One Year and Counting

One year. Three Hundred Sixty-Five days. Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred Sixty (mostly sleepless) Hours. Five surgeries. Countless prayers.  A million smiles. A lifetime of precious moments.  Ups. Downs. Victory.  One year!!

Our double Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) survivors celebrated their first birthday today!!  I'd like to say we had a big elaborate birthday party but its more like a big sigh of relief.  We made it!!  We can stop holding our breath.  We get to keep them. :)

Happy Birthday Twins!

Birthday Girl Addie

Birthday Girl Kallie

Time has a different filter now so please forgive me for the pause in posts.  Life used to be a progression of events and activities that built on one another moving us in a meticulously planned direction.  I suppose in many ways it still is, it is just that the plan is not ours and the definition of success has been majorly redefined; we had it all wrong, success is loving deeply in all of the hard places. It's that easy and that hard all at the same time.

Sadly many people spends their days splashing in the shallow waters of what the world tells us is right and good. In reality it is just a big puddle void of true life.  (Trust me.)  It's not entirely their fault; not everyone has the same opportunities to love like we've been given.  We are one of the lucky few who have been pushed into the deep-end and forced to sink or swim. I love sharing my family's story so that other people can experience the joy and wonder of living, loving, and trusting deeply.

Our twins, who are the youngest of four small children, both have cerebral palsy from brain damage they endured in the womb from TTTS.  One is profoundly deaf, one has strabismus in both eyes.  At first glance you might think that they have a lifetime ahead of them overshadowed by the lasting effects of TTTS, but that's just what it looks like on the surface; the truth is so much deeper.

I know with all of my heart and soul that they will use the shadow as the backdrop for the light inside of them to shine.  And shine it will!! It will be a million times brighter than the birthday candle on their cake. :) Just wait, they will amaze you.  Actually, don't wait - they are already amazing. Come to think of it, so are you, so I invite you to join our hands and be the light our world so desperately needs. Xoxoxoxoxo.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Inspirational Quote: 

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday Addie and Kallie, Happy Birthday to you! (I will never get tired of singing this to them!)

My Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for these precious gifts from Heaven.  They are such an integral part of our family, so valued and loved.  Thank You for getting us to this very special day, there were many moments I wondered if we would get here together, but You didn't have to wonder - it is all part of Your magnificent plan.  I trust Your plan wholly and completely and I am looking forward to each day and each year ahead of us.  Please give us the strength and courage we will need each step of the way.  I also ask that You please help all of our children, and all of Your children reading about our story, feel valued and feel Your love in their hearts so that they may shine brightly for You.  In Jesus' name, Amen.