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first birthday
A year ago today you were born. Lucas and Abigail. I wasn't allowed to touch you. I was pumping and on the phone with loved ones, telling them we had both a boy and girl. You were such a surprise. We were finally able to hold you, to practice our kangaroo care, skin to skin with you. So small and hungry. We were afraid we'd hurt you. They told us not to rub or pat your back, that your skin was too sensitive. There was a point, Abigail, where I didn't know what your face looked like. They had you hooked up to a machine with big tubes, and tape covering your face, a curly little hat, and a sleeping mask. I could only see your neck, really. And I remember the day you switched to nasal cannulas. I was so excited to see you, the daughter I never knew was coming. And sweet Lucas, when you were angry, you turned beet red, and it scared me. You cried like a lamb. And we wanted to soothe you but didn't know how. So we sang. Your father sang Happy Birthday whenever they needed to take blood. It was the first song that came to mind. "No! Not that! They'll learn to associate that song with pain!" Then we laughed trying to think of a good giving blood song. We're still working on a tune for that.
I got kinda teary today. I'm not one of those mothers who gets upset at each new milestone, feeling bittersweet knowing you're growing up. I don't think I'm the kind of mom who'll cry on your first day of kindergarten, either. But we've got time to prove that theory wrong. Today I got teary when I remembered. It comes in snapshots, really. Still frames that I somehow still have a hard time piecing together, even though I was there for all of it. It just happened so fast.
This morning, when I was alone with you both, and just talking to you without really paying attention to what the hell I was saying, I pulled one of these:
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Us.
Us? Us, who?
You know who.
No, you aren't supposed to come yet. Get back in there.
Get used to it. It'll never be the way you planned, mama.
And then you two came, and today we're celebrating those two minutes, the minutes you two were pulled from me, the moment you entered this world. It has been a year. You were born on a Thursday night. I know this because when the doc said I was going into labor, I joked, "No, it can't be! I'll miss Grey's Anatomy!" I joked because that's how I panic. He assured me it was a rerun. You two came so quickly after that.
Then the tears came today, right after the knock knock joke that wasn't a joke. "I'm sorry I'm so emotional," I told you both as you climbed into my lap, hoping to eat the buttons off my sweater. "I'm just so thankful." And then I squeezed you both and kissed the top of your heads remembering you were once inside me, that I used to feel you kicking each other, used to watch you on a black and white ultrasound screen, a tiny blinking white dot of a heart, and now, now it's, "Let them eat cake!" There's a lot to celebrate. You are both exquisitely loved.
December 7, 2007 in snips & snails | Permalink
Comments
i've read your blog for years, i've read your book, i believe in what you believe you're trying to do,
i guess that since you're out here, i feel invited, almost asked to comment.but, yet,
this is all i can say.
your children are so incredibly...
ugly.
sorry.
maybe that's the reason for not so many pictures.
i am genuinely not trying to be mean,
and i know that i shouldn't share this,
but i am.
Posted by: k | Dec 8, 2007 12:12:20 AM
I like that you're posting late now. I'm glad to hear that little Lucas is doing better and happy that you posted on the day of their birth. I remember reading of their entry into the world a year ago and think about how different my life is and how time has flown. I can't even imagine how it feels for you.
me
Last year:desk job in the medical field, being miserable. This year: Just finished my semester in law school and feeling happier (if sleep deprived and stessed)
you
Last year: newly married expecting twins that came early
This year: Two tots growing, as they say, like weeds.
Please post more pictures on flickr. It's fun to see how far they, and you've come.
P.S. How is the Ronald McDonald hair? did you get them to correct it and give you the blond highlights you asked for? You used to post more pictures of yourself, you don't anymore.
Posted by: Danielle | Dec 8, 2007 12:27:39 AM
Happy Birthday, Lucas & Abigail!
As for a good giving blood song, have you considered "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde? That song makes me want to roll the windows down, crank the radio up, and belt it out at the top of my lungs. But not right now, it's the middle of the night, and 41 degrees out.
Posted by: Penny | Dec 8, 2007 2:11:27 AM
It's been a fun and interesting year, following the "beans" from your perspective. You've done good!
Happy Birthday to the four of you.
Posted by: gvjim | Dec 8, 2007 9:16:08 AM
I am finally delurking somewhat. I remember how excited I was to learn that you had a boy baby and a girl baby. The photos and Phillip's writing were wonderful. I know it's been a year, but congratulations and thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Jen | Dec 8, 2007 9:32:44 AM
To your last post, I simply said "Breathtaking", because that's all I could think to say. To this post, I'm doubly confounded.
Your writing is almost as much a gift as your beautiful children.
Posted by: Maggie | Dec 8, 2007 9:34:18 AM
It's hard to believe it was an entire year ago - and those sweet little babies are one. What an incredible year for you all
Even though I am intellectually prepared for the aging of my darlings, it surprises me a little every day when they come in to talk to me - eye to eye- or when my sweet, baby 6'4 son comes and kisses me on top of the head and calls me his 'little mother.'
Talk about time flying.
It really was about - oh - 5 minutes ago I was stuck at home with 3 babies under 3 - convinced I'd never, ever get to leave my home again because I was seriously outnumbered.
Happy holidays Stephanie and family...
Posted by: 3 teens' mom | Dec 8, 2007 10:15:28 AM
There is a special ring of hell for people like "k" who call anyone's babies ugly... especially your beautiful beans. They are adorable and remind me that even though the internet and people like "k" can make for an ugly world, there are delicious munchkins and mothers like you who adore them.
Happy first birthday to the beans!
Posted by: Eleanor | Dec 8, 2007 11:02:14 AM
STK-I don't know how many of these comments you read, but for the record, just wanted to let you know no one quite understands your journey of premature babies (tubes, wires, trying madly to breastfeed, jaw-dropping exhaustion) like those of us who have been there. My son is now 4, but the memories of his unexpected and early birth were flooding back vividly as I read your blog about the day that Lucas and Abigail came into your lives.
Like many of your readers, I share a very similar journey. Single at 30, a little boy to raise, changing careers. Living. And so it goes.
Thank you for your honesty, your candor, for sharing your trials and triumphs. And btw-not that you need my confirmation or anyone's for that matter, but your children are stunning.
Posted by: Donnelly | Dec 8, 2007 11:09:56 AM
happy happy day!
Posted by: patti | Dec 8, 2007 11:46:20 AM
Happy birthday to the beans!
Posted by: Jenny C. | Dec 8, 2007 11:48:13 AM
Happy birthday to the kids. (Beautiful portrait of Lucas.)
I can't help it - this next thing is addressed to "k", from the other K. I don't know Stephanie and I don't care who you are, k, and the author of this blog certainly doesn't need me to defend her. But assuming you, k, weren't trying to be funny, which would make for a pretty strange sense of humor, what you wrote, and it's the first comment so who can help noticing, is the absolute meanest, most inappropriate, backhanded blog comment I have read in ages. In a sense I understand: thoughts like that must beg to part with you, because it has to be nearly unbearable to keep that kind of toxicity inside. Your comment alone as short as it was has me lamenting on the state of the world. It hurts my heart to know that some people are capable of mindlessly adding to the pain on this planet by passing such judgments without any sense of kindness. They do that on you k, on me, on Stephanie, on little children, and most likely talk about worse things behind all our backs. So uncalled for on so many levels.
You just made me feel superior, k, and it doesn't happen often; one can apparently consider herself incredibly lucky to have gone through certain things and to have learned and evolved enough to be uncapable of such commentary.
And for what it's worth, k, the sad thing is that you probably don't even know you're in it deep. It's your mind that thinks up such thoughts, and it's you who lives with that 24/7. The rest of us just shake our heads in sadness, then move on. I doubt you will stop and think twice about this, but I really, really hope you do. You would make the world a better place by changing. One can only hope. Good luck. I really mean it.
Posted by: the other K | Dec 8, 2007 11:56:27 AM
Wow, a year. In the blink of an eye and with eyes wide open.
Went back and read the post about their birth and found myself welling up with tears.
Happy Birthday Beans.
(And to k, if it occurs to you not to share, don't. Not every thought that crosses one's mind is worthy of expression.)
Posted by: DamWrite | Dec 8, 2007 12:45:39 PM
Damn "K" you forgot the golden rule...if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it.
How rude.
Posted by: Amy LI | Dec 8, 2007 1:32:35 PM
Your children are very beautiful. Very. But you know this, of course.
Best wishes for your family from me and my dog!
Posted by: Linda O. | Dec 8, 2007 1:33:31 PM
k, what kind of evil troll of a human being tells someone her children are ugly on their first birthday while she's sharing a beautiful memory about how lucky she is that they are alive and healthy? the babies are cute. and whoever you are, you're going to hell for sure.
Posted by: beth | Dec 8, 2007 2:16:50 PM
i remember a year ago when i read your post and cried for you out of joy and fear for your babies. Enjoy each year to come as much as you have this first one. Happy birthday to the beans!!!
p.s. to K...if you have nothing nice to say, dont say anything at all. the babies are absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: brielle | Dec 8, 2007 2:22:23 PM
What a year! Happy Birthday to those lovely little beans!
Posted by: misstraceynolan | Dec 8, 2007 3:01:44 PM
what the hell is wrong with you K? Ew.
Those sweet beans are BEAUTIFUL and so strong, battling their way through a tough beginning. They are amazing, and adorable Stephanie!
:) katie (NOT that K from above!)
Posted by: Katie Lockwood | Dec 8, 2007 3:37:44 PM
I understand that you may have approved that first comment in order to make the point to your readers that you actually let really negative things be posted, but it isn't necessary to make that point with us. It's your blog. Censor all you want; everybody does. Don't apologize for it.
I vote for taking down negative comments (which are very UNTRUE but that's besides the point) about your children.
Posted by: binaross | Dec 8, 2007 4:05:10 PM
Wishing the Beans happiness today and ALL days.
BEst wishes to all of you!
Posted by: Wicked H | Dec 8, 2007 5:57:47 PM
Happy Birthday to your beans, Stephanie. What a year it has been, indeed.
And K? My first reaction to your comment was a heartfelt "fuck you," but then I absolutely shuddered at how positively wretched your existence must be. Positively, throughly, and utterly wretched, and uglier than anything I could ever imagine.
Posted by: Kari | Dec 8, 2007 6:34:26 PM
Stephanie:
Congradulations on making it through your first year as a mommy with flying colors. You're a wonderful mother and your children are blessed to have such a talented mom. Happy Birthday Beans!
k:
you are an aweful hateful person! didn't your mother teach you if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all? Stephanie's children are beautiful little miricles you should be so blessed.
just my 2 cents.
Posted by: Edna | Dec 8, 2007 7:07:30 PM
k- seriously. that's just not very nice. why bother?
SK- happy birthing day to you, momma! It sounds like you've had a wild ride this year.
Posted by: JJ | Dec 8, 2007 7:08:33 PM
Just smiling, is all.
You're awesome.
Posted by: N@ Lauzon | Dec 8, 2007 7:19:51 PM
OMG. I just read "K"'s post about your babies being...UGLY? There is nothing UGLIER than an 'adult', first prefacing an obviously mean comment with "I don't mean to be mean but..."
and secondly, insulting an infant?
Yeah, takes a biiig person to do that. GROSS.
I think your babies are beyond beautiful with the loveliest, wisest faces. And I also know you didn't need any defending.
But sheesh, talk about BASE. Get a life, K.
Posted by: N@ Lauzon | Dec 8, 2007 7:25:45 PM
Sweet babies, happy happy birthday to them. I am so glad they are happy and healthy (yea Lucas)
Happy Holidays to you guys !
Posted by: Lori T | Dec 8, 2007 7:29:43 PM
To K, the first post on this:
Are you just inviting people to email you to tell you how mean you are by linking your email address to your comment?
That's just a rotten thing to say.
What kind of person are you? I've learned that in life you should only say things that are either true, necessary and kind. Whether that is true or not is your own personal opinion; it was most definitely not kind or necessary. You've definitely got some sort of mental problem.
Signed,
Another Stephanie who believes your comment to be totally rude and untrue.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | Dec 8, 2007 7:49:18 PM
Oh you will surprise yourself.
A year from now as time speeds up even more (just wait until they start talking) it's the smaller things that will remind you how fast time is passing, and you'll find yourself getting weepy. Might be seeing a friend's newborn and that familiar feel of tiny baby, or coming across their first pair of jammies, their tiny newborn onesies (I still get all sentimental when I touch Kellen's first baby gown) when you clean out their clothes.
You're a good mama, Stephanie. Your babies are beautiful with a loving father, and you sound as though you are finally settling into your life and enjoying it. Both of your last two posts made me smile.
Happy Birthday to your beans.
How is Linus doing?
I love that picture of Lucas.
Posted by: Julie | Dec 8, 2007 8:12:08 PM
Beautiful. Amazing. Parenting happens in a split second. Even when they are both in the terrible two's (or three's) and you feel like a tantrum will never end........you will look back and think how fast it all went by. Congratulations on a great year!
Posted by: Julie | Dec 8, 2007 8:22:32 PM
Umm. K. What a gratuitous, mean-spirited comment. I'll pray for you.
Stephanie. Am very glad to hear your happy news about Lucas. I can't even imagine the anxiety I would have felt going through what you've been through this year. And yet, your life seems to go on. I wonder how you do it. You know, live life normally: play tennis, cook, have cocktails.
Good for you! It's a lesson for neurotic me, for sure. All the best to you all in the new year.
Posted by: carolc | Dec 8, 2007 8:30:07 PM
the first big milestone. it will all happen so fast. i hope your saving for college. CONGRATULATIONS to the little ones.
Posted by: barrybike | Dec 8, 2007 8:58:30 PM
Happy Birthday to two of the most precious and beautiful little babes, EVER! (OK, I have to say next to mine, well you know why, they're mine) ;-)
Happy Happy Birthday, to Abigail and Lucas!
May you grow to be healthy, wealthy and wise!
Much love to each of you, and your Mom and Dad! :-)
Love,
3T
Posted by: 3rdtimesacharm( 3T ) | Dec 8, 2007 10:31:47 PM
dear Lucas and Abigail....as someone who has watched you learn and grow (albeit from afar) i only have 2 words to say to you both. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
you, you sweet beans, have DEFINITELY earned the celebration, after what you have gone through just to be on this planet!
love from indiana to 2 sweet beans in texas...
j
Posted by: jennifer c | Dec 8, 2007 10:40:06 PM
What a beautiful post for 2 absolutely beautiful beans!
Posted by: amy | Dec 8, 2007 11:43:59 PM
Happy first birthday! Can't believe it's been a year already. The time goes so fast. Enjoy every minute with your beautiful babies. K's comment doesn't even warrant a response. It was just hateful beyond words. Very sad. Can't wait to see pictures w/ cake all over those adorable faces.
Posted by: Andrea | Dec 8, 2007 11:58:28 PM
There is a quote by Maureen Hawkins that goes,
BEFORE YOU WERE CONCEIVED I WANTED YOU,
BEFORE YOU WERE BORN I LOVED YOU,
BEFORE YOU WERE HERE AN HOUR I WOULD DIE FOR YOU
THIS IS THE MIRACLE OF LIFE.
I think of that quote often when I read your post about your babes. I feel the same for my own child. Happy B-day to your beautiful cherished children.
Posted by: Bianca | Dec 9, 2007 2:04:29 AM
The time has flown so quickly!! Lucas & Abigail no longer are beans. They're beautiful toddlers celebrating their first birthday with their loving parents, supported by an extended cyber family from all over the world.
Congratulations Stephanie, Phil, and most of all the former beans themselves!!! Lucas, way to go! Just keep on healing.
Posted by: Carole | Dec 9, 2007 9:01:17 AM
Congratulations on Year One. To all of you. And continued success.
I've been a fan of your blog for several years. Sometimes it is so eloquent and heartfelt, it puts a lump in my throat. Other times, to be truthful, it reads annoyingly self involved. But you speak with a clear, honest voice and say what you feel. And that makes it a remarkable read. Well done.
I wish the whole Team Klein (and I can feel Phil wincing) the very best. Happy Birthday to Abigail and Lucas.
B
Posted by: Westside B | Dec 9, 2007 9:27:22 AM
K is deluded and if karma is real she just damned her potential spawn.
G-d bless your wee ones. I only hope that someday I will have a baby that is just as ethereal and beautiful as one of yours. You made two darling children.
Happy first birthday to them and congratulations to you for making it through so incredibly well!
-SawSaw
Posted by: sawsaw | Dec 9, 2007 11:42:35 AM
What a lovely gift you've given the beans. Years from now, when they're all grown and have beans of their own, they can look back at this and see how amazing your love for them is. It is inspiring and so very sweet.
Posted by: San Antonio Friend | Dec 9, 2007 12:15:37 PM
K - I thought Tourette's was strictly a verbal disorder. Who knew?! Do you perhaps need a telethon? Benefit run? To be repeatedly bitchslapped with your own keyboard?
Babies are beautiful & happy whatever day to them!
Posted by: Barbara E. | Dec 9, 2007 1:34:34 PM
K.....obviously you are looking for attention....in all the wrong ways. Have you looked in the mirror lately?? Perhaps you wrote this after a nite of drinking. Wise up and get some social graces...you can't buy them at the store.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to your family!!!!
Posted by: long island gal | Dec 9, 2007 3:10:08 PM
What an ARSEHOLE - your babies are gorgeous!! Congrats on the 1 year milestone - my daughter, Isabelle, turned 1 on the 20 th of November 07 too!
I am in process of reading Straight Up and Dirty - not that I am going trough a break-up - quite the contrary - I am loving each word, each sentence, each page - it makes me think back and appreciate the now.
So why the comment? I want to say thanks. I am a 27 year old South African girl who has had more that my fare share of break-ups and heart ache, and to know that someone so far away echos(echo-ed)all my feelings, is comforting.
I am a true fan.
Posted by: Lize | Dec 9, 2007 3:25:41 PM
They are little miracles indeed. Congratulations and best wishes for much health and happiness in the year ahead.
Posted by: Maggie Sumner | Dec 9, 2007 4:29:13 PM
Happy birthday to the babies and their mom! I can't believe how fast it's gone. I better not show this to my husband, or we'll start trying to get pregnant tonight. :)
Posted by: Rachel | Dec 9, 2007 4:41:58 PM
*Sings*
Happy Birthday to youuuuuu
Happy Birthday to youuuuuu
Happy Birthday Lucas and Abigail....
Happy Birthday tooooo youuuuu!
And Many More :)
Posted by: Cynda | Dec 9, 2007 6:55:27 PM
I wonder if K is sitting there laughing at all the attention his or her comment has gotten? That is probably the whole reason for it. To see the reaction it evoked. Good for you. Good for you.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | Dec 9, 2007 8:37:14 PM
Happy Birthday Lucas and Abigail!
Posted by: Cristina | Dec 9, 2007 8:55:51 PM
that 1st post is horrible. why publish such crap?
Posted by: Maria | Dec 9, 2007 10:32:51 PM
I remember once my Mom and I were talking about how fast time goes and she said, "Just wait until you have children, it will fly by even faster." She is so right. I can't believe that Abigail and Lucas are a year already! Congratulations! Happy Birthday, Lucas and Abigail!
Posted by: mcatgirl | Dec 9, 2007 10:52:22 PM
the other K... amen
Congrats on the milestone, Stephanie!!
Posted by: Dana | Dec 9, 2007 11:49:16 PM
Not to get all SATC on you or anything, but I thought about you and your lovely little family this weekend when I busted out the SATC DVD's. It was the one where Trey -- or limp dick as he should be called :) -- brings a Tiffany rattle home to Charlotte with the following phrase engraved on it:
First we had each other
Then we had you
Now we have everything
So perfect, like your babies. Happy Birthday to Lucas and Abigail!!!
Posted by: Melinda | Dec 10, 2007 10:31:10 AM
Happy birthday to two of the most beautiful babies I've seen!
Posted by: Lisa | Dec 10, 2007 10:35:10 AM
somebody named K is lonely, doesn't have anything clever to say, or any words of insight or experience. someone named K probably never makes anyone laugh at all, except other sad, small minded people who snicker at insults. glad you got your bit of attention for today, you lonely lonely person.
Posted by: e | Dec 10, 2007 10:43:35 AM
Wow - I can't believe it's been a year already! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Congrats Mom. Please post Birthday party pics!! :)
Posted by: JennL | Dec 10, 2007 11:41:18 AM
I've been reading this blog for a few years now, and I'm generally the first to be seriously irritated when commentors snap like a rabid dog at anyone who says something negative.
However.
I honest-to-god cannot imagine what kind of person looks at a baby, any baby, and thinks, "Ugly." I'm guessing the comment was meant to either hurt Stephanie's feelings and/or generate troll-worthy drama, which of course is pretty common on this blog. But calling a baby ugly is just plain sad. I generally try to remember that you can't assume things about a person based solely on their online behavior but in this case - YUCK. K is the kind of person I would never in a million years want to know.
On a different note, 3 teens' mom: I love it when you tell us about your sweet kids, esp. your son. Your family sounds just lovely.
Posted by: amanda b | Dec 10, 2007 11:41:21 AM
happy birthday to Lucas and Abigail! and congrats, stephanie and phil, on two beautiful healthy babies.
my best friend is expecting twin boys in June. they will be the first babies in my circle of friends and i can't express how excited i am.
Lucas is adorable...i can't get over that he looks like such a little man. I have to say, looking at your pictures of the beans has inspired me a little to get into photography.
Posted by: jessica m. | Dec 10, 2007 11:45:13 AM
Wishing the beans a very happy birthday! And congrats on the good MRI for Lucas. May the next year keep looking better and better!
Posted by: Tobey | Dec 10, 2007 11:46:08 AM
Happy Birthday to two AMAZING children!
Posted by: Joanna | Dec 10, 2007 1:29:15 PM
I can't believe it's been a year already! Happy Birthday BEAUTIFUL Beans!
Posted by: AndreaDetroit | Dec 10, 2007 1:46:53 PM
Hi Stephanie! I've been reading for a while now, but this is my first comment. I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a few days late) to your beautiful babes! And thank you for kindly sharing their journey with us. I sincerely hope that this next year continues to bring your family nothing but happiness & more great news!
Now, after debating whether or not to dignify k's repulsive comment w/ a response of mine own, I've decided I must. You say you're "genuinely not trying to be mean". Well then what the fuck are you trying to be (besides totally void of any tact)?! I hope you get run over by a reindeer. Seriously.
Posted by: Kelly Sue | Dec 10, 2007 1:55:03 PM
happy happy birthday to the beans!! i can't believe it's been a whole year... and please, more pictures!! :)
Posted by: red, too | Dec 10, 2007 3:00:34 PM
Happy birthday to the twins!
And (as a mom) I`m so happy for you that Lucas is doing better now.
K - What`s wrong with you? You call these babies ugly - are you blind or only envious? Shame on you, really.
Posted by: simone | Dec 10, 2007 3:11:56 PM
A Happy Birthday to Lucas and Abigail! I'm so happy things are turning out so well for you! :o)
Posted by: Karen | Dec 10, 2007 3:27:38 PM
I cannot believe it's been a year! Happy Birthday to your two gorgeous babies! I remember reading the post a year ago and just bawling. I'm so happy for you that they are here, happy, and healthy!
Posted by: Amanda | Dec 10, 2007 3:49:09 PM
All I can say is happy birthday to those adorable babies and best wishes for wonderful holidays to your entire family.
As far as "k" goes, it is not even worth commenting on, why waste the time?
Posted by: Eve | Dec 10, 2007 5:30:28 PM
Happy Birthday Babies, I have enjoyed reading about you this year.
Congratulations Stephanie for making it through the first year.
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn | Dec 10, 2007 10:47:08 PM
Happy Birthday, beautiful babies....
Posted by: Fugala | Dec 11, 2007 1:37:39 AM
Happy 1st Birthday to Lucas and Abigail!
Stephanie, I don't think anyone would have faulted you for not approving k's comment. It's an obvious troll attempt that hijacked this comment thread in a negative direction from the get-go.
Posted by: the Other Chris M | Dec 11, 2007 4:05:53 AM
I am just a bit on late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY Babies!!!
I remember that when I have finished your book, I go directly on your blog to know more about you and surprise surprise, I saw the photos of your babies. I was so happy for you. Congratulations Stephanie for your life.
Posted by: Sofia | Dec 11, 2007 8:01:15 AM
Happiest birthday, babies! Did they eat cake, Stephanie? And may we see pictures of the festivities, if so?
Posted by: DeannaBanana | Dec 11, 2007 10:41:50 AM
1. Your babies are beautiful because they're yours.
2. Completely objectively, your babies are very cute, as in, if I saw them modeling clothes in a baby magazine, I'd think- that's appropriate, because they're cute.
3. I have a cute baby too. Just thought I'd throw that in. ;)
Posted by: Noisette | Dec 11, 2007 3:11:58 PM
Hi Stephanie, I just ran into your blog when my sister in law sent me the link to your scrapbooking post. It's a beautiful scrapbook by the way... I hope I can put together a book a fraction as nice as yours. Well, I found this birthday post and I wanted to share with you that it really blessed me to hear your voice on this subject. I had my son 2 1/2 years ago and he was a preemie and I remember all of those feelings you described so eloquently... the feelings and the perspective you gain afterwards- it's all the same. I read your post aloud to my husband and we both got teary just thinking back to those first scary days of parenthood for us. I'm so happy to say that our son is a ball of sheer energy and toddler excitement every day and since we've had a daughter, almost 10 months ago and her beginnings lacked the drama of our first... but it was healing to us both to experience a full term baby! Thanks again for writing in such a transparent way- that it makes us look at our own experiences and appreciate our journey.
Posted by: Evie | Feb 2, 2008 3:50:41 PM
