Our Story

As I begin this blog, I feel it is important for me to express what has brought us to where we are today. Kevin and I met our senior year in college. We had an instant connection and after dating for a year and a half, we were married in June of 2001. Shortly after our one year anniversary, we found out we were pregnant. Nine months later, Gracey Leighann entered our lives. From the moment she was born, we were ready for even more children. Gracey brought (and still brings) so much joy to our lives. What a special blessing from God! Over the past 6 years, we have found ourselves saying over and over again just how precious and enjoyable each stage of her growth is.


When Gracey was 2, we were blessed with a second pregnancy. When we found out we were having a boy, it seemed as though our life would be complete. Our son, Turner Layton was born 10 weeks before his anticipated arrival date. Much to our own dismay, Turner would never make it home. He was transferred to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, and at one month old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (a chronic, life-shortening lung and digestive disease). While that may seem like one of the hardest things for a parent to hear, we were even more devasted one week later when Gracey was also diagnosed with CF. We remained by Turner's side for five long months and prayed that God would give us a miracle, and several times He spared us more pain, but in the end, Turner's little body could fight no longer. We could not watch him suffer any longer, and it was such a peaceful day as our family and friends gathered around us in support as he passed from the arms of his earthly father into the care of his Heavenly Father.



After Turner's death, we knew we wanted more children, but having more children on our own left too high of a risk for more children with CF. That is when we decided to try in-vitro cycles in order to pretest for CF. I suppose the outcome is clear....none were successful in bringing a pregnancy to term. We failed two cycles and had two end in miscarriage within the first trimester. With that chapter in our lives behind us, we have begun a new road with adoption. It has been more than I could have ever imagined. Unfortunately, our first placement did not finalize as the birthmother decided to parent her child in the end. We were heartbroken once again, but we know without a doubt that we can and WILL love more children in the same way we have Gracey, Turner, and that precious baby. God is preparing our hearts for another child, but being patient is oh so hard!!



Of all the awards and honors I have ever been given in life, there is none greater than being a mother. Even through the heartache, it has brought so much joy to my heart. Over the past few years, I have often questioned God about why I have had to suffer so much as a mother. I have so much love to give to children and I feel like I am a pretty adequate mother. I have spent many moments in tears, but my hope is that one day God will bless our family with more children. Until then, our hope and prayer will continue to be.....the best is yet to be!!

Something New....

As I begin to create a blog spot, I am almost humored at the thought of myself even sitting down to create such a thing. I have always heard of others doing this, and wondered, "where do they find the time?" As I think about it, there are so many thoughts that consume my mind. Over the past four years, our journey has been anything but easy. There is so much to say about where we have been and where we are yet to go. My hope is that I will be able to express my feelings and thoughts honestly, in both the darkest and happiest of days. May God use this as an opportunity for us to encourage and inspire one another! This is something new for me, but I am excited about a new beginning in my own healing. Stay tuned.....the best is yet to be!!!!