Welcoming Hope

Presley Hope Beeson blessed our crew with her early arrival on August 30, 2010 at 9:43 am, joining her loving sisters Avery Grace and Kaylin Joy. The three weeks since her delivery have flown by, and the dust is just now beginning to settle. After a routine c-section, Presley had some respiratory issues and spent a couple of days in the NICU, which was harder than I expected, but she was where she needed to be.

Having one already medically fragile and disabled child puts moments like that into perspective, but also lets in a little more worry and anxiety than the average optimistic new parent likely experiences. As I did with my second daughter, I am sure I will have more than a few sleepless hours pawning over every tiny rash, fever, developmental milestone and so on.... but in the end, I feel extraordinarily blessed and happy to be the mother of three precious girls.

It's funny because growing up I always imagined I would have boys... since I have three older brothers and lots of nephews it seemed the norm. But I think we get what we are supposed to have, and I for one couldn't be more at peace knowing that Avery will have two sisters by her side as she grows up, and that they will learn tolerance, patience, acceptance and unconditional love first hand as they experience life with a disabled sister. I am certain we will face more than our fair share of challenges... but I remain pleased and euphoric about our little family and it's journey and purpose.

6 days after Presley's arrival, we were able to gather with some loving family and close friends to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday. It was a surprise party he didn't expect, and seeing his face as we shared in his special moment ranks at the top of my favorite family memories. It's hard for me to talk about my wise and loving dad without getting a little teary eyed. He is quite the force in my life and his critique, unwavering support, constantly evolving self awareness and world view inspire and amaze me. I feel so lucky to be his daughter and to get to learn from his words and more importantly his example. So celebrating his 70th brought lots of joy to my soul.

In these BIG life moments, it never ceases to amaze me how friends really can and do come through for us. In many ways it is like we have three kids ages 2 and under, so adjusting will be a bit challenging. The calls, notes, emails, meals and gifts are all so overwhelming and appreciated. We feel showered with love, and your support and friendship mean the world to us.

Finally, I can't close this post without a big shout out to our biggest supporter and helper... my mom. My sweet and helpful mom took a MONTH, yes folks, a month off of work to come be here and take care of my big girls. I can't just leave Avery with anybody, and my adoring mom burned the midnight oil with us, made lunches, meals, endured carpools, therapy, doctor visits, and so much more. We may never be able to repay her for all of her hard work and love, and we are forever grateful and humbled.

So now here we are, the five of us, getting adjusted to our new lives. All I know for sure is that it is now and will be chaotic... but I love it, and I am surrounded by generosity and support, which is such a gift.

You may have noticed our BLOG ADDRESS changed and is now: www.gracejoyandhope.com

Please check back from time to time if you get the chance... I'm sure I will have plenty to share when I get the chance!