Our Small Miracle

(Post updated below)

I know that people always call new babies miracles and then they become toddlers and you want to cry and then they become small children and you are tired from running them around and then they become teenagers and you want to lock them away or whatever it is that growing children make their parents feel. But today I am thinking about the miracle bit. All the ins and outs, blessings and magic, grief and fear, confusion and excitement that surrounds a new little spark of life. Just the fact that they exist seems unbelievable. Science can tell us what conception is and how it happens but there is still so much unknown- why it's so easy for some and hard for others. Why some babies stay healthy all 9 months, without any issues, and why some don't. Hundreds of thousands of whys that came into my mind today and made me say "thank you" a hundred times for my baby, my pregnancy, my spouse, my family, my friends, my blessings. I am the luckiest.

Tragedy can strike at any moment and devastate. The world is broken and painful. There are no guarantees, ever. Those are the reasons to bask in the best parts. Luxuriate in the blessings that you have. Say thank you for all the wonderful moments, people, things. There are so many miracles in our lives; improbable and amazing blessings that we forget about because life is distracting and demanding. I can't wait for thanksgiving to give some thanks. I have the best husband. I've got a family that lavishes us with love, friends that are remarkable. I have to say thank you now for all these things. So, thank you. I am blessed.

The people who read this blog do it because they love me and Joe and our little person. Please take a minute today and pray for our good friends whose small miracle is facing terrible odds right now. We were really excited to become parents for the first time within months of each other but for a reason unknown, our friend Vanessa went into labor early and now it will be a struggle for this mama to bring her baby home. It breaks my heart, and I know it will break the hearts of all of you reading this, so let's wrap this family in love and prayer and hope for their little boy. I know that they have an amazing network of friends and family supporting them in this difficult time, but the prayers of some strangers can't hurt. You have all given Joe and I so much love and blessed us so much, I know that your hearts can give some to them. Thank you.

Update: I am heartbroken to write that little Charlie Savage Irwin did not survive his birth. Please continue to hold his parents in your hearts and prayers at this time. It is their wish that Charlie's memory will bring blessings and joy to the world he's left behind so find a child to love and hug today in honor of Charlie or donate to his memorial fund.