Blessings and crosses

The past couple of weeks over the holidays have been a roller coaster ride for both Euge and myself. We pretty much had a cloud hanging over us as we tried to make the most of the holidays and celebrating our kids birthdays. As my work shuts down every year during this time, it was not all rest and relaxation as we had to prepare ourselves that this baby had a 1 in 10 chance of having Down's Syndrome. I can't put into words exactly what we went through these last 2 weeks, I just knew this was something I needed to blog about. I prepared myself to take the amniocentesis, (a test which involves removing amniotic fluid with a needle for testing) while Euge brainstormed jobs for me to work from home, as we both knew that I would not be returning to work if the tests came back positive. As it turned out, the results from the tested few chromosomes turned out normal (no DS, including gender chromosome, XX, it's a girl!) and I've finally had a chance to reflect on the experience. (my first lessons of 2009!) 1. I should never take for granted that my children are growing healthy and strong. (even though the oldest is a little on the small side! ;-) 2. That again, it's not always easy to conceive and carry a baby. 3. And most importantly, I know now that I will be thankful for any blessing that God gives us, no matter how heavy the cross.