"We have been heaven blessed. I can't believe what God has done. Through us He's given life to one."

Charlotte’s 2nd birthday was two weeks ago. We had a small party with my in-laws which included steak (C gobbled it up) and brownies for the birthday girl. Her party was on Saturday. Once again, I used her birthday as an excuse to craft and bake, two things I love to do. We had such a wonderful time with family and friends.





The theme was Strawberries.




I'll admit, I made Oreo truffles because I love them :)



The take home gift was mini strawberry jam and cookies.


I got the inspiration from Charlotte’s dress. It was a dress Ben had picked out for her from Unclaimed Baggage before she was even born.


 


Charlotte received some wonderful gifts.




It was so fun to see her and her cousin Lia playing with the tea set.


I can’t believe she is TWO!!! Well, I can because she is certainly starting to through the tantrums of a two year old :) but it still amazes me. Two years ago today Charlotte would have been recently home from the NICU. She has endured more in her two years than I have in 27. These last two years she has had four major surgeries (two in her brain) and three trips to the emergency room. She’s had blood drawn and fingers pricked numerous times. She has seen doctors and specialists. Charlotte is young and she really has no memory of so much of this. I like that; her being at an age where she doesn’t remember and can’t be frightened of what is to come.

But my baby is getting older. She is walking everywhere in her walker and talking more everyday. And she comprehends more and more. I am beyond excited by how much she is growing. Yet, I’m scared to. I know before long she will be asking why she has to go to the doctor or what the long scar on her back is, and why she is still in diapers. Children ask questions all the time, they want to understand the world around them. Charlotte is constantly asking: “what’s that?” I love her earnest desire to know more.




I’m just afraid, afraid I won’t know the best way to tell her why she is somewhat different. Because I desperately want Charlotte to know that despite her medical issues she is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I want her to understand her conditions and the importance of telling me she has a headache. But I never want Charlotte’s Spina Bifida to define her. I desperately want her to know that she is not defined by medical conditions, athletic abilities, outward appearance, artistic talents, or any thing in her. I want Charlotte to know who she is in Christ, and that what defines her and gives her worth is that she is a child of God. I pray every night with her and my prayer (actually more of a plea) is that she will never remember a day not knowing God and that her life will glorify God.



Charlotte is two and starting to grow, change, ask questions and explore the world around her. I am praying that in my mothering I would be pointing her to the one solid, unchangeable answer: Christ.

A few more pictures before both girls wake up and demand me front and center!



Charlotte loves the table from my parents.



I have to brag. My sister-n-law, Dana MADE the table linens! Are they not fantastic?!


They add a lot of crazziness and a lot of joy to my life!




Margaret is growing like a little weed.





And getting to be a happier baby though still demanding.




If I could give you one picture that describes life with two right now, this is it. Much joy and much spit up!!!


I just love how it has traveled down to cover her foot.

Be still my heart!