Life is a Special Occasion

Friday, April 18, 2014

"Life is a Special Occasion"

A little evening light eye tracking and music time

I came across this quote today on the side of a Hallmark store bag.  Prior to February, I would probably not given it a second thought.  But stumbling across it this afternoon, it struck me as a profound statement.  Life as a whole IS a special occasion.  But we, in the hustle and bustle of life, tend to not take the time to stop and think about the sanctity of our everyday existence.  The enormity of the statement has stuck with me throughout the day. I spent the rest of the evening reflecting on our past 8 weeks with Everly.






Her favorite time of the day!

First and foremost as we approach the celebration of her 2nd month birthday this Easter Sunday, I am in awe of the mere fact that our sweet baby born February 20 at 4 lbs 4 oz with a condition labeled "incompatible with life" is not only living but thriving.  Yes, thriving.  This girl is a fighter.  She is strong.  She is determined.  She is still here and we are so blessed.

My heart swells with pride at every hurdle she overcomes.  Every stereotype she defies.  Every milestone she reaches.  She has gained two pounds in the last two months which for her is enormous.  She is alert and responds to her family.  She overcame pneumonia and a collapsed lung...at home without hospitalization when she was just under a month old.  She somehow learned to swallow even though she's never taken milk by mouth.  She amazes me.  She was given this perfect life to live as only God intended and she's making the most of it.  What a testament she is and how proud God must be of her!
 
We've lost count how many hikes this makes for her now :-)

We have continued to celebrate each day of her life deliberately.  We make sure to each devote time to her, talk to her and just soak her in as much as each 24 hour period allows.  We make it a point to take her outside for a walk daily to enjoy the warmth of the Florida sun or the coolness at the end of a rainstorm as the case may be as of late.  She receives her beloved bath each evening along with a massage or two.  She has days full of love and attention.  Her life is a special occasion to us each day.

We continue to check items off her baby bucket list...sometimes completing them two, three or more times because they are so fun.  We continue to shower her with experiences, outings (outdoor only still for her safety) and fun the way a family with two boys can.  She is living a full life at a whopping two months old and I couldn't be happier for her.

Cute little thing in her spring dress out for a walk!

So, in getting back to this Hallmark bag and the quote on it, I am so glad that we are able to treat each day of her life as a special occasion.  I don't know how many days she has.  I don't know how many days my boys have.  I don't know how many days I have.  You don't know how many days you or your family has either.  So, spend each day of your life like it's a special occasion.  You'll be glad you did!

As we enter Easter weekend... "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3 



With love and appreciation,

Crystal

Someone's happy :-)

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