How Embarrassing...

I used to be such a good blogger - I really did. I am going to blame my lack of entries on having an 18 month old and a part-time job. So there.

Just signed up for Twitter - am still not exactly sure what you get out of it, but since I am in marketing, I need to educate myself on all social media. And I think it will be fun when I get the swing of it. Along with slacking on my blog, I have quit following all of my favorite bloggers - I'm on a mission to find them all again and get caught up on their lives. Not sure if there are enough hours in the day for all of this, but I'm willing to give it a whirl.

So, like I said, Annalee is now 18 months old. She's such a blessing...and so funny and smart - and bad. I have been reading two blogs in particular lately about a little girl (Emma Kate) who has HLHS... This was the heart defect diagnosis originally given to Annalee in utero. Emma Kate just had her 2nd heart surgery and is in the hospital - I found her parents through Erika who is mommy to Samson. When I first heard the acronym "HLHS," I did what all Gen X'ers do...felt sorry for myself and then went straight to Google. I ran across Erika's blog, and I cannot tell you what comfort that gave me. Although Annalee's diagnosis changed from HLHS to Coarctation of the Aorta (much less serious), I still feel a kinship with the HLHS parents. Annalee still did have to have heart surgery, so in that I can relate...and because we were so very lucky, I feel like it is partly my duty to follow these other families and give them my support and prayers. Anyway, that said...Emma Kate's parents have inspired me to start this up again :)

I saw this poem on Emma Kate's mommy's site - made me cry:

Twas the night that you joined us...all eyes were on earth.
Awaiting with joy for a most special birth.
The angel's stood ready...for each need and care,
But all of them knew... that the Lord would be there,
And I labored on... and daddy was scared,
We waited...and wondered... and hoped we'd prepared.
We knew you were special...but so very sick,
Yet hope had grown in me... with every kick.
And soon it was time...into this world you came,
I heard a soft cry... then I called out your name....
And God held your hands...while the angels stood by,
Since I could not hold you...they hushed your soft cries.
One small angel looked to the father and smiled,
"Can you truly teach hope... through such a small child"?
"An infant so helpless...a baby so new...
"Oh please tell me Lord...is this what you will do"?
God looked from the angel...to the baby's sweet face,
"Through her my young charge... they will learn about grace".
"I penned this child's journey...quite a long time ago,
"And through her great courage...such true love will grow".
"Every hair on her head has been numbered you see.."
"It's my hope that through her... they will learn to see me.
"Oh my little one with a special heart... Great love will see you through.."
"See look that is your family.. They've been waiting for you.."
"I send you to their waiting arms...for a time we'll be apart.."
"But I'll always be with you...for I live within your heart."
And so we held you in our arms...And thanked our Lord above..
In you...we see the miracle, of His undying love.
So when it's Christmas morning, And I watch my children play,
I'll need no great reminders, For I see my gifts each day.

-Stephanie (Mommy to Braeden, HLHS)

Ok, enough for now...I'll be back later. :)