October 3rd, 2011… the day our lives changed forever!

6am, for no reason at all, I decided it was a good idea to take a pregnancy test. After 1 year of trying, pregnancy tests became more of a “told ya you’re not pregnant” test then anything else. But, as with every month, I had to take it just to make sure.

Well, in utter shock, I looked down and it said “pregnant”! I had to look about 3 times before I actually believed it. Running back into the bedroom I shouted “Charlie!” and he bolted up thinking something must have been seriously wrong. I ran over with the test in hand and gave it to him… and with a huge sigh of relief (more so from the thought that something really bad had happened) he hugged me.

Enter tears… lots of tears…

That morning we had no idea what was in store for us the next 9 months, but we were happy. And in shock.

Sometimes I truly believe God gives you a gift as encouragement to carry on, even when things get tough. Baby Hammel was definitely our gift. And there hasn’t been one day in the last 9 months that we haven’t been thankful.

Later that morning we learned that my Aunt and Uncle had passed away tragically, and there would be some major family changes happening. My young cousins would need a place to live and support to help them through such a horrible tragedy. Charlie and I were blessed enough to have space in our home to take them in, and didn’t think twice about welcoming them in.

Instant education on parenting… maybe Someone thought we needed some practice? (Doesn’t seem too long ago I was negotiating with my parents on what a mature teenager as myself should have as a curfew.) It really has been a great opportunity for us to open our hearts and minds and build a special relationship with them. I feel so blessed to have them in our lives and soon in Louie’s life.

I couldn’t be more proud of my cousins for their courage through all of this. They have all excelled in their lives and I know are making their mom so proud every single day.

Such life changing events can really make or break a couple, lucky for us, Charlie and I have only gotten closer. And now… with anticipation to meet our little one, we look back on the last 9 months and how fast they have gone, and how much we have grown. (Literally speaking too- at least my belly!)

With only a week or so left before we get to meet this precious gift, we cannot wait to see what the next 9 months bring! Hopefully a few less curve balls, but either way, we know we will be ready.

All of the cousins with Charlie and I at Anna’s graduation. She graduated 13th in her class with a GPA higher than Charlie or I even knew existed and we couldn’t be prouder!