Special

I got a phone call this afternoon. It was from Jackie, who used to be Quinn's Occupational Therapist who came when she was in Early Intervention. She wanted to know if I could write a letter explaining Quinn's experience with Early Intervention. So I did. As I was writing it I had to think clear back to when Quinn was first diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It was a whirlwind...

She was 18 months old and wasn't walking and that wasn't normal. We had an MRI and it showed that she had a brain bleed when she was in the womb. I didn't even know what Cerebral Palsy was. It scared me on so many levels. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to help her or that she would get made fun of because she walks different. And most of all that she would have to miss out on things that kids do. As a mom you only want to do everything you can for your kids and I felt like I wouldn't be able to do that for her.

I kept going through in my head what I could have done differently when I was pregnant. Did this happen to her because I played softball while I was pregnant? Or because I rode a four wheeler and went on a bumpy trail? I couldn't get over the feeling of guilt that it was my fault.

We started doing lots of therapy with Quinn and she made huge strides. I look at where she is today and can't even believe it. It hasn't come easy, she has worked so hard. But she has come so far. I look at how much she has gone through and it makes me sad, but...she is strong. And she has made me strong. And I can look back now and see that there was nothing that I did to make Quinn this way. She was meant to be this way, this is her trial in life. And she was meant to come to our family. She has such a special spirit that is felt everywhere she is. I am so glad Heavenly Father sent her to our home, I am so glad for the amazing girl that she is and how strong she is.

Hudson 1 Year

Dear Hudson,

You are one year old today. I am kind of having a hard time wrapping my head around it. It seems like just yesterday that you came into our lives. You are the most amazing little man. You have been learning so many new things so fast! I can't believe how fast you are. Especially when you are doing something you aren't supposed too. I have never seen anyone crawl so fast! You haven't started walking yet, but you cruise all over the place if you have something to hold on to. Soon I bet you will be walking. You used to eat your baby food really well, but since we have started to introduce you to more human food, you want nothing to do with the baby food. 

You weigh 22lbs. and are really tall. You love to take baths, I will sit in the bathroom and do my makeup while you are in the tub. You hate to get out when it's time, even if the water is freezing! You like to play the dropsy game and you will say "uh oh" before you throw it. You then expect me to pick it up. You know I love you little man, but this trick is getting a little old! 

You have two cute little teeth on the bottom and two on the top. I love that little smile so much!

You really like to play with balls. You have already learned how to throw them and like to roll them back and forth with me or daddy or your sisters. You are a wild little man and like to get into mischief. We have found you unraveling all of the toilet paper, playing in the toilet bowl, taking all the cans out of the cupboards and constantly crawling up the stairs! 

You sure are a special little guy and bring so much joy to our home. We love you very much and can't wait to watch you learn and grow some more. 

Love,

Mom