sweet baby girl's name:

Every morning and many times throughout the day Hunter and Emerson say hello to Baby Everly, hug and kiss my belly and talk to her. It usually brings tears to my eyes knowing that I cannot protect them forever from what's to come but it fills me with joy to see and hear the excitement in their faces and little voices. I continue to have faith that God has a bigger plan and He knew just what He was doing when he knit every fiber of her body together. And, amid all of this fear and pain I know there will be life and goodness on the other side. Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.

"Though you lose all hope, there is still hope,

and it loves to surprise."

-Robert Brandt

The Gift

Nearly six months ago I found out something that made my heart full. I had a permanent grin on my face knowing that what Dave and I hoped for had come true.

Unfortunately, not long after I learned that the perfect plan I had for my life was not what I had envisioned. My happiness felt sucked away as I was faced with days of news and decisions that would forever change me and has definitely proven to test my strength.

Before finding out what really lie ahead for us, I had come up with what I thought was a fun idea to break the news to everyone and had Kathleen help with the photos and artwork for it. 

Very shortly after the concept seemed silly given the situation.

I spent nearly three months thinking about how I wanted to share our news with others. I knew that I wanted to stay true to my festive spirit but also knew it was important to let those close to us know the truth.

I finally came up with an idea to share our happy news but also let those we really care about in on the challenges that we'd be facing but in a way that felt right for our family.

I mailed our close friends and family a package with a photo and small wrapped box enclosed.

 Inside of the box was a letter with photos:

Sometimes you receive a gift that you never expected.

A few weeks ago we received news that we weren’t expecting.  
With time, it has become a gift we weren’t expecting but are now anxiously awaiting.

Our baby-to-be has Trisomy 18—he or she was created with an extra special something--and, although this disorder has been defined as “incompatible with life”, we know that God has a plan and a much better definition.

It is a gift we have yet to unwrap and may never see the full intention of God for giving it to us but we feel truly blessed that He trusted us to carry this special creation.

We ask for your support and prayers and know that by being there for us you will also be part of a miracle.

We are full of hope and joy waiting in anticipation for what’s to come because our family has a whole lot of love to give this baby for as long as we can.

Hearts full,

Dave, Brooke, Hunter, Emerson, Cash and baby-to-be Menoni (due December 13^th—also Hunter’s birthday!)

"Some bloom for a whole season, some bloom for a day.

But would a gardener even think of pulling out his daylilies

because they last such a short time?"

–Mother Teresa* 

Dave and I know that we have many challenges ahead of us and the mountains look steep. 

We feel relieved that we're not hiding anymore and have the support of our family and good friends to help us make the journey. 

Amid what we're facing we feel blessed. We are so thankful for every phone call, text, card, gift and prayer. This is what keeps us going because we are determined to climb every mountain and come out the other side stronger people knowing greater love than we ever have before.

"For I know the plans I have for you.
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

*Aleisa-Thank you for sharing this quote with me. You made me see our unexpected gift in a whole new light and for this I'll be forever grateful.