4 Years Have Passed Quickly...

I'm composing this post on the eve of my 4th wedding anniversary.  Most of tomorrow will be spent on a plane headed to the West Coast, so time to celebrate now!!

The past 3 years have felt a bit frustrating to celebrate each anniversary childless.  However, this year, those feelings seem more like battle scars that we can say, "We got through it."  I don't feel more "complete" per say; just more grateful.  Last Saturday we saw our friends who recently adopted their adorable boy from South Korea.  I told my hubby that IF had been worth it; God used our struggles to push us towards adoption, which made us recommend it to our friends, who are now parents.  And I can't begin to list the many graces and friends that have come forth as the result of IF.

I continue to think back to that pivotal question during the C.atholic Rite of Marriage: "Will you accept children..."  The short question holds within itself a multitude of "ifs."  Will you accept children if they take a long time and much effort to conceive?  Will you accept adopted children?  Will you accept a child of another race or ethic background?  Will you accept the long, long wait?

Throughout the past 4 years we've had our share of ups and downs. By far the biggest burden has been infertility.  From day 1 my husband has held me while I cried about the latest pregnancy announcement, another failed test, another round of uncomfortable meds, a misunderstanding OB. I agree with many of the other IF-bloggers: IF made my husband and me stronger as a couple.  I thank God every day for the gift of the love of my life, and I'm grateful He brought our lives together.  My hubby never ceases to make me smile.

Here are some pictures from our wedding.  Yes, blue is my favorite color.  The church just happened to match my color scheme! 

I carried pink roses in my bouquet in honor of St. Therese. :)

3 Years Passes Quickly

Today, July 29th, is our 3rd wedding anniversary. We can scarcely believe that 3 years ago we stood before God and His Church to become husband and wife. I had always thought we would have children by now. In the Rite of Marriage, you answer 3 special questions, the last of which is, "Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?" Both of us answered this question "we will" with a smile. Little did we know that 3 years later we would still be open to children but have none of our own. However, we can definitely attest to God's help in keeping us true to each other in good times and in bad. The longer we wait for children, the more our marriage can grow.

Today is also another milestone: we have filled out our application to adopt from South Korea! We just because eligible today, as that country requires couples to be married at least 3 years. While we still hope to conceive a child, adoption is a new and exciting journey. :)