Sunday, July 8, 2007

In which more pink yarn is in order...

About 20 or 25 years ago (my God, am I that old?) my sister S and I bought an old aluminum boat from our friend Kris' grandfather. Kris is now married with two sweet boys, ages 5 (this week) and 3 (in September). The fact that she had Zach is remarkable, given the fertility problems, miscarriages, etc. that she and her husband went through, and when Danny came along it was over-the-top joyful. Two years ago she had a third boy, Luke, who died in-utero at around 25 weeks, I think. Really, Kris and Luis are the best parents I have ever known. They work as a team and are raising some truly wonderful children. When they lost Luke, it was one absolutely heartbreaking. Truly - Kris has had cardiac issues ever since, and losing Luke must have literally broken her heart. A few months ago, we got a call from her, and she is pregnant again. The joy for her is tempered this time with the thoughts of having lost Luke, and her own health issues, but she is determined to enjoy every day of this pregnancy, knowing (all too well) that there are no guarantees in life.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, Kris calls while on the way home from one of her many appointments with OB, Cardiac and Ultrasound, and this time (drum roll, please) IT'S A GIRL! Kris is healthy, the baby is healthy, and it is a girl!!! Between the specialists and doctors and ultrasounds, she is being seen just about every week, and everything is right on track for a healthy baby girl to be delivered in November. I am so happy for her, and cannot wait to meet the wee one and dress her up in lace and eyelet and smocking, and pink, pink, PINK! I love Zach and Danny, but it's hard to get excited about boy's clothes.

Boy did I get off track. Back to the boat. My sister spent hours and hours on it over the past couple of weeks, fixing it up, painting it, etc. and gave it to Zach and Danny this weekend, from their great-grandfather who passed away at least 15 years ago, maybe more. Kris brought the boys down today, and we all went to a local State Park...


...and went for a ride in Zach and Danny's new boat! This is Zach "steering" the boat (going around and around in circles).


After a while we tied the boat up to the dock and did some fishing.


If you look really hard, you can see a little baby bump in this picture.
A good time was had by all.
P.S. If anyone has any extra healing energy or healthy-baby vibes or whatever, if you could send it to Kris, that would be great! Ahhh, the healing power of knitters!

4 comments:

HDW said...

Oh my goodness! What a blessed surprise!!!!! I can understand, we had a very difficult time concieving and then carrying our first.....it took 5 tries to be exact, we didn't go to extreme measures, when it finally happened it was awesome, and with the no. 2 and 3 we were overjoyed as well! I wish your family nothing but joy......an I may just have to knit something girlie for you myself!!! Everyone is having boys around me!!!!

KimT said...

i am dealing with fertility issues in my life. I have been through much the same as your friend, except I have not been able to carry a child to term yet. SO, I am so encouraged by her story, though I know the pain that she feels from having lost her son at 25 weeks is intense. I will definately be sending good thoughts and prayers her way and am looking forward to the day when you post that this baby girl has been born.

Lapdog Creations said...

What a sweet and touching story!!! :)

Good vibes being sent... and lots and lots of PINK yarn wishes!

Criquette said...

Yessss! Sending healthy mom and baby vibes right this minute. Looks like everyone had a great time at the park.