Yosemite National Park & Tioga Pass

There were many highlights in our travelling. The most beautiful place that we visited was Yosemite National Park. It is just breathtaking beautiful. Hike up to Vernal falls and Nevada falls was perfect. Sleeping in heated tents in Curry village was great fun.

The best drive ever was across Tioga Pass. It was lovely – us four being in the same car, listening to great American music and stopping every ten minutes to admire beautiful nature. 

I love travelling.

Much laughter and many new memories made

So many wonderful things happened during our holidays in California and Nevada that I literally don't know where to begin writing. 

Perhaps with the first morning? 

I remember sitting in P&A's kitchen, drinking delicious Starbuck's coffee and literally not believing that we in fact were there. 

It felt like yesterday when I was reading in NYT this article: 
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/health/10pati.html?_r=0
but in reality it was already six years ago. 

I never thought that I would find one of my best friends via an article in NYT.  But I did. And I all had to do was to send the first email, it was thank you note for sharing her infertility story (that was really important at the time, since Pamela was the first infertility survivor that I ever read about).

Friendship like this gives me hope for the future. Because it is a  sign that the word is huge and beautiful and that still many great new things can happen to me. 

***

Some of the traveling we did alone, only me & my DH. 

But the best traveling time was when we were all together.  The four of us had so much laughter together and many new memories were made. 

Being with P&A we realized how wonderful it is to have traveling buddies.

Dear P&A: thank you for your hospitality, we both hope we are meeting one day soon in Europe again. 

*** 
I will post some of the traveling photos online. But before posting I have to know if anybody is interested in seing them :) 

Goodbye for five weeks

I am already counting the days until our holidays, so it is time to say goodbye to my blog for five weeks.

Does anybody know a good bed&breakfast between Morro Bay and Mendocino (part of our holidays is: renting a car and driving for 5 days along the Pacific)? Suggestions welcome at: klara.soncek (at) gmail.com 

We are flying to the USA exactly 11 years since the first time, since our honeymoon. It is amazing to think what a long path did we walk in the last 11 years. 

From newlyweds who found it a great idea to get pregnant on the honeymoon (we were joking that we will bring home an American baby). To having our hearts and souls  broken million times because of the dreams that never came true. To accepting our childless life. And - finally - to a couple who is happy to have each other and ready  for all the new adventures that life will bring.    

Dear P&A: can't wait to meet you both!! This is one of the silver linings of infertility.  11 years ago I didn't even think that one day we will have friends in the USA.

That's why I love life. It is beautiful and full of surprises. 

A rainbow

My cousin sent me an SMS at midnight, but I got it early in the morning. It says:
"My daughter has been drawing beautiful rainbows for the past few days. She says you taught her how to do it."

Yes, I taught her on Sunday, I had both princesses (aged 5 and 6) just for myself for few hours. 

I love to be a small part in the lives of both little girls.

But how would I love to be a big part in the life of my own daughter!

I love time with both girls. But on the other hand it hurts seeing, what my life could be and it will never be. 

Cool granny

I had a coffee with a coworker, also childless not by choice.  She told me that she recently visited her granny who is 90. Granny started to ask her how long had she been married (10 years) and if she had children. My coworker simply replied "No".

Granny then said: "Good. Children only take your energy and money." 

I laughed so much when I heard this story.

My coworker is lucky, having such a cool granny :)

Accepting my childlessness-for-good state

I've been very busy at work lately. It is good. I almost do not have time to think about being sad for being childless.

I had business dinner with two coworkers and some potential business partners on Friday evening, until very late. It was very nice. Chatting & laughing with people I have only met.

There was a topic who will be doing what during the weekend.

And I told them that I would spend some time with my favourite child. And then I added that since not having my own children, I am entitled to say out loud who is my favourite child*. Parents are never supposed to say that.

I was surprised how easily I told it.
It was a huge step for a woman, who is accepting her childlessness-for-good state.

*(to be frank, who is my favourite child, changes. And I am careful that I never say that loud in front of the children).

 

Sweet little princess

Every year I get an extra cute invitation from my cousin, to attend birthday party of her daughter. I never go. Attending birthday parties where there are tons of families with cute little children is just too hard. 

My cousin was angry at me for the first two years, she didn't understand. But now she accepted me for whom I am and we are OK. 

She still invites me, but she knows I will not come. 

I draw a first happy birthday card in 30 years and sent to cousin's daughter. I invited her for a fun Saturday this weekend (that includes reading books, baking pancakes with Nutella, being outside doing fun things together). I phoned her after she read the card, wished her happy birthday and asked her if she would come.

Her reply was: "Very gladly." 

I love that little 5-year-old princess.