The Best Surprise

On September 13, 2007, I was able to meet face-to-face the biggest surprise God has ever given me. When we first found out we were pregnant with Makinley, I was not exactly happy. At the time, I was the mother of a VERY difficult nine month old, and was seriously contemplating only having one child. I couldn't imagine dealing with another one and Tripp. I can remember how terrified I was and how stressed I was and every other emotion I could possibly have....except happiness. I can honestly say that I wasn't happy about the fact that I was pregnant. Until, I found out that I was "losing" the baby. When I was told I was having a miscarriage it put everything into perspective. I quickly realized that this was MY child too. Just like Tripp was/is my child. I realized that, without even knowing it, I had already bonded with that little one growing inside my belly. I was devestated that I was losing the baby. I spent a week of my life in fear over what was going to happen and sadness and guilt over the emotions I had previously been having. God is so good. When I went back for a follow up ultrasound and saw my sweet baby alive and well, I knew He had answered the prayers of my heart. I sometimes wonder if He allowed me to go through that just to completly see that HIS timing is perfect, even when I think it's not. Of course it was the right time for me to be pregnant again. Of course, I was going to be fine with two children 18 monts apart. Of course, He would be with me every step of the way. Now, every time I celebrate a birthday with Makinley, I am reminded of the first few weeks of my pregnancy with her. This sweet girl has brought nothing but joy to our family. As a baby, she was SO laid back we weren't even sure she was really there. She never cried and she slept a lot (except during the night!). Now, I can say, the older she gets, the fiestier she gets. She's no pushover and she will defend herself. Some facts about Makinley at 2:

She has grown about 8-9 inches in the last year (at her one year birthday, she was in a 6-9 month outfit. Now she is fully in 2T clothes)

• She is not much of an eater.
• She loves her brother.
• She is a snuggly little girl and loves to give hugs and kisses.
• She talks up a storm.
• She loves to pretend to talk to Poppa on the phone.
• She loves her baby dolls. She'll hug them and say, "They hold me"
• I love to hear her say: "Yuv You, Mommy, Yuv You"
  
  She's a girly girl that also loves to play Power Rangers with her brother
• She's still a climber.
• She HATES to have her teeth brushed.
• She's tough and can bounce back from a boo-boo super quick.

I know I am biased, but when I look at her, sometimes I am just overcome by how beautiful I think she is. My prayer is that as she grows older, she remains as beautiful inside as she is on the outside. She is God's greatest surprise for me. I will forever be grateful that He knew what was best for me at a time when I wasn't so sure! Happy 2nd Birthday, Makinley. I love you!