#99 of 365~Baby Mayo Update

This is us.  

Still waiting, still praying, still believing. 

Another Mother's Day has passed and Father's Day is right around the corner.  

We are feeling the strain not only financially, but physically, and mentally as well.  We have to keep on our toes during the ups and downs of hormones and "check in" with each other daily to ward off any negativity within our relationship.  However, we are tired, weary, and just plain wore out.  Which is why it was no surprise that Papa-God thought it necessary to have our Pastor preach about "weary warriors."  The message hit us both at different levels and has brought about a continued conversation about the journey we are on.  I was especially blessed as he talked about David and his men-a recurring theme within our journey-and how when several hundred men were too tired to continue on, David and 400 others continued and won.  The encouragement being, when you are too tired to continue, your brothers and sisters will continue to fight on your behalf.  We were doubly blessed when a couple came up and gave us at church and gave us a donation towards our "baby Mayo" fund!  Papa-God still sees us, still hears us, even when we think He doesn't.  

We would like to recommend EVERYONE to listen to this message and be blessed as we were: http://gladtidingsomaha.com/media/tired-warriors/

To make a donation towards "Baby Mayo," please click on the following link: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

#97 of 365~22Q

This is my cousin Andrew.  

Andrew is 6 years old, a BIG brother, all  boy, and has a yellow belt in Ti Kwon Do.  He is Nick's self-proclaimed little "buddy" and while there is quite the age difference between us-25 years-we don't mind. He is super lovable, but he doesn't like the mushy stuff.  His smile is contagious and I know he would have gotten along famously with our Grandpa Bush.  (I'm pretty sure his humor was passed on to Andrew)  While Andrew seems shy and sometimes uneasy about the world around him, I sometimes like to think that he is just a cautious soul waiting and watching and wondering what he should invest his time and talents in.  Oh yea, my cousin Andrew also has 22Q Deletion Syndrome.

Worldwide 22Q at the Zoo Day, Andrew with his family

What is 22Q deletion Syndrome you ask?  "The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by a missing section (microdeletion) of chromosome 22 which is present from the time a child is conceived. Present in 1 out of every 2,000-4,000 live births, it is a widely recognized chromosomal disorder. The deletion has the potential to affect almost every system in the body and can cause a wide range of health problems. No two people are ever exactly alike, even when they have the same syndrome, and not every person with the deletion is affected in the same way. Though not always present, the key characteristics of this syndrome include combinations and varying degrees of: heart defects palate differences feeding and gastrointestinal difficulties immune system deficits growth delay kidney problems hearing loss low calcium and other endocrine issues cognitive, developmental and speech delays behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric differences."

To raise awareness about 22Q, there are support groups all over the world. They host 22Q @ the Zoo day each year and we joined Andrew, his family, and friends in wearing red at our local zoo-Henry Doorly-to raise awareness.  We had a fun time walking and talking with our family, riding on the Skyfari, and taking pictures of memories that will last forever. 

Nick and Jenna, "the hill"-we used to think it was so much bigger when we were kids! 

Team Andrew

#87 of 365~Baby Mayo Fundraiser~Part 2

The following video was put together by one of our dearest friends, Emily Kelly with Handiwork Images.  She is a wonderful photographer and you can check out her work at: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handiwork-Images/163309133708218

What we appreciate most is that she captured so much love and encouragement in this 5 minute video.  When Nick and I sat down to watch it, we were brought to tears and overwhelmed by the love and support so many family and friends have for us.  We seriously couldn't have made it through this trial without the positive people in our life 

constantly sending us light and love. 

#86 of 365~Baby Mayo Fundraiser

"Baby Mayo" Fundraiser

Words cannot express the amount of kindness and generosity that was shown to us by family, friends, and complete strangers!  Upon hearing of our desire to start a family and trying to remain as debt free as possible, a woman from my mom's church offered to help create a fundraiser for us.  Soon, several of our family members and friends jumped in and offered to either be a vendor, help serve, or get the word out about the "Baby Mayo" Fundraiser.  Between donations and online gifts at our Gofundme page: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms  we raised $5,000 towards our process!  Thank you!

My sister Racheal and Brother CJ helped tremendously while our "Brother Bry" from Bryan Poole Music, sold his CD "Many Doors."  Check him out at: https://www.facebook.com/bryanpoolemusic

Children's author and illustrator Katherine Gazzetta, signed and sold her book, "Love From A Star." For more information about her book, check out: http://www.froghousepress.com/

Next to her is our dear friend and photographer, Emily Kelly from Handiwork Images.  She took pictures of everyone who came to the fundraiser and sold mini photo shoots!  Check out her work at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handiwork-Images/163309133708218

 

We met Stephanie through a mutual acquaintance, after hearing about our story, she offered to be a vendor for our fundraiser! Stephanie sells Premier Designs and you can access her page by clicking the following: http://stephaniek.mypremierdesigns.com/

The following table is graced with none other than our lovely gal pal Ms. Tina.  She has been instrumental in helping us towards a family and happens to sell Tastefully Simple: https://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/tgottschalk

Our fundraiser wouldn't even be a possibility if it wasn't for Elizabeth pictured above.  She sells Thirty-One bags and has a heart of gold!  To order one of Thirty-One's awesome bags, click the link: https://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/catalog.aspx

The above vendor was our friend Staci and her father representing Zach's Cheesecakes. 

They are super yummy and if you want to order, check them out at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zachs-Cheesecakes/397088287009111

Some other vendor's who participated, but are not pictured are:

Casie's Craft Corner-https://www.facebook.com/casiescraftcorner

The Red Fence Post-https://www.facebook.com/TheRedFencePost1

Last but not least, the above picture is of my mom-Linda and her mother-n-law-Bonnie.  Together they represent Bill's BBQ.  My mom's husband Chris and his family, graciously donated BBQ sandwich's for our fundraiser.  They were a HUGE hit and super yummy!!!  If you want to know where the best BBQ in town is, head to Bill's BBQ!!!