2 years already!

Two years ago I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby boy! I was so sure. Because of course, doesn't every women know her body so well? I also had a coworker tell me that for sure I was having a boy, because when I had been pregnant with a girl the previous time, I glowed more and looked more radiant and beautiful... Huh? Really? Did I hear that right or do I need my ears cleaned? haha. I was taken back by that then, but now it just makes me laugh. 

Well, it wasn't a boy. But a girl. An absolutely beautiful and perfect baby girl with Down Syndrome.

I think the Lord prepares us for the life we are going to live. I don't think it was a coincidence that my dad worked at a developmental center. I don't think it was a coincidence that I chose to do volunteer hours at the developmental center in high school. It's not a coincidence that I have always been aware of the people around me with disabilities or that I have had a soft spot for them. 

There are no coincidences, only His plan. And I love when I get to look back over my life and see the moments that I was being prepared. When I can say, "Huh, so that is why that happened!" 

Those full circle moments are confirmation for me! Validation! Reminding me that I am still heading in the right direction.

These were the thoughts running through my head in those first days of Macy's life. It was an "Ah Ha" moment for sure! 

Many people like to think that special needs children are given to special parents. I think different. I think that I was slowly prepped and prepared and given the chance to prove if I was capable. To prove if I could love her unconditionally. Could I learn to see her and love her as the Lord does? To learn that perfection is not defined by the physical things. There is a bigger picture here. I think like anything we go through in life, we are able to do it when we rely on Him to help us! 

For me Macy is one of God's "Tender Mercies."
He must have known that I needed confirmation.
He knew that I needed to see "The pure love of God" in action.

I won't lie and say these last two years have been easy. 

Raising a child with special needs takes more of everything! More patience, more teaching, more appointments and more advocating. But what I want people to know is that it doesn't have to be scary... it is  beautiful! So beautiful! An experience I would not trade for ANYTHING!

I think of Macy and I wouldn't change her. I would not take her Down Syndrome away if given the chance. Without it she wouldn't be able to touch so many hearts. She wouldn't get to experience life with pure joy and happiness. 

This was God's plan for Macy and who am I to wish it away?! There is a reason why she was given Down Syndrome and every day I get more and more glimpses into why! 

My heart almost burst just thinking about how much I love her. If you know her, she is easy to love. It's almost impossible not to. The joy she has brought to our family is beyond measure. She adds light and depth   to everything. Her sweet personality is uplifting and her laughter is infectious!

Macy turns 2 today and I have a feeling we are just at the beginning of all we will learn from her and I am so grateful that I was trusted enough to take this journey with her! It is definitely a wild and blessed ride. 

Filled with all the best things. I celebrate her today and I celebrate her future, the sky's the limit!! 

I love you Macy... forever and ever! 

Happy Birthday Big Girl!