Wordless Wednesday - DEAR GOD!

Daddy took her, NOT me! For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Milestones!

Just in time for new baby Isaac to arrive, dear Elliot has started to hold his own bottle. I assume that he merely figured that he’d better do something special on his own in order to help his momma (and to try to show his big sister up who just started Kindergarten.) Way to go, my little man…way to go! Momma loves you more and more each day!

Wordless Wednesday - And so it begins.

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Prayers for a family in need.

A special little baby girl was taken to Heaven by the Lord today. Please keep dear Gabi's family in your prayers. Dear God, hold baby Gabi tight in your arms.

Wordless Wednesday - Extravagance

Indeed, a birthday party fit for a queen. Nora enjoyed every morsel! The party, for our 7-year old neighbor girl, was the coolest thing ever… decadent limo and all! For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Happy First Birthday Elliot James!

Although he didn't quite know what the heck to do with his cake, (all Elliot "generally" gets is the beloved "ba"), Elliot had a splendid time at his birthday party with close friends and family. Here he is in action. I love you, my dear baby boy. Happy First Birthday...many more to come sweet boy! XXXOOO, Momma

Subconscious repetitiveness?

Alas, I am extremely tired, but had to get some thoughts down before heading off to bed. It is now 11:31 p.m., and one year ago today, at precisely the same time, we were headed to the hospital for what, unbeknownst to me, would be a three night stay. And this evening, without thought or planning on my part, mimics the night we spent together exactly a year ago as well. We ate at the same restaurant, had the same meal, and headed home, but with a feeling that something just was not quite right. I even ate a handful of nacho chips before bed (and have just finished some at the present). The climate was humid, overcast and lightening filled the sky, just as it does as I type. I was 32 weeks pregnant, as I am now. Although tonight, I feel as if I am somewhat more secure in this pregnancy…I do not fear a preterm birth as I type on the eve of my baby boy’s first birthday. Sweet Elliot was born at just after 7 a.m. on August 8, 2006. I am pregnant with his dear brother and can only pray that, despite the preterm contractions that are being stopped with an overabundance of medication, he will not come early…he will be healthy and he will let me celebrate his sweet brother’s first birthday devoid of worry. Tomorrow marks the birth of our charming cherub, Elliot James, and oh, what a doll baby he is. He will be the best big brother ever, and hopefully, his new sibling will be born at term and with more than a mere cramp or two as a warning.

As a final thought, happy birthday Elliot James and “STAY PUT” baby Isaac…tomorrow WILL be a great day indeed!

Wordless Wednesday - Anxious!

Nora starts kindergarten on August 20. Tonight was a local "Kindergarten Kickoff" event, on the eve of her brother's FIRST birthday. Does she look ready for school to you? For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here!

Wordless Wednesday - Reflection

Undeniably – Wordless Wednesdays are supposed to be “wordless,” but today I must reflect and give thanks. My birthday falls tomorrow, August 2. And, rather than celebrate my “mature” state, I must give thanks for what was given to me just days after my birthday last year. Our dear baby boy was born on August 8 and last year on my birthday, unbeknownst to me, I was in preterm labor.

Our son Elliot was born two months premature, weighing in at just over a miniscule 4 pounds. Upon first glance, I was devastated…but only by his tiny demeanor. He was whisked away so hurriedly that I barely did catch a glance. Later in the day we heard that he had an “issue,” a “problem” as the doctors defined it. Turns out that what the physicians referred to as a “problem” was a diagnosis of Down syndrome. To say that I was stunned was an understatement. We heard the “news” over a family member’s cellular telephone as we sat in the hospital across town. As the days and the months passed, I slowly began to realize that his diagnosis was not a predicament, a quandary nor a “problem” at all, but a blessing in disguise.

Although initially shrouded with the off-putting words of our deafening medical community, wee Elliot has brought nothing but love into our family…our household and into our lives. The odds that he defied are amazing and the strength that he exhibits daily is remarkable. Elliot is simply a cherub. And my, how he has grown. So today, in what should be a wordless state, I must communicate my thoughts instead. I love my baby boy so much more than words can express, and these two photos will hopefully show others the beauty that he reveals daily…both a year ago and today.

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