Inspire, Fall 2003

Inspire 19 Like many little girls, when sisters Andrea Katz Burkley ’93, Nicole Katz Garrett ’95, and Lisa Katz Amos ’00 were growing up, they would often talk about getting married and having babies. Sometimes in their shared conversations they would dreamily comment on how nice it would be to have their children close enough in age so that they could play together. What a surprise to all when God orchestrated their dreams and allowed them to be pregnant at the same time. Over the course of six weeks, each of the Katz sisters — in their birth order — had a baby. On May 21, 2003, Andrea gave birth to Lucas David. Nicole had Isaac Dale on June 20, and on July 3 Lisa was blessed with Sidney Rose. Andrea summed it up by saying, “Becoming a mother is such an awesome experience. To share it simultaneously with my sisters was extra special.” The sisters’ husbands were equally pleased. Dave Burkley ’92 said that for him the news of the shared pregnancy offered “a real sense of joy.” Josh Amos ’99 added, “I was in disbelief that this was happening — it was almost surreal.” Nicole’s husband, Darin, said he was “surprised, shocked, and amazed.” Josh said it worked out well that the sisters experienced pregnancy together. “It was good for them to talk about what was going on or what was going to happen. They got energy off each other,” he noted. Jeri and Rich Katz are in awe over the idea of having three new grandbabies in rapid succession. Jeri beamed, “The wonder of childbirth is such a miracle. I could almost sense God’s presence when I held each of our grandbabies for the first time. Children are a gift of the Lord. They truly are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’” The entire family believes this shared experience was divinely orchestrated, as Nicole and Lisa were not trying to get pregnant. Andrea and Dave already had a daughter, Leya, and when Leya neared two, they decided to try to have another baby. When Andrea shared her desires with her mom and sisters, Jeri jokingly commented that it would be funny if all three of her daughters got pregnant at the same time. The girls just laughed, but not for long. Soon afterwards the announcements started coming. Andrea was first. “Mom was coming over to take Leya for the day, and I had a few things I wanted to talk about with her — one of which was a positive home pregnancy test,” Andrea explained. Weeks later Nicole announced her news, and not long afterwards, Lisa made her announcement. With three expectant daughters, Jeri’s life suddenly got very busy. Jeri said her first thoughts were of total joy and exhilaration. Then she became more reflective as she remembered nurturing her daughters as babies and the joy she felt as a new mom. She recalled “memories of their early firsts — first loose tooth, first day of school, prom shopping, learning to drive, graduations, planning weddings, sharing the joys and disappointments of life, and listening intently to each of them as they made commitments to Christ.” Seeing her babies having babies reminded Jeri of the awesomeness of God. With that joy, she eagerly embraced the busyness and new experiences that awaited her and her daughters. The sisters say their parents were an incredible support. “Dad was a silent cheerleader who encouraged and enabled our mom to help us. And Mom was simply amazing!” Nicole explained, adding, “Mom would change her plans to come out and help me. She also kept us informed of each others’ news and progress.” Lisa said she really appreciated how her mom would often call on her and listen and comfort her as she vented her fears. “Mom is the most supportive human being,” Andrea added. “She always offered to watch Leya, drive me to appointments, bring meals, and clean my house.” The girls said Jeri (and Rich) also made sure they were well-dressed as expectant moms — which they really appreciated. Jeri counted it a joy to be available to her daughters. It wasn’t easy, she admitted, but it was definitely rewarding and very worthwhile. “Don’t ask Rich about the phone bills during those months!” she quipped. Juggling her schedule with her daughters’ schedules was a challenge. Just trying to have everyone attend all the showers was tricky. “I must say that all the dads were so supportive and did whatever it took to help get everyone where they needed to be,” she said. “It helps that our homes are about a one-hour triangle one to the other.” ies!