My life seems pretty full right now. I am having a hard time getting everything I want done in one 24 hour time period, but that’s okay. I love when people ask, “So what are you more sick of having to talk about, the baby, or the leg?” And the answer is most definitely neither. However, it is difficult trying to focus my mind on anything not surrounded by these two extremely life altering things. I’ve tried to read, watch a movie, pray for other things, even the thought of doing my pregger yoga somehow makes my mind swim of baby and leg thoughts. I am happy, though. I have 57 days left, according to my baby ticker. 57 days until I am fully responsible for another human, so they can eat, sleep, have a clean diaper, and know that they are loved. 57 days remaining to turn our second bedroom (which looks like the remnants of a hurricane) into a super adorable “baby’s room”. 57 days and counting to spend alone with my husband, and 57 days until I get to see the first person I have ever know in my life that is biologically connected to me (I’m adopted). I cannot wait to see another face that might have my eyes, nose, or lips! They say the bond a mom and child have in those first few moments after birth can be an overwhelming experience of unconditional love, and the thought of that moment makes my feet tingle with excitement! However, before I get to that moment, my head is pounding while thinking of all the planning and preparing left to do. Thank goodness Tarver and I have a wonderful group of friends who are there for us, every step of the way.
Additionally, in the next 57 days, I am enjoying the time I have to spend with and take care of Tarver. Let me first tell all of you that the man I married is AMAZING. I realize every happy wife must say this, but I feel it in every corner of my mind, heart, and spirit. I have never met anyone so dedicated to loving people and loving Christ as this man, and I am most definitely awestruck that I get to spend the rest of my life with Tarver, while teaching our children to love as he and I both do. I love watching his courageousness, as he learns how to do everyday things with one leg. And I love watching how comfortable he makes those around him, who love him, and desire to ask hard questions. I love his selflessness, as his main concern still remains my joy, happiness, and feelings of safety at this point in our journey of marriage and parenthood. Lastly, I also admire his passion for helping other amputees, who are receiving little or no help from insurance companies just as we are.
So to all of you who ask, “How are you doing?” I am doing great, thanks to the love of a wonderful husband, the promise of the joy of being a mother, and the love of outstanding family and friends who are supporting us every step of the way. Thank you to those who are reading this, and have already been praying, bringing us meals, getting the word out about Shirts For Limbs, visiting us, making monetary donations, and helping to organize and throw leg parties and baby picnics/showers.
Welcome to Tales from the NW…… thanks for reading and commenting!
Posted by Matt on June 10, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Hey Tara!
57 days eh, if all goes according to plan you should be having the baby a week before I’m supposed to head back to Portland. Any requests for Canadian stuff on the “baby’s” behalf? Stuff like Ketchup Chips or Cadbury chocolate right
Good to hear all is well
Matt
Posted by Terri (Tara's mom) on June 11, 2007 at 8:16 am
Tara, I can’t believe how quickly your pregnancy has gone by. In just a short time you (and Tarver) will be holding your precious little one.
The bond between a mother and her child is so special. The Lord blessed me 25 years ago with the most precious gift, when HE gave me you. The first time I held you in my arms will be a day I will never forget. I loved you the moment I saw you. I remember my first words …they were “I can’t believe she is mine”. You were my child, being loved unconditionally. You were chosen by the Lord….and I am thankful HE chose me to be your mother. Tara, there is no greater joy in seeing you now prepare for motherhood. I know you will be a wonderful mother. I’m counting the days right along with you and Tarver. I don’t want to leave Tarver out because I know he will be a wonderful father too!
Both of you are always in my thoughts and prayers. When days are a little crazy, especially with all you have going on, rest in the everlasting arms of the Lord.
I love you both so much.
Love,
Mom
Posted by Ken on June 11, 2007 at 8:43 am
Well i have to say as a friend and almost family member to the two women here in this scenario mother and daughter…..i feel honored just to know each of you……i admire you Tara so very much and feel your love for your husband just in your words i read…….how speacial that must be……..i wish so much happiness and my prayers are with you all ………thank you for being a part of my life……..Ken
Posted by bear on June 11, 2007 at 11:49 am
I think that you are fantastic! Your love for my friend is incredible! And your ability to handle all that is going down with such grace and love is truly fantastic.
Posted by tarverc on June 11, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Thank you for your kind words. I love you too Beautiful.
Posted by www.ecclesiology.us on June 12, 2007 at 12:57 am
My feet never tingle when I get excited. I’m jealous.
Posted by Chrissy on June 12, 2007 at 1:34 am
Tara you are such a beautiful example of courage and love. I am so happy to know you.
Posted by luke Camara on June 11, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Holy crap Tara! I did not know that Tarver was your husband! I have been reading Bob’s blog about this whole thing. I even when to Tarver’s blog and I never knew this was your husband. Now I have to buy a shirt!
Luke
Posted by Karla on June 12, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Tara,
You are incredible! When Tarver first told us about you, I could hear it in his voice,this gal is the woman for our Son, and you are! I think you kind of know how special Tarver is to us, so the way that the two of you have gotten together is “a gift from God”!. And of course that little one growing in you completes you both! So often I have heard Tarver talk about a child!!
I also want you to know just how very grateful I am that you are there with Tarver seeing him through this time in his life. From the past surgeries I know all to well the challenge(at times) and the delight in being able to be of help to Tarver.Our prayers continue for you both as you move forward in faith with this new leg and change in your lives! You are a gem, a royal jewel in my eyes!
Gracias mucho por su paciencia para mi hijo!! Love you, Karla
Posted by Penny Fuller on July 11, 2007 at 11:43 am
Here it is July 11 and I don’t see anything about the little one; it he/she here yet? What are all the details (sex, name, weight, coloring, alertness, etc.) and how are you doing, Tara? I have a niece-in-law who is expecting twins in October who lives in southern Colorado; phew, the heat is hard on her.
Oh a tip my niece shared with me. In order to help your hubby “bond” with the kid, do the following: 1. Give him the kid as soon as its born and cleaned up so he can like “relate,” 2. Whenever you learn anything new about the kid, SHARE (e.g., if it makes a certain expression, that means burp it, or how to tell when it is doo-dooing (to prevent diaper spills on a good suit ya know), all that stuff. She says and I verified that a man’s hormone levels change slightly to calm him down if he holds the kid right away, and he’ll grow with the child if you teach him everything you learn as soon as possible. Then he will understand what is going on and not feel like he has no clue and will only make the kid cry if he gets involved.
Anyway, good luck to you both, um, all!!
Posted by Tara on July 11, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Baby Hannant is not here yet! My due date is August 5th, just about 3 weeks to go!