Hope

That's what I've been feeling lately.

Sorry for the lack of blogging this past week. We moved into a new apartment and the internet connection is not yet set up. What a stinky week to not have it! We got home from SLC last Tuesday, Eli is recovering wonderfully, last week Matt started his last year of his MBA, Titus is teething, I've been decorating our home like a mad woman, and Isaac starts preschool on Friday. WOW!

Anyway, back to "hope." What a wonderful word! I believed in this word for the last three years, I knew I had it, but I couldn't get past large obstacles that were blocking my total faith in a brighter future.

• In November of 2008 I knew I was carrying an unborn baby with a major defect, and 4 months later--6 weeks before Eli was born--we found out what exactly this defect was (Tricuspid Atresia). 3 major surgeries were to come by the time he turned 2. This seemed like feat that could be barely conquered. 
• In October of 2009, 6 weeks after Eli's surgery number 2 (the Glenn Shunt) at four months old, I found out I was pregnant. Life changing. I knew I loved this little one to come, but boy did I know it was going to be hard. 
• August of 2010 Matt started his MBA at Boise State. I knew it was going to take up lots and lots and lots of time, but I had no clue as to how much. It was hard. Add on top of living on the third story of less than desirable apartment complex and we are talking about crazy stress Shannon moments. 
• And 3 kids in 3 and a half years. Newborn/baby Titus crying all the time, baby/toddler Eli being frustrated lots, and Isaac just wanting to wrestle and release boy energy. The boys didn't seem to mesh well together. 

How things have changed:

• All of Eli's surgeries are complete. And he is doing great! I tired to thank his surgeon, Dr. A.K., while we were leaving (he's done all three) and I started to cry. Made us all uncomfortable, but it was such a relief to leave Primary Childrens and know there wasn't a planned visit in our future.  
• I'm not pregnant! And don't ever plan to be. Ever again. Not ever.
• Matt is in his last year of his MBA. His classes are hard, but his schedule--at least for the Spring semester--is going to be easier. 
• Not to mention that we are just steps away from starting a career, with actual real live money!
• AND our new townhome is awesome! I love it! What a blessing.  
• And the children are all getting bigger, and interacting more, and playing together. It's a wonderful blessing. Isaac has become a kind and thoughtful big brother, willing to help me out. Eli is happy and can communicate. And Titus is still a little stinker, but eats great and loves to look at books and play outside. 

Hope, people, hope. That's what I've been feeling this week. And I like it.