Monday, September 19, 2011

September 19th, take 3...

Dearest Eve,

Happy Second Birthday! I cannot express in words what these two years have meant to me, but I'm going to give it a try. Your dad and I were talking last night about what we were doing September 18th, 2009. Getting ready for bed in the hospital, going to attempt a good nights sleep. You were born at 6:37pm on Saturday September 19th after seven minutes of pushing. I got to see you sweet face for the first time. It was at that moment I truly knew what a sacrifice it would be to give you back. Oh how I loved you immediately. I have been learning scripture since I was a little munchkin myself, and I know (in my head) that everything belongs to God. He made it all, and we are lovely, because we are loved. But oh how I wanted you to belong to me forever. That first night you struggled to breathe. I looked at your dad at one point and said "How much longer do you think she can breathe like this?" and we cried. And we cried. Then we cried some more. The nurses eventually came in and told us we had to sleep and they held you under the condition that if anything out of the norm should happen, I mean ANYTHING, they would bring you back and wake us up immediately. A few hours later when we saw you again you were beaming. I knew in my heart at that point that you were going to make it.

September 19th, 2010 was a day of sharing you with friends and family. We arranged your first birthday bash with meticulous planning. We wanted all of your friends, family, and loyal fans to be able to come see you in our home! You woke up sick and it was a little hectic of a day for all of us. We had to sit you in a bumbo chair to take your first birthday picture because you still weren't able to sit up on your own. It was in that chair that you took your first big bite of birthday cake and shared in my sugar addiction. Ohhhh it was good (: I longed so badly to see you without oxygen those 17 months that you were hooked up 24-7 and felt a little robbed of the joy of looking at your unhindered face. But, look where we are now. You needed it, you lived with it, and taught me to endure trials with grace. For "you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverence. Let perserverence finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." You figured out that one way before I did (:


And September 19th, 2011. Today. What can I say... you light up my life. I could have sang you Happy Birthday 100 times today just to watch your face light up as you bounced up and down and clapped. I think I made it to about 35 songs (: You have taught me what pure JOY is. It's not rushing through life to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible while trying to acquire as much as possible inbetween. You got a card today from Miss Kelli at the pharmacy where we get your prescriptions. Why? Because you engage people, you smile and say hi to a perfect stranger. I think there is a depth in your eyes that has developed from two years of medical hardship and softened your heart, not to mention your mother's soul. I am so blessed to be your mom that I almost feel bad for people who don't get to know you in some way. It has been really fun to write about you so people around the world can have a glimpse of the joy I get to have every day. You have your dads sense of humor which is just so darn funny. Thanks for loving me, Eve. I couldn't ask for more.

You have come so far in this past year physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally. Taking you to the doctor has become a fun time to show everyone how much you have changed. Keep going girl, you know what it takes and I'll be right here cheering you on (:


Love, Mom.

11 comments:

  1. "No more shall an infant [live but a few] days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old..." - Isaiah 65:20
    Evie is a beautiful child and a miracle that will live on indeed, by the grace of God :)

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  2. god bless ur child and ur family. u r a wonderful mom :)

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  3. I'm another one of the random people that came across your story on a Southwest flight. It's so great to hear how well everything is going--I second the wonderful mom comment, and Eve is a beautiful, great kid. All the best to you and your family!

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  4. Well, you made me cry! Your story, your family's experience is certainly one of blessings. Your daughter(s) are beautiful. I wish you every blessing. Every ounce of joy and every moment of love with your Eve. Here is to a lifetime with her.Watching her grow and fly. Looking forward to the next decade of pictures. :-)God bless you.x
    http://justnotliketheothers.blogspot.com

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  5. Beautiful. Made me cry again, but it's the good kind. :) Evie's big moments are the kind we don't forget either. I can remember where I was, dutifully checking your blog for updates, the day she was born and the excitement I felt when I saw her gorgeous picture! And the day she had her big surgery, dutifully checking online for updates while driving in the car through Tennessee! Those of us around you that have read your blog and watched Evie growing the last two years have watched a true miracle in action, and we're all the better for it. Your willingness to share your story is greatly appreciated and enjoyed. :)

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  6. Lindsey- I loved meeting you in Durango and feel blessed to hear your and your families story. It has touched me life. If you want to know a little more of mine check out. www.weedsnflowers.blogspot.com

    Blessings to you and your family, Alyson Jefferson

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  7. I just barely heard about your story, and since I wrote my master's thesis on mommy blogging, I had to check out your blog. This post is especially touching. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. I also saw your article on my flight back to Omaha today. What a beautiful story of faith and family. Praise God that you got to celebrate another year with your beautiful little girl. I pray that God continues to bless your family.

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  9. God bless Evie and God bless you for sharing your faith and love in these beautiful words! Such a blessing for me to get to know this story! my prayers are with you!

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  10. I read your story while flying on Southwest Airlines this month, in their magazine. I was so touched and in awe of your daughter and the story you shared. I am so glad God has blessed your little girl, as well as you and your family! What a beautiful story!!!

    God bless you!!

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  11. tears streaming down my face as I read your letter to Evie - what an amazing journey and gift God has given you. love hearing you share your heart and praises on this journey - thanks for always being so vulnerable and teaching all of us along the way!!! Shanna

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