Wonderful Fathers and Link Up

The older I get, the more I realize how blessed I am to have such wonderful men in my life.  I don't know why the Lord chose to give them to me, but I am so thankful he did.  I'll start with my amazing Daddy.  He has always worked his tail off to provide for our family while still making quality time together a priority.  Something that I now realize is very difficult to balance.  I could go on for hours talking about all of the wonderful memories we have.  Just like it is now, you never knew what our Saturdays would hold.  From working together in the yard (code for playing in the sprinklers), to going to the movies, to spontaneous trips to Canton for first Monday Trade Days it was always family time and I LOVED that.  I don't think we ever had a summer that we didn't take a family vacation of some sort.  Disneyworld, Branson, Arlington, Myrtle Beach, and Colorado are just a few of the places we have visited.  We always drove and we still talk about how the road trip was part of what made the trips so much fun.  This was back in the day before portable DVD players so Dad would rig up a small TV and VCR so we could watch movies on the trip.  He says he can quote all of "Wild America" because we watched it so many times on the road.  My Daddy has taught me so much about life such as being respectful of other's time, the value of a penny, and never giving up.  He sure did set the bar high for the man I would some day marry by being such a good example of a Godly husband and father.  He is also the best Tata ever to Kadynce.  The way they play and play for hours makes this Mommy's heart swell with so much joy.  I love you Daddy!

Of course my Dad would not be the man he is without the influence of my incredible Granddaddy.  You see, I was his only girl and I loved being his girl.  He taught me to fish, shoot guns, and drive a standard WAY before I was 16.  Some may say I'm stubborn and they blame it on "those Cummings genes" but I say we just know what we want ;)  I love watching Granddaddy with Kadynce.  It seems like just yesterday that I was the one he was carrying around getting into some sort of trouble lol.  I love you Granddaddy.

Kadynce also has 3 great-grandfathers in heaven waiting to meet us some day.  While I have never had the chance to meet them I am so thankful for the legacy that they have left.  All 3 of them were Godly men that cared so much for their family and instilled values that are still showing today.

Last, but not least is my amazing husband.  I am actually going to write a special post just for him very soon.  I am so thankful for the Daddy he is to our babies and the husband he is to me.  So many days I feel blessed beyond words.  I am thankful for his Dad as well because I know he set a great example.

Please link up below for this week's Wonderfully Made Link Up.  This is for any of you that have had or are currently facing a negative prenatal diagnosis.  To read our Isaac's story click the link above.

Rainbow Baby and Wonderfully Made Link

If you had asked me a little over a year ago what a "rainbow baby" was I probably would have looked at you like you were crazy.  I would have had no clue what it meant.  Once we learned that Isaac had Trisomy 13 and would more than likely not live long I began to see this term quit often.  When a family had healthy child after an infant loss they many time referred to them as a "rainbow baby."  I found this definition on babycenter.com by a mom named Courtney and I thought it was perfect.

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.
~Courtney

As most you of know we are expecting our "rainbow baby" in a few short months.  I didn't know it was possible to be so excited, yet so nervous at the same time.  We have VBS this week at our church.  I distinctly remember sitting there last year discussing with some friends how I wanted Isaac's memorial service to be.  I remember talking about the songs I wanted played and how I wanted the room to look.  The thought of carrying a healthy baby seemed so far away, like a dream.  Would I want to be pregnant again quickly?  Would people think we were trying to replace Isaac.  Would I be strong enough emotionally?  I read so many stories of "rainbow babies" on different blogs and I think that is part of what carried me through.  Isaac will always be a part of our lives and our family.  I will think about him each day for the rest of my life.  But, Lord willing in about 11 weeks I have will have a sweet new baby to hold.  I just can't wait.

It is time for the weekly Wonderfully Made Link Up.  If you have ever had or are currently carrying a baby with a negative prenatal diagnosis please link up here.  Your story may be just what someone else needs to hear!

A little late - Wonderfully Made Link

I apologize that I'm a day late posting my Wonderfully Made Link this week.  We arrived in Colorado for vacation yesterday and I just didn't have time to get it up.  I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far.  In case you're new to my blog, this weekly link up is for those of you that have ever had a negative prenatal diagnosis.  Our son, Isaac had trisomy 13 and was born last July at 33 weeks.  He lived for about 2 hours.  You can learn more about him by clicking the link above or watching the video to the right.  My hope is to create a community of support and encouragement for those that are on a similar journey.  Whether you are currently expecting or faced this many years ago this link up is for you.

Arizona Adventures

2 weeks ago we boarded a plane and headed to Arizona to visit Jonathan's parents for a few days. We all had a great time and we are so thankful to Granddad and Grandma for making the trip possible. Here are just a few pics from the trip.

Kadynce in front of the very first airplane she's ever ridden.



Ready to take off. She did AMAZING on the plane. I would definitely recommend taking a carseat if you're flying with little ones. It's familiar to them and keeps them from wanting to crawl all over the place.



Our brave girl about to go down this very tall slide.



Kadynce loved helped Granddad water the plants. She also loved Riley, their big German Shepherd.



Kadynce and Grandma looking at the fish at the Aquarium.



I just love this picture. Oh to see things though the eyes of a child.



I'm pretty sure Kadynce rode every "ride" at both of the malls we went to. She really had a blast.



We also went to see "The Lorax" at the movie theater, we out to eat several times, went to church, had great home cooked meals, and Jonathan and I enjoyed a night out just the two of us. Thanks for the wonderful memories Granddad and Grandma!