Is it really this time of year already?!

Happy Halloween!
I've been handing out candy...
I {love} seeing all the little kiddos in their costumes!
Just think: next Halloween, I'll have a ten or eleven month old little boy to dress up. HOLY COW!

30 weeks belly

I hate to complain but...

I really hate whiny blog posts. In fact, I wasn't even going to post at all today to save you all from having to listen to me complain. But, seriously? Enough is enough.
This is my third straight day of feeling like crap. And the second day of these really strange period-like pains. I'm not kidding. You know that warm, crampy, achy feeling in your lower abdomen and crotch that usually means Aunt Flo will be visiting soon? Yeah. Well, I'm PRETTY sure I'm not about to have a period anytime soon so... what the heck is going on?!
I'm still having plenty of Braxton Hicks contractions... but not enough to warrant a trip to L&D. So... I'm HOPING this is just a normal pregnancy symptom.
A question to my fellow preggo bloggers {or those who have already HAD a baby}: do/did you ever experience something like this? Did it go away on its own or was it the start of something bigger, like labor that thing that I don't even want to think about yet?

Be thankful.

Today, I am thankful.
I’m thankful for my wonderful husband. He may be miles away, in a foreign country… but only for now. Someday soon, the love of my life will be back where he belongs: with me. Elliot will know his father's love. Not everyone is so lucky.
I’m also thankful to have this little boy growing inside of me. I feel blessed to be chosen to carry him, and I am proud to be his mother. Some women never know the joy of being pregnant, giving birth, and being a mother.
I’m thankful to be lucky enough to live in the USA, where I am free.
And lastly, I’m thankful for the air that I breathe, and every breath that I take. It’s wonderful to be alive.
The best lesson I ever learned was to count my blessings and not my sorrows.
What are you thankful for?

Oh, by the way: I'm still having contractions. But they aren't coming as often anymore. So I'll take that as a good sign!

If you hate contractions, raise your hand!

I don't know what's going on in there, but my belly has been seizing up in rather uncomfortable contractions all morning. I'm sure they're just more Braxton Hicks but... I don't like it.
Add that to this headache I can't seem to get rid of and... you get one very short post for today.
Elliot, will you give your mom a break already?!

THIRTY weeks! :)

"Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)"
How far along? 30 weeks!
Baby’s Size: Any other baby would weigh 3 pounds this week. I have no idea what Elliot weighs these days- but I'm sure it's less than that.
Total Weight Gain: 25 pounds?! yikes!
Bellybutton: Still an innie. I really don't think it's going to pop out this pregnancy.
Stretchmarks: Just on my butt. As long as they stay away from my belly, I'll be happy!
Maternity Clothes: All the time.
Gender: Boy, boy, boy!
Movement: He's either sound asleep or WIDE awake... there is no in between with this kid. And he gets the hiccups a lot these days- I think it's adorable.
Sleep: I'm waking up about two times a night to pee now, and I fear it will only get worse from here on out...
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, back pain, swollen ankles and fingers, frequent trips to the bathroom, occasional heartburn, fatigue {this one's new this week- another 1st trimester symptom coming back to haunt me}, and it seems like I'm getting a lot of headaches lately.
Food Aversions: ?
Food Cravings: This week, I've been craving macaroni and cheese, fruit, and chocolate.
Best Moments this week: Elliot passing his NST, and my husband has been in an unusually good mood lately. :)
What I miss: Really, REALLY missing my husband lately. He has seriously been being SO sweet, guys. I can't WAIT to have him home again!
What I am Looking forward to: My Uncle Liam, Aunt Meghan, and their 10 month old daughter Harper are visiting this week. Liam, who is a diplomat, was stationed in Mexico for the last two years. Now they're moving to Romania- and they have some time off in the states in between. I can't wait to see them!
Milestones: THIRTY WEEKS! Yay! There were so many times when my doctors doubted that I'd even make it this far, and now... here I am :)

I can't believe how many comments we've been getting lately. To have so many people hoping and praying for Elliot is wonderful. You ladies are amazing. Keep the prayers {and VOTES!} coming! :)

Another day, another doctor's appointment.

I feel like I've spent over half of this pregnancy in doctors' offices!
My OB is seriously doubting whether I'll be seeing him again. In fact, he even said that he wouldn't be surprised if Elliot was born before my birthday! My birthday is November 7th, people! Less than two weeks away!
He thinks that my low amniotic fluid and Elliot's tiny measurements are probably the telltale signs of an insufficient placenta. And, if he's right, they'll probably be inducing me after my next ultrasound in Grand Rapids. {On the 4th}
Oh dear, Elliot. Oh dear!

Operation: Hats for Elliot

Elliot's not going to be able to wear clothes until after he recovers from his surgery and is off breathing support. They expect him to spend the first 3-4 weeks of his life practically naked?! No, that just won't do!
I've been mulling over this idea for a couple weeks now, but I wasn't sure how to get it started.
So, here it goes: I challenge you to help me collect hats for Elliot.
How? Together, we can scour the web for cute preemie or newborn sized hats. If you find any, leave me the link in a comment or email. Or, if you are crafty and would like to sew/knit a few, I'd love it! :) Also, if you feel so inclined to donate hats, that would be great too!
I'll probably post new hats every week. And once Elliot is born, his daily NICU updates will always feature pictures of him in his hats.
The Goal: I'd like to eventually have a hat for every day that Elliot spends in the NICU. That might sound like an impossible goal but, hey, who knows? It could happen.

Here is the very first hat of the collection. I got it from Sally Ann's. I couldn't be happier. It's cute, well-made, and it shipped mere days after I ordered it. In fact, I'll probably order some more in different colors!

You know you're pregnant when...

... you let out a little "ooof!" every time you have to bend over to put your shoes or socks on.

See that pretty banner up there? Would you mind clicking on it and voting for me? We're dangerously close to falling off the second page. Thanks :)

Let the waiting game begin!

Well, I'm home, finally.
I swear, that was the longest NST ever. They had a really hard time finding his heartbeat. As usual, Elliot just did not want to cooperate. Overall, he did pretty well. His heart rate had some fluctuations, but he passed so that makes me happy.
Turns out, my fluid levels actually aren't any better than last time- which makes them think that something big may be happening sometime soon.
My OB called my perinatologist in Grand Rapids, and after some discussion they decided to let me "ride it out" until my next ultrasound down there, which is on November 4th. But the doctor advised me to have a bag packed, just in case.
And the waiting game begins!
Thankyou so much for all the prayers. We sure seem to need them lately! This kid likes to keep me on my toes!

Off to the hospital I go...

Now I'm just confused.
Yesterday, the tech made it sound like everything was GREAT and Elliot was fine and my levels were better. But today, my OB office called me back and told me the complete opposite.
Apparently, my fluid is still low- she didn't say HOW low, but they're "very concerned". So I need to be checked into the hospital for a nonstress test and monitoring.
After the nonstress test, they'll talk to my doctors in Grand Rapids and decide what to do- whether delivery is neccessary/imminent or not.
WHAT THE HECK.
I'm trying to be optimistic but... I just don't know what to think now. I'm having flashbacks to my very first ultrasound, when they told me everything was fine, and then the next day they called us in and we found out about Elliot's condition.
Please keep praying!!

Your Three Words

Snow in October.
Yes, you read right, my friends. It actually snowed all day yesterday. Now, some of you (particularly those who live down south and are still battling the heat) might think of this as a good thing. But to a person who has spent one ten too many winters up here in northern Michigan, this is anything but good. Winter lasts about eight months here. EIGHT months. I don't care HOW much you like making snowmen and playing in the snow and baking cookies and snuggling up next to the fire with a good book... almost anyone would get cabin fever after a winter that long. And it looks like it's starting early this year! Oh no!

Good News!

My amniotic fluid levels went up to EIGHT!
This means Elliot just bought himself at least another two weeks in the womb. Yay!
And one other thing: he's now head down! Which is great! Of course, they warned me that he might not stay that way, but it still makes me happy.
The tech seemed surprised at how small he is. I actually had to assure her that we're already well-aware how far behind he is. But this was at the regular (and small) hospital here in Gaylord, not the office of maternal-fetal medicine in Grand Rapids. So she doesn't see very many high-risk or out of the ordinary pregnancies.
I couldn't be happier. Hopefully he makes it to my next goal: 33 weeks, which is just a few days after my baby shower. :)

Lord, let tomorrow be good!

I'm having a hard time getting something the geneticist told me out of my head. "Sometimes," she said, "These babies simply stop growing and there's nothing we can do but deliver them early."
What if that happens to Elliot? I've known all along that he would be coming early. But am I ready for him to come this early? Not really.
Hopefully my ultrasound tomorrow brings wonderful news- that my fluid levels are back to normal (hopefully above 8!) and Elliot can keep baking for awhile longer.
If not... well, I need to face the very real reality that I could be giving birth within the next week or two. Wow!
I know I say this all the time but... time really does fly by.

29 weeks

"Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester."
How far along? 29 weeks
Baby’s Size: He should weigh about 2 1/2 pounds now (as much as a butternut squash). But I'll be happy to hear if he's at least made it to 2 at my ultrasound this week.
Total Weight Gain: I'll know on Monday, after my next OB appointment. My scale at home always says a significantly lower number than the one at the doctors'... but since I've been going off their scale so far, I'll just continue to do so.
Bellybutton: It's stretched out to the max, but still an innie. I'm starting to wonder if it'll ever really pop out, or if it'll be this strange GIANT shallow innie forever?
Stretchmarks: I found a few very light pink stretchmarks on my butt the other day :( But hey, as long as they stay away from my belly, I'll be happy. Nobody sees my butt anyway, except my husband. And he's thrilled to hear that I might actually HAVE a butt the next time I see him. haha.
Maternity Clothes: Can't live without them.
Gender: A stubborn baby boy.
Movement: Not as much lately. This kid confuses me. Last week, he was having all-day dance parties. And now? His movements are much more subdued and less frequent. I'm glad I'm having another ultrasound on Thursday, so I can make sure he's okay.
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well- we've started using our wood stove at my dad's, and the delicious campfire-y smell and my warm toasty bed are a perfect recipe for sleep.
Symptoms: Back pain, swollen ankles and fingers (I'm wondering how much longer I'll be able to wear my wedding ring!), frequent trips to the bathroom (it's like the first trimester all over again), and occasional heartburn. Oh, and a ravenous appetite.
Food Aversions: ?
Food Cravings: Nothing TOO crazy. Sweet foods, perhaps. Let me clarify: when I say sweet foods, I mean desserts. My stepmother is fond of adding brown sugar to carrots and squash and other vegetables. YUCK!
Best Moments this week: Watching things disappear off my registry. I have such generous family and friends!
What I miss: Bedrest is really starting to get to me. I miss my daily runs. Running in this crisp fall weather is my favorite.
What I am Looking forward to: My ultrasound the day after tomorrow. I just REALLY hope that my fluid levels are better this time.
Milestones: So so close to 30 weeks. For some reason, having Elliot at 30 or 31 or 32 weeks (or later!) sounds so much better than in the 20's. I'm really hoping my fluid levels are back to normal and he can keep cooking for awhile longer.

As always, I love votes! With the recent reset, I really think more people will have the opportunity to find my blog and learn about gastroschisis.

Blogger, you suck!

So today I went to my Blogger Dashboard, like I always do, to read my favorite blogs. And for some reason... it said that I'm not currently following any blogs? What?! I don't know what happened, but I checked it a couple times and it keeps saying the same thing.
I guess I have to go on a wild goose hunt and find all of those blogs again. Because I'm already having baby blog withdrawls. (What else is a bored pregnant mama on bedrest supposed to do?)
So, if I'm suddenly NOT following you anymore... I promise that I will be soon.

so much has changed in so little time!

Exactly three months ago, on July 17th, we found out that something was seriously wrong with our precious baby. To make matters worse, my husband had to leave for South Korea the very next day... and being labeled a "high risk pregnancy" meant that there was no way that I would be able to go with him.
We were shocked. Horrified. The doctors told us to hope for the best but to prepare for the worst. At that point, they weren't even sure if our baby would survive. Suddenly, I was on my own, trying to dismantle the bomb that had just been dropped into our perfect little world, while my husband was thousands of miles away.
Sometimes, it's almost impossible to remember what life was like before all of this, when I was unaware of my son's condition. Like most other women, I just assumed that everything was fine, and that my baby was healthy. I did everything "What to Expect" told me to to- so why wouldn't my baby be healthy? Naively, I thought that most birth defects were the mother's fault. Well, as it turns out, I was wrong. Bad things can happen- even to those who follow the rules.
I miss my husband. A lot. But, surprisingly, I don't really miss those early weeks of my pregnancy. Everything that little Elliot and I have been through since his diagnosis has opened my eyes to a whole other world. There are THOUSANDS of birth defects that most people don't even know exist. I, for one, had never even heard of gastroschisis... until my son was diagnosed with it.
This whole ordeal has made me a stronger person, and it has only made me love my little boy even more. And, most importantly, it has made me more aware. In the future, if God blesses me with another child, I don't think I will take one moment of that pregnancy for granted. Because, really, with all the things that could go wrong, it's a small miracle to be lucky enough to have a completely normal pregnancy.

feeling the love?

Are you feeling the love? Because I certainly am. The love I have for the little boy growing inside of me is amazing. I can't even put it into words.



"The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."
-Vincent Van Gogh



"The best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched-
they must be felt with the heart."
-Helen Keller

Top Baby Blogs has reset their votes... this is our chance to finally make it onto the first page! :) Please vote!

we remember

Today is International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day.

"There is no footprint so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."

"To remember is painful.
To forget is impossible."

♥

ouch.

My back is killing me!
And the contractions have started up again.
I called my OB's office and discussed it with a nurse. She said not to worry and gave me the same guidelines as before (head to L&D if they are less than 10 minutes apart for over an hour).
I almost laughed when she said to "stop worrying."
Easier said than done, lady!
She also informed me that my ultrasound (to check my amniotic fluid) has been scheduled for next Thursday at noon.
I hope the next six days go by quickly... I will feel much better once I know what's going on in there.
So, what have I been doing to keep busy while on bedrest? Not a whole lot, to be honest. BUT I did order Elliot a few awfully cute hats, such as the one below. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love Etsy?)

A letter to my impatient son

Dear Elliot,
This morning, I laid in bed and watched my belly move. This is something that I enjoy every day. Lately, I've treasured these little moments with you even more, because I'm not sure how much longer this pregnancy will last. The doctors say that you will be coming soon- maybe even in a couple of weeks.
Feeling you move so much lately gives me hope. Maybe the doctors are wrong, and you've decided to stay put for longer? I sure hope so. Don't get me wrong- I can't wait to meet you, but it's not time yet. Things would be easier for you if you waited a little longer before making your grand entrance into this world.
Life is short, my son, so enjoy that warm, weightless world that you call home for a little longer, okay? I'll even make you a deal: if you stay in there until Thanksgiving, I'll be sure to eat extra turkey and mashed potatoes just for you.
Love,
Mommy

28 weeks! Hello, third trimester!

"By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before he's batting those beauties at you."
How far along? 28 weeks
Baby’s Size: Well, MOST babies at this point weigh at least 2 1/4 pounds, or as much as a chinese cabbage. But since Elliot only weighed 1 lb 10 oz on Thursday, I seriously doubt that he's even 2 lbs yet.
Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs. Now, if only some of those pounds would go to ELLIOT instead of my BUTT...
Bellybutton: It's still an innie... but a strange one.
Maternity Clothes: Yup!
Gender: All boy.
Movement: I don't know if he was just lazy last week or what... but he has been going CRAZY in there the last couple days. I spend a lot of time just staring at my belly now and watching it move... it's fascinating! Hopefully all this movement means that means my fluid levels are a little better?
Sleep: I've been sleeping like a baby lately. Seriously. Even better than when I'm not pregnant! :)
Symptoms: TERRIBLE back pain. But now that I'm on modified bedrest, it seems like my ankles are a little less swollen. I think keeping my legs elevated really helps.
Best Moments this week: Well, two things: 1: I got my haircut, and I'm really loving it. 2: I have an eye appointment tomorrow, and call me a dork, but I looove getting a fresh box of contacts.
Food Aversions: Meat.
Food Cravings: These cravings are starting to get a little weird. And unhealthy. I was craving Cheetos so badly that I actually went out and bought a bag. Of CHEETOS? Seriously?! I can't even remember the last time I bought a bag of cheetos. But I was craving them like crazy.
What I miss: The weather has been lovely lately and I would have LOVED to be able to go out and take a walk.
What I am Looking forward to: All of this sitting around and waiting/wondering how my little man is doing in there is driving me insane. So I'm very much looking forward to having another ultrasound next week and seeing how my amniotic fluid levels are. If they are low- I'd rather be in the hospital, where Elliot can be closely monitored and taken care of, than just sitting around at home. I feel like a lot can happen in two weeks. For the better or for the worse. (But hopefully for the better!)
Milestones: Definitely in the THIRD TRIMESTER now! Holy moly! Time is really flying by. I mean, seriously. The thought that I could be having this little man within the next MONTH blows my mind.

Preemie shopping

Well, I'm coming to terms with the fact that, most likely, Elliot is going to be a very small preemie. At this point, even if he were to make it another month before being delivered, he would still probably only weigh 3 pounds at best.
I was looking at his newborn clothes, and there is NO WAY they will even come close to fitting him. Absolutely not! So, naturally, I began the search for preemie clothes :)
All of the collections below are by Zutano and available at The Preemie Store.
They're fun, modern, and bright- what's not to love?!






As always, votes are appreciated! Thanks to you guys, we're getting closer to the SECOND page!

I ventured out into the world today!

I actually got off the couch for a bit today and got my hair cut :) I figured I've been doing enough lounging and water-drinking and deserved a little break. Not to mention the fact that I was WAY overdue for a trim.
I can't seem to find my camera, so I made do with my brother's ipod touch.

You like?
Only 12 days until I know whether or not Elliot will be making his grand entrance ridiculously early.
And thank you ladies, for the prayers, support, and encouragement! I really appreciate it. Hopefully, if enough people hope and pray... he'll take a hint and stay put longer.

News.

His stats:
He's TINY. He's measuring several weeks behind and weighs 1 lb 10 oz. right now- which puts him at the 2nd percentile for gestational age. Since he is growing at a good rate, they don't seem too concerned about his size- but they said to expect him to be a VERY small baby. His heartbeat was 146 bpm, nice and strong. He is still breech.
The bad:
My amniotic fluid levels are low. Not low enough to be SUPER concerned, but they are rechecking me again in two weeks. If my fluid levels are the same or lower, I'll be checked into the hospital for bed rest and monitoring, and Elliot will probably need to be born around then... probably at 29 or 30 weeks. So until then I'll be drinking tons of water, relaxing, and trying not to worry. HOPEFULLY everything turns out all right and they can keep him in there longer- the longer the better. Because he is AWFULLY small.
The good:
The neonatologists, doctors, surgeon, and social worker all told me the same thing: that EVEN if he were to be born TODAY, he would have an 80-90% chance of survival.
Elliot's pediatric surgeon is the nation's leader for gastroschisis. He and his colleagues published the largest study of gastroschisis babies ever made, and he actually CREATED the silos and closure methods that have become standard practice for gastroschisis babies today. He treats a large number of these babies a year, and said that 95% of them go on to lead completely normal lives. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that Elliot is in good hands.
The NICU was fantastic- very modern and nice. There were approximately 5-6 babies per room. The staff was extremely friendly, positive, and helpful. They answered all of my questions and gave me a wealth of information and resources. It feels so much better to have actually SEEN where I will be spending so much of my time.
Well, folks, that's about it.
Unfortunately, we didn't get any really good ultrasound pictures, because there wasn't enough fluid up by his face/head. Honestly, now it's just a waiting game- they told me to come to my next appointment (in 2 weeks) with my bags packed, because there is a good chance that I won't be coming home.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

I feel like a camel.

In an effort to stay hydrated and keep Elliot in my belly for as long as possible, I have been drinking an astonishing ammount of water every day.
I feel like a camel!
Camels, in fact, can drink 30 gallons at a time and pee every 20 minutes. Okay, so I might not be drinking quite that much, but I am taking potty breaks every 20-25 minutes.
If you need a laugh today, you should click that photo and read the news article that it will take you to. Apparently, Saudis have been having beauty pageants for camels, and they're looking for their new "Miss Camel!" :)

27 weeks

"This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

How far along? 27 weeks
Baby’s Size: 14 1/2" long and about two pounds (the weight of a head of cauliflower)
Total Weight Gain: I'll know on Thursday.
Bellybutton: It's trying REALLY hard to be an outie. But, for now, it's sort of half in, half out.
Maternity Clothes: You betcha.
Gender: Boy! :)
Movement: He's starting to sleep for noticably longer periods of time, and I think he's running out of room in there, because although I feel him moving around a lot, I'm not feeling as many hard kicks as I used to.
Sleep: Another good sleep week. But, for some reason, I have HORRIBLE bags beneath my eyes- no matter how much sleep I get.
Symptoms: Swollen and sore back and and ankles, ligament pain, braxton hicks contractions, leg cramps, heartburn
Best Moments this week: I believe it will be this Thursday: appointments, ultrasound, and HOPEFULLY I'm getting my macbook fixed!
Food Aversions: None really.
Food Cravings: Pizza. Majorly. Why can't I ever crave anything HEALTHY?
What I miss: Having a full wardrobe. I'm used to having more choices and I'm sick of wearing the same things all the time!
What I am Looking forward to: I have a bunch of appointments in Grand Rapids this Thursday :) Can't wait to see my little boy again! And I'm very excited to meet his pediatric surgeon and neonatal team.
Milestones: Depending on who you believe, I'm either starting the third trimester now or at the beginning of next week :) HOLY MOLY! Already?!

Musical Monday

I seem to be at a loss for words lately. To be quite honest, there isn't a whole lot to update you on: it's still cold out, I'm still having contractions, I miss my husband more every day, and I continue to be amazed at how quickly this pregnancy is flying by. I can't believe I'm almost in the third trimester already!
So, I decided, instead of boring you with idle words, to simply throw several beautiful songs at you. :)


"Everybody" -Ingrid Michaelson


"Closer" -Joshua Radin


"Colorblind" -Counting Crows


"Girlfriend" -Phoenix


"Across the Universe" -The Beatles


"Yellow" -Coldplay


"Wonderwall" -Ryan Adams

What kind of music do you like? Because honestly, I like it all. Feel free to leave me some artists or songs that you like :) I'm always looking for new music.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's 44th birthday.
Being only 22 years apart in age did wonderous things for our relationship. My mom and I are extremely close. I have always felt like I could tell her anything- because she actually understands. As a teen, when other kids were trying to avoid being out in public with their parents, I was proudly showing off my "cool" mom.
She is young, beautiful, fun, caring, and one of the strongest women I know. She is my inspiration.
I know that she will be the a wonderful grandmother to Elliot, and I only hope that I will be half the mother that she is.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
I love you.