3 Years Ago

My Sons -

Three years ago on this very night I drifted off to sleep, albeit with seventy more pounds on my frame, completely unaware of what was to come the following morning.

The next morning you came.

There is very little resemblance to the life that we lived before your existence. It is hard to even recall much of the details of life in our home before the two of you came in to it!

You both fought hard in the NICU.

Grayson, you were born with a pretty severe case of pneumonia, and had to be put on a ventilator for the first 24 hours of your life.

Ethan, you had a PDA, and your Daddy and I were faced with the possibility of you needing surgery to have it repaired. We were so thankful when the medicine they gave you closed it so surgery was not needed.

Every day we would come in to the NICU not knowing what we would be facing. Would it be a good day or a bad day? A step forward or a step backward?

I will still never forget the day I walked in and the nurse told me, with a huge grin on her face, that you, Grayson, had a present for me. I walked up to your isolette and saw your precious round face for the very first time, completely clear of any tubes or wires. I cried and cried. You were perfect. You were two weeks old.

Slowly your strength grew. You both eventually went to being side by side in an open crib.

And then you came home... :) :) :)

Ethan, you were first.

Grayson, you followed a week later.

It was a sweet reunion when you were side by side again...

The doctor told us that once the two of you came home you would thrive.

He was right...

Grayson -

I love your fiesty personality.

The way you stand your ground and speak up for yourself.

You are a silly boy. Always wanting to make your family laugh through your made up "ga-ga" language, or by telling us, "No laughing!" and then if we do, you tickle us.

You also have such a gentle side. A cuddling side. You will often come to me during the day only to say, "Mommy, hold me." I wonder if you'll still ask me that a year from now. I hope so.

I love you deeply and dearly darling child.

Ethan -

Your sensitive heart still wins out. I love to see that in you.

You are so tender. So gentle. So thoughtful.

Your feelings get hurt easily.

At the same time though you can also be a mischevious little boy. You get this look in your eye and your Daddy and I know it means trouble. :)

You are also very independent. You often let us know that you can do it yourself. We love to see you try.

You are very inquisitive and love to know how the things around you tick.

You are easy to love. You are a pleasure to raise. I'm glad you're mine.

And now for just a million and a half pictures of the two of you together - just because you're pretty darn cute...

We love you SO much Ethan and Grayson.

You are making life a trip! We are so thankful for both of you in our family. Happy, happy, happy third birthday!

-Mommy-