Whitney Turns Two...double the celebration for many reasons...

 

 The other day I was talking with my sister in law and we were trying to remember what cake she made for Whitney's 1st birthday. Usually I have the best memory ever, but I couldn't remember one single detail from Whitney's party...not even where it was! A year ago this week we were waiting for some serious answers regarding Whitney's health that would steer the course of the rest of our lives. Celebrating her second birthday carries with it many blessings that the LORD has provided in regards to her health and her future! I am stilled in the center of my heart as I reflect on the journey that we have taken as a family since last year...stilled by the tangible goodness of GOD displayed in the provisions of AMAZING therapists, prayer warriors, family and friends! I would like to thank everyone who has walked with us this year!

1st time in glasses

To recap...after we saw the pediatric specialist last August the game plan was to first get her eyes checked, start physical and speech therapy, and then perhaps see a neurologist if there was a lack of progression. I remember leaving that office mostly relieved, but not 100% at ease. Fast forward to the end of September 2011, I am in The Hour Glass. After struggling with the fact that my baby would need plastic glasses (I was afraid of how others would treat her), we went to pick them up. I remember the technician placing the glasses on Whit, and her body completely halting movement. She turned and looked at me, and as if in slow motion she raised her tiny little left hand and started touching my lips as if she had never seen them before. I tried real hard to keep my cool, but as she gently started patting my lips in wonder the tears began to stream down my cheeks...she had never seen me before. I just hadn't realized it. Whitney's world opened up that moment. Her brain turned on and she began to shine. It was kind of a miracle for all of us that afternoon.
I went home and put her onto her play mat. She began touching and manipulating her toys with appropriate hand gestures. I called to her from across the room and she immediately found my eyes and smiled. The missing piece I had not been able to find regarding my daughter was found. She could see, really see.
Shortly after we began to notice the differences in her begin multiplying. Her new found vision, paired with weekly speech and physical therapy, had allowed her personality and abilities to blossom. She is not the laid back, go with the flow baby I thought she was. She is actually quite opinionated, independent minded and quirky. I love it! She certainly has 4th child syndrome in regards to how everyone caters to her every need and whim. However, we are also all committed to allowing her to grow up and develop as independently as she wants. Daddy does walking, running, and stair climbing exercises every night. Owen likes to do some speech therapy games with her. Cole made her her own little sword out of Connex and they fence together. Lily has been the best sister a sis could want! She loves to help out in her therapy sessions, play with her sissy and cuddle her in the mornings! She also buys things for Whitney and writes her songs.
Mommy loves her little girl, girl. When people ask me about being sad because my baby (last baby) is turning two...I really have to say no. She is still not quite independently walking or talking, so in many ways I have been given a 'baby' for a little extra time then most Moms. My favorite times with Whitney are in the early morning, when it is just us, and she is lying on me, and I snuggle her and talk to her and sing. I breath in her smells and curls. I hold her tiny hand and kiss her baby paw. I rub her soft back and drink in her tired eyed smile.
I love that I was able to mother 4 children early in my life. Honestly, I have been doing the baby thing for over a decade now, so it kind of snuck up on me how I am now the 'older' Mom. I am the one giving younger versions of myself 10 years ago knowing smiles in the grocery store. I am the one looking at Parents' magazine and gasping at the teenage models holing infants...how come I didn't notice how shockingly young they were a decade ago? oh. This is all fine and well except for one thing. I thought that since I had 4 babies my heart would be ready to move on. You know, give away the baby stuff and celebrate the lasts? Not quite. The firsts of the lasts are starting to happen to me and they happen to sting. With the drama of last year I wasn't able to process the lasts, but alas, here they are. The last newborn smells, the last time I nurse, the last first birthday, the last season where your life goes on hold as your family nest encompasses a precious life. Perhaps one of the blessings accompanying our trials with Whitney is the natural ability to experience a greater portion of gratitude and celebration as the lasts pass on by.
Happy Birthday Whitney Elizabeth. My sweet baby girl girl.

Thank you  Mom, Dad, Cale, Tom, Kristen, JP, Aaron, Meggan, Bobbi, Cindee, Wendy, Tara, Liz, Christa, Tina, Kendahl, The Layerds, Kristy, Itzel, Rene, Ashley P.,  Kim, The Serna's, Darcy, Julie,  MHS Co Op...seriously!!, Jessica, Sabrina, Wendi L, Angel, Peggy, Aunt Bobbi.

Special Thanks to Meghan W., Becky S and Jennifer C!!!!!!