Catching Up

I had meant to get this blog post up on Saturday, but didn't. Then the headlines changed to Reilly's accident. But now that I have been looking at those pictures for two days, I'm reminded that I really want to see smiling, happy pictures!

On Friday night we had a fun evening with Mallory and her family. Before we went swimming and had dinner, Reilly and Mallory played hide and seek in the house. Ironically, they had on matching bathing suits. This picture was snapped quickly and is sooooo cute of both of them!

Reilly's Rough Day!

Here is a video Mike put together to remember Reilly's bad day. Be warned, that some of the pictures are bloody.

No More Monkeys Jumping On The Bed

It was a bad day for the Harris Family today. Reilly was playing with her friend, jumping on his bed. I can't relive the details tonight (maybe later for historic sake), long story short, she bashed up her nose pretty good. We called 911, she ended up having to go under to have stitches - we think 9 or 10. A fun day gone wrong. She fell asleep on the way from this hospital around 5pm and as of 9pm is still sleeping. We are thinking she is down for the night and are hoping she recovers well. It is NOT easy to watch your baby go through situations like this.

Before surgery


After surgery

The Three Amigos

I found the cutest thing tonight when I walked into the girls' room. Three Amigos...

Reilly



Brooke


And...Buzz!

Brooke's 7th Tooth

I'm not good at keeping up on Brooke's baby book. I guess I'm not great at Reilly's either. But I am pretty good at keeping this blog up.

So, as a quick update I thought I should hop on today to say that somehow over the last 24 hours, Brooke's 7th tooth cut through. I had no idea it was coming! Over the weekend, on our drive to the beach, her 6th tooth broke through. Layla and Jaime got to listen to the tears that were part of that. But this one came in without notice. Funny how that is possible.

I tried to get a picture of the teeth, but all Brooke wants to do is stand right now...so I couldn't get her to sit still to take a picture...this was the best I could do.

Father's Day

We had a great Father's Day! We surprised Mike and took him to the beach with the Gold Family for the weekend. Reilly is turning into a great swimmer and enjoyed impressing Mike and I with her fish-like abilities! Brooke enjoyed soaking up the rays and playing with little Layla. Reilly and Mason shared a room at the hotel and had fun staying up late. It was a super fun weekend!

A letter to My Son

Dear Brady,

It has been 4 years since you were born. You were the son we knew only through your kicks and rolls and ultrasound waves, and through the two Polaroid pictures we have of your gorgeous little face. But you have had such an impact on my life. It often feels socially unacceptable or awkward for me to talk about you, which makes me sad. So, on your birthday – its about you, whether I make people uncomfortable or not.

4 years ago, the rug was pulled out from under us. Losing you was tragic. The grief has gotten easier – people always say time has a way of healing, and it is true. But time doesn’t make me forget. I’ve had the great fortune of meeting some tremendous parents over the years, all who have angels like you – and what I have learned is that you never forget.

Today is a day to tell you that I think about you every day. Honestly, I do. Whether it’s when I look into your sisters eyes and think that you guys look alike…or when I see a kid around your age and am amazed how big you would be…or when I see Brooke looking at the ceiling and wonder if you are here watching over us…or when I wish I had a son in the house to play with his beautiful sisters.

You taught me a lot though, and some day Reilly and Brooke will have you to thank you for that. You taught me how to be a better parent – one that I couldn’t have been without being your mom. You gave me patience, perspective, appreciation and the ability to live in the moment. That is worth repeating. Patience. Perspective. Appreciation. Live in the Moment.

You also made me strong and showed me what a bond your daddy and I have.

I remember my pregnancy with you like it was yesterday, the excitement of finding out we were expecting…the way your daddy cried the first time we heard your heartbeat…the first time your daddy felt you kick…the moments you and I shared alone together…the names we picked out for you…watching daddy paint the nursery yellow (Reilly’s favorite color)…putting together your stroller…washing your clothes…walking to start labor…the last time I felt you move…the pain of being told by the doctor that you were dead….36 hours of labor…and letting your ashes go. What a range of emotions.

I wish you were here to celebrate your birthday with us. But, I can honestly say…if I had the choice to have never had you as part of my life…I wouldn’t choose that. Whether you are in my arms or not, you are in my heart, and you are forever my little boy.

I love you,
Mommy




Two stories about Brady: 1 and 2