Olivia Marie

I had been married ten months when I found out I was expecting a baby. It was an ordinary day minus a small stomach bug I thought I might have, so I headed over to our universities nurses office to receive something that might make me feel a little better, so I could make it through my day of classes. Everyone on campus loved nurse Paul, and I knew he'd help me figure out what was making me feel so icky. Once I explained my symptoms. He said well maybe you have a UTI or possibly your pregnant?? I immediately declared "that could never be possible, I need to graduate college first and get a job, and a house..." He just made me stop and go take the test, and when I came back, a few minutes later ran back into the room and declared "YOUR PREGNANT!!" I think I about fainted, and then I cried and then I called Kirk, who said "your what?" I repeated myself" and then he screamed "YAY!!" I'll be right there" He ran in the rain and wind about a mile to the nurses station. He was SO thrilled, neither of us had any idea how our lives were about to change...for the better!!!




Olivia Marie Johnston entered our lives at 6:09pm on June 21st 2008 (3 weeks early) after an intense 24 hours of labor and eventually a c-section due to complications. She was born 4 lbs 10oz's, larger than they thought she would be. She was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen and I loved her immediately. All the nausea, continual bathroom breaks, weight-gain, tiredness, pre-ecamplsia, restricted interuterine growth, anxiety, and fear went from my mind when I saw her face. Olivia was a huge blessing to Kirk and I's lives and marriage and we thank the Lord each day for her precious life. She has brought so much joy, laughter, and light to our family! She has had somewhat of a hard road these past two years with intense developmental therapy (OT, PT, Speech and EI's) but God has proven Himself faithful each step of the way, opening her mind to learn new things and catch up She is talking up a storm, walking, running, jumping, counting, and exploring her world with all her senses! The Lord has used Olivia's life to teach Kirk and I that His timing is always perfect, and although we map our "plans" for life, he guides our steps. We have been learning how to trust God in all things, we had no idea how to be parents to this beautiful gift He gave us but he has surrounded us with those who have guided us along the way. Giving advice, a listening ear, and gentle encouragement to run the race, and to raise her to honor the Lord. I am excited for our journey with Liv, she surely has made things a lot more exciting around the Johnston house!