Big, BIG news for my family! This week, we found out we will be moving in AUGUST instead of July– which has me breathing a HUGE sigh of relief. 
For weeks, we worried that– without an extension– my husband would have to leave for South Korea WITHOUT us because– as we found out– due to COVID, the Department of State is no longer expediting passports… and without a passport for the baby, the kids and I wouldn’t be able to travel with him overseas.
But now, we have a whole EXTRA month to secure a passport, so we are praying we receive it in time for our flights.This means, we have more time here in New Jersey!
More time to snuggle with our newborn and more time prepare ourselves for this massive move.
And now here I am, two days away from my due date and I am getting emotional thinking about all the friends we’ve made and experiences we’ve had during this assignment.
One such friend is Shannon who I met in a local photography group for mamas. She is the mother of three precious girls. Look at how STUNNING they all are! What I love most about Shannon is her cheerful, energetic demeanor. She is always smiling, always positive, always kind. If you’ve met her, you know she’s a literal ray of sunshine! Her session was full of serendipitous little moments— most notably the most unexpected breathtaking sunset sky reflecting off the lake. The sunlight was subtle but the colors were vibrant and we all basked in the beams streaming through the clouds. When the final shot was taken and I began walking back to my vehicle, Shannon surprised me with a huge bag of gifts for my baby, immediately bringing me to tears. Inside, a handwritten card, outfits, books and swaddles for my little one.
Shannon deeply understands how much this baby is wanted and loved by our family. She, too, has suffered multiple miscarriages and knows firsthand the miracle of a healthy pregnancy… and also the answered prayer of a newborn baby.
As the mothers of angel babies, we share an unspoken bond.Because sometimes, going through a painful, heartbreaking loss will show you what’s most important in life.
Suddenly—as the tears begin to dry—you start to notice more of the tiny blessings that surround you.You see your children in a different light.You develop more patience, more compassion, more gratitude. You never take motherhood for granted ever again.
You smile a little wider.
You hug a little tighter.
You live every day with more intention.
Because you know that tomorrow is never promised.
You realize each moment, each breath is a gift.
Thankful for friends like her who have shared in my grief, but have also celebrated in my happiness.
This is what I’ll miss most about New Jersey. Not simply the state itself, but the relationships formed, the lessons learned and the memories made with those I love most (6/13/20)
