Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day


This being Mother's Day-- and more importantly, Brooke's first Mother's Day-- I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about what an amazing mother she is.

You all know her story: the trouble getting pregnant, the unrealistically unfair pregnancy, the multiple emergency surgeries, the c-dif, the nine-day labor, the NICU time, the loss of Annaleigh... the list goes on. Most people would have crumbled after going through any one of those things. Not Brooke.

Brooke has fought through all the craziness, all the drama, and all the hurt to come out as a truly amazing mother. She's the one who sacrifices everything to give Charlie and Lily what they need. She's the one who goes without sleep, without "free" time, without anything selfish. She cares for the babies from the minute they wake up in the morning, through the day, and all night long. When they wake up in the middle of the night, she loves them. When they refuse to cooperate with whatever fun she has planned, she loves them. And the most amazing part of it all is that she does it all with the biggest, most beautiful smile on her face.

Charlie and Lily are the two most happy, most fun babies you can imagine. They both smile all the time and are as friendly as any "normal" baby. People comment all the time on this blog, on facebook, and in person about their amazing personalities. When we took them out for the March of Dimes walk two weeks ago, it was their very first time around more than a couple people and it was their first time sitting down at a restaurant-- if you had been there, you would have thought that they did those things every day. They were so calm, so happy. Neither cried or fussed or gave any indication that they were uncomfortable. Sure, they obviously are very naturally pleasant, but I honestly believe that they have these amazing personalities because of the time, care, and love that Brooke gives them. She makes them feel safe, no matter the situation.

When we got married -- how many years ago? six? seven? eight? ugg... sorry-- I knew I was marrying someone wonderful, someone special. I didn't know I was marrying someone who would turn out to be such a perfect mother.

To Brooke, happy first Mother's Day. Charlie and Lily and I love you more than words can say.

10 comments:

Nicole said...

Oh my Gosh! That is so incredibly sweet Joe!! I had tears in my eyes as I read it. Brooke and yourself have been through so much this past year, I have to agree you both have overcome so much and are both amazing parents! Happy First Mother's Day Brooke! Enjoy your day as a family!! :)

sue said...

Happy Mother's Day, Brooke!!

Diana Lopez said...

Happy Mothers Day! God bless you and your family.

Noelle said...

That was so beautiful and sweet! Happy Mother's Day Brooke!

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day Brooke! You have such a beautiful family!

Michelle Vanderven said...

Happy Mothers day brooke!! That brought tears to my eyes.. that was incredibly sweet.

Tiffany said...

Happy Mother's Day to you. You have such sweet babies.

Katrina said...

That is a wonderful tribute, Joe. Don't even know any of you, but think you're a pretty amazing family!

Just catching up and can't believe Charlie and Lily are 10 months old! Have loved watching them over the months!

Michele from FTHS said...

Happy Mother's Day, Brooke. Am impressed, Joe. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tears guys... Another round of happy ones...
Being a Mommy is the greatest feeling ever - enjoy every second of it... You're a great Mommy Brooke and those little pumpkins know that and appreciate that. Enjoy them forever... Because being a Mommy is forever...
Happy 1st Mother's Day Brooke.

All My Love, Always and Forever,
Auntie :) xoxoxoxo