Sunday, September 14, 2008

Blink

It happens that fast. In a blink of an eye, life can, and does, turn on a dime. I have been watching and reading about the horrific Metrolink crash in Chatsworth and the devastation that hurricane Ike has left behind and am brought to tears thinking of how quickly peoples' lives have changed because of these two tragic events.

For too many people, their lives ended in a blink of an eye. They were unsuspecting, simply going about their daily lives, when it was brought to a tragic end. No good-byes, no preparation, no last words. These were husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends and those who loved them are left to pick up the pieces and figure out how to live life without them, when instead, they should be enjoying the weekend together.

Blink...that fast, it all changed for these people. And it can for you, for me, any minute, any day.

Tonight I gave the girls baths and then got them ready for bed, as I do every night. As I was lathering them up with lotion, I stopped to really look at their sweet little hands and feet. I counted the silvery-white scars that stand out with their summer tans. Four on this hand, six on this foot, five on this ankle, three on the inside of this arm. They are the only visual physical reminders we have of the girls' early birth, of their daily struggle to live. For me, now more than ever, they are a reminder of the gift these two girls are...that every day of the last 748 days has been a gift. For all of us, each day that we are able to get up, breathe a breath of fresh air, kiss our loved ones, and LIVE...is a gift. Which is why I thank Him, tonight, and every night, for another day with my family, my friends, my loving husband, and my sweet little girls...and pray that He holds those people close, who have lost loved ones, and allows them to feel and know His loving embrace, now more than ever before.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

2 year well-check

So the stats are in!

Juliana
19 lbs., 11 oz. - not yet on the chart...he, he, he!
32 3/4 in. - 23%ile for length
Mia
23 lbs., 13 oz. - 15%ile for weight!
33 1/2 in. - 42%ile for height!
It was a great well-check with Dr. Stern who just loves the girls! The family was in force...Grandma, Nana, Daddy, and Mommy! Everyone was commenting on the girls' entourage. I had to leave for Back to School Night from there and Robert had to leave for work, so we needed both grandmas just in case the appointment ran too long. There were hardly any tears at the appointment...in fact, they cried for less than 10 seconds after their shots. They were WAY more interested in their "new boo-boos" and their "boo-boo band-aids." Afterwards, mommy and daddy jetted out of there and Grandma met Grandpa for dinner with the girls. Today just made it official...they really aren't babies at all anymore...they are little girls growing up far too fast.

Happy 2nd Birthday Juliana and Mia!

So mommy is an hour and a half late, but I still had to post this before heading to bed...

To think that two whole years ago, you both entered this world, tiny as can be, struggling to survive...is just so hard to fathom looking at you both now! You are perfect in every way and have truly defied the odds. Each and every day I wake up and go to bed thanking God for my sweet girls...the greatest gift I have ever received (aside from Daddy).

I love you more than I could ever express in words and hope that one day you will understand and know this love.

And tonight, as I watch you sleeping so peacefully, I look forward to a lifetime with you both.

Love always,
Mommy