<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1347" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg" alt="fish cupcakes" width="500" height="388" /></a>Along the way of our journey with infertility, I met a truly special person.  Sara, the former leader of my RESOLVE infertility support group, became an instant lifesaver for me.  We first bonded over the fact that we both were able to successfully conceive and deliver a healthy baby girl but then really struggled to give our little girls a sibling.  Sara held my hand through all of the uncertainty, answered my questions via email, text, and the occasional hysterical phone call.   She always offered a kind an encouraging word, all the while fighting her own battle.  When we at last arrived at our first IVF cycle, Sara assured me it was less scary and overwhelming than it really seemed.  She remembered each and every time I had an appointment, sending a quick text on the morning of to say "good luck", "fingers crossed" or just a "let me know how things go.  i'm thinking of you."  I was amazed that someone could find the time to be so selfless and caring as to be so truly on the ball regarding somebody else's cycle.  Heck, my own husband couldn't even keep up with all the appointments.  Every woman going through IVF should have a Sara.  And I hope to someday be able to pay it forward to one of our fellow infertility sisters.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to report that Sara is only 1 month shy of delivering her second child, a BOY!  Her kids will be almost the exact same number of years apart as mine will be.  When Sara asked me if she could buy cupcakes from me for her daughter's birthday, I promptly told her no but offered to do them for free.  It was really the least I could do for her, given what an amazing friend she has been to me throughout the past year.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1348" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg" alt="fish cupcakes" width="500" height="307" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Since Sara is about ready to pop. the party was a small, casual gathering of family members.  She didn't really have a theme but mentioned that her daughter likes fish and that they plan to take her to the Shedd Aquarium next week.  I saw these cupcakes on Pinterest a long time ago and have been looking for a reason to make them ever since.  They are simple and silly yet cute, fun and delicious.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/a8/79/d0a8790ba89b3acb1ab1aaef70485f51.jpg" alt="School of Fish Cupcakes" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Above is the photo from which I modeled my own cupcakes.  Pretty close, right?  (Excuse my poor photography.  We were running behind so I didn't have enough time to properly compose a shot.  Instead, I just snapped a few with my phone.  Either way, you get the idea.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1349" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg" alt="fish cupcakes" width="500" height="381" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hear the cupcakes were a success, and the birthday girl was quite pleased.  Can't wait for the arrival of Sara's little one.  She is truly a deserving mother.</p>