Video!

Here is the video I mentioned in the post below.  Here Gabby is describing her scrapbook page!  So precious!  Check out that hot pink birthday crown! 
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=f1b35860568310554e16d4&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Gabby's 4th Birthday-Part 1

Who wishes that they had two part birthday's when they were growing up? 

Today we celebrated -Part 1- of Gabby's birthday at her preschool.  It was so cute!  Last week, Ms. Melissa sent home a plain sheet of paper and a page protector and told us, "please create a scrapbook page for Gabby to share on her "special day".  This was last Thursday.  Plenty of time for sure!  But, for anyone that knows me...this sent a ton of thoughts through my head and immediately my OCD "tendencies"(ha!) set in.  What!?  More than a blank sheet of paper and a sentence of instructions please!! 

Ready...Set...Go!  I am happy to report...we did it!  And it was really a lot of fun! 

Front 

Back

We also made cupcakes for Gabby to take in to her class today.  Like the "made from scratch" by an almost 4 year old kind of cupcakes!  Gabby is pretty good at baking by the way! 

Here is a picture of Gabby describing her scrapbook page in front of her class...Priceless!  She also got to wear a birthday crown today as part of her "special day".   

*I tried to upload a video which shows her describing each picture, but I am having trouble with the program I use to do it so I will keep trying.*  I was able to volunteer in the class today for about an hour and watch "circle time" and see Gabby explain her page to everyone.  She did a wonderful job!  As I volunteered I noticed that Gabby definitely tries to be the boss of the class!  Doesn't this sound familiar?  Which one does she take after with this...Mom or Dad?  You pick which one!!! 

I am really sad this week that my baby is turning 4!  Where did the time go?  Don't get me wrong...lately these tantrums are really throwing Jeff and I for a loop.  However, I think I speak for Jeff as well when I say that we would not trade a single day or memory with Gabby for anything!  She makes life so much brighter!  We love you so much Gabby!   

We cannot wait for Saturday when Gabby has Part 2 of her birthday with her "big" party!  It is going to be at the gym where we take gymnastics!  I will be back with a post from that soon!!! 

xoxo, Katie   

Thoughts...

In general, I think a lot!  I analyze a lot.  I am starting to see Gabby analyze things and definitely know that this is a trait that she has inherited from me.  It can be a good thing or a bad thing...

I came across a blog last night about a family.  http://ellisonkate.blogspot.com/  Of course the name of their baby, Ellie, made me read deeper and deeper into their situation.  The story of her life is touching.  Really hits home in many ways.  It most definitely is not what we experienced with Ellie.  However, in many ways, the hospital stays, friendships we made along the way, the Ronald McDonald House, family and friends that supported us...all of these things seemed very similar.  My heart aches for this family.  I know our babies(Ellie and Ellie) are together tonight, dancing in heaven and are watching over us. 

As the family has been on my heart today, I can only 'think' and 'analyze'.  Yes, our situation with the loss of Ellie in 2006 was tragic.  Jeff and I did experience heartache and continue to experience a loss deeper than words can describe.  However, I have always remained confident that no matter what trials and tribulations we are experiencing or have experienced in the past...someone alwyas has it worse.  Even at Riley Hospital, Ellie's condition was bad...really bad!  But, someone else down the hall or on another floor had it worse.  They were saying goodbye to their children or multiple children sooner than we said goodbye to our Ellie.  It was a terrible time.  We have come so far... 

We are so blessed that the Lord has allowed us to experience parenthood again.  With Gabby in our lives now and Baby C on the way in November I can only think?  What did I ever do to deserve this wonderful life Lord?   He has brought us through tragedy and brought happiness into our lives again.  For once, we can see the plan he may have in store for us.  But, what did I ever do to deserve this?  Why me?  Thank you for blessing me beyond belief and leading me through this wonderful path of life.  HE knows our life and what is in store for us from the beginning to the end.  HE is many steps ahead of us.  HE brought our beautiful angel to us in 2005 for a purpose.  She was sick for a reason.  I struggle with the reason behind this a lot and am optimistic that Ellie was put on this Earth to touch others.  To change others, allow them to love again, heal others and make others happy.  I saw Ellie transform others with my own eyes and know that the Lord has something to do with this.  I will spend the rest of my life learning from the Lord and thanking him daily for teaching me about life through our time with Ellie.  It is very hard to see the bigger picture sometimes.  It is very hard to let go.  I have learned to stop and listen 

If I could take all of the pain from Ellie-Kate's Mommy and Daddy away right now I would.  They are a very spiritual couple and rely on the Lord for everything in their life.  This is wonderful and something that will help them in years to come.  There is a reason for everything and God chose to take our angels for a reason.  We will learn soon enough when we are together in heaven one day I presume. 

So tonight I am not feeling so terrible about 'thinking' and 'analyzing'.  Just depends on the situation.  Bittersweet...

xoxo,
Katie