Time is nearing and “Sprite” will be here. I have been anticipating this day for months and even more so these last few weeks, which have led to anxious days. Many thoughts take me to a place called appreciation. I look back over his time and find I am overwhelmed with gratitude for having the love of so many around us. One of my favorite sayings, “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "Thank you," that would suffice,” keeps repeating itself in my head. I have many prayers of thanks.
In having Kaden I soon realized it takes a village to help not only raise a child, but a new mom. This holds true the second go round, as well. I am fortunate to have a strong village always working together to ensure our well being. In speaking to friends who live states away from their family this blessing becomes more and more clear.
I want to give tribute to those who have helped in keeping me and most importantly my family on course for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The purpose of this blog is to document the days. My days have been filled with great people and this too should be included. I do not imagine I could forget, but I want this gratefulness locked on paper.
Mom, you have been fantastic. I don’t know how many phone calls and text messages you have endured regarding this-and-that. I know there have been great many days of worry and never have you let me hear in your voice that you too were scared. You calm me. You check in every day. You offer up so much more than being Mom or GG. You are a great friend of this family. Adam and I often discuss how fortunate we are to have you on our team. We are eternally grateful for the two upcoming weeks you will be lending your services while we adjust to a new wonderful life. It eases my growing anxiety and gives Adam a sense of peace as he thinks about those first days back to work. Your gift of involvement and time has never gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
Inez, I am eternally grateful for your call of duty over-and-over. You have been my go to person with Kaden. For all the days we have counted on you during our unplanned events our hearts have over flown with thankfulness. If it weren’t for your care in allowing me the needed time to rest we could be in a different place right now. This thought has been repetitive in my mind. How scary, but true. All the appointments and rushes to the hospital have had you on standby. And during these times you continue to go even further by ensuring we have hot homemade meals, our rest and anything else for our well being. Since the beginning of my relationship with Adam you have been so kind to me. And through this journey, I realize not only does my husband and children have an incredible grandma, so do I.
Curt, in moving into your home it has been a blessing for many reasons; today I am counting your daily care and concern for our well being. You jump in and help knowing it is ‘that’ kind of day. You are constantly offering your help for this and for that. You look in on me with a Dad’s eye. These months have given way to several challenges and you have been front and center doing what you are able to help soften the days. A million little things have added up…to a colossal thank you. You are a fantastic grandfather. I am so happy Kaden is having this special time with you, Papa. Thank you for extending to me the heart and tender care of a father.
Auntie L, you love me like a daughter and this comes through in your worry for my family and me. You have been a constant offer of hands on help with all the days of Kaden sitting and Nicole entertaining. You have taught me a valuable lesson… take the offers of help, for people do not offer unless they want to help. You have extended insight and been firm in warning me about listening to my body and midwives. You are my little ‘voice’ of reason. It follows me and carries me to listening to what I need to do versus what I want to do. In my life you have played many roles. I am thrilled one is now Aunt to Kaden and Sprite. You will never know how much our conversations have helped to guide me and never more than over these months. We have spoken about the gifts that keep on giving. You too are such a gift…
Erin, humor is the best medicine. As I have endured long days of discomfort, bed rest and uncertainty you have been my sidekick. You have offered me (DAILY) comforts whether it is in laughter or wisdom. There have been days I felt defeated due to not being able to lift Kaden or having to postpone outings due to the nerve in my back and without knowing my struggle you make me laugh so hard I cry. I love our friendship. It is so unique and special to my heart. I wish you here, instead of Texas, but am forever grateful to have you near at heart. You are my Mom therapy. I know this will continue as we bring home Sprite. As you kindly pointed out our family is growing by 25% and this IS a big deal!
Kayla, my sweetest best gal you are just well, awesome. You constantly offer to lend it all- whatever I or my family needs. You are the epitome of the golden heart. The baby shower was a beautiful way to celebrate this new beginning of life. We have shared in many ‘mom’ and private ‘pregnancy’ conversations. Adam and I can’t express to you how much we appreciate you taking Kaden our first night in the hospital. It is a restless time and this relieves much anxiety. I am grateful to have you as my friend. As I have said time and time again I love you as though you are my sister…ever so deeply and true.
My heart, husband and best friend you are a remarkable partner. This pregnancy has tested us and we continue to pass by leaps and bounds as it has only brought us closer. There have been uncertainties, which have brought fear expectant couples should not know. You have carried a load of worry and this stress has been left as your personal struggle in hopes to allow me to focus on growing our unborn. I have enjoyed witnessing your relationship with Kaden flourish. It has brought me joy to see how incredibly bonded you two are. You continuously offer me emotional and physical support to keep me focused as you remind me what this is all for, our baby. We are exhausted and ready to welcome our child to our family. My heart is most thankful for your love. I see it every single day in all that you do without complaint to better our family. Many men would begin to resent these last months, but not you. I don’t see bitterness I see your love grow more and more. This love wraps around me. I feel it all through the day- every single day.
In writing this I have come to a new conclusion. It certainly takes a village to raise a mom. And to have a village means to have a family, which is an extension of us in both biology and choice. This village holds those people who are most constant, committed and genuine. My village overwhelms me. I give my heartfelt thanks to not only those few listed above, but to you all.
Forever grateful and all my love, always.
Lynda Blackburn You are my heart, and I am forever grateful for being a part of such an amazing family called the Rardins...
ReplyDeleteNow, listen to Auntie L and have that baby!!