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| Just one year ago! You've each grown so much! |
When I look back at your first birthday post, pictures, video, and memories, you are not the same children you were one year ago. In so many ways it's like those children aren't each of you.
Our days use to be filled with specialist appointments, therapy appointments, medications, and being in a survival mode. Today we thankfully rarely see the inside of Texas Children's Hospital, Madi you aren't even in therapy now, and none of you are on any medications. We use to see the Pediatrician every month. Now it's only when shots are due or if you have a fall or get sick. We were given a lot of grim news during our NICU journey and thankfully most every prediction we were given has not been true. We were told Brody wouldn't even be aloud in public for the first two years for crying out loud. Even though we were at the very bottom, I'm ultimately so very thankful for that. It's made each accomplishment that much better and has kept us so humbled, so grateful, and our hearts where they belong- with God. The survival mode has switched to a daily life and just living mode. The preemie gap is quickly closing and each day you are all progressing beautifully. Your doctors and therapy team often comments that you are not the same children on paper that you are in person. It's true. I often go back and read your NICU history from the hospital and today knowing what I know now it scares me. You each went through so many extremely critical things and the fact you were born 15 weeks early and survived let alone are thriving is a true miracle. Your lives not only are book worthy but my loves they are written by stars in the sky by our Healer. What a gift!
I can't seem to find where the time went from that Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm to today two years later. Your daddy and I love each of you unconditionally and although we are so proud and excited at each new thing you do, we are also sad because we know these moments are so very precious and in a blink of an eye you will be grown. You've each changed the way we look a life, others, each other, everything. We are so lucky to call you our children.
When we are out and about just living life, we are always stopped by someone in amazement. A lot of times they say things like bless our hearts, what little miracles, we are so blessed, better you than me, etc. and we often get complements but out of everything we've been told one really mattered. We were told your daddy and I are really good parents because the way each of you act. You are all happy, loving, and just sweet babies. That was such confirmation that the way we our growing our family is right. However, your daddy and I can't take all the credit, your personalities are just amazing and each unique. Thankfully that has not changed and if I had just a handful of prayers left, I would pray that would never change. You each love one another so deeply and the bond you share is so strong. It is a highlight of my day to see you each so happy to see one another in the morning when you wake up, when you gives kisses to one another at bed time, when you all wrestle around and play peek a boo and are laughing hysterically. Life is forever changed and I couldn't picture a life any other way or any happier.
You each must know that your father is so wonderful. He is so very protective of each of you and his love for you is unmeasurable. He works very hard to provide for us today and for our future. The way you each interact with your daddy is different. I couldn't picture this journey without him and I'm incredibly lucky I don't have to. Life is sometime stressful and things get hectic but at the end of what ever "big deal" is going on, he and I are still very much in love with one another and each of you. We have a common goal for our family and work everyday to better ourselves and our family. I can't say what our future will hold, only God knows that but we do wish to expand our family God willing. What we know is family is so very important and we don't really have much family. We'd love to have a big family and change that :)
Brody,
My man! Madi now says "my man" too these days. Little boy, slow and steady wins your race. It's never changed from the moment you came into this world and I would be surprised if it ever does. You have taught me so much about life. Because of you I know you can see without sight. I also know that Elmo and Sesame Street is very funny to watch without having to have your sight because you face your back to the tvHoss" and "Harper" and love your puppy dogs like any little boy should. You are the most handsome little boy I've ever laid my eyes on and when we are in a group of people I'm so proud to tell people "that's MY boy!" I am so very proud you are mine but more than proud, I'm grateful. Two years later I still remember your NICU stay and all those days and nights by your bedside. I know you've always heard me. I know you've heard me in the darkest hours when the angels and God were beside you. Thank you so much for fighting the good fight my boy. I can never picture this life without you. Your sweet little voice saying momma is music to my ears. It warms my heart and touches my soul. For all the bad news we were given and all the pain is erased when I see your smile and hear your voice. My promise remains the same, I will spend the rest of my life making your pain and struggles up to you. But, I will always push you because the sky is the limit my love. One thing I need you to know is no matter how hard I may push you my heart only has the best intentions for you. I know you know that but you must never forget. I am so excited for your future and this next year.You do so many amazing things that I can't even think about what this next year will even be like! I know have a favorite picture of you. This picture tops all pictures you have ever taken. It's not by some fancy photographer in some swanky studio. Nope, this picture is at your birthday party and you are RUNNING! This pictures says so much and thank you for being such a super hero. My MAN! Happy Birthday Brody. Thank you so much for fulfilling my life.
I LOVE YOU!
Mommy
Gracie,
Where do I begin? You are so beautiful. Your look has matured so much this past year and you no longer look like a baby, you look like a little girl. You have such thick hair and so much of it. You are no longer our little itty bitty, you've grown so much and are so long! However, you still are our little squeakers. You have been through a lot this past year. If it wasn't your arm issues with the "is it a bone infection? No, it's a broken bone" to you might have this disorder or the doctor is sure it's this disorder. Well, you have no disorder! You went through surgery to strengthen your voice and help your paralyzed vocal cord that was a total flop. Us putting you through that for no reason was one of our lowest points. It was around that time I decided to stop listening to the doctors, all the specialist and start listening to what you were telling us and what felt right to me. Even through all the test and procedures, all the therapies, you never changed who you are. Of course you've had your days but your smile and innocence hasn't been lost. You are still very much the sensitive one. If your brother or sister cry or are mad about anything, you are too. You care so much about those around you but you know what? So many people that we have surrounding you love you so very much. You pretty much light up anyone's day with your smile and your eyes because when you smile so does your eyes. I think the thing I love the most is that you are really starting to want to do thing just mommy and her girls can do. We paint our nails and do our hair and you and sissy just love it! Us girls can get lost in our little world but bubby always keeps us in line :) It's such a joy to have you as a daughter and I appreciate you so very much and love you more than you could imagine. With that being said, you are still a daddy's girl and there is no arguing about it. And you have him wrapped around your little pinkie finger. There is not one thing in this world your daddy wouldn't do for you. With so many things this past year that we've been faced with, he has done his homework and made changes and things happen to better things for you. We've watched you turned into a little girl with such big determination push a walker around and WALK into school. The day I witnessed you moving that big walker around was such a realization that you, my child, can and will do anything you want to do. The day you STOOD in the middle of the floor with no help, not holding on to anything was such a monumental moment. You were so mad but even through the tears you did it. The thing that amazes me is how strong you are. You have fought every day of your life to be where you are today. I only hope I could be as successful as you in this life. Just like when you were a little over a pound, fighting for every breath, and when you got NEC and was at the brink of death, you've never given up. You see, every single day when I was at your bedside, you were so small, so frail looking. Little did I realize that you were telling God and those angels that you needed to be here for your daddy and I. Gracie, you didn't need us, you never have but we've needed you since the day we found out there was three. You keep moving mountains and telling everyone around you to stop reading those medical books and start watching you! You are amazing my love and I thank you so much for making my life what it is, wonderful!
I LOVE YOU!
Mommy
Madilynn,
Everyone says we are just alike. That you are my mini me. There is a bond between you and I that I am so grateful for. Those weeks after you came home from the hospital, I will forever be grateful for. You have taught me so much and when there wasn't room to mess up with Brody and Gracie and their medical needs, you forgave me for all my shortcoming I've made with you. I appreciate that more than you will ever know. Your eyes are the prettiest blue and sparkle. You are just beautiful. Your personality is something else. You giggle and laugh hysterically and make your sissy and bubby just as happy. You are always the leader and are the little mommy to Brody and Gracie. From getting them drinks, snacks, and patting their backs, to teaching them how to "jump", it's all wonderful and priceless to watch. And then there is your other side. You nearly gave momma and daddy a heart attack when you climbed on the sofa and fell, getting a concussion. Of course that was an automatic trip to the Pediatrician and then to get a MRI to make sure your head was okay. It was but you pretty much convinced the entire hospital that MRIs must hurt with the way you were screaming and trying to get off the table. Oh, you are so my child. Then there is the strong will. That side is sometimes hard to deal with and hard to know what angle to take. Just as you teach bubby and sissy how to do those great things, well you also teach them the things we wish you wouldn't do. For example, if you get really made you bang your head on the ground. No matter the surface. And unless you really want to sleep, you will scream and that makes Brody and Gracie scream too. You are such a little diva. Nothing is funnier than to see you go into my closet, put my heels or wedges on, walk all the way in the living room, put your pearls on, your bracelets, and purse. You are so sassy and it amazes me how equipped boys and girls come. I didn't teach you any of that you just did it. This past year not only did you start walking but you are now in full running mode most all day. You love to dance and twirl around which is one of mine and your daddy's favorite thing to watch. You also LOVE Sesame Street. Elmo and Abby Cadabby are your favorite and you dance and clap your hands during the one show y'all are aloud to watch everyday. School was a big event. You really don't like separating from me so I was really nervous but you were a champ! You kissed me bye, let go of my hand, walked in your class, turned around to wave bye to me again, and just like that, you were no longer a little baby but my big girl. You continue to be the trail blazer in the group and we are so thankful for who you are and where you are. You have the sweetest voice and continue to say more words everyday. You've very recently decided you should learn how to climb out of your crib. You've now mastered the task. I guess the joke is on daddy who thinks you need to be in a crib until you are three... guess you showed him. This past year has been just wonderful and I am so excited to watch you continue to grow and develop. You are such a joy to have and I couldn't picture my life without you and am so thankful I don't have to.
I LOVE YOU!
Mommy
We love you each so very much and are so excited we've been given the honor to raise you and help you develop and grow. Everyday there is something that makes us laugh, smile, and happy. I look forward to the future and to see what is in store for each of you.
We must thank our dream team for helping in each of your successes this past year. You each know who you are and we won't name names but to our: OT, PT, vision teachers, and Pediatrician, We could not be where we are today without each of you and we appreciate your dedication to each of our children.
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
(Mommy makes everyone sing happy birthday three times)
