Once Upon A Cline

Meeting. And CUTE BABIES.

2010-03-08T18:49:00.004-06:00

I wondered during the car ride there how the introductions would go. I was hopeful I wouldn't interupt a conversation, or feel awkward to say "hi" when so many had already arrived.

But as I walked in the door, she walked past the door. Our eyes met, (I think mine probably looked like this*) and we hugged. And it was so sincere and I felt the connection I'd heard others talk about.

We sat beside each other, she in a chair and me on the couch, and we talked about our babies and Joel and loss and our husbands. We talked about names for the babies growing in our bellies and about how we both think it's important to give our children names that will fit them as babies and as teenagers and as professional adults, even as a Supreme Justice.

Oh, the pressure.

And then we talked traditions. About how the girls on my mom's side of the family have middle names that end in "ette" (Annette, Lynette, Suzette, Colette, Mynette, Janette, Yvette, Danette. Oh yes, this is true.) and I asked her what her middle name is.

SaraJOY, what is your middle name?

Ah, there's no going back now. We'll be friends forever, because she knows I'm a complete ditz.

*photo by Beth.
**photo by CrookedEyebrow.
All photos from Beth's Surprise shower can be found here. Check 'em out!

For Real, For Heather.

2010-03-08T12:00:00.001-06:00

She walked into the room, threw her bag on the floor, and sat on the couch, her feet tucked beneath her. She belonged to the largest sorority on campus, you know the one – “Girls want to be us, your boyfriend wants to date us”. Yes, that one.

Heather was so beautiful. She had strawberry blond hair that flowed down her back and she carried her height well. Girls really did want to be her, and their boyfriends probably wanted to date her.

She came to my room almost every Sunday night, to study for American Sign Language. We had taken 3 semesters of ASL together and had become frequent study partners, giggling at the terrible acting in the silent video we were forced to watch each week. Back and forth, we’d practice our words, sentences, and eventually paragraphs.

But on this night, she didn’t come to study ASL. She sat down on our green, tattered couch, and without the usual “how are you, how was your weekend” banter, she asked me why I cared about her. She asked why I chose to study with her, when I had “bible study friends” in our class. She wanted to know why I would let her in my room with her “damn” and “f’ing sign language” comments.

“Uh….. I don’t know. I just like you?? I think you’re funny and we have fun together.”

“Am I your project? Are you trying to “save” me?”

“Heather! You know me better than that! I’m not that kind of person. I just thought we were friends. Why are you asking me this now? We’ve known each other for almost 2 years…”

“I went home this weekend (Cleveland) and I was telling my mom about you. She said you were only my friend because you wanted me to know Jesus. She said you didn’t actually want to be my friend, because no one actually wanted to be my friend. She said I was your “project”. God, my mom is such a bitch”.

And I started to cry. Big, wet tears streamed down my face. I had grown to love this girl, this seemingly spunky, fun, outgoing girl, who really didn’t think she was actually worthy of real, genuine friendship. I couldn’t speak because I didn’t have the words to say. She had, in fact, started as a “project”. Yes, I wanted to get to know her so that I could invite her to bible study. I wanted to share my Jesus with her, not because I felt bad for her, but because I cared about her. But she went from being a “project” to being a real friend in a very short amount of time. I couldn’t admit this to her. She would be mad and I would be embarrassed. I already was embarrassed. I had been called out on my evangelism, or lack thereof. I still don’t know.

“So, my mom was right. You DON’T care about me. How could you do this to me!? I thought we were friends!”

“Heather, we are friends. I don’t know what to say. I do care about you as a person, I think you are a sweet girl, and I appreciate your friendship. There isn’t anything else I can say. You know me, you know how I am. This isn’t fair of you to assume….”

I had to stop. It wasn’t fair of her to assume that she was right? She WAS right.

She grabbed her bag, stormed out of the room, and didn’t say goodbye. I sat on the same green, tattered couch that we’d had some of our best conversations on, and mourned the loss of my only real non-“bible study” friend. I couldn’t defend why we’d become friends in the first place. She’d been hurt too much to hear my side of the story.

The semester was over the next night, and she made sure she changed her schedule so that we weren’t in the same class during our final semester of ASL.

Many emails and attempted AIM conversations later, she graduated.

I never spoke to her again.

I don’t know where she is, or who she is, but she taught me more about Jesus in the short time she was in my life than any of my “bible study” friends. She was real, she cared real, she loved real, she exemplified real. And I didn’t.

And I will never, ever forget the pain that not being real caused her. And the pain that it caused me.

17

2010-03-01T19:45:00.004-06:00

Oh, little 17 week old Tiny Dancer. You are growing so much, making mommy's clothes uncomfortable, but I've never been so excited to leave the house in yoga pants.

Our food choices change pretty frequently. Up until last week, egg sandwiches were pretty great. Then, I made an egg sandwich with too much cheese, gagged on the extra cheese, and that was the end of our egg consumption.

Red meat still doesn't sound good, except for cheeseburgers. And thank you for that, because I've always loved McDonald's cheeseburgers, and they were actually the first "meat" I ate after 4 years of being a vegetarian. What can I say - I love warm pickles.

Daddy just left the room because I said "warm pickles".

We are going to find out if you're a boy or a girl in just a couple weeks! Your grandma and Aunt Payton are coming to see you that day, and are hoping you aren't shy.

I know that I am so lucky to have you. I worry that talking about you will hurt other women, all who want to be mommy's, but aren't yet.

There are other mommies who had babies growing in their bellies and they were born straight into heaven. This makes mommy's heart hurt so bad. Will you play with those babies before you come to us? Will you make sure they know that their mommies & daddies & brothers & sisters love and miss them very much?

Mommy actually had 2 brothers or sisters who were born into Heaven. They are there with you now, and I have no doubt that you are enjoying your time together before you come see us. Please tell them we love them.

I already planned our first trip, Tiny Dancer! You are going with Mommy to meet lots of other women, who want to spend time talking about how much Jesus loves us, and getting to be friends. So many of my friends already love you, sweet one, and can't wait to meet you.

But mommy & daddy are most excited to meet you!

Pink or Blue?

2010-02-25T16:19:00.004-06:00

Our appointment today was great! Doctor used the doppler to find Tiny Dancer's heartbeat, but not after letting me know that the "thud" I kept hearing was he or she kicking at the doppler. We've got a mover and a shaker on our hands, folks. Or a soccer player.

Also, a heartbeat of 140 beats per minute, which I'm told is a "girl" heartbeat.

I had a very real dream this week that this baby was a girl, and I can't wait to find out!

But, we have 3 weeks until "The Appointment". So I took a "Am I Having A Boy Or Girl?" quiz. The results were, well....inconclusive. My notes/thoughts are in italics.

You are carrying your extra weight out front, so it's a boy. My rear does not need to get any bigger, thankyouverymuch.

The hair on your legs is growing faster during pregnancy, so it's a boy. I wouldn't know this due to lack of shaving or anything. *cough*

You are carrying high. Girls are carried high. I don't think it's Bebe that's high in my belly. I think it's my bladder.

Sleeping in a bed with your pillow to the north indicates that you will be having a boy. How does this matter? It's about where my bed is. If I faced my pillow south, I would have my feet in Aaron's face.

Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl. It's February. In Indiana. I don't feel like I can judge this just yet.

You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl. I ALWAYS refuse to eat the heel of the loaf of bread. It goes to the dog.

Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl. Dad is on a 12-week "Change Your Life" diet. Not fair.

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl. And I'm still down 6 lbs. You go, girl.

You are not looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a girl, because girls steal their mother's looks. She is in trouble.

Your chest development has not been very dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a boy. I've got nothin'. It's true. They're not growing.

Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is an odd number, it will be a girl. My adorable nail technician also says that according to the Chinese calendar, I'm having a girl. And I trust her. Because she's from China.

Your urine is a bright neon yellow color, so you will have a boy. It's from the vitamins, I swear.

You have a craving for salty or sour foods, which means that it is a boy. Does anyone have any guacamole?

Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl. Unless we're talking sense of smell...

You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl. Wait. Didn't this just say my cravings meant "boy"?

You have no desire for orange juice, so it's a boy. Orange juice gives me a sore throat. Always.

Your belly looks like a basketball, so it's a boy. Either that or I have a beach ball up my shirt.

You show people the palm of your hand, so it's a girl. I'm hopeful someone will see a million dollars in my future.

You use the handle to pick up a mug, so it's a boy. Yes, if it were a mug, I'd use the handle. If it were a margarita, I'd use a really big straw.

So, what do you say? Did you vote in my poll yet??

Due Date.

2010-02-19T10:26:00.004-06:00

February 18.

I made it. I made it through the day.

In fact, I made it through yesterday with an unspeakable joy! It could only be from your prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit. For this, I am so thankful.

I thought it would be hard, and I didn't know how I could make it. And it was, but I did, WE did, and here we are.

We are here. Me, Aaron, and Tiny Dancer.

And Angel. We will always have Angel.

(To those who remembered with cards, texts, and facebook messages - Thank you for not forgetting. You made the day so much easier.)

Hi Guys!

2010-02-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hi there, just Tiny Dancer checking in. My mom is 15 weeks pregnant with me today! I'm doing well and my mom's pretty good too. I haven't been making her feel sick much anymore, but I still take all of her energy. She would sleep all day if she didn't have to work.

I am growing and growing, so her belly is stretching so that I fit. She has funny pains that feel like someone snapped a rubberband at her belly! She says "ouch!" and then her belly itches and she laughs. I think it's pretty funny.

My mom and dad went to visit my Aunt for her birthday, and my mom got to see all the neat things my Nana has already bought for me! I am going to be SO spoiled! I already can't wait!

This week is the week my baby brother or sister would have been here. My mom and dad tell me that they are SO happy I am growing in my mom's belly and they are so excited to find out if I'm a boy or a girl so they can start decorating my bedroom and talking about what my name will be. But I know my mom still thinks about my little sister each day, and is so glad that I'm growing just like I should be.

My mom is so thankful for all the friends who came here last week to support her friend Kristine and my friend Cora. My mom learned a lot from Cora and will make sure I get the tests I need so that I can be healthy. Thank you for caring about others.

I have to go now. My mom wants something to eat. I make it really hard for her to decide, but I promise you it is not chicken. Not today, at least.

Winners, Winners!

2010-02-14T08:53:00.002-06:00

Thank you so much for your participation in CHD Awareness week! There were 200+ comments left, so I will be mailing a check to Cora's family for $100.00 this week! Thank you! Thank you!

All winners have been contacted by email. Please check your spam folder if you see your name here and didn't receive an email.

Day 1 (Necklace from Shabby Chic) - Momma Lioness Michelle
Day 2(Custom Blog Design from Design By Mariah) - Mendie
Day 3, Part 1 (Camera Strap Cover from SheyB) - Melissa
Day 3, Part 2 (3 bottles of EMAB lotion) - Blue Moon Girl
Day 3, Part 2.2 (2 bottles of EMAB lotion) - Mrs. Soup
Day 4 (Pink resin heart necklace from CapturedStarlight) - Jess
Day 5 (Pink & Red hearts necklace from BeadRee) - Sarah Halstead

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 5!

2010-02-13T10:16:00.007-06:00

There are still lots of wonderful things to be won here! A necklace from The Shabby Chic, a custom blog makeover from Design By Mariah, a camera strap cover from SheaB, lotion from Earth Mama Angel Baby and a resin heart necklace from CapturedStarlight Etsy Shop . What are you waiting for??

Today, for our final giveaway, Rita from BeadRee Etsy shop has donated her "With All My Hearts Necklace" The pink and red hearts would look great with a chic black top or dress, or even a cute white tee!

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a pink & red heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cOVSbw

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 4!

2010-02-12T08:59:00.005-06:00

There are still lots of wonderful things to be won here! A necklace from The Shabby Chic, a custom blog makeover from Design By Mariah, a camera strap cover from SheaB, and lotion from Earth Mama Angel Baby. What are you waiting for??

Karen from CapturedStarlight Etsy Shop has kindly donated this beautiful Pink Floral Heart on Resin Pendant on a ball chain necklace for today's giveaway. It is adorable and would make a wonderful gift, or a great accessory to the perfect top!

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a pink heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cs7sDY

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 3, PART 2!

2010-02-11T12:43:00.005-06:00

Did you notice the title of this morning's giveaway? Where it said "Part 1"?
Are you ready for "Part 2"?

My wonderful friends over at Earth Mama Angel Baby have kindly donated 5! bottles of Angel Baby Lotion, 8 oz. What a wonderful donation!

For this giveaway, I will choose 2 winners, one of you will win 3 bottles, one will win 2 bottles.

You have this entry stuff figured out by now, but a refresher course:

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow EMAB on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win products from EMAB and @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/d9Omj1

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 3, PART 1!

2010-02-11T09:30:00.006-06:00

Are you ready for the next CHD giveaway? (2 other giveaways are still going, you can enter here for a necklace or here for a custom blog makover.)

I could keep posting bits of information taken from websites and blogs, but hopefully you're doing research. Instead, a comment left already this week. Cora, sweet girl, you're doing it. You're saving lives. xo - Aunt Natalie

"I learned how simple a pulse ox test is to perform on newborns and I will DEFINITLY be asking for one next time, thanks to Cora!"

What it's all about. Education and information.

Keep doing research.

AND, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

Today, you have the chance to win a camera strap cover from SheyB. I ordered one of Shey's straps last year, and was impressed with the quailty and affordability of the strap. The strap covers do not take the place of your strap, they just make it look chic, and also provide comfort for your neck.

When I contacted Shey last week to see if she'd make a light pink strap cover, she told me she'd check her fabric inventory and get back to me. I am literally blown away. Not only is the strap cover light pink, it is a new design (I believe the FIRST of it's kind), and it's appropriately named "The Cora". (Please note, these covers are designed for the straps of DSLR cameras.)

How can you win??

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow Shealynn on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a camera strap cover from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cs7sDY

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 2!

2010-02-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

Are you ready for the next CHD giveaway? (Yesterday's giveaway is still going, you can enter here.)

As some of you pointed out in your comments yesterday, as many as 1 in 100 babies are thought to be born with congenital heart disease. The group 1in100 works to help bring awareness to CHD by educating and informing parents and physicians. You can visit their website to learn more about their mission and also more about CHD. Go ahead, I'll wait.

*whistling, humming, twirling my hair*

Do you feel like you've learned something new? Because that is the point. To educate. To make people aware.

Now go tell someone.

BUT, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

What are you playing for today? A "Misses" blog makeover package from Design by Mariah! Mariah is a talented web designer with more than 2 years experience. Her goal is to offer affordable, stylish web design. This package is valued at $30 and is open to Blogger format only.

You can see her portfolio on her website. She has a creative mind, so tell her what you're looking for and she'll amaze you with how she can put together a whole website in just a matter of hours!

Please leave a comment for each entry. Not only does this encourage your odds of winning, it means I give away more money.

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow Mariah on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a custom blog makeover from @mariahannette and @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/bzrzLr

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 1!

2010-02-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

I told you Sunday that this week, February 7-14, is CHD Awareness week. What does this mean to you and to me?

It means we have a responsibility to share Cora's Story with the people we know so that CHD will not go undetected any longer!

Did you know that congenital heart disease is the #1 birth defect?

Did you know that a simple, non-invasive test can detect congenital heart disease?

WHY, then, are hospitals not performing this test on newborns? Because it's not mandatory. Your doctor may do the test at your first well-baby visit, but that may be too late.

There are multiple means of diagnosing CHD, and Kristine and Cora are encouraging all to have a Pulse Oximetry test done. Until the pulse ox tests are mandatory, mothers and fathers should ask for their baby to have this test done between 24-48 hours after birth.

Do you feel like you've learned something new? Because that is the point. To educate. To make people aware.

Now go tell someone.

BUT, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

Today, you have the opportunity to win a beautiful necklace donated by Lynn from Shabby Chic Designs! The 3/4" heart has been hammered and shaped, with a sterling puffed heart charm and an opaque pink stone, which adds to the beauty of this necklace. The necklace comes with a 16" fine sterling chain. You guys, it is beautiful!

Please leave a comment for each entry. Not only does this encourage your odds of winning, it means I give away more money.

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a beautiful sterling heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support #Cora http://tinyurl.com/ykhngqz.

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Shabby Chic Designs on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

CHD Week

2010-02-07T22:04:00.004-06:00

You may remember my friends Kristine and Cora from this post back in December. Sweet Cora died when she was 5 days old from Congenital Heart Disease.

This week, February 7-14, is CHD Awareness week. During this week, we are going to be having a couple giveaways here. Kristine has a whole week of activities planned in Cora's name, and we are going to spread the word! This week is not just about wearing pink ribbons (but I will) and it's not just about giving away goodies (but we will!). It's about honoring sweet Cora, and the other babies, toddlers, teens, and adults who have lost their lives to CHD.

I will be back this week with more information that you can use in your own life and to help educate the people in your life.

This week is about saving lives.

Check back Tuesday, because you are going to want to win the first giveaway!

Each Day

2010-02-06T21:46:00.002-06:00

I don't know that I will ever feel confident with this pregnancy. I am scared. I am not scared to admit this to you.

I'm afraid to buy maternity clothes, because what if I don't need them?

I'm afraid to buy baby items, because what if I don't need them?

We're afraid to talk about names, because what if we never get to use it?

I know that this fear is common after suffering a miscarriage, but I also know that this fear is not Godly. I know that God determined this day hundreds of years ago. He knew whether I would be pregnant or not, and He knows how this pregnancy will go.

But trusting Him is hard.

I know that it is worth it, and that I will be rewarded for my obedience, but oh, it is so hard.

Oh, sweet tiny dancer, we love you so, so much.

Valentine's Day Cards

2010-02-01T19:00:00.006-06:00

Thank you all for your well wishes for me and Baby Cline! We feel incredibly blessed by our family and friends, and by you, the readers of this blog/Twitter friends/Facebook world.

I will be happy to answer any questions that Baby Cline left unanswered, just leave a comment below. The most common question is "how far along are you" and today marks 13 weeks. I am feeling good today, and hoping this trend continues!

We announced our pregnancy to our parents and siblings around Christmas, but waited to tell (most!) everyone else until we were able to send out a Valentine's Day Annoucement! I know that it's a bit early for a Valentine's Day Card, but we just couldn't wait.

I was thrilled to be chosen through MomMadeThat to do a review of Two Silly Sisters Etsy Store. I had the opportunity to work with Stacey from Two Silly Sisters, and told her that I was looking for a pregnancy announcement/Valentine's Day card, and I have to say, she took a few sentences of what I was looking for and created cards that I was thrilled with!

(the front)

(the back)

The cards are printed on 5x5 white cardstock, and included white envelopes for mailing. The cost of mailing was higher due to the size of the envelope, but I considered it a small price to pay for such gorgeous cards.
Our family and friends were excited to receive the cards (a few of them are on their way - sorry for the delay) and I was so pleased with how they turned out!

Stacey has also provided 3 sets of notecards for one of my loyal blog readers!

There are 8 cards/8 envelopes of each design. One winner will be chosen for the entire set of 24 notecards.

Wanna win?!

To enter:

1. Leave a comment with a pregnancy tip, pregnancy or baby item you had to have, or piece of information you think I really should know!

2. Follow this blog.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Tweet the following:

There is a beautiful set of 24 notecards up for grabs from @nataliejanette. Enter here - http://tinyurl.com/yk3oe9a

Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Winner will be chosen on Thursday, February 4, after 9pm CST. Winner will be contacted by email, so please make sure you leave your email address if you do not log in using your Google account. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. Open to US residents only.

I blog with integrity. I was not monetarily compensated for this giveaway, but was given 20 announcement cards from Two Silly Sisters to review. This review brought to you by MomMadeThat.Com

Lunch and Conversation with a 24 6 Year Old

2010-02-01T14:30:00.000-06:00

I went to lunch with my aunt and 6-year-old cousin to tell them that I was having a baby. I gave them their Valentine's Day card, and watched as my sweet girl processed what she was reading.

"So, you WAS having a baby, and then you WASN'T having a baby, and now you ARE having a baby???"

(What I wouldn't give to redo this moment, just to have a camera out to capture the look on her face. I almost think she was as excited as I was when I saw the double line).

"Yes, that's a good way to put it!"

She took a drink of her water, tilted her head to the side, and smiled.

"Hmmm."

And then she went back to coloring on the back of her placemat.

Nearly 20 minutes later, in the car on the way home, she asked "What will you do if this baby dies?"

And choking back tears, I replied "Aaron and I will just try again!"

That answer satisfied her, as much as a 6 year-old can be satisfied, and I couldn't control my emotions. I wanted to crawl into the back seat and hold her and hug her and let her hug me back. I didn't cry because I was sad, I cried because she cares. She has the heart of a young woman and the curiosity of a child. She asked a question that many adults would like to ask, but are too afraid to know the answer to. She made me say aloud what would actually happen if this baby died. We would try again.

Oh yes, we would try, try again.

And then she asked if she could be the first person to babysit and of course I said yes. How could I say no to such a sweet little girl who genuinely cares about me, about Aaron, and about our baby.

***********************

Yesterday, she gave me a card for the baby. The inside contained a $1 bill and some change. "For the babies piggie bank", she told me.

This baby is the richest baby in the world. It is loved more than it will ever know.

Introductions

2010-01-29T15:19:00.002-06:00

Hi there,

My name is Baby Cline.

I go by bebe (my mom calls me that. Well, my mom actually calls me lots of things, but mostly she calls me bebe). My mom and dad took me to the Doctor today and I was moving around so much, the Doctor could hardly take my picture! My mom thinks that maybe she'll call me Tiny Dancer. I know what I am, but no one else does yet. My mom and dad will find out at the Doctor soon enough, that is, if my mom quits eating apples and starts eating more chocolate. Otherwise, I’m not going to let her see. She’s making me kinda mad with all the healthy stuff she’s trying to eat. I know she doesn’t like cake, but I do, and I want a piece! Is it really that much to ask??

I bet when I do show my parents if I’m a boy or a girl, they will tell you. Neither one of them are very good at keeping secrets, but can you believe they’ve known about me since DECEMBER 1, and didn’t tell (very many of) you?!

So far, I haven’t made my mom very sick. Well, wait. There was the month of December. I mean, it wasn’t that bad. I just needed lots of her energy, so she took a nap. Every. Day. And then I made her hormones kinda crazy (at least that’s what my dad says), so she cried some and then laughed again the next minute, and then felt like she was going to be sick. I heard the Doctor tell her it was from the hormones. Man, I wish you could’ve seen her – she looked green some days!

I got to travel a lot over Christmas. My parents weren’t ready to tell the world about me, but because my mom looked green and napped a lot (see above paragraph), they had to tell my Nana when they were at her house. She would’ve known something was wrong with my mom. Not only was she feeling sick, she hardly ate anything. And when she did eat, it was just those crazy Granny Smith Apples. I guess she likes them. I heard her say something about the texture and tartness. She also doesn't really like meat right now, except for cheeseburgers. And she drinks A LOT of water.

My Doctor is pretty cool. He lets my mom and dad see me every time we go to his office. My mom is worried that something will happen to me, so he lets her see me and my heartbeat. I’m growing just like he wants me too, so I’ll be here around August 9th. My dad’s birthday is August 19th and he said something once about how cool it would be if we had the same birthday. I don’t know what happened after that, but I heard my dad say “OUCH”. I think my mom pushed him down the steps.

Well, I think that’s all for now. There’s more to talk about, but my mom has to pee (oh man, does she ever have to pee).

Homesick

2010-01-25T09:16:00.003-06:00

I shouldn't be here. I should be at home.

Texas is beautiful. It's a cool 40 degrees right now, but by noon, it will be 65. Authentic Mexican food at every corner, a slower way of life, "Thank you Ma'am" and "Yes Ma'am", I long to be so polite to strangers.

An early morning wake up from a 3 year-old who just wants Uncle Aaron to "dit up" and watch "bartoons". A good morning kiss for Aunt Madalie.

The sun is shining down on the river and the deer graze in the field right by Starbucks. I sit on the patio here, and I see the river, feeling the sun warm on my face, even though I am cold.

I should be at Starbucks in Schererville. Wearing yoga pants and a too-small sweatshirt, a scarf and any shoes that fit, with a puddle from melted snow at my feet.

Aaron and I love to travel, vacation and spend time with family. This is our third trip to Texas in as many years. Our time to forget about the cold and shoveling and the driving in sludge.

When I found out in June that we were having a baby, I told Aaron I wasn't sure if we'd be able to come to Texas this winter. After talking with my doctor and receiving a due date of February 18, we discussed the possibility of traveling to Texas in December, before Christmas, to see how people celebrate winter holidays without snow. I imagine it'd be hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit without cold and snow, but I didn't have to try.

And so here we are. Because I'm not wearing clothes that are too tight, and I'm not dealing with Braxton Hicks contractions. I don't have a bag packed by the door, and the spare bedroom has yet to become a nursery. The vacation I thought we wouldn't be able to take is nearly over, and we'll be back to the life we've come to know. Which is a beautiful, wonderful life.

I'm ready for the comfort of my own bed, my own shower, and more than 3 clean shirts to choose from (that's debatable, depending on how the laundry room looks). I'm ready to see my puppy, and have him keep me warm by laying on my feet while I lounge on the couch, watching episodes of Ellen and Real Housewives.

I want to be home.

A lot of nothing.

2010-01-19T16:37:00.004-06:00

Well hello there, little bloggy blog! I did not forget about you, but I've been at a loss of words. I know, I know - I never really stop talking. But lots of times, I get tired of hearing my own voice. So I think others probably get tired of hearing my rambling too.

Tomorrow we leave for Texas! I'm excited to visit with Aaron's family and spend some time away from snow. Even though it's not HOT in Texas, at least it's not 30 degrees. And that's good enough for me.

When we come back from Texas, I go back to work! And then my winter vacation will be over! And I won't have time to blog, but I will finally have something to talk about!

Funny how that works, huh?

This cold is getting old.

2010-01-02T18:38:00.004-06:00

It's a cold, snowy Saturday night, and I am sitting on the couch with my sweet puppy Duke while my husband is off playing a (well-deserved!) game of poker.

I've been fighting this cold all week, and he's been bringing me tissues and cough drops and tea, and he needed to get out of this infirmary. I always miss him while he's gone, but I think I'll be going to bed extra early tonight to kick this cold in the you-know-where.

Christmas was really wonderful for us this year. Thanks to the kindness of my mom, my brother, and my grandparents, I have the complete Willow Tree Nativity, which I LOVE and have been wanting since I started collecting them a couple years ago. I was really blessed with a lot of other wonderful things and I will tell you about them when I get off the couch for more than 15 minutes at a time.

We spent time with all the family we could sqeeze into 7 days and 700 miles and it was really nice to be around so much love and giving. I wish I had some great pictures to show you, but this cold - it's affecting all areas of my life, including transfering photos from the camera to the computer. And forget editing. (And I'm going through puberty again, so you don't want to see those photos unedited. {pimples.})

Still working on a 2009 in review. I will get to it eventually and it will be FANTASTIC. (it will. just wait.)

But for now, I think I'll take a bath and drink some tea and continue to act like I'm 80 years old.

The Worst "End of 2009" Post You've Ever Read

2009-12-31T17:22:00.003-06:00

(This is where I'm supposed to write something witty about what 2009 meant to me, and about how it changed me and what I'll remember most.)

(And here is where I'm supposed to write about my hopes and dreams for 2010, my potential resolutions and desires for the year).

(And here is where I tell you that I have a terrible cold and have been laying on the couch all day. I plan to stay here most of the night unless I can convince Aaron to take me out for Mexican food. I mean, if anything is going to clear these sinuses, it's jalepenos.)

Happy New Year. Be well.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

2009-12-23T16:04:00.009-06:00

When we were little, my parents used to tell us that they convinced Santa to bring our presents early because we had to go to grandma's in the morning. When I was old enough to drive, I would take my brother and sister to the town nearby on Christmas Eve to purchase carrots* for Rudolph and his friends, and every.single.year. when we arrived home, Santa had already been to our house! On Christmas Eve! We always missed him!

Santa must have known we were going to be busy this year, because he already stopped by. And rumor has it, he told my mom I've been a very good girl this year.

My mom's Christmas tree is full of old ornaments and love. Yes, a Christmas tree can hold love. Love and memories and family.

"Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." ~Augusta E. Rundel

For the year we put behind us, I am thankful. I've been happy, and I've been sad. I've been overwhelmed with love and kindness and the friendship of strangers. I've learned things about myself that I'm glad I know, and I've learned things about myself that require a bit of work in the coming year(s). We've loved and we've lost, but we've gained! We've gained Faith and Hope and Love and Trust!

For, we've always had Joy. The Joy that so many only reflect on at this time of year, when it is safe to proclaim that Jesus came to save the world! But I hope that we, that I, will never need a holiday or a season to proclaim that My Joy comes from knowing My Jesus.

Merry Christmas, friends.

xoxo,

Natalie (& Aaron)

{My mom did not buy a defective ornament, there really is an "h" there.}

*{Mom, did you use those carrots, or were they just a prop?}

Pink Thursday for Cora

2009-12-09T16:42:00.004-06:00

The Internet has provided a place for us to come, as sisters and brothers and mothers and fathers and friends, to support each other. We shout with jubilation when there is success or happiness! And we cry with each other when there is sadness from miscarriage, divorce, and loss of loved ones. We pray for each other when children are sick and husbands are traveling and mothers are overwhelmed.

Community, please meet Kristine and Sweet Cora. Cora was born on Monday, November 29, 2009 in Fort Wayne, IN and passed away on December 6, 2009. The story of her life and death from her mother's words:

Cora died instantly on my chest while breastfeeding. One hundred percent healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. She scored 9s on both Apgar test. We jumped in the car and drove 70 through Decatur to the hospital as soon as I looked down and saw her bloodied face covering my breast. Getting her there within moments of her stopping breathing. She had a heart condition impossible to detect in utero or at birth without special testing.

Cora was meant to teach us something I'm sure of it. She changed my life. Ben and I quit smoking, struggled to prepare financially, took parenting classes, and after she was born watched her in shifts. She was never alone even when sleeping. We were all meant to learn something from her.

Compassion, patience, love.

The service to remember Cora is being held Thursday, December 10, 2009. Cora's family has asked that we join them in wearing PINK to honor Cora's life.

Please link up your posts complete with pictures of you and/or your family wearing Pink. It will mean so much to the family. (Please link directly to your post, not to the main page of your blog. If you need help with this, please email me at nataliejcline at yahoo dot com or leave a message here).

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

2009-12-03T22:13:00.003-06:00

Christmas is missing something this year. A big round belly, presents to open for "the baby" - it's just not going to be what I thought it was. But it's not going to be terrible, because we have each other, and we have a family that loves and cares for us and hopes the best for us.

And we have our Angel.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My parents house is warm and always smells like cookies and Christmas and the smell of love. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it all year.

And on Christmas morning, our whole family gathers together in Grandma's little house and we all have to sit on top of each other and try not to dump our plates on each other and on the floor, because the house is so small when it's filled with all that love.

The tree is up and most of the presents are wrapped. The Jessica Simpson Christmas CD is in the CD player in the car, and soon, we will bake cookies.

Christmas is not a day, it is a season. A season that reminds me of Peace, Hope, and Love.

I pray that for you too.