"That family"
When our sweet Ella girl was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) last year my world fell out beneath me. I was heartbroken in ways unimaginable to someone who hasn't been through it. I was devastated, confused, sad, worried.. terrified really.
I spent far too much time and energy worrying what she would accomplish. If I would love her the same. If our families would accept her the way she is. I worried that such a pretty name as Ella would be "wasted" on someone with her disabilities and delays. (I know it sounds terrible, but if you've never been in this situation- don't judge..) I worried too much what others would think, how people would look at us, how they would judge us. If they would think I had done something during my pregnancy to cause this, or be wary of our seemingly contaminated genes. I cried too many tears wondering how her brothers would be affected- if they would ever be teased because of the way their sister is. I feared we would never be able to take Ella anywhere or do "normal" family things again-camping, boating, the zoo, football games.. Would we forever be held hostage by Ella's needs? Would revolving around her all our lives would become? I worried we would be "that family."
Well, a lot has happened and changed over the past year. I've learned a lot. Struggled a lot. Grown a lot. And I've realized that most of the hours I spent worrying, crying, despairing.. while they were probably necessary for my grief process.. were hours well wasted. Hours I could have spent enjoying this little miracle.
Because I can now look back and see that Ella and our lives are nothing like I feared it would be.
There's only one thing I worried about that has indeed come true. We have definitely become "that family."
"That family" that sticks together. "That family" that uses loss and hardship to grow closer together. "That family" with the ray-of-sunshine little girl who lights up the lives of everyone around her.
I guess being "that family" isn't so bad after all.
Welcome, ladies! Before we get started, have you entered to win A Thousand Flowers Giveaway yet? We're giving away some wonderful prizes, including a Diamond Candle, $25 to Old Navy, $25 to Starbucks, and a gorgeous OPI nail polish! The giveaway ends on the 7th!
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If you haven't noticed, one of my favorite things to do here at Two In Diapers is to share stories about motherhood and my littles. One of my favorite things about sharing these stories is your comments with stories of your own children!
Welcome to...
I spent far too much time and energy worrying what she would accomplish. If I would love her the same. If our families would accept her the way she is. I worried that such a pretty name as Ella would be "wasted" on someone with her disabilities and delays. (I know it sounds terrible, but if you've never been in this situation- don't judge..) I worried too much what others would think, how people would look at us, how they would judge us. If they would think I had done something during my pregnancy to cause this, or be wary of our seemingly contaminated genes. I cried too many tears wondering how her brothers would be affected- if they would ever be teased because of the way their sister is. I feared we would never be able to take Ella anywhere or do "normal" family things again-camping, boating, the zoo, football games.. Would we forever be held hostage by Ella's needs? Would revolving around her all our lives would become? I worried we would be "that family."
Well, a lot has happened and changed over the past year. I've learned a lot. Struggled a lot. Grown a lot. And I've realized that most of the hours I spent worrying, crying, despairing.. while they were probably necessary for my grief process.. were hours well wasted. Hours I could have spent enjoying this little miracle.
Because I can now look back and see that Ella and our lives are nothing like I feared it would be.
Ella is..
beyond sweet
a-dorable
mischievous
determined
sassy
silly
and adored by her brothers
She is my beautiful little girl
and I couldn't possibly love her more.
There's only one thing I worried about that has indeed come true. We have definitely become "that family."
"That family" that sticks together. "That family" that uses loss and hardship to grow closer together. "That family" with the ray-of-sunshine little girl who lights up the lives of everyone around her.
I guess being "that family" isn't so bad after all.
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Aaaannnndddd... I'm co-hosting a blog hop today! Eeeeeee!! ( - :
Welcome, ladies! Before we get started, have you entered to win A Thousand Flowers Giveaway yet? We're giving away some wonderful prizes, including a Diamond Candle, $25 to Old Navy, $25 to Starbucks, and a gorgeous OPI nail polish! The giveaway ends on the 7th!
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Welcome to week 11 of the Mommy-Brain Mixer, ladies!
Last week we had a wonderful 118 link-ups! The Mixer is thriving!
If you haven't noticed, one of my favorite things to do here at Two In Diapers is to share stories about motherhood and my littles. One of my favorite things about sharing these stories is your comments with stories of your own children!
Welcome to...
At the Mommy-Brain Mixer, we will be linking up our writings about anything and everything motherhood!
We want to see funny posts, serious posts, sweet & sappy stories, mommy-brain episodes, memories from when your older children were younger, thoughts & lessons learned, and anything related to motherhood or little people. You know that post you wrote yesterday about your teething baby? Or that hilarious post you wrote about your 2nd grader's school play? Those are perfect, so link 'em up!
We want to see funny posts, serious posts, sweet & sappy stories, mommy-brain episodes, memories from when your older children were younger, thoughts & lessons learned, and anything related to motherhood or little people. You know that post you wrote yesterday about your teething baby? Or that hilarious post you wrote about your 2nd grader's school play? Those are perfect, so link 'em up!
The Mommy-Brain Mixer is the perfect place to find some great new blogs to follow, make some wonderful new blog friends, and enjoy some entertaining new reads!
To make things even more fun, my friend Mar, over at Raising Bean, is hosting a sister link-up
for you to join, too!
Head on over there after your finished here and link up your recipes, DIY, arts & crafts, and sensory activities!
Head on over there after your finished here and link up your recipes, DIY, arts & crafts, and sensory activities!
Let's get to it, friends!
RULES:
1.Follow Two In Diapers
{the first link below}
If you are new to the Mixer, please leave me a comment so I know to follow you back! I try to get around to all the posts but, as the Mixer is growing, there are some weeks that I'm not able!
2. Follow your co-hosts
This week's lovely co-hosts {the first 4 on the linky} are:
Sarah from It's a Vol!
Faith from The Life of Faith
Maria from Life on M Avenue
Carmen from Adventures of the Triple B's
3. Link up your mommy post!
4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link-up and maybe even follow them!
{and comments are always loved}
5. Tweet about the Mommy-Brain Mixer to help spread the word!
6. Grab this adorable button and place it somewhere on your blog!
7. Don't forget to check back throughout the week, as we gain many new links throughout the week!
If you are interested in co-hosting a Mommy-Brain Mixer, send me an email at twoindiapers@gmail.com!
If you are interested in co-hosting a Mommy-Brain Mixer, send me an email at twoindiapers@gmail.com!
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