
I always worry that Kaia, as the big sister of a special {needs} little boy, will end up feeling slighted when she is older. We have tried really hard to do one-on-one special things with her to help her feel like it is not all about Blake. And, we don't make a practice of using Blake's diagnosis or problems as an excuse for not doing something as a family. {Occasionally we have to, but I see that as a great teaching lesson on compassion and empathy when the situation arises, which I believe all of our children need to learn more of.}
I knew Kaia was always hearing us refer to Blake as our little miracle from God and worried that she wouldn't think she was as important. So as to help Kaia feel that she is just as special to us, I thought long and hard for a sincere sentiment I could use when referring to Kaia. I came up with....'She is our gift from God'. Here's one example why I feel so strongly and sincere about this sentiment.....
October is SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH. If you are considering or trying to get pregnant, please start taking folic acid NOW. Neural tube birth defects usually form before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Folic acid helps prevents these types of birth defects.
I knew Kaia was always hearing us refer to Blake as our little miracle from God and worried that she wouldn't think she was as important. So as to help Kaia feel that she is just as special to us, I thought long and hard for a sincere sentiment I could use when referring to Kaia. I came up with....'She is our gift from God'. Here's one example why I feel so strongly and sincere about this sentiment.....
Sitting on a bed in a Disneyland hotel, I was cathing our little one year old, Blake. Kaia's birthday was approaching and she was watching me. She said, "I know what I want for my 7th birthday present!" Being at Disneyland, I couldn't even begin to imagine what she had seen that she would want, so without guessing, I simply said, "What gift would that be?" And here was her sweet little 7 year old birthday request....."I want to learn how to cath Blake so that you and Daddy can go to both a dinner and movie without having to come home in between to catheterize Blake." Tears welled up in my eyes and I took her little cheeks in my hands and said, "YOU ARE OUR GIFT FROM GOD."
She learned how to cath Blake that year and has continued to be a big help when in need! She is indeed OUR GIFT FROM GOD and we thank him everyday for both of our blessings.
October is SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS MONTH. If you are considering or trying to get pregnant, please start taking folic acid NOW. Neural tube birth defects usually form before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Folic acid helps prevents these types of birth defects.
she truly is a gift from God. how wonderful that you let her help. oh the life lessons and compassion she is learning. what a blessing!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through SITS....and this story is wonderful. I'm just sitting here munching on cereal and reading along, and wam....what a great way to start my morning. Thank you and congrats on such sweet gifts and miracles.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and an amazing feat for such a young person; many that age aren't thinking about helping their parents with something as simple as laundry or cleaning up the house!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great testament to the values, love and support you've given her. The world is quite lucky to have her.
Your daughter is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!! You have so much to be proud of!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Mom!!
And congrats on your "sauciness" too!
Jeannie
That is just SO sweet and has brought tears to my eyes!! She is truly a gift, and I thinks it's so great that you guys are trying hard to make sure she knows just how special she is too!! Looks like you've done a wonderful job! :)
ReplyDeletethat was beautiful, and SHE is beautiful. my damn mascara is running now!!!!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing!
What a beautiful little girl and such a wonderful story. You must be so proud of her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet sister she is! The tender mercies of the Lord come in so many differnt ways. She is beautiful! your boy is pretty cute too!
ReplyDeleteHello. Visiting from SITS today.
ReplyDeleteYour post brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful little girl and a great testament to the kind of parents you are! Lovely.
What a beautiful soul your daughter has. Indeed she is a gift and blessing for your family and the world.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through SITS....This story is wonderful. What a great post to start the night with. Congrats on such sweet and beautiful miracles.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the candid sharing of this part of your life this week. It has been really informative and also very touching. You have definitely been blessed with two exceptional children! Kaia is going to make an amazing mommy one day. You are a great example :)
ReplyDeleteHey April... can I use this post for our spina bifida awareness month features??? I will credit you of course and link back :-)
ReplyDeleteI would love to give this perspecitve... and Kaia is such a gift!