Get Out Of Here!

 

Phew I am so thankful it is a new year finally! We have been through so much. I'm not trying to say that no one else had a tough year but I only know about our particular trials. 

Of course the biggest change and trial was our sweet Katelyn. It has been a challenge trying to keep my chin up and think about her future in a positive light. Sometimes I look at her and wonder what I could have done differently. I wonder if I am preventing her progress because I am babying her. I can't help it that I love all this extra baby time I am getting with her. When I hear the other moms in the neighborhood talk about their babies reaching milestones Mini has yet to even try, it breaks my heart and make me feel lazy. Then I remember all she went through to get here and what a miracle she is. I remind myself we could have lost her. She will do what she wants when she wants, she always has. I won't push her but encourage her the best way I can. I am so thankful she is in our family. 

Emma hasn't changed too much. She is still short and sassy as ever. She has kept me in line as a mommy. My favorite time of day is when I get to crawl into bed with her and read her stories and say our prayers. Her vocabulary cracks me up and she is constantly surprising me with the grown up things she says. Her imagination is thriving and I love to watch her play with her barbies and toys. She has full on 2-way conversations while on her play phone. She scolds her babies and for some reason she went through a phase where every girl toy was pregnant. Who knows where that came from. Emma is a great help with Katie. This morning Emma helped feed Katie baby food while I washed dishes. She LOVES Katelyn and praises each little accomplishment she has. I love my Emmabug so much it makes me want to cry.

 

 

My dear eternal companion. What can I say about my beloved husband. I admit I am a difficult and crazy woman. I have no idea how Colt has stuck by me through the tears, screaming, retail therapy and exhaustion. He has had to deal with being a babysitter to Emma and myself as well as worrying about our finances and living situation. He has endured just as much stress as I and somehow maintained his sanity. Colt is so cute with the girls. It is fun to see my macho man get all soft and kiss his tiny baby on the head. He has yet to be the boy barbie while playing with Emma but he is great during wrestle time with her. They watch Elmo and My Little Pony together and my favorite is when they sing together. We have had our tough times and sleepless nights but I am so very grateful for his love and support.

 I can't forget the new friends I have made during the past year. I have met some wonderful preemie momma's through blogging and Facebook. Jessica had her sweet Lea at 29 weeks. Lea was tiny just like Katie and thankfully had little complications while she was in the NICU. Lea turns one this month. I can't believe it! I found Jessica and her blog Thumba-Lea through a preemie website. We have exchanged lots of emails and a few packages as well as lots of encouragement. Thanks for being such a boost to me Jessica. You are amazing! 

 Sassy little Lea. So cute!

I found Katie's boyfriend Seth through Facebook. Seth was born the same day Katelyn was. His fantastic mom Cristal was in Spain with her Navy hubby. She had IUGR and extreme high blood pressure. Seth had a few complications with his intestines, blood infections and brain bleeds but you would never know unless you asked Cristal. He is sitting up and trying to crawl and despite being sensitive to formula he is healthy and happy. Chipmunk as I like to call him, gives me hope and Cristal is such an inspiration. I love being connected to such strong women even though I have never spoken to them or seen them in person. 

Katie's boyfriend Seth. Love him!

I think about the nurses and staff that helped us through the NICU and pray that they know how much they are loved. 

As for myself, I plan to make changes this year. I am setting personal goals as well as goals for our family. I want to be healthy and happy. I want my girls to know how important they are to me. I want my family to worry less about us and know we are doing well. I don't think those are unrealistic goals. I want to enjoy everyday I have with the ones I love and look forward to a better tomorrow. Despite having such a long year I don't think I would change a thing about it.  I am so thankful for those friends and family that have kept us in their prayers and thoughts. Thank you to neighbors who brought us meals and smiles.  I hope this year I can have the opportunity to show as much love and compassion for others.

Welcome to a new year and a new beginning!