Big and Small Reminders

Today is Elliot's birthday. Happy Birthday little man!

We had a quiet, laid back day. We spent it just sort of lounging around and playing with Elliot's new toys. We went and got Elliot's pictures taken (Evie got to join in the fun too, even though she didn't cooperate as well as Elliot). Then he wanted pizza for dinner, and how can you argue with the birthday boy? Afterward, we came home and had some ice cream with a makeshift birthday candle ( I thought I had one but didn't and we had already done singing, cake, and candles with Grandma and Grandpa the week before) but you know what, he didn't care and even wanted to sing again. Which we did :) It was a very fun day!

Much more relaxing than the same day, three years earlier. And even though the memories of that day were on my mind, they weren't as prevalent as even last year. The past two years have brought the memories of his birth, and the months after rushing back to my mind, but this time around I was able to look at him as a "normal" three-year old. One that loves to run, swing, eat Popsicles, ride is trike and explore everything within his view. The only reminder of his prematurity, and everything we've been through since was his pediatrician telling us that he is still extremely small and we ought to consider growth hormone therapy. Hey we'll take it!

But a few weeks ago we had more of a chance to reflect on our tiny miracle. Grandma decided she wanted to make a video to help promote our business. Uncle Brent was put in charge but we decided together that to really explain our business we needed to tell our story. So he interviewed us about Elliot's birth. It really is hard to really delve into all that happened without being affected by it. It brought back a lot of memories and a lot of emotions. But I think BJ and I have grown a lot over the past year and we are able to handle it better now. Had we tried to make this video just a year ago, I think it would have just depressed us. But now we can look back with gratitude. We have been truly blessed, in so many ways. Including the healing that's taken place this last year. I think Evie has been a big part of that. She's helped us to see that life does go on, and even though we go through hard things in life, not everything is difficult. She has been such a blessing and wonderful addition to our family. We are so blessed and so happy!

I started this entry over a month ago so I don't really remember where I was going with all of this. I guess I'll just quit my rambling now. The video really is very nice, and if you want to check it out it's on my mom's blog .