As I reflect back on yesterday and all the excitement, preparation, and planning that went into yesterday, my sextuplets 8th birthday celebration, I realize that much of my reflection is focused on two emotional aspects surrounding the day.
First of all, and most amazingly, I found myself marveling at the perfect health of all six of my premature babies. It may seem as though I mention this often, but I can’t help it! It is truly a miracle – a full blown miracle that everyone of my infants born at 29 weeks and 5 days gestation not only survived, but are thriving at full capacity as they turn 8 years old. I can absolutely say that not a day goes by that I don’t think of the true miracle that is Alexis Faith, Hannah Joy, Aaden Jonathan, Collin Thomas, Leah Hope and Joel Kevin!
They are truly excelling academically, socially and in every other way in school! They are developing normally as they grow and learn how the world works outside of school! It is a true joy to be called their mother! Which brings me to the second area I found myself pondering yesterday as I baked and decorated…
I remember the 23 weeks I spent lying on my right side, first at home on bed rest and then in the hospital… Enduring all of the boredom, worry and discomfort.
I remember the pain of feeling seas of baby parts kicking and punching my back bone, stomach, bladder and the constant unrest that the developing zoo inside of me created.
I remember the struggle of feeling nauseous and unable to eat the entire 30 weeks but knowing I had to because my babies were counting on my calories, all 4,000 of them daily!
I remember how badly and constantly my 52 inch in circumference belly burned (like a sunburn) because it was stretching so fast.
I remember having zero lung or stomach capacity with which to breath or store food…and the resulting havoc that caused me.
I remember just wanting to give up because my body hurt so badly! Period.
But, I think just before I gave birth to my six precious babies, my scrapping tenacious never-give-up determination was born…. I’ve carried it with me and even further refined it over the years… It’s my story on how I became a mom. It made me who I am as a mom. No different than any other mom. We each rise to the call of duty, otherwise known as our children! Each child has their unique traits and needs. It’s our job to meet them. Because of this, it brings us extra joy to celebrate each year..
So, when we celebrate our kids special days, we are also reflecting back on our own “Labor Day,” the glorious day we met face to face…. All the pain and discomfort long forgotten once we catch a glimpse of that face.. Well, 6 faces in my case! :)
Each year when I watch my kids open their presents, they unknowingly gift me in return in the form of smiles, squeals, laughs, enjoyment and gratitude! Beyond that, I’ve already received the best gifts ever… I got a full set of 6, eight years ago and added them to my perfect 2 pack I already had in my collection! Talk about being blessed! :)
It was a wonderful birthday here yesterday and my kids are sure it was their favorite one yet, of course! They opened and squealed and were so thankful for each little thing.. But my favorite part was watching them open their gifts from Mady and Cara – who had planned, bought and wrapped all by themselves.
The boys received Lego board games. They loved them! It was exactly what they wanted! The girls, however, received Mady and Caras “hand me down” American Girl clothing collection. It was a very heart warming process to watch the little girls open their “wish list” of items from their big sisters!
As a mom, I was so moved as I watched the careful planning and consideration behind which girl would receive which items! It was divided fairly and thoughtfully and wrapped carefully! It was equally rewarding to see Mady and Cara wriggle with excitement as they asked to give out their gifts first because they couldn’t contain their excitement!
They demonstrated such giving spirits and received much joy from their little sisters excited and grateful reactions! This was truly my favorite part of the day… our family bond was so evident in so many ways but especially in this one exchange! I am proud of my kids – all 8 of them – and am so blessed to have had each one here with me, happy and healthy, for another year!
Happy Birthday, “babies!”
XO
K8 (mommy)
