Two Wonderful Years

Two years ago today I was exactly 40 weeks pregnant, and my little family of three saw its last day- we were about to welcome Keira Grace into the world.

As the sun was rising the next morning, we dropped Kenli off at Gram and Papa's and said our goodbyes. We were very excited to be on our way to the hospital where we would soon meet our new daughter.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 in the morning- awaiting the lovely pitocin. After much delay, the fun finally started around 10:00 am. Of all my labors, Keira's was by far the easiest. The six hours I labored without the epidural were not terribly awful- my sister and I played hangman in between contractions. After the epidural, I had about four more hours of labor and with three pushes, my little Gracie Pants came out pink and screaming. She was placed in my arms, and I was in awe. The love was instant. And just like her older sister, Keira immediately pooped on me, but again I didn't care.

I remember the doctor's and nurses' reactions upon seeing her- "Oh, my she's big."

"Really," I said. And they all assured me that she was big. But she looked so small compared to my 13 month old at home. All 8 pounds 15 ounces of her was perfect as can be.

I cherished our time together in the hospital. We cuddled, slept, and became familiar with one another. I couldn't wait to show her off- not only because she was mine and beautiful, but also because she looked very similar to me. I was so proud that I carried around a little photo of me as a newborn to show everybody how much we looked alike.

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Keira, God put you in our family as a middle child and I'm beginning to see that HE was right in doing so. You aren't the first-born, nor the last- your in the middle- the person who gets to be a little sister and a big sister. You do an amazing job playing both of those roles and your sisters cherish and adore you just because you're you. You follow Kenli around the house copying her every move while also instigating a few spats- a little sister to the 'T.' You also bring toys to Kaelyn and help her scoot across the floor- a perfect big sister. They love you and know you like no on else ever will.

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My sweet little brownie- you have grown so fast the past two years. I can't believe I've only known you for such a short amount of time when it feels like I've known you my whole life. I can't imagine life without your sweet smile, your spunky demeanor or big brown eyes.

I love the way you hold my hand as we walk down stairs after naps.

I love that you insist on me scratching your back at sleepy times.

I love that you must "read" in bed.

I find your stubbornness enduring. One of the hardest things I've had to do is be more stubborn than you when all I wanted to do was give in.

I adore your Scottish accent.

Oh, your pouty lips-- melt my heart.

You make my days sweeter just by being yourself. Your beauty on the outside is matched only by the beauty I see inside. You will go far in this life because you are one determined little girl who doesn't give in easily (or at all). You know what you want, and you go after it with such great tenacity.

Thank you for being you and letting me be your mommy. My love for you is unconditional and ever-lasting. Happy birthday Keira "Gracie Pants" "Brownie" " Brown-Brown" "Frog." I look forward to our next year together!

Love, Mama