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.