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.

Freedom

I am a proud mama. I have two little girls, Sabrina, who will be ten this year, and Chloe, who will be six. I think kids are great. Growing up, I was the neighborhood babysitter. I raked in the dough. Two bucks an hour, my friends, a pretty penny.
I fancied myself to be quite patient.

Well, mostly...usually.

As I get older, I have what Oscar, refers to affectionately as a "short fuse."
I really don't agree....but will admit to occasionally losing my patience.
I mean, motherhood is a tough job.

Sabrina is super smart (what mother's child isn't), and quirky.
She has a personality totally unlike my own. She is independent, outspoken and gregarious. Sassy, but not disrespectful, and a great conversationalist.
She is kindhearted, very patient, and sensitive.

I dig this kid. Really, dig her.

Chloe is a whiz at the computer. She can maneuver game after game, like a pro.
She can show you how to get to the websites for Noggin, Nick Jr., Webkinz, Club Penguin, and Barney (her personal favorite) in no time flat.
She has loads of bookmarks, and can start up or shut down the computer like nobody's business.

I am in awe of her.

Chloe is special. She cannot walk. She cannot speak. She cannot sit up unassisted. She is a prisoner of her own body, but her brain is unaffected. She is intelligent, and amazes me every day.

Chloe recently became the proud owner of a new wheelchair. It has a shiny black frame that glitters in the sun, and is a snazzy shade of purple (her choice). Her name is embroidered on the seat in bright pink. Chloe loves to go out. She loves the mall, which we try and visit often.
Total hardship, I know...Mall...shopping..hmmm....tough.


The first time she used her chair was last month.
I parked my van in the Macy's parking lot at the mall.
I unloaded the chair, and sat her down.
I buckled her seat belt.
She smiled.
Sabrina asked if she could push her.
"Sure, " I said "Just not too fast."
Walking beside Sabrina, I watched as she carefully pushed her sister.
Chloe's eyes were wide, but her smile was priceless.
Freedom.

In the beginning, it was hard. I couldn't help but wonder why I was chosen to be her mother.
I am just an ordinary woman. No special talents or skills. I couldn't do it. I knew I would fail.
Almost six years have gone by. I am still here, we all are. Oscar, Sabrina, Chloe and me.

I used to constantly pray for strength, and patience, BC (before Chloe).
I believe I got what I asked for.