Eighteen Months

I have so many wonderful memories of Julia from May of last year.  It was a really good month for us! We had lots of visitors -- grandparents, great-grandmother, great-aunt, friends of mine from college -- and I even went away for 2 days to attend the wedding of a dear friend.  Julia was a trooper!  She was also busy smiling away and playing and interacting.  These are some of the days I hold closest to my heart.  These days made all of the harder ones so very worth it.

Julia, you would be 18 months old today.  Every time I see a child around that age I am caught off guard. Not because you would look like them or be doing the same things if you were here, but because I imagine you that way now.  Eighteen months is a favorite age of mine for our other kids, and I am very sad to miss out on that stage of your life. I take comfort, though, in knowing that you are well and in knowing that you are no longer held back by your extra 18th chromosome.  We are celebrating your life, dear one, on May 30, just as we did one year ago. We love you very much!

Week 2

Happy 2 weeks to Cohen!  He's such a sweet little guy! We had a busy week in addition to the normal newborn stuff.  We attended Isaac's preschool graduation, had a fun visit from Uncle Jamey and Aunt Naomi, and enjoyed a Memorial Day cookout with our neighbors! Here's a look at our growing boy from his second week...

Growing Up

This is a big month for Isaac! Today was his last day of preschool. He has had such a great experience at his preschool over the last two years.  He likes it so much that he wanted to stay another year.  After convincing him that all of his classmates would also be going to kindergarten, he has accepted that he must move up, too. He is now kindergarten bound!

He also lost his first tooth this month.  We did not even know it was loose!  Somehow, during a pizza dinner at Ledo's (his favorite!), Marc noticed the gap in Isaac's teeth! We never found that tooth...

Isaac is also busy playing soccer (for the second season) and tee ball (for the first season) this spring.  He already loves soccer and is still learning all about tee ball.  He has remarkable focus and attention in both sports. No picking clovers in the outfield for this guy!

Finally, Isaac became a big brother again when Cohen was born.  He is very sweet with him, just like he was with Julia. He is a little freaked out by the umbilical cord that has not completely fallen off yet.  :) He has already promised to show and teach Cohen his "awesome moves" when he gets bigger!

Isaac, we are so proud of you!!! We love you very much!

The First Week

Cohen is officially one week old today! It has been a whirlwind week, but already Cohen feels like he belongs here.  Our home was ready to welcome a baby! Cohen and I were only in the hospital for about 2.5 days after he was born.  Marc stayed with us as well and was a trooper to sleep on that fold out chair thing for two nights.  Nana traveled here to be with us our first week and to take care of Sydney and Isaac at home for us. We are thankful for the extra help! We scheduled Cohen's newborn photo session on Friday of last week, when he was four days old.  We are enjoying settling into our new routine and looking forward to summer!

Because of You

Sydney, Isaac, and Cohen 5/14/2012

Sydney, Isaac, and Julia 12/1/2010

Dearest Julia, Your baby brother has arrived! He came into this world loudly and fiestily (if not a word, it should be for him!). His screams, his kicking feet, his open hands waving about wildly-- a beautiful beginning. We have thought of you nonstop. Cohen is here because of you. He is a continuation of the journey we began with you. It should go without saying that he could never and will never replace you. But because of you and the life we shared with you, we had the hope to keep going. Your inspiration became our inspiration. You left a beautiful legacy in our family in so many ways, and your little brother will always be a reminder of that. You were the first person I told when I found out I was pregnant last fall. I love that you were a part of that process. You were even the one to "tell" your older siblings! You and Cohen are inextricably linked, just like you are with the rest of our family. He will grow up knowing all about you. We miss you immensely but know that you are always with us. We love you forever.

Cohen

Cohen Grayson arrived on May 14 weighing in at 9 lbs 2 oz and measuring 21.5 inches long! He is a big, beautiful, precious boy and is welcomed with so much love!

Two More Days

Two more days to be pregnant.  Two more days until we meet you, our newest little one.    Two more days of wondering what we will name you. Two more days of imagining what your sweet face looks like.  Two more days of guessing how big you will be! Two more days in a house with only two kids.  Two more days until our days and nights are once again happily consumed with caring for a newborn. Two more days until we meet you, our "rainbow baby." We anxiously await your arrival, little one!  We love you so much already!

Mother's Day Memories

Last Mother's Day was the only Mother's Day I had with Julia. We had a relaxed and wonderful morning at home, and then we decided to go to a local park and stroll around the lake.  The weather was perfect, and Julia was very content.  When she was content, I was content.  I am very thankful to have had such a special day with my three oldest kids.  I miss you so much this year, sweet pea.

Mother's Day 2011

Marc and Julia, May 8, 2011

International Bereaved Mother's Day

Today, May 6, is International Bereaved Mother's Day. Please see the following link for Still Standing Magazine, a newly launched online magazine for women who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant/child loss.

http://stillstandingmag.com/2012/05/international-bereaved-mothers-day/

Please remember the women in your life who are missing their beloved children at this time of year. Even before the last two years, I knew of a few family members and friends who experienced a loss through miscarriage or who struggled for so long with infertility. Now, through my experience with Julia and Trisomy 18, I know many, many women who have lost precious little ones at birth, shortly after birth, or after months or years. I am thankful to have this community with which to share hard days and sweet memories of our angels.

May

May has somehow arrived. The arrival of May signifies the impending arrival of our new little one. I am ready, at least I think I am. The crib is assembled. The tiny baby clothes are washed. The car seat is ready to go in the car. The baby and I have been showered with gifts, food, and best wishes. My bags and the kids' bags are packed. I am moving ever more slowly. Still no name chosen, but that will come when he comes. May is here...ready or not!