Thankful they call me mama.

Every year around this time I start doing a list of all the things I've thankful for. It started pretty simple and I didn't think much of it, but year after year I realized that I really enjoyed having to make myself stop & be grateful for something, anything. Something I think we all need to do more often! On day #1 I mentioned how I was thankful for my 2 girls & being their mom, but that just doesn't cut it.

I believe that every child is a gift from God. Both of my girls came at very critical times & with an incredible story.

Karly was my miracle. Most of you know my struggle to get pregnant & our journey to have a baby. When she came there was no doubt that God was teaching me a lesson... He is in control, not me, or doctors-- He alone! With that He gave me a child with an enormous LOVE of life. My Karly Love is never bored, loves everyone, will never leave without a hug, her love of life is contagious. She can make anything fun & reminds me daily to 'lighten up' and to just love life. My relationship with her is very unique; we have very different personalities, which any mom knows that can have its challenges, but so often I feel like she is teaching me way more than I'll ever teach her.
She is my miracle. I know that God has great things in-store for this child and I cannot wait to see what they are!

Then there is my baby Meredith. Precious baby, given to me at a very burdensome time in my life. I was going through one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. I felt like my world was falling apart, everything I once knew was shaking around me. Maybe one day I will share more about that time, as for now I'm still not ready. I had lost all faith in people, friends, family, even God,  and in the midst of total chaos in my life God gave me JOY. Meredith Joy, to remind me that He is always there and he knows just what we need when we need it. At the time a baby did not seem like the best answer, and honestly it took me 7 months to find joy in being pregnant, not that I didn't want to have another baby but the timing was horrible (according to my plans). And Joy is exactly what she is-- she is a funny little  baby, she constantly makes me laugh. At a time in my life when I was plastering on a fake smile, God gave me pure Joy. 

I didn't know when naming my girls that their names would be so descriptive of who they are. Each of my babies have taught me so much about myself and who God has created me to be. I am so grateful to be their mama. I really am the lucky one.