False Positive

For our own record:

A few weeks ago we got a scary phone call.  My doc said that the Triple Screen blood work had come back and there was a possibility that our baby had Trisomy 18.  We had anxiously waited 4 hours to finally see the doctor which didn't help our nerves.  Once we were in her office she immediately called a specialist while we were there and we were set up to see him at 5pm that afternoon.  We left the hospital shocked and emotional but still faithful and believing there was a healthy baby until we were absolutely told differently.  It was the Doha moment that sent fear all over me.   What will we do?  Do we need to quickly get to the US?  Would we do the next test/amnio here?  Who do we trust?  ugh!!! 

In the parking lot, Nick prayed for us and our sweet baby and that God would be glorified in whatever the outcome.  He thanked the Lord for the situation that put us in a place of surrender and humility before the Lord.  I found a divine stillness over the next few hours but will never forget all the thoughts and waves of emotions that engulfed my mind during that time.  No one knew about the phone call or doctor's visit because it all happened so quickly. There wasn't even time to tell our families because of the difference in time.  But once again our Doha family filled the gap! A few of my precious friends were together and immediately prayed and also made a surprise plan.  

About an hour before I had to leave Dede, Traci and Teresa were at my house insisting to take care of the kids and just a few hours later the Warners were delivering dinner as if there wasn't an option. Long story short after a terrible 36 hours and a quick visit with the fetal specialist we had great news. The ultra sound showed that our baby was healthy and growing right on track.  And when it was all said and done we found an amazing team of doctors and a new brand new office to be apart of.  We were so thankful and wish we had known about them sooner.  Their technology,  expertise and kindness was unlike anything we've ever experienced in Doha.  

And all the while...our big kids were being loved on like family! 

Sometimes you never know how much you need to be loved like that.  I think living so far away keeps you from really recognizing how much you need your family in desperate moments of heartache. These irreplaceable friends have such a special place in my heart.  And this crazy desert is the place to find people like that!  

Everyone was highly entertained!

 

They sent me these pictures while we were seeing the specialist. Obviously they took these monkeys to the park. Not only that they were spoiled with ice cream and candy!

 Georgia Loo Who

 

We were home with our answered prayer just before bedtime and all babies were fed and clean! One of the best things I've ever been forced to do was to think outside of my "friend box".  Coming to Doha made me expand my vision of what my friends look like.  These 3 and a few others have been treasures in this sand box! 

Dede, Teresa, Traci

Valentines Day!

Time for catching up!!  So here it goes.  Obviously we did a little celebrating for Valentines Day. And as usual, room mom duty called.  So we had full day of parties!

First up, Bear had a Parent Valentine Coffee.  They wrote love letters to their parents and we surprised them with a love letter.  We read to each other and shared some delicious food that Barrett's teacher treated us to.

 

 A little later I moved around the hall to 1st grade for Brooks' party.  Weeks before valentines day they were given homework to write personal valentines to each student and both teachers in their class.  They wrote why each person was special and then read all of their valentines at the party.  It was really encouraging and sweet.  Lord knows these amazing teachers need all the encouragement they can get.  They have got a challenge!!  Most of Brooks' valentines complemented his recess skills, like tag, soccer, speed, etc.  Not bad just leaves room for character compliments in his future I hope :)

 We served up some Valentine Floats which were a big hit. Cherry 7Up and vanilla ice cream.

 

And Georgia spent the day with her Aunt Sherry.  Sherry was walking her dog early by our villa that morning and Georgia begged (mostly cried) to go with her. They ended up spending the whole day together.  While I was at school they made sweet doily valentines for us, ran errands together and shared a very special lunch date over sushi and noodles! We are one blessed family to be loved so well by the Patrizis!  

  We met Daddy for a Valentines dinner at a family favorite, Chingari Indian! 

 Valentine Kisses after she found some lipstick!!

 Fun night with my valentines!

Boot Scoot 2013!!

Last weekend was the annual Boot Scoot. Doha's biggest and best party for Texans!  We love it, minus the Aggie portion.  We put up with the maroon and of course still love our Aggie friends but will not pretend to be supportive of that school down the road on Hwy 6.
  
Sherry was hired as the photog.  A few of these shots are borrowed from her.  She's so talented and this picture captures her infectious fun spirit. Love her! Some of our favorite Doha people!!  I'm diggin' the cowboy with the hat...



Dancin!
Cotton-Eyed Joe!  Not sure what's going on...
Lindsay, me, Vicky and Sally

Serious dancin'...switchin up dance partners.
Sherry and Ed
 
Chris trying to teach my rhythm challenged feet to polka :) When you gather serious Texans together, you can learn a lot more than the two-step. 
 
We endured the usual Aggie War Hymn...God bless em.
Brad hooked em!

Alisa's Moroccan Birthday!

How many cooks can get in this birthday kitchen???

Last week we celebrated one my dearest friends in Doha, Alisa.  She is solid as a rock and literally a prayer pillar for me and and many others here in the desert. Not to mention she knows how to have a good time and is pretty hilarious.  We celebrated her birthday Moroccan style because last year all of the ladies below minus myself took a girl's trip to Morocco.  My small tots kept me home but they kindly still included me in the special birthday lunch.  Each of girl on the trip bought a Moroccan dress and thanks to Gena she bought 2 and shared with me. So it was indeed a costume party.  Including my thick black eye liner :)  We all helped to cook an amazing veggie/couscous lunch.  It was such fun and made for wonderful memories! 

Alisa and me

Yes, these chicas are all a little more "mature" than I am.  And am I forever grateful!!!  I have never in my life had more incredible mentors at my fingertips.  Its absolutely no doubt divine timing. I think of them as my roots in Doha...like you have your roots back home where your mama is...well that's the capacity at which these women serve me!

What's happenin!

We've had a lot of just regular routine days around here.  So here's what's happenin'...

Lots of big bro help from Barrett as Georgia transitions from the crib to well, basically the floor.  They are a serious pair! Love hard, fight hard!

Since this picture, Georgia is actually sleeping in a regular size twin bed.  She's as happy as a lark and we're all up early with her! 

  Tea by the pool

 Making homemade pizzas with our buddies and then having a big ol sleepover at our house!

 One of our dearest Doha friends was back!!! Dede was here for a few weeks since her hubs, Jerry was working in the region so we had all kinds of extra fun beginning with a bbq at the Warners. 

Georgia with some of her favorite Aunts (Gena, Traci and Dede)

 

 Melissa, Pam, Teresa

We've been playing some Doha soccer on Saturday mornings.   The boys are both playing on the same team, Chelsea.  The environment is so European and unfamiliar to us.  I love it.  We play all those cool names like Lucca, Harry, Angus, Oliver, etc.  There are some Aussies on our team too.  I'd definitely say there's good room for improvement with this sport but the boys have jumped right in an seem to be motivated.  We're thankful to be in Doha and apart of a casual and fun playing atmosphere.  No strict practice schedules or regimens.  Practice is optional and we show up for games to have fun and learn.  Needless to say there is a variety of talent. 

 Cute little sideline supporters...Emery and Georgie

Another pic of Em with Brooks before her game the next week.  

Birthday lunch for my sweet (and movie star"ish" looking) friend Stacy!  Seriously she's a rock star!

Playin' some softball and sadly saying good-bye to the Sessions 

Tom and Stacey have been in Doha for 11 years!  They will be greatly missed...especially on the softball field!

 "The Heat's" biggest fans...Mrs. Pam and Georgia!