
Sam and Bekah playing with their new toys
This time of year is often the beginning of a hectic season for many families, and ours is no exception.

Bekah riding her new birthday bike
For us, the changing of the leaves, and the falling of the first few snowflakes are a reminder of just how incredibly blessed we are.
Four years ago we were struggling with infertility, and the idea that we may never have the chance to be parents was very real, and very sad.
Then, 3 years ago Bekah was born and we learned the fast and cold truth that not every baby is born a warm and cuddly bundle of joy. Some babies have to fight to stay alive, and we learned to call Akron Children’s NICU home for 3 months.
Two years ago brought a mix of emotions. We learned I was pregnant, but that the baby’s heartbeat was way too slow. After facing open heart surgery with Bekah, we knew that there were solutions to some heart problems, but not all of them.
We hoped desperately for better news on a follow-up ultrasound, but were prepared when we had to face a miscarriage shortly after Bekah’s first birthday.
Then, last year, like clockwork, Sam arrived…all 10 lbs., 4 oz. of him.

Sam enjoys his birthday food
And with Sam came the realization that each of us is given a different life to live. We all get choices, and we all face problems. We all have a certain number of days – some are great, some are horrendous, and some force us to realize that each and every life, no matter how long or short it lasts, is an incredible gift from God.
So this year, as Bekah turns 3, and we prepare for Sam’s first birthday, I plan to embrace the wild and crazy things each day brings because even if they live to 150, each day is one less day for me to spend loving them being little. (Secretly though, I was wishing for things to be a lot less hectic, but having begun birthday time with a bang (and a bike), I’m afraid this year may be our wildest yet!)
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