Awareness, Perspective, & Eagle's Wings for All

In light of last night's post I can't help but emphasize what people go through, much of which most of us will never know. And no, I'm not referring to myself, I'm talking about everyone except myself. Few people I know have blogs and the majority of those that do utilize them as a way to capture and journal everyday life, not to spill their trials. I'm reminded of this quote:

"Be kinder than necessary 

because everyone you meet 

is fighting some kind of battle."

My dear friend/cousin Janna has had this posted under 'About Janna' on her Facebook page for years. I've always admired it. Where most people write about themselves, Janna points outside of herself to others. After a good night's sleep and a little reflection on yesterday's post I can't help but be reminded of Janna's servitude to all those she comes into contact with. It's not just a quote to her, it's her perspective. She's a beaming ray of sunshine to so many people because she's always considering others and looking to give of herself.

Just because I'm unaware of other's realities doesn't give me an out. The comments alone on
Missy's blog post demonstrate a whole group of people facing past and/or current trials. Not only do I have it so, so good, but I need to be more aware, more compassionate, more sympathetic to those around me. There are people that waited nearly 6 years to meet their adopted child. (And I thought our situation was hard.) There are people with unresolved problems, others dealing with disease, others with death.

I woke up today with the gift of perspective. Today I'm counting my many, many blessing and remembering those who need answers, those who need mending, those who need comfort and peace, and those seeking their 'eagle's wings.'

Reactions and Advice

Among the many well wishes and the incredible outpouring of support showered upon Brian and I following our "two baby announcement," there have been a few people's words who stick most in our memory....


At our first OB appt. for Baby #2 our story quickly emerged and all the nurse could say was, 

"Woooow!" ... "Exciting!" ... "Oh, that's so exciting!!!!"

..."This is exciting, right?!"

(As if her raised eyebrows and overall startled expression hadn't already said it all. ;)

*     *     *

We received a sweet Facebook message from Brian's friend Josh's mom which read,
"...I remember when I found out we were having twins. I cried ALL THE WAY HOME(!!!) thinking how can we do this?! But soon the tears turned to tears of absolute joy and we felt so very blessed to be having two babies! ... One little piece of advice--suddenly everyone (including complete strangers) are going to become experts on raising two babies--just remember you're their mama and daddy and YOU know what's best and what works for your own special little family!..." ~Donna

*     *     *

[With the knowledge that Brian's sister, Julie, is currently pregnant with twins]

After looking at our 'Bump Ahead' Picture,

"Our family is EXPLODING!!!"

~ Brian's Mom

*     *     *

And then there was my Grandma Jane, who upon hearing our 'two baby news' exclaimed,

"That's worse than twins!"

...Thanks, Grandma, thanks so much... ;)

Sydni's Surprise Sleepover

On our first morning together, much to my chagrin, SydniSueWho woke up 5:00am. Of course I was thrilled to see her, but I could have gone for another hour or two of sleep... On morning #2 she slept longer. Both mornings she wandered into my room, climbed up into my bed for a snuggle fest (that lasted no more than a few minutes) and then quickly informed me that it was breakfast time. 

 

Getting dressed turned into an invasion of Auntie Meg's closet/dresser/armoire and a very accessorized dress-up session.

We called home to see how Kolter was doing without his 'Mama Sydni.'

With tags still attached, we somersaulted off the furniture.

We went for a walk.

And played in the park.

Two Christmases ago, shortly after Brian and I had chosen to adopt, Auntie Tess and Uncle[bro-in-law]Brian gave this puzzle to our future Baby. Sydni did the honors of assembling it for the first time. And she did so all by her 4-year-old self. I was so proud, not to mention impressed!

Tess, don't mind her messy face. We are girls, powered by chocolate. :)

Upon remembering that it was Valentine's Day, Sydni suggested that we have a special treat to celebrate. In true Mr. style, Uncle Bri broke out the ice cream and made her a special, just-for-Sydni Sundae. Watching her enjoy it-every drop of it-was dessert enough for us. :)

Sydni was in her silliest state throughout her stay at our house. 

Following are a few quotes that I couldn't help but record either because they were so odd, so confusing, or so entertaining...

***Tessa's last words to Sydni as she went out the door with Nana and Kolter were, "Be good for Auntie Meg, No watching more than one TV show per day, Love you, Nigh-Night!" Not 2 seconds after the front door closed and before Tess was off my front porch, Sydni exclaimed, "Let's watch some TV!"

***Reading 'Big Blue Truck' and admiring the illustrations: "They really did a good job staying in the lines! That must mean that a mommy or a daddy drew these pictures..." 

***Later on, part way through 'Big Blue Truck': "I really like this book b/c I never 'readed' it, so I had no idea it would be so pretty!" 

                    Thanks Aunt Barb, for the great nursery reading material! That book 

is all the rage according to Sydni and Moses.

***While looking at a pic of me on the waterfront in Portland: "Are you at a hotel at your house?" I'm still confused by that one...

***"You're my 'favoritest' Auntie Meg ever!"

***During a morning snuggle session with Finn and Auntie Meg: 

To Finn: "Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!"

To me: "He kind of looks like a 'wabbit'..."

To Finn: "Oh, you're such a cute baby!"

Me to Sydni: "Actually, he's a dog."

***Playing dress up in Auntie Meg's closet and insisting that everything fit "just right," Sydni thrust both hands out from her mouth and exclaimed: "This is how I 'throw' hugs!" (Instead of kisses)

***Rolling around on the floor like a puppy and speaking in high-pitched jibberish: "Auntie Meg, kick my leg very hard! I like it!" I remain confused...

***"Auntie Meg, are you ready to go?" Me [still in my yoga pants]: "No, I haven't even gotten dressed yet." Sydni: "Get your bra on and go!" Don't ask me where she came up with that, or why she thought I was bra-less?! Maybe it's time to invest in some better support?! HAHA!