the winds of change

It all began on October 14, 2013 when the doctor said, "I can strip your membranes."

"Huh?"

"It's not inducing. It's just hinting to the baby that it's about that time."

Sure enough, seven hours later I was in labor and four hours after that we were admitted to the hospital. With the amazing work of modern medicine (epidural) and the awesome help of wonderful people (my husband, my nurse, my doctor), we met our beautiful baby boy at 5:02 on the morning on October 15.

We will never forget the wonderful day our first baby joined our family. We went through rough nights and long days for the first few weeks but have learned much and grown in love. He became a happy baby who caught the attention of everyone around him. The months of November and December flew by as we watched our little man grow. 

But of course our lives continued to roll on. Halloween as Link, Zelda, and baby Link was a treat. We are thankful for family and a delicious Thanksgiving feast. I climbed my way to a milestone birthday. Christmas came and went with fun memories as a threesome. 

We continued on to a new year with more in store. My plan was to be a stay-at-home mom but when the opportunity of a job came up, I took it. Working with elementary kids and being done the end of May made taking the job an easy decision. 

In February, my husband made the trip to Chicago for graduate school auditions for the second year in a row. Both of us were nervous (me more than him), both of us worked hard for this (him more than me), and both of us hoped that this would be the year. He came home from Chicago with good feelings, high hopes, and lots of contacts.

Listening to a voice mail on February 23, 2014...

"I was going to call you tomorrow but realized I am going to be in meetings all day."

(Growing smile on my husband's face)

"I would like to invite you to join our MFA Acting program here at Florida Atlantic University in the fall."

(Excitingly jumping up and down grinning from ear to ear)

The feeling of relief and success washed over us both! Finally we had plans and could move forward. But that was only the beginning...

"We'd love to have you at Central Florida University."

"Indiana University is the place for you."

Plus six more offers! We were overwhelmed at the options. How do you make the choice of where to continue your education? Well, you visit the campuses, starting with IU then making your way to FAU and finishing with CFU. And don't forget to stop at Walt Disney World on the way.

During our trip it was clear that there was only one grad school for us.

Indiana University... HERE WE COME!