Baby update . . .

Chris and I met with Dr. Whitesides on Friday to see where we go from here. The options we've tried thus far don't seem to be working. We agreed that our next step would be IUI (intra-uterine insemination). We will begin our first round of shots in February. We'll try this for 3 months. They are telling us that because of our age and health, this should be the golden ticket for us. Keep praying! As many of you know, cost was a real concern for us when it got to this level . . . thankfully, my insurance through CJS will cover it 100%!!! God has been very good to us in this aspect so far!

Oh my goodness . . . it has been SO long since I last updated this blog! What can I say, there's just not enough time in the day anymore! Chris and I are doing very well. As usual, staying very busy. Chris is wrapping up several large projects at work and will hopefully begin the new year with a more sensible schedule. He has been promised no more than 3 houses at a time and that should keep him well-balanced for now. I know that 3 houses doesn't sound like much, but when you're managing the building of a house from start to finish, it's really more that one person can handle at any given time. Believe it or not, he's been managing 3 houses plus 3 large projects (mostly additions/renovations to current homes) for the last 6 months - hence the reason he hasn't been around too much. But with this new promise should come a new schedule and for that we are grateful! Mel is keeping rather busy herself. As if supporting the 3 managing partners/HR Adminstrator/Residential Team of her firm isn't enough to keep her busy, she is also doing a lot of party planning (on the side) and maintaining her role as the Fellowship Coordinator for our Sunday School Class (check it out at http://hartsellnewlyweds.blogspot.com/). Not to mention the two dogs she has to take care of everyday as well. They really are like children. Autumn, who is now 3 1/2 years old, is pretty self-sufficient. But Sadie, who is only 10 months old, is a puppy in every way. It's a full-time job just keeping up with her . . . . making sure she's not chewing up something or eating Autumn's food or going potty in the house. Her latest conquests have been chewing up Melody's glasses, fighting with her sister and pooping on the new white duvet in our bedroom. But, she's still just as sweet and loveable as ever and we can't deny that we absolutely adore her! In terms of expanding our family in a more traditional sense, we will soon have to make the choice between moving forward with injections or adoption. It's a big decision with many pro's and con's to both, so, any prayers are much appreciated! I'll try my best to update this as much as possible from here on out - I just need to make the time I guess. In the meantime, we hope you have a wonderful and very happy new year in 2008!