Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

For the past 2+ years, since shortly after we arrived home from the hospital, Gwyneth has had some very special people in her life. A group of therapists and teachers have been coming to our house each week to work with Gwyneth and help her grow and learn as she overcomes her developmental delays.

There isn't any way that we can thank these women for the impact they have made on Gwyneth and our family. Gwyneth fell in love with each of them and would look forward to each and every visit. To her, it was play time, but Tricia and I can see the difference that each session made in Gwyneth's development.

When she turned three a few weeks ago, Gwyneth officially graduated from the care of each of these women and transitioned into a special pre-school at a local elementary school for children with disabilities. We are truly going to miss our time with them each week, and we know that they will miss Gwyneth. To do what little we could to say "thank you", we took this incredible group out to eat last week, and snapped a few photos so that Gwyneth will be able to remember forever.

Miss Donna, speech therapy

Miss Heather, hard of hearing teacher

Miss Tanya, physical therapy

Miss Jenn, occupational therapy

Nate

Changes

Yes, I'm making some changes to the blog. No, it's not complete yet. Yes, I am going to post photos of Pink&Brown day ASAP, as well as a few other things. Thanks for your patience!

Nate

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

"Oh yes, You shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—You're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."
(Psalm 139:14-16)

Below is what a 24 week "fetus" looks like. I only wish I could describe to you what it feels like. I have no doubt that anyone who could have held that tiny hand would truly understand just how sacred every human life is, born or unborn.

Nate

Happy Birthday, Gwyneth Rose!

Happy birthday Gwyneth Rose! You are the most beautiful gift from God. The joy of our hearts. Your smile is infectious, and your laugh is contagious. We love you beyond words and are so excited to show you how much fun being three years old can be. You continue to grow in your own incredibly special way, and we wouldn't trade being a part of it for anything in the world.


Love, Mama & Papa

Gwyneth's Birthday - Pink & Brown Day 2011!

Guess who will be three on Saturday!?!

You might remember that we invited everyone to celebrate Gwyneth's birthday the past two years by wearing either pink, brown or a combination of those two colors on January 8. Before she was born, we chose the combination of pink and brown to use for Gwyneth's room and other things. As it would turn out, the vast majority of her clothes are also pinks and browns, which is totally cool with us.

We have had so much fun inviting you to celebrate the day with us...we can't wait for Gwyneth to be old enough to understand how fun this day is for everyone who participates. Like Last Year, we're inviting those of you who are participating to email us a photo of yourself wearing your pink and brown on Saturday, January 8th.

Please email your photos to PinkAndBrownDay AT hotmail DOT com

Thanks! And, check back in this weekend for an update on how our little preschooler is progressing.

Nate