I took a deep dive into answering the question so many of us, who have been given Miralax as a solution for IBS, are asking, “What is Miralax?”
[Read more…] about What is MiraLax
Our NICU babies have blossomed into big and thriving children. September is National NICU Awareness Month. I’m celebrating our own story today.
[Read more…] about Our NICU Babies
This year I’m still holding the badge of honor as a preschool mom; yesterday was Samarah and Isaiah’s first day of preschool.
[Read more…] about Preschool Mom
Happy Birthday, Isaiah {You are Three}. Hardly seems real that another year has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that I wrote a letter to you for your first birthday, Happy Birthday, Isaiah {You are One}, and then another one for your second, Happy Birthday, Isaiah {You are Two}.
But today is the day I write this third birthday letter for you. Today, on May 13, 2018, is the day we’ll celebrate both your birthday and Mother’s Day.
It’s both ironic and fitting that the day would land as one.
Dear Isaiah,
You and I have come a long, long ways.
These last couple months have been some of my favorite with you so far, and some day when you are big enough to understand all the little intricacies of life and love and you, Samarah, Amiya, mama, and daddy, I’ll tell you about it.
After Samarah, we wanted another baby. We didn’t really specify gender or anything else (except we did kind of request non-Caucasian, intentionally). Deep down, though, I know your daddy wanted a little boy. And truth be told, I did, too. Because I always wanted my own little Isaiah (since 1995).
On May 13, 2015, you were born. You could not stay with your birth mama, and the plans for you were clearly set. Making your way to us was not in the state’s plans.
But making your way to us was in God’s hands, and during these past few years I’ve oftentimes wondered “Why?” There was Elisabeth on the outside and ups and down on the inside.
Here I sit, on your third birthday, and I, very openly, sincerely, and honestly, know why.
While it’s scary to think that your name goes hand-in-hand with, “….and a child shall lead them,” they are words I have forced myself to come back to time-and-time again.
You are the child that is teaching me that not everything will come easy in life, but if you give things time and patience, practice and perseverance, all the great things worth having make it all worth it.
All boy. All. Boy. Fire trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, you name it…..you play with them all day.
Sometimes all girl. It’s true, for as much true boy as you are, your sister’s influence on you is real. You’ll hold babies with them and stuffed animals, push doll strollers and say, “Awwww…..” while rocking a doll.
Active. You don’t sit still for 2 seconds. You love to run, jump, ride your bike, and do jump squats with mama.
A huge fan of Katie’s. You really love Katie. Each night before bed you ask us, “Will Katie be here tomorrow?” We always respond, “Yes, buddy, now it’s time for bed.”
A singing soul. Since we got you, you’ve always picked up on beats. Now that you can talk, you pick up on words after hearing a song even just once. One of the best nights you and I had during the past month was spending a night together at Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Donny’s house. On the drive out, we had just hit the gravel roads when a song I had not yet heard came on the radio, “I Need a Ride Home” by Carly Pearce. I instantly fell in love with the song, and you did, too. You picked up on words instantly, and when we listen to it now, you know words here and there. I’ll forever think of you when I hear that song.
An eating machine. Seriously, you can out eat me, and sometimes you even give your daddy a run for the money. We are scared of what the grocery bill is going to look like as you get bigger.
A Gutsy boy like your mama. I always thought it was going to be Samarah who would remain the Gutsy baby. She outgrew it, you still have not (nor has Amiya). We currently have you on a very strict diet, and this past week has proved wildly awesome changes with you (well, except for last night when you got into a little popcorn and we caved on the French Fries!). Your stomach is huge and you’re a poopin’ machine if we don’t have it under control. Secretly, I love that I get to help you sort through the gut stuff. Hang in there buddy, one day you’ll be eating all your beloved apples again 🙂
Woody Wood Pecker. You still laugh like Woody, and it cracks everyone up.
An entertainer. Put some music on, and your little head and body will wiggle and bop for what seems like hours. It’s absolutely hilarious!
A total stud. Randomly, at the dinner table last night, you said to your daddy, “I need a haircut.” You’re always about your haircut and shades, and when you have a fresh cut and those shades on, you’re a total stud.
Daddy’s boy. Currently you’d choose your daddy over mama in a heartbeat. You love your daddy, and he has all the patience in the world for potty training with you when mama is still uncertain with the little man’s boy parts attitude (you always want to show mama – such a trip).
Happy. 90% of your time is spent being happy. You have a smile that’s infectious, and as long as your tummy doesn’t hurt, is full, and plenty of hours of sleep under your belt, happy is what you’ll choose.
Sweet as pie. Yes, Isaiah. You truly are sweet as pie. Recently before one of my work trips you told daddy you were sad. When he asked why, you told him, “Because Mommy is leaving.” Your intentions are gold.
Happy, happy birthday my sweet boy!
Listen – today is Mother’s Day, so I hope you’ll be real nice to mama, too.
We have a big and fun day planned – mostly spending it outside, which is something you and I both love.
We love you little man.
Happy 3rd birthday, buddy!
p.s. And yes, yes we are making your special chocolate cake tonight!
Xox,
Mama
This week is sort of dedicated to them….all three of them. Today I’m writing a post I’ve been excited about for quite some time. This is Throw Back Thursday Adoption First Photos.
For me, one of the best parts about preparing for Gotcha Day is looking back on the journey. I save every single picture and video of the kids on a separate hard drive, categorized by month then by year. Additionally, I have a folder titled, “Early Days + Firsts with Us” for all of our first moments together (hellllloooooo Type A).
This week has been lovely, going back over the past year, month-by-month, and re-living all that was since the day we got Amiya. She really did steal our hearts from the very beginning, and I think that will be apparent when you “meet” her for the first time tomorrow.
Looking back on those first images with Amiya reminded me of all the firsts with Samarah and Isaiah as well.
Anyone who does foster-to-adoption knows the ropes. We don’t show our children’s faces online before the adoption has finalized. I know some people who do their faces as the adoption date gets closer, but I have always chosen not to out of fear that it would jinx us in some sort of weird way.
Selfishly, I also like to keep my babies super close to the vest until we are in the clear and we are legally made their forever home.
But I just have to tell you that all the months prior to are filled with a thousand images that I could only wish to share. Not giving birth to a child doesn’t mean any fewer pictures, “firsts,” or gushing love bursting at the seams.
Today I want to share a few of these moments…..they are, of course, just of Samarah and Isaiah. But just for this one last day!
We grabbed a Kiki the Elephant and went to go get him for our first “date.”
We played for a few hours that day.
He would eventually return to his foster home.
And would come back again a few days later to play once again. Samarah was already a little Mother hen to him.
Shortly after, he would be ours forever.
And immediately, I started him on bone broth from the bottle.
I snapped this picture the first time I laid eyes on her in that Nicu bed.
She had been there for 2 months without anyone coming to “oooohhhhh and ahhhhh” over her very existence. By the time we were able to, I couldn’t get enough. This is her doing the carseat test before she could leave.
We had zero clue what we were doing with her, especially when it came to the feeding schedule (at 2 months, she was still just 5 pounds). This was our first night feeding with her.
And this is how we had to hold her upright most of the time. She was insanely tiny. That is Ryan’s hand, and how the Nicu nurses told us we needed to hold her head and face.
A few short days later, we gave her first bath. Incredible how much work it took for someone so small.
But mostly, the days were filled like this because she never wanted to sleep, was constantly uncomfortable, and – let’s be really honest – I had waited for this moment for so many years.
Tomorrow is Amiya’s big day! I have all the things planned, starting with a morning blog post on changes. We are leaving early afternoon for court. The kids have the cutest outfits, and if you follow me on Instagram (my personal one), you’ll see a little preview via my Instagram Stories. Elisabeth is coming, and we have a photographer coming as well. Sometime tomorrow night, I’ll finally publish our sweet Amiya the bee’s face. The video is done and ready, and I can’t wait to share it!
Xox,
SKH
Happy Birthday, Isaiah {You are Two}. Another year has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that I was writing Happy Birthday, Isaiah {You are One}.
But here we are, May 13, 2017 – the day of Isaiah’s 2nd birthday.
Dear Isaiah,
After the zoo today, Elisabeth asked you, “What was your favorite part of the zoo, Isaiah?” You responded, “Meeeeeeeee……..”
Oh, buddy, you were the best part of the whole day today.
I’m not sure where to even begin today, the day you turn two, except to begin with the little-known fact that we thank God for your birth, life, and that He had you find your way to us.
I think about a year ago today, and how different our lives with you were at that time.
You had barely gotten to us, and we didn’t know you very well.
Today, we know every last thing about you.
You have an old man’s soul in a baby Hercules body.
You are all boy, there is no doubt about that.
You climb on tables, scream loudly, explore wildly and for your mama who still doesn’t know how to deal with boys, you are the boy I am crazy in love with one moment and totally annoyed by the next.
The way you crinkle your nose, attempt to snort, and “pretend” to sleep has us laughing constantly.
You love, love, love your sisters. Amiya is your bubba bestie, and Samarah is your love-hate soulmate.
Daddy is your golden star at the end of each day, and you never get tired of saying, “mama, mommy, mama, maaaamaaaaa.”
You still put everything in your mouth, play with trucks, push anything and everything you can and could run outside 24/7.
Today for your birthday we did the normal Saturday routine to start the day. Breakfast, then farmer’s market. Elisabeth met us at our house, and then we all headed towards the Oakland Zoo, stopping at Peet’s for some coffee, lattes, and a muffin for you and Samarah.
We spent a couple hours at the zoo. You liked the first monkey a lot, and a couple other random things, but for the most part, you were just interested in pushing the little stroller, running, and eating popcorn.
We stayed at the zoo until about 1 pm, and then we went to eat some Mexican food. We ordered Ceviche to start, thinking you’d love it. You had a bite and started crying. It made zero sense to us, until mama bit into a jalapeno and about died. We realized that’s exactly what happened to you. Sorry, buddy!
Your food came, and you were a happy camper…..obviously.
After a late lunch, we came home. Elisabeth stayed and hung out more. We all watched you play, and open your gifts. You got a new Harley Hot Wheels, basketball hoop, clothes, elephant piggy bank, bubbles, “goo-goo” (your word for car), another goo-goo, and more.
Dude. You’re spoiled. But someday, by the time you read this and are old enough to understand, you’ll say, “Yes. Totally a spoiled dude.” Handsome fella, too 🙂
Meanwhile, mama made your birthday cake….totally on the fly. I had planned to make my Rainbow Birthday Cake, but we got home so late, so I decided to just save it for Maya’s birthday in 10 days. Instead, I made a Simple Mills Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Frosting, colored with yellow food coloring.
I had to do at least something a little special, so I saved a bit of the batter and formed it into a Mickey Mouse mini cake for you.
Samarah helped me put the sprinkles on.
And then we ate it. It was a huge hit!
You ate so much today. Consequently, you’ve also pooped like a mad man today. Yes, buddy. That’s your current life.
You gave Elisabeth a big hug, and she left.
And it was almost time to call it a day.
You are such a cool little dude, Isaiah, and I know that mama does not tell it to you often enough. You are teaching me so much about life, love, and (mostly) patience.
We love you, Zay from the tay-tay (that’s what I call you, and then you go, “ohhhhhhh.”)
Happy 2nd birthday, buddy!
Love always,
Mama and Daddy
Xox,
SKH
Copyright© 2021 - A Gutsy Girl® - All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
