I decided to start this blog, so family and friends can keep track of everything that is happening a little easier! :) For those of you that don't know us, here is a little bit of background on The Kirkland's:
Todd and I had our first date on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2004. It's really unbelievable that we ended up together, because we are complete opposites in almost every way. Todd is a very mild mannered gentleman. I, on the other hand, tend to be very opinionated and outspoken. The only things we really had in common was an extreme love for our families and our eating habits! People who know us will know what I mean when I say "eating habits."
Almost exactly a year later, right before Thanksgiving, Todd asked me to be his wife. I couldn't have been happier. I did not have a clue what was going on. He picked out the ring with his oldest brother. He even asked my dad and mom for permission. I was tickled to death knowing he made it a point to ask my mom as well. I also knew he was serious for several reasons. We both have very strong Christian families that don't believe in divorce. We were raised that marriage is not just a "fad" or something to do when you are bored. Marriage is not meant for quitters or those that are quick to give up. It takes two dedicated people, who love each other through thick and thin. Todd and I definitely understand the thick and thin. I'm sure we will understand the meaning of it even more in the years to come.
On July 22, 2006, Todd and I walked down the aisle in front of all our family and friends (even those in Heaven). My grandfather performed the ceremony. With Todd's dad and brother standing by his side, my dad walked me down the aisle. Most people wonder why I did not have my dad marry us. Well! If you know my dad, then you would know that there was no way he would ever be able to make it through the whole ceremony without breaking down in tears. It was hard enough for him to give me away.
About a year later, August 2007, Todd and I went on vacation with his family to Disney World. I love Disney World! It's the "most magical place on Earth." Well, for us it was definitely magical. Two weeks after we got home I found out that I was pregnant on Todd's birthday. It was a crazy moment in our lives. Without going into extreme details, we definitely thought there was NO possible way that I could be pregnant. We were in shock. Todd and I had talked about having children, but were planning on waiting until I got out of nursing school. After a few tears on my part and unbelievable support from my husband, I calmed down. It's truly incredible how my husband is optimistic about everything. About two weeks later, I woke up very early in the morning. It was pitch black in our house and outside. It had been storming and the power was out. On top of all the ugliness that day held, we lost our baby. I think the most frustrating part, besides the fact we lost the baby, was that over that past two weeks we had adjusted to the fact that it was "inevitable" that we were going to be parents.
On a happier note, this February, we found out that we were expecting again! This time we had actually decided to try. Honestly, I don't think two people could me more ready for a baby. We are so excited and are counting down the weeks until she arrives. Yes, it's a GIRL! Her name is Isabelle Grace Kirkland. We plan on calling her Izzie.
So, that's a little peak of what has happened so far. There's a lot more to come! Stay tuned.
-Cassie & Izzie
Todd and I had our first date on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2004. It's really unbelievable that we ended up together, because we are complete opposites in almost every way. Todd is a very mild mannered gentleman. I, on the other hand, tend to be very opinionated and outspoken. The only things we really had in common was an extreme love for our families and our eating habits! People who know us will know what I mean when I say "eating habits."
Almost exactly a year later, right before Thanksgiving, Todd asked me to be his wife. I couldn't have been happier. I did not have a clue what was going on. He picked out the ring with his oldest brother. He even asked my dad and mom for permission. I was tickled to death knowing he made it a point to ask my mom as well. I also knew he was serious for several reasons. We both have very strong Christian families that don't believe in divorce. We were raised that marriage is not just a "fad" or something to do when you are bored. Marriage is not meant for quitters or those that are quick to give up. It takes two dedicated people, who love each other through thick and thin. Todd and I definitely understand the thick and thin. I'm sure we will understand the meaning of it even more in the years to come.
On July 22, 2006, Todd and I walked down the aisle in front of all our family and friends (even those in Heaven). My grandfather performed the ceremony. With Todd's dad and brother standing by his side, my dad walked me down the aisle. Most people wonder why I did not have my dad marry us. Well! If you know my dad, then you would know that there was no way he would ever be able to make it through the whole ceremony without breaking down in tears. It was hard enough for him to give me away.
About a year later, August 2007, Todd and I went on vacation with his family to Disney World. I love Disney World! It's the "most magical place on Earth." Well, for us it was definitely magical. Two weeks after we got home I found out that I was pregnant on Todd's birthday. It was a crazy moment in our lives. Without going into extreme details, we definitely thought there was NO possible way that I could be pregnant. We were in shock. Todd and I had talked about having children, but were planning on waiting until I got out of nursing school. After a few tears on my part and unbelievable support from my husband, I calmed down. It's truly incredible how my husband is optimistic about everything. About two weeks later, I woke up very early in the morning. It was pitch black in our house and outside. It had been storming and the power was out. On top of all the ugliness that day held, we lost our baby. I think the most frustrating part, besides the fact we lost the baby, was that over that past two weeks we had adjusted to the fact that it was "inevitable" that we were going to be parents.
On a happier note, this February, we found out that we were expecting again! This time we had actually decided to try. Honestly, I don't think two people could me more ready for a baby. We are so excited and are counting down the weeks until she arrives. Yes, it's a GIRL! Her name is Isabelle Grace Kirkland. We plan on calling her Izzie.
So, that's a little peak of what has happened so far. There's a lot more to come! Stay tuned.
-Cassie & Izzie
