On the Lighter Side

I've posted heavily on the infertility subject lately, but I don't want you to think that if you haven't experienced it that you I'm trying to make you feel guilty. No, that's not it at all. In fact, I shared the links with you because I felt these women knew how to put in words and video some things that I couldn't articulate as well.

Being a Mom is wonderful, too. I am grateful for my little guy. We're the best of buds, and I know that he wants a baby, too. This morning, in fact, he asked, "Mom, can we have our baby Emily?" Matt and I had to answer that we have to pray really hard for her because we can't get her without Heavenly Father's help. And yes, Jackson feels very strongly that he has a little sister waiting to come to our home. He's always felt that way, especially lately.

So, in light of being a mom and a woman, I want to reintroduce you to Anita Renfroe. I say "reintroduce" because I know I posted her "Mom Song" a while ago. And now I would like to post two other songs of hers that I love. Before I do, though, you really need to see Taylor Swift's video of "A Love Story."

Okay, now here is Anita Renfroe's version (all of you young moms and moms who have had young children will love this):

A (More Real) Love Story


And now for those of us who are learning to deal with aging and loving our bodies:

Wrinkled Ladies


Want to see more? Visit her website: Anita Renfroe

P.S. The best part about these videos is that Jackson loves them. While watching the first video, he said, "Oh, that's a cute baby." (I hope he remembers just how cute the baby is when she's screaming in our house.) Then he climbed onto the bus singing to the tune of "All the Wrinkled Ladies."

What IF? A Portrait of Infertility

Did you know that this week is National Infertility Awareness Week? I know I've mentioned this before, but technically I'm not infertile; however, I can't have children. I feel like I can relate to a lot of the feelings that come from not being able to bear more children. Six months ago I posted a link to an article called "Infertility Etiquette." If you haven't read it, you should. I posted my opinion about the article as well at this post: A Little Etiquette Reminder.

Today I want to share with you a video that portrays the many emotions and questions that I have asked myself over the last 4 1/2 years.

What IF? A Portrait of Infertility from Keiko Zoll on Vimeo.

You can visit Keiko's blog here: Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed (and I just love the title of her blog!)

A Little Etiquette Reminder

I'm not trying to one-up Matt by posting so quickly after him, so make sure you read his post. It was very good. However, I'm still going to post. My friend posted a very informative article on her blog that I think we should all read because I know we all know someone who is struggling or has struggled with infertility. Here is the direct link to the article: Infertility Etiquette




Okay, did you read the article? Not yet. . . well, go read it.


Now have you read it?


Okay, here is my opinion. I really liked that article. If I could add one thing to that article it would be some advice I got from my doctor after I lost my little girl. He told me that I needed to be the voice. I couldn't expect people to be sensitive to my situation unless I told them about it.

Another thing I've taken to heart was that I couldn't expect people to tiptoe around me. People are going to complain about their pregnancies, and they are going to talk about how hard it is to raise kids but that's because that is their current situation. I think it's just as important for me to remember that their trials are personal to them just as mine are to me. If they shouldn't complain about pregnancy to me, then I shouldn't complain about not being able to have kids around them. It will just make them feel guilty when it is not their fault. Instead we should be able to help each other and raise each other up. You know, the covenants we made at baptism, "comfort those that stand in need of comfort, . . . mourn with those that mourn."

Also, we have to remember that people say insensitive things without meaning to. They just do. Instead of getting angry and bitter, I've found that it's much better if something said really bothers me (meaning I can't just let it roll off my back), that I should educate them and let them know without being rude or critical. Chances are that they'll feel guilty even if I was polite and informative.

I know I'm technically not infertile, but some of the emotions have been the same as I've had to deal with accepting not getting pregnant.

What do you think?