Bree is 3!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I can't believe my Breezy girl is turning 3 today! I remember thinking how far away it seemed the day she was born and now here we are. Bree you have grown SO much in these last 3 years! You continue to meet your challenges with grace and smiles, you never cease to amaze us with how smart you are, you are truly pure in heart, you are growing and developing in so many areas lately and we are so grateful to have you in our family!

I was talking via blogs with some new moms of children with down syndrome and the one mom was commenting on how her tears have changed from tears of sadness, loss and what was supposed to be...into tears of the overwhelming beauty of things the way they are, and I couldn't agree more! I told her that since Bree came into my life I now shed these tears, the good ones, all too often. My heart swells and the tears come often...every time she learns a new word, or understands a new conversation, or discovers a new skill, or lights up when she hears music, or wraps her arms around my neck. Having someone so close to heaven in my midst is a true blessing and I am thankful every day for her!

This same mom had a poem/story on her blog that her father wrote for her and her new baby and I cried and cried as I read it because it was so beautiful and it hit home.....

“We’ve got an issue here” the quality control angel called out.

“What’s the problem?” asked God, in a voice that already seemed to calm the concern.

“It looks like an extra chromosome…one, two…yes, right here, an extra one.”

Now smiling, God answered, “That’s not a quality concern…it is…a distinction…the Manual addresses it. You’re new on the line, aren’t you?”

“Why yes…this is my first day,” apologized the angel--searching through the manual for any reference to this.

“I’ll talk you through it...there are just a few assembly modifications. First, locate the hug sensors. Do you see the dial?”

“Yes, right here…oh, I think I tickled her.”

“Turn it up.”

“How much?”

“All the way.”

“Done.”

“Now locate the two smile triggers—they are located on either side of that cute little button nose.”

“I found them.”

“Adjust them a little closer to the surface…closer…closer…perfect!”

“Is that it?” asked the obedient angel.

“Almost,” answered God. Now, very gently, open her heart. That’s it. Measure two…no, make it three extra scoops of love.”

“Will it fit…it’s so tiny?”

“Oh, these little hearts stretch incredibly. It will fit.”

“Done…is that it?”

“One more thing…move her from the random distribution belt to the select premium belt. These little ones aren’t just given to anyone."

"There…she’s done and ready to go,” announced the angel.

God stepped over, as if to inspect the handiwork of this new angel on the line. But that wasn’t His intent. Instead, He picked up this little one and held her close to His heart…holding her for so long the angel became concerned.

“Is she alright? Did I do everything as you instructed?”

Still holding her close, God said, “She’s perfect. I just find it hard to let these special ones go, for they are Heaven to hold.” And He gently kissed her cheek and sent her… to our hearts.

We love you Annie Bree!