A Celebration

Children should be celebrated every day. As a mother I feel very strongly about that. I know there are times that isn't always easy... especially if those children are misbehaving or tromping on parental feelings.  But I still think they need to have special celebrations other than birthdays and public holidays.  It's even better if they aren't expecting a celebration. A mini surprise party, if you will.

Yesterday we ignored that silly groundhog and celebrated Linzie instead.

 My Binza Bear was taking care of others even before she was born. (She's still an excellent mama bear in training!) But while they shared a womb, Linzie struggled to pump the shared blood supply for Abby and herself. She did a valiant job.. the best she could really. And when her little heart could no longer bear the burden alone, a very talented doctor stepped in to rescue my little girls. Abby was able to finally put on weight and Linzie could finally rest.  But because she had done the work for both of them for so long, her little heart was damaged. When she was born, Linz had some heart problems that needed to be fixed... some immediately after her birth, and some that we finally corrected 5 years ago on Groundhog Day.

First thing yesterday morning, Linzie posted this on her Facebook -

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” - James Dean
5 years ago today I had my heart surgery... ♥ :)

I felt a wide range of emotions when I read that. First and foremost, I am so grateful for my girl and for the fight within her that kept her going until help arrived. There are no words to properly convey my gratitude for the the many talented doctors that have taken such excellent care of my Linz, even before she was born. Echocardiograms and EKGs have been routine procedures for Linzie for the past 14 years and she's never been scared or worried because those doctors have always been her friends.

I was on the verge of happy, grateful tears all day as I thought about her life, the supporting people and the events that brought us to that day of celebration.

Is there a better  way to celebrate Linzie's heart day than a cake complete with heart-shaped sprinkles and five tall candles? We didn't think so!  We sang "Happy Heart Day To You" and took lots of pictures of the cake. My cute artists looked like the Cake-a-razzi with their cameras out, snapping picture after picture of the cake making process and the finished product!

I could only grin as I watched their happiness unfolding in front of me.  I did not get out my fancy camera, I left that to the girlies, but I did snap a few pictures with my Blackberry to share with Facebook friends. Please forgive the grainy, camera phone quality. When Carley uploads her pictures, I'll be sure to snag a few!

 

The paparazzi snap photo after photo of the heart cake!

 

Happy 5th anniversary, my sweet girl!

Happy Birthday, Frick & Frack!

You have both heard the story of your birth at least a thousand times. You both know that it is a miracle you are here.. happy, healthy and bringing so much joy to those around you. As your mom, I delight in watching you grow up, but I have to admit there is a tiny bit of sadness when I fondly recall those kissable chubby toddler cheeks, the tiny hands that would grasp mine so tightly, and how I was the only one you wanted when you were hurt or sad.  

(Although I never want you to hurt, I always want to be the one you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on!) 


I never get tired of watching the way you interact with each other. From the way you twine your feet together and swing them back and forth, to playfully chasing each other around the house with the Swiffer. "I'm going to Swiffer youuuuuurrrrr faaaaaaaace!" You girls are everything that sisters should be! It makes me happy to imagine you continuing to be best friends for the rest of your lives. 


Abby Julia, you have your great-grandma's looks and what a wonderful legacy that is! (I know you and Linz are identical twins, but everyone agrees that it is you that looks like Grandma Robinson.. I don't know why that is!) Grandma R. loved to tell people that you carry on the name of our ancestor, Julia Abby. I didn't name you that way on purpose, but I think it is really cool! I hope that you will continue to build on your family's legacy by continuing with your music. You play the viola beautifully and it makes me so proud! I absolutely love your laughter and the way that you are such a great helper.

Linzie Savanna, we often joke that you are the other mom because you take such excellent care of everyone around you! I love the way you are so task oriented and your hard work shows in everything you do!  Your humor and antics make me laugh every day. (You are seriously one of the funniest people I know!) I love the way you are so kind and loving toward everyone around you, especially your identical twin.  Your heart is mighty!

It's hard to imagine that two years from now you will both be driving, four years from now you will be off to college, and eventually you will have families of your own. I can't wait to see the wonderful things you will each accomplish in your lives. No matter what, never forget that I will always be here to celebrate your triumphs, wipe your tears, hug you tightly every chance I get, and support you in every way possible.

We had a rough year, but we weathered it together. I am certain that the year ahead will be much better and next year we will look back with nothing but fond memories! 

I love you my littlest chickens!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Last of the Thirteen from Carley Yelrac on Vimeo.