Whirlwind

We literally blew into town(you just have to love that Oklahoma wind!) around 6:30 this evening and we haven't stopped yet. One of my very favorite parts about coming into town is being tackled with all the hugs and kisses my nieces and nephews give. I have missed them so very much the past two years and my goodness they have grown up. Our first stop was to take Ash to the place we are staying so that she could get out of the car and stretch a little. She is absolutely the best baby. She travels so well. She plays and rests and plays and rests. She didn't even fuss for a minute. I love her so much and I LOVE being able to look in my rear view mirror and see her smiling back at me. It always brings me back to that very first day we came home with her. After 6 long months in the NICU in Dallas I couldn't believe she was finally in that car seat. To tell the truth that day seems as though it was a million years ago. So very much has happened in the last year and a half.

While Ash and Nan stayed in to rest and hang out I went into party mode. I have party stuff packed in every single inch of our car. There are boxes and packages all the way to the top of the ceiling. It kind of looks like I am driving the Beverly Hillbillies truck around town. Thankfully I will be able to leave the majority of it here after tomorrow and not have to travel the remaining 14 hours with the car looking as it does now.

To say that we are a little excited about tomorrow is a huge understatement. We are thrilled to be celebrating. Dave and I spent so many days wondering if she would ever have another birthday. I feel so blessed. Blessed more than my words could ever describe. Our daughter is here. She is turning two years old tomorrow. She has healthy organs. She is living and growing. She is a miracle. The first thing I noticed when I saw my sisters was "our" necklace. We all still wear the charm that a friend of mine sent to me while I was in Omaha. It brought a smile to my heart and to my face as I hugged their necks and told them that I not only "expect a miracle" but I brought a miracle with me for them to love. Our God is SO good.

I still have so much to do tonight. It will take us at least two hours just to inflate all of the balloons tomorrow. I picked up the new photo banner of Ash before leaving town this morning and I was blown away by how great it looks. I just can't wait to display Ash's banners tomorrow and fill the place with pink balloons and flowers. Its going to be so perfect for our little pickle. More than anything tomorrow is a celebration of the goodness of the Lord. He is the reason we will assemble together and have the opportunity to love on our two year old baby. My heart is so full!

I will not celebrate tomorrow without remembering some very special people. Without the gift they gave our sweet Ashley would not be turning two years old. They are never far from my thoughts and are always in my heart. Our donor family will forever be linked to the life of our sweet Ashley Kate. I look at her and I am reminded of the loss they still grieve. Thank you God for this family and for what they have given to us.

Tomorrow will be filled with fun and laughter. It will be filled with hugs and kisses. It will be filled with thanksgiving. It will be filled with those we love so very much. Tomorrow we will celebrate the life of our youngest child and the miracle that she is. I wish you all could be with us because you have become an extension of our family. I promise to share photos of our gherkin and her birthday celebration with you. Thank you for loving her. Goodnight and God bless you. Trish