Sunday, April 6, 2008

Another blossom...

Once upon a time a beautiful Christmas cactus grew in the home of my great-great-grandmother. She gave a start from her cactus to my great-grandmother, who in turn gave a start to my grandma Costley. Grandma Costley gave a start to my mom when she married my dad and now each girl in my family receives a start from the cactus as she is creating her own home.

David and I have grown quite fond of our cactus (the only plant I haven’t killed since we’ve been married) and affectionately call her Hermione because her unkempt appearance resembles Hermione Granger’s hair. Not only is this cactus a link to ancestors and present family members, but it has established a reputation for being somewhat…how do I say this?...psychic! Our cactus traditionally blooms in the winter. During the rest of the year, it’s just green with no flowers. However, on certain occasions this cactus has been reported to bloom at unusual times, seemingly in connection with important life events. Suffice it to say that the week before we received the news about David matching to an ENT residency, we discovered a solitary blossom.


Well, last week we found one more blossom. “What could it mean?” we wondered. The results from blood work done this week confirmed what we hoped…we’re finally pregnant!!! Whether or not the cactus is as intuitive as we believe it to be, we are overwhelmingly excited about this news. It’s still really early, but we’ve waited for years to be able to make this announcement and we can’t hold back. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It looks like 2008 has all kinds of changes in store for us. Below, find a photo of Hermione. The big blossom is from Match Day, the smaller on the far right side is for baby Ludlow.


Two blossoms in the Spring...see the small bud on the right?

A close-up of "baby bud!"

Close up of "Match Day bud."

12 comments:

Carol and Tyler said...

First of all- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! You have no idea how excited we are for you guys!!!! Lots of prayers have been answered by this/these baby/babies :)

Second of all, what does it mean that I didn't get a Christmas cactus?? Way harsh...

Krystal Trapnell said...

What great news! Hopefully things will go smoothly and you won't get too sick. Now I am wishing I would have a cactus to bloom when good things are about to happen...

Kerri said...

WAHOOOO! MORE COUSINS! I can't tell you how excited we all are.

So the plant must need a little more TLC to become psychic. The de-rooting by Ryan and the pillow konk by Cory haven't helped. Hey, come to think of it, it's survival and recent revival is kind of a glimpse into our lives :).

Way to go guys!!!

tiffany said...

CONGRATS! Our cactus has yet to bloom, but the one remaining sprout has a few new leaves on it:) (Plus I think they can't flower unless there is at least on shoot of each gender. Since we are down to only one, our chances of a bloom are slim) Let's hope that doesn't apply to us!

Enough about us! Congrats!

Nicole O said...

Congratulations!!! That is the best news of the week. We wish you the best in your new adventures. We love you guys.

Camille said...

Ahhhhhh! We are soooo excited for you!!! What fabulous news! Can't wait to hear more about it! :)

Noelly said...

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I know the complete elation that you are feeling right now! I am sooo happy that things have FINALLY worked out for you. (Please tell your Dr that I am on my way into his office for #2!) I could not be happier for you guys. Enjoy every second of your good news--you deserve it!

Brian, Wing See, Noble, & Poem said...

Yay! We are so happy for you! (and a note about plants ... my parents have a Night Blooming Cereus that likewise blooms most abundantly in years of weddings, births, etc... not a coincidence?)

Melanie S said...

Yipeeee! We are soooo happy for you guys. Just wanted to tell you one more time in case you couldn't tell how excited I was when I left you a message. Love you!

Reno 411 said...

Welcome to the blogging world. Congratulations on so many new things happening in your lives!
I love the picture of Dave and you. I also love your cactus plant. I had one in Midway but a pika ate it. When it bloomed it was so pretty. I would love a start from it if you were willing.

Sheri Willardson said...

Ok I found you through Hailey-and I am so glad I did! I am SOOOOOO happy to hear that you are pregnant!! Yeah! I hope you are feeling good and that all goes well with your pregnancy. I can't wait to hear more! The story of your cactus is awesome-you better keep that thing forever! We love you guys, and I am still so sad that you are leaving. But happy for David and all he has accomplished. Now we can keep in touch!

Nicole said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! that is so exciting. i hope you are feeling well! can't wait to hear how the pregnancy goes!!!