Grace

The more I live, the more I realize that everyone has their own "hard".

...The father struggling to keep up with the ever growing demands of his wife and children.
...The daughter who lost her father. He was her hero - he always will be.
...The mother caring for her medically complex child. Day in-day out. No end, no break.
...The parents who lost their son. Why him? He was too young.
...The new mom, struggling to stay awake during nightly feeds. She can only hope to have enough energy to welcome visitors who come to see her new little one.
...The dad who regrets missing out on special moments in life, all because he was chasing the American Dream.
...The wife who clings to her lost love. Just one year ago. Running to his closet to get one last breath of his scent.
...The family, torn apart by a broken marriage. How did it come to this?
...The sister, longing for a healthy brother. Why does he seem so distant these days?
...The mama doing the parent thing on her own. What would she give for a break?
...The student who struggles each day, but one cruel peer's words make them question if all this is worth it.
...The parents who made it home from the longest hospital stay of their lives, only to feel overwhelmed beyond belief. How will they make it each day?
...The mom/wife/caregiver who fears what will happen when she is gone. Who will love on her littles like she does? Who will be the cheerleader for her husband? Can cancer be so cruel?
...The girl wondering if love will ever find her, or if it will only continue to find others around her.
...The one who by all appearances has it all together, while inside lies only broken pieces and broken dreams.


You see - we all have our own "hard". Don't believe me? Just look at your family. Your friends. Really look at them - really SEE them.

With outstretched arms, extend GRACE. Open up your hands and let love flow. Speak uplifting words, and always - ALWAYS know that God is in control of your "hard". He sees you in your need, and He isn't about to let go.
Rest in that. Some days it is all we have.

Parenting.com

I was, and still am honored that our blog was featured on Parenting.com. Our debut on "Our Mommy Blog Faves: Hospitals and Doctors" segment was HUGE to me since I frequented their website all throughout my pregnancy, and still go there when I want some great tips! (Last looked at: What to do when all your child says is "NOOOOOOO!" Yep - sweet Gavin learned a new word on Friday. As our therapist would say "that's right on target developmentally" - so for that, we celebrate!)

Thanks to all of my family, friends, and strangers who have supported us on this journey. Never did I think we would be so versed in hospitals and all things medical. I can't imagine life without the help of our great Doctors, nurses, and therapists at Amplatz Children's Hospital. Many of you are like family, and we feel so blessed to work with you all!

Legacy Bracelet

This post should have been done about a year ago. A lot of you who know me, know how much this bracelet means to me. It was gifted by a sweet friend, Amy Skogerboe, while we were still in the NICU. She has an amazing ability to make "Legacy Bracelets" - a reminder of where we have come from.

I wear mine EVERY time we come to the hospital - even if it for just a small procedure. It is a visible reminder that God was with us through everything with Gavin, and He will continue to be with us in the days ahead.

 Each time we come to the hospital, at least 4 people comment on how wonderful my bracelet is. I am able to share Gavin's story with them and most often, they always want to know where I got it! They know so many families who would love a bracelet. Even the surgeons have commented on them - men don't usually notice things like that, but it grabs their attention too!

How adorable, right?

I rarely turn the pictures in towards my wrist, but if I do - there is a super cute pattern on the inside. I don't know the exact process, but each block is wood, and the pattern is made of fabric. SO COOL!

 Oh - and did I mention it is a great toy for Gavin to play with when he needs extra distraction? They are durable!!

We have come a long way, baby! If I ever need reminding I look at my bracelet with my little 4lb 8oz baby on it.
Oh - and it's not just for medical parents! They are great for Mothers' Day gifts for moms, for grandmothers, or just because! I could also see them being an amazing gift for someone who lost a loved one.

Go check out their website! Legacy Bracelets

*Legacy Bracelets did not ask me to write this, I just had to share because I can't thank them enough for sharing this amazing gift with me!