The best things in life come in three. I can't believe you are turning three! If there were ever a superstition about a lucky number, it's been proven to our family that it's the number 3. It wasn't always this way. Several years ago the number 3 was just that, a number. How things would change suddenly in February 2010. How life would change in July 2010. The thing is the number three would forever change who I am as a person and even better, I would instantly become a mother to three beautiful miracle babies.
Three.
I've studied each of you from the moment you were born. How each of you move, breathe, your expressions, excitement, personalities, everything about you. You are each so different in every way but one... you are each a miracle and my gifts from God. You are each your own but I always see our family as one. We each go through every surgery, illness, success together. We are one. The love you each have for one another is breathtaking. Yes, there are times when the typical brother and sisters relationships happen but those are few and far between.
Three years ago today was the happiest and scariest day of mine and your daddy's lives. That day and weeks/ months to follow are forever etched in who I am today. July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm I was the proudest person on earth. You had each already won a big fight. You were each the strongest people I'd ever met. I'm even prouder to say you are each still the strongest, happiest, most loving people I've ever met and will ever meet.
Three years have gone by and today I'm the happiest and saddest person. I'm sad because time is passing so quickly. I feel like we were just celebrating your first birthday. I'm sad because I wonder if I'm measuring up as your mother. Am I being the mother you deserve? Am I doing everything you need of me? You each deserve the best and I hope everyday you see that I give my all and my very best to each of you. I'm the happiest person because here we are parents to three year olds. The fact that you are each healthy, thriving, joyful 3 year olds is proof that God is with us. Science had doubts, Science still has doubts but God has no doubts. I am happy because I know this.
This past year we've had some really scary things happen. I've been pushed beyond my comfort and just to make sure I was pushed even further from that comfort zone. We've had wonderful, priceless moments. Moments that literally make me stop and ask myself if this is really my life or am I dreaming. We do things like go on vacations specifically for you three and people ask us why we do it since you won't remember it anyway. Well, we do it because we live in this moment every single day of our lives. I think our journey since the beginning have made us this way and I am thankful for it.
This past year the three of you started preschool. It's one of the best decisions we've made. I am amazed at how quickly things were learned and how well you each adapted. Last year on your 2nd birthday, Brody and Gracie were not walking. Today you are running! Each of you had a vocabulary of around 50 words. Specialist always seemed worried. For some reason I never worried about that. Today you are each talking in full sentences! Yes, even you Gracie with you paralyzed vocal cord. We've had a number of hospital stays. That is one thing I wish to stop repeating. Rather it was Brody in the hospital or Gracie after her much needed leg surgery, one thing was amazing about that time... the love, compassion, and concern for one another. No matter who it was, you had two siblings by your side eagerly waiting to love on you. I was pushed beyond my scope of comfort as specialist started mentioning the letters "PPCD". To hear those words instantly made me sick. My immediate reaction was no- not my kids! but as time went on, I became open to the idea... although I didn't show up to the first two meetings because it literally made me sick! PPCD= Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities. Not because I'm in denial but because I see how far you've each come, I see how smart you each are. Early this year we started the meetings and testing for it. The funny thing is the only reason you (Brody and Gracie) even qualify is because of vision (Brody) and other health impairments and Gracie speech (paralyzed vocal cord) and other health impairments. Cognitively you both passed their grueling six hours of testing. Because you are both so very smart! Madi you went in and showed them who was boss and after 20 minutes they decided you didn't come near the possibility of their program. But isn't this what life is about? Being pushed out of your comfort zone and learning and growing? Sitting still, comfortable, just passing the days isn't what God designed us for. There is a reason this is our journey.
Today we celebrate three birthdays to three very amazing three year olds. I'm excited for you to light up over the Mickey and Minnie Mouse decorations and when you each receive your bikes! My prayer for you is that this next year will be full of growth, good health, continued joy, much love, and that your lives continue to show all of God's grace, love, and how glorious He is. You each must always remember that you have a big purpose in this world. As your parents, we must remember this too.
I love you more than you can ever imagine!!! Happy Birthday kiddos!!
Love,
Mommy
This past year we've had some really scary things happen. I've been pushed beyond my comfort and just to make sure I was pushed even further from that comfort zone. We've had wonderful, priceless moments. Moments that literally make me stop and ask myself if this is really my life or am I dreaming. We do things like go on vacations specifically for you three and people ask us why we do it since you won't remember it anyway. Well, we do it because we live in this moment every single day of our lives. I think our journey since the beginning have made us this way and I am thankful for it.
This past year the three of you started preschool. It's one of the best decisions we've made. I am amazed at how quickly things were learned and how well you each adapted. Last year on your 2nd birthday, Brody and Gracie were not walking. Today you are running! Each of you had a vocabulary of around 50 words. Specialist always seemed worried. For some reason I never worried about that. Today you are each talking in full sentences! Yes, even you Gracie with you paralyzed vocal cord. We've had a number of hospital stays. That is one thing I wish to stop repeating. Rather it was Brody in the hospital or Gracie after her much needed leg surgery, one thing was amazing about that time... the love, compassion, and concern for one another. No matter who it was, you had two siblings by your side eagerly waiting to love on you. I was pushed beyond my scope of comfort as specialist started mentioning the letters "PPCD". To hear those words instantly made me sick. My immediate reaction was no- not my kids! but as time went on, I became open to the idea... although I didn't show up to the first two meetings because it literally made me sick! PPCD= Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities. Not because I'm in denial but because I see how far you've each come, I see how smart you each are. Early this year we started the meetings and testing for it. The funny thing is the only reason you (Brody and Gracie) even qualify is because of vision (Brody) and other health impairments and Gracie speech (paralyzed vocal cord) and other health impairments. Cognitively you both passed their grueling six hours of testing. Because you are both so very smart! Madi you went in and showed them who was boss and after 20 minutes they decided you didn't come near the possibility of their program. But isn't this what life is about? Being pushed out of your comfort zone and learning and growing? Sitting still, comfortable, just passing the days isn't what God designed us for. There is a reason this is our journey.
Today we celebrate three birthdays to three very amazing three year olds. I'm excited for you to light up over the Mickey and Minnie Mouse decorations and when you each receive your bikes! My prayer for you is that this next year will be full of growth, good health, continued joy, much love, and that your lives continue to show all of God's grace, love, and how glorious He is. You each must always remember that you have a big purpose in this world. As your parents, we must remember this too.
I love you more than you can ever imagine!!! Happy Birthday kiddos!!
Love,
Mommy
