Surprise.

“Hope quietly abides in our souls and whispers comfort on our journeys when we need it most.” ~Unknown

Tomorrow morning I go into surgery to undergo a laparoscopy. Yes, surgery…again. The topic is something I’ve preferred not to speak much about but after dealing with months of pain since the c-section when I had Chance it seems to be the best way to know what is going on and hopefully help correct whatever the cause of the pain is. I haven’t been feeling the best physically the last few months and have underwent a couple ultrasounds and an MRI which raised a little concern but in recent weeks the pain has at times gotten worse which is quite concerning for me. I don’t think it’s necessary to go into much detail, I’ve tried to share the news with the few I felt up to telling and I know surprises or news like this rarely remain secret for long. I’m a tad bit nervous, even though I’ve been told it’s a minimally invasive procedure…I thought the same about a D&C back in 2009 so needless to say I won’t breathe a sigh of relief until I wake up after surgery and my doctor tells me I’m okay. I have the best doctors in the world…so I know I’ll be well taken care of.

Once we confirmed the date of surgery we coordinated with Jason’s aunt Terri to fly down to spend the week with us. We’ve relied on so many family and friends to help with the kids this past year and though I know they’d all offer to help again…I admit we’ve been missing Terri who is like a mother to Jason and his brothers. Her original flight yesterday was delayed so we rushed to the airport this afternoon and waited for her flight to arrive. Jaylen was so stinkin’ cute. It’s been about two years since he last saw her and I don’t think he quite remembered her from her last visit.

Hope, however, has talked non-stop about her since we mentioned she’d be flying down. She nearly came to visit around when Chance was born but wasn’t able to and I recall how Hope talked about her nearly every day back then wishing for her to visit. As much as I wished she could have visited then I suppose it all makes sense now why God decided to prolong her visit to see us…Lord knows how grateful we are to have her help this week.

This was a brief moment after we arrived home during Terri’s first moment holding Chance. It should come as no surprise that he loves her already. I admit that the moment the reality hit me that I was going to go through surgery again I woke up and realized that it would be the first time I’d leave Chance for longer than an hour or so with anyone besides Jason. Instantly I thought of Terri and called her praying she could come visit. As I head out to surgery I admit I feel a little more reassured knowing she’ll be with my baby boy.

The decision for Terri to visit came with very little notice so we decided to try to keep it a surprise from the rest of Jason’s family in Orlando. The only person we managed to surprise was Jason’s grandmother. We had to coordinate with the others in order for them to free their schedules and it all ended up working out perfectly. Surprising Jason’s grandmother truly lifted my spirits and helped distract my mind from the nervousness I’ve been feeling about surgery. We all met for dinner and a moment after arriving Terri walked in asking if she could join us. Though Hope & I both had cameras pointed at her she had absolutely no clue. I suppose that’s one perk to being a little OCD with photography…thankfully it allowed us to capture a few photos and a video of the memorable moment.

Seeing her reaction was irreplaceable. Though I know Terri is here to help us…I just know that Terri visiting is helping lift Grandma Bristow’s spirits.

Yes, Grandma Bristow is quite happy that we helped bring her baby girl to visit her. Words can’t quite explain how overjoyed she became the moment she realized Terri was here.

Hope was such an awesome helper. I asked her to take a video on my iphone of the moment.

Jason had to work but was able to stop by briefly to be there when we first surprised Grandma. He was so excited to see his niece Raven.

I adore my little man Jaylen who was as cute as could be. He was so stinkin’ cute and I asked if I could take his picture…he said yes.

He was even willing to take a photo with me…it made my night…even with his Uncle Erik making bunny ears behind us.

Chance was a little clingy…I think he knows how I’ve been feeling lately because he’s needed a lot more tlc from me lately. But for a few minutes he was happy to sit with Terri & Hope while I grabbed a bite to eat. Yes, I had to stop stuffing my face and take a photo.

A short time later he decided he’d sleep away his time at our dinner. I sure do love this sweet face.

The kids started running around and goofing off. I of course attempted to take a few photos…they ran away quickly. Nothing a little bribing with ice cream won’t fix, right…well, not quite. They cooperated…but totally a few real moments that make me smile. Yes, my kids are silly…one is trying to be a superhero while the other is dramatically pouting because I’m taking her photo.

Take a guess at who was being a troublemaker…

Okay, the whole bribing with ice cream trick didn’t work…I tried…but they are my kids and well, sometimes it’s these real moments are far more important to capture…this is exactly what it was like…and perfect or not…I still love it.

Terri got to spend some time with our niece Raven for the first time in about two years.

Before dinner ended I’m fairly certain Grandma Bristow was still in shock…and still so happy to have Terri here. She told me it was the best surprise.

Before we left Raven decided to show off her new walking skills. Since the last time we saw her she began taking a few steps on her own.

Before we left Jaylen was talking about Terri non-stop. Yes, my shy guy was saying her name all on her own without being asked. It was so evident that in the short time she’s been here he’s come to adore her. I recall when Jason and I first started dating I use to say that if I ever had kids I hoped to be half as great of a mother as Terri. Having her here this week means the world to us. There’s no doubt how much she loves our kids.

Thank you all in advance for your continued prayers.