OUR MIRACLE ROWAN

 ​“"” """""HOME by Phillip Phillips
 
Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
'Cause I’m going to make this place your home
 
Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
 
Just know you’re not alone
'Cause I’m going to make this place your home
 
This song has always meant so much to me, as when I met my amazing husband Evan in September of 2012, he made a huge decision to leave his beautiful Canada to begin a life with us here in the States.  Though he never was unsure of his choice and felt it was where he was meant to be, I cannot imagine that it came without some level of anxiety.   I always felt like this song was more than just a song but more about finding that person for you, that as long as they are by your side you are home and forever will be safe.  He is my rock and my world. 
 
Once Evan arrived here we began a new journey and started really, like I mean really, putting our lives into motion.  We poured our heart and soul into making our business visions all that it could be.  Some days we have $50 in our spending account.  Some days, I worried.  Some days more than others.  Evan reassured me each time that it would all be okay and that it would all work out.  It did.  We pinch ourselves that we are doing what we love and in the community that we love to live in.
 
Next we began the United States Immigration process.  It seemed overwhelming.  The amount of paperwork, money and interviews seemed like it would never end.  Once again, Evan assured me that everything would be ok.  We got through the process one-step at a time. 
 
Once Evan and I got married, we soon found ourselves pregnant afterwards, only to suffer a miscarriage at 8 weeks.  Heartbroken, but not deterred.   This was followed by two back-to-back surgeries for Evan.  Always knowing things would be ok.  
 
We spent the next two years trying to get pregnant again.  We moved mountains.  Our lives were forever changed in May 2017 at the birth of our beautiful daughter Charlie Elizabeth.  Knowing how hard it took to bring her into world, we never took pregnancy or the ability to get pregnant for granted.  So you can imagine our shock when we found out on October 24th 2017 that we were pregnant again.  Excited and scared but nonetheless happy! Once again, Evan said it would be ok. 
 
So that brings me to today. Evan and I had the amazing opportunity to see our beautiful little girl who we have so grandly named Rowan Victoria, at our 16 week ultrasound.  Due to her inability to sit still we barely got any good pictures of her precious face, so a side profile must do.  If this is any indicator of her personality, then we must prepare to buckle up!  LOL. 
 
She is measuring right on target!  She has 10 fingers, 10 toes, a cute little button nose, a precious little mouth and weighs a whopping 5 oz.  She looks perfect.  She is perfect.  She is a baby.  She is OUR baby.  And she is a MIRACLE.  We also now know that Rowan has Down Syndrome as well as a heart defect.  Though we do not know how smoothly this journey will go or the challenges that it will be filled with, I have no doubt that we will navigate our way though this like we have always done – side by side.  With the amazing support of our close friends, children, community and family - Evan and I know she will be beyond loved.  We will move mountains for Rowan as any parent would do for their child. 
 
This baby girl was given to our family for a reason.  I have been so proud of my children so many times before but nothing like I did when they heard the news and said "No worries Mom, she is our little sister and we are going to love her, protect her, and give her all that we have".  As a Mom, it makes your heart puff up just a bit.  So as Evan and I lock our arms together and lean forward into the winds, please keep our little Rowan in your thoughts as we all travel down these unfamiliar roads… cause WE are going to make this place her home.    

Evan, Kendra, Grace, Georgia, Jackson & Charlie  

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