Celebration

Baby Chloe at CHOC the day we brought her home. She was so tiny, only five pounds.

It's exactly midnight, July 29, 2009, as I type this.
It's just another day to many, but it's a day of great significance to me and my little family.
Six years ago today, our Chloe came into the world.
SIX YEARS. I cannot believe it.

Sabrina and Chloe, first day home.

You may be thinking, "Yeah, yeah, it's your kid's birthday, big deal.."
But, you see, it is indeed a BIG deal. Huge.
It's a big deal because when Chloe was born, we didn't know how long she would be with us.
She was born with medical issues, lots of them.
We didn't know there would be any problems with her health, beforehand, and were caught completely by surprise.

Parenthood is already a roller coaster ride, but for parents of children with special needs, it is doubly so. I have never been a fan of surprises, but the situation that we found ourselves faced with, ultimately brought out our best.
Our support system has been phenomenal. To all of you, my heart is filled to the brim with love and gratitude. You will never know how much, truly. You mean the world to us.

Chloe's is one year old here. What a cutie pie!

As I look at my sleeping baby (well, six year old, not really a "baby" anymore), I am awed at all she has accomplished. If you know her, you know, that it's been a long journey, but an amazing one, an eye-opening one, a cathartic one.

I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise this little person.

Happy, Happy Birthday Chloe.
Here's to many, many more.

My big girl.
Having lunch at Shoreline Village last week.