May 2003

Dr. Awadalla, Dr. Scheiber and all the wonderful IVF Staff,

Jim and I have been holding onto Jacob’s 9-month picture for some time now trying to

find the words to tell all of you how much you mean to us and we just can't seem to do it. You are thought of every day as we celebrate being Mommy and Daddy to our two young miracles and somehow THANKS is the only word that keeps coming out.

Throughout all the ups and downs we endured during our struggles (one of the biggest being the perception that once you reach IVF you are guaranteed a baby—a fact we knew wasn’t true but were painfully reminded of with the loss of our first pregnancy) you were there for us! A bigger family was in our plans if it weren’t for the financial (NO insurance coverage) and even the emotional concerns that IVF involves but we wouldn’t change a thing. Both of us cry some and smile a lot because things happened the way they did! THANKS.

Although Sarah decided to enter this world 9 ½ weeks early (We guess she figured Jim and I had waited long enough to become parents and besides we needed more challenges.), she continues to grow and act like any other 2 year old. Sarah is a loving little ball of fire who can climb onto anything, fit between the smallest spaces and is downright stubborn. Jake started his arrival 15 weeks early only to be delivered on his due date! (And no I did not do well on bed rest—I can’t sit still for ten minutes much less ten weeks—UGH!) He is now 10 months old and already outweighs his sister. Jake loves to cuddle, chase after balls with a bat or golf club in hand and eat rocks (saving wear and tear on his thumb). She looks just like her Mom (and according to Dad acts like Mom too) and he looks just like Dad. THANKS.

One more THANKS for doing what you do and being who you are. We are truly blessed and grateful for the gift of giving life that you gave us. May God continue to bless you and your work always.

XOXOXOXO—Betsy and Jim Murray, Sarah and Jacob