This little miracle turned 2...

Yesterday was a very special day for a very special little boy who was put on this earth to do special things.  He's been doing special things since he arrived 2 years ago yesterday.  Two years ago he arrived more than 17 weeks early at 23 weeks.

This little boy stole my heart the moment I learned about him.  His name is Knox and I've shared his story on here before, but wanted to post a special message as he celebrates his second birthday!  Not a day goes by that I don't give thanks for the gift that is getting to follow along and be a part of this guy's life.

It was a day like most others, more than 2 years ago, when I got a call from Knox's parents after Carrie's water broke unexpectedly.  She was in a small hospital and had just heard words any parent would dread.  She was given my name and number through our sisters because I had been someone who had experienced something similar.  Less than 2 years earlier I had been laying in the hospital hearing the same words after my water broke unexpectedly with Noah.  As we spoke on the phone that morning, little did we know our heart-strings would connect and it would be an instant friendship formed.  Through sharing my story, they had been given a glimpse of hope and a drive to fight for their son.  By them sharing their story with me, they had given me the gift of renewed hope, of faith in answered prayers, and the love of a little boy I had never met but loved from day one.  His name was Knox and boy is he special.

Carrie and Troy, Knox's parents have opened up their lives and invited me to be a part and I am eternally grateful.  They openly listened and cared about our son Noah and in a way I think Noah brought us together.  Grieving a son lost too soon has been the hardest thing I've ever endured but in getting to be a part of Knox's life, I find my heart healed in ways I believe Knox could have only done.  I found myself in those early days of his life, praying feverishly that God would allow Carrie and Troy to get to keep their son and watch him grow.  While they were back in Iowa and I was here, I felt a piece of my heart was in that NICU with them and that I lived each of their updates almost as if I was getting to see the success story, our little boy didn't get.  Carrie and Troy have been so open about letting me be a part... I realize what a gift that is.  For I was honestly a stranger, and yet they treated me like I had been family for life.  So much so that they gifted me with the honor of being Knox's Godmother.  And while I don't get to be there for the day to day activities or get to know him as closely as I would, he is a little boy I think of so so often, I pray for and I love.  

Just a few weeks ago Carrie and Troy sent me these pictures of Knox wearing the Noah's Kindness Project bands and they stuck with me.  If it wasn't for Noah coming so early, I would have never met Knox and his beautiful family.  Through our hardship and loss, we were given an amazing gift and the love of a new family.  Isn't that incredible? 

Knox I hope your birthday was very special and that the year ahead is filled with many blessings for you.  I feel honored to be your Godmomma and that you and your family welcomed me into your life.  You are a true miracle, the answer to so many prayers and I know you're here to do amazing things.  For honestly buddy, you've already done a lot.

Love you Knox and happy birthday!

Until next time,
Angie

When she's 100 years old...

Isabelle recently celebrated her 100th day of school.  I remember her saying she was doing something special that day but I went on about our busy life and filed it away.  

Then this past week, we went to Isabelle's school for her parent teacher conference.  As we walked to her class she said, "Oh mom I'm so excited for you to see it!" I wasn't sure what she was talking about but as we approached the bulletin board outside her classroom, Isabelle started laughing.  She said, Oh mom, you're going to think its so funny!"  

She then motioned for me to look up at the board of all her classmates pictures and a sign that read, "When we are 100"

As I glanced up at the pictures I saw that 25 1st graders had been transformed into centenarians.  And Isabelle was right, I did laugh, and it was funny.  Not only are the items on Isabelle's bucket list super cute, but for 100 years-old I think she looks pretty good too!

After heading into her classroom we got to spent a while visiting stations to see all about the things she's learning and what she loves about her class.  We got to try on their special "reading glasses" and go to the carpet where they read.  

Madelyn was a huge fan too.  I think she's ready already to be in first grade.  She followed Isabelle around like her shadow and did everything Isabelle did.

It was a fun conference as we got a sneak peak into Isabelle's life as a first grader.  And since I know I'll be long gone when Isabelle turns 100, it was fun(ny) to see just how she'll look in 93 years.

Until next time,

Angie