Birthday Fun

This morning the birthday girl woke up and she was already one year old since she was born at 6:47 am. She wasn't quite sure what to think of all the presents!














We had her party tonight and decided on an alligator party since we call her our Abigator.


The take home treats


Smash cake


After a 2 hour nap, she was ready to party!



But, please, nothing on my head, mommy!


Okay, one picture and then it's coming off!





I think Abigail might be the only one year old who got an iPod. But, she loves it and it's a gift she can grow with, right?


Let's tear 'em up!


Just kidding. I'm going to sit here and watch you open my presents because I'm a princess. LOL!



Although I do think I'll try this out! (She actually didn't get as messy as I thought she would.)


Honk Honk! She loved her Minnie Mouse car and her laptop and bath toys, and and and. . .she got a lot of great stuff!



Still can't believe she is one year old already! Wow! She is so sweet and cute and smart and such a blessing to all who know her! Happy birthday, Abigail!!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Birthday Abigail!!

World Prematurity Day

Yesterday (yes, I’m about 30 minutes late) was World Prematurity Day.  Since my blog is centered around the premature birth of my children, I felt I needed to contribute.  I honestly could post one picture and it would just about say it all.

Olivia at just a few days old.

This picture can still bring me to tears.  The uncertainty, the pure terror, the worry and anxiety, the confusion, the devastating loss, the panic at every ring of the phone, the grief, the pangs of guilt. . .it all still exists inside of me.  As time goes by, the farther it gets pushed back, but it never takes much to bring it right back.  A smell, a place, a comment. . .and there I am sitting in the NICU watching my babies fight for their lives.  I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.  They say that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.  I don’t know that I’m any stronger. . .maybe I am.  It’s made me feel more vulnerable, more aware, more cautious, more knowledgeable, but some days I still don’t feel very strong.  Now, Olivia. . .she is the definition of strong.  One would never peg her as strong with her petite frame and cautious spirit, but her strength never ceases to amaze me. She has an inner fight that will allow her to accomplish anything she desires. 

I love how Olivia always refers to us as a family of five. . .always, without question.  She talks almost daily about her brother.  She will make sure he is never forgotten or overlooked.  Yes, I am raising two children, but I am a mother of three. Prematurity can never take that away from me.