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.
...................................................................................................................................................................
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!
Like my blog? Don't forget to vote for us! One click on the banner below = one vote for our blog, and you can even vote daily to keep us at the top!
{Sweet Sponsor}
Wonderful. Your honesty is commendable and your strength is greatly admired. And Ella is a cutie-patooty!
ReplyDeletePrecious!!! She is too darn cute and your entire family is absolutely beautiful!! So glad to have you co-host (even though I'm jumping the gun and visiting before it's even gone life!). :):)
ReplyDeleteMaria and family,
ReplyDeleteYour entire family is wonderful, strong, supportive, and most of all loving.
I think of you often, as our family was through so many of the same steps in life when our son Randy came in to our lives with disabilities. What an awesome person he was, and he gave us so very much and taught us so much. You are doing a terrific job.
Bev Novak
All of these pictures made me smile. You have such a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Mommy Mixer....looking forward to following your posts!
-Bevin-
lewislife10.blogspot.com
Beautiful girl (and family)! Linking up from Mommy Mixer!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my Mommy blog at:
www.dawnsdisaster.blogspot.com
Visit anytime!
{All follows are returned}
Come play on Sundays @
Super Sunday Sync!
That "sassy" picture is the best!!! She has the cutest face!
ReplyDeleteAh, how amazing. And she is absolutely adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteNew follower from the mommy mixer, can't wait to read more!!!
http://mummyrawles.blogspot.co.uk/
following from the mixer! http://thoughtsoffluff.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm Anne from Life on the Funny Farm (http://annesfunnyfarm.blogspot.com) visiting from the Mommy Brain Mixer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. What a beautiful dtr! I'm an adoptive Mom, too (of a special needs little girl), so it definitely resonated with me!
Pop over to my blog and say hi sometime if you get the chance. Nice to "meet" you!
What a precious little person! I'm following from the mixer--have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a pretty darn good "that family" to be!
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful family! Your daughter is precious:)
ReplyDeleteI'm following along with you now as a fellow co-host of this week's hop:)
http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com/
New follower from the hop. Love your post and the photos. Beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteAh, you have me in tears at work! I read your post, then Ella's story. She is a trooper, an adorable one at that. Thanks for co-hosting the Mommy Brain Mixer. Looking forward to following your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. So proud to be your big sister.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful family and a beautiful daughter! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteAnd...thanks for co-hosting! :)
I love this post! How beautiful! That little girl of yours definitely is a sweetie. And you are one strong mama. Family is so important. Stopping by from the mixer and became your newest follower :)
ReplyDeleteCome say hello if you'd like!
http://nuggetonabudget.blogspot.com
This is a really powerful post. My sister has some pretty serious mental delays but my mom knew that when she was adopted. Our life with my sister has had it's ups and downs and she is nearly 20 years old now. I wouldn't give up my sister for anything in the world. She is loving and kind and completely honest. She's like a refreshing glass of cool water in a hot, sticky, confusing world. I guess I'm sharing this because I too have found that a child with special needs is not a burden but rather a wonderful blessing. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDelete-Jess @ http://mychildcenteredlife.com/