Tuesday, October 14, 2008

One

I'm at a loss as to what to write about my babies turning one. Where would I even begin? How would I explain it all, how much I love them, how amazing they are, how much they've changed in a year, how much they've changed not only my entire life but ME in one year. How do I write about how wonderful the day was, how beautiful my girls were, and yet how much we missed our boy.

I don't think I can.

So many people said the the day must have been 'bittersweet' for us. I think that is the right word to describe the day, though it was definitely more sweet than bitter. October 11, 2007 was an unbelievably HAPPY day - PJ says it was the best day of his life. It's the day we met our three babies and for that day, at least, believed they were all okay, and would all be healthy and home with us soon. It will always be a wonderful day. And we will always think of Jack, and it will always be his birth-day too, always.

Miss Charlotte on October 11, 2007 and 2008


Miss Katie on October 11, 2007 and 2008


I think the party was a success. The girls were definitely princesses! Charlotte was a social butterfly, going from table to table, visiting with all her friends ... Katie, my sweet Katie who loves everyone, was a little overwhelmed. She was very shy and clingy, which is unusual for her - but I think it was just a little too much for her. She warmed up by the end of the party though and had a good time. They got lots of wonderful gifts, and even more importantly lots of LOVE from everyone who came.

On our way to the party, at the stop light right before the restaurant, we saw a butterfly flitting around the little grassy median. PJ and I both said, HI Jack. I said, come to the party Jack. We have cupcakes!





(guess who LOVED the cupcake and who did not?)

It was the perfect first birthday for two perfect girls. But yes, bittersweet. So bittersweet. Jack, we missed you, every minute. Like always.


And also, today, please remember all our lost babies.

23 comments:

Lisa said...

Of course it was Jack's birthday, too. And, as the girl's grow older, you will continue to see him in their hearts. They will always share that special day, and the girls will grow to cherish that as much as you and PJ do!

Kitty said...

Congratulations on making this milestone under what I can only imagine was a lot of stress...probably not the right word. It is said that our true character comes out when life is horrible and it is evident that yours (and PJ's) is one of strength and perseverance. Happy birthday for all your children.

Our life is a bowl of Barry's said...

Hi-I am new to your blog and I recently spent quite a bit of time reading through your journey....and I cried and smiled the whole way through. Such happiness through such difficult times-it's a hard thing to balance I am sure. I love the pictures from the girls'first birthday-they each look just about as thrilled as any one year old could! And Jack is sure to be smiling right along with them. I'll be a frequent visitor! Take care,
Cari-Mom to multiple mulitples plus one.

monica said...

Happy Birthday! The girls looked so beautiful in their dresses. And Jack was diffently with you also.

Emily said...

Happy Birthday babies!!!

The girls look beautiful!

Thinking of Jack and all the tiny angels today...

Minnie said...

Those girls get more beautiful in every picture.

Happy Birthday to your three loves.

Anonymous said...

You just brought tears to my eyes when I read about the butterfly and Jack....How bittersweet! The girls are beautiful! Happy Birthday to your girls and Jack too!

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

happy birthday to three beautiful angels, 2 on earth and 1 in heaven!

the girls look like little princesses, so adorable in their party dresses! i love that you saw a butterfly...i love that jack said hi.

Jill said...

The girls look adorable and too bad Charlotte isn't a big fan of cupcakes. Give it time. :o) And of course, as everyone has already said, it is Jack's birthday too, he's just celebrating it in a different place right now.

Anonymous said...

One year already!!! Happy Birthday to all three of your babies. The girls are adorable...you have to smile at the two of them in their high chairs with their cupcakes...Charlotte with a big smile and Katie with a sour face!!! Always thinking of you and your babies!!!

Bree at Clarity Defined said...

Beautiful birthday girls... Happy Birthday... to each of your babies. I've been thinking of you all often have been waiting for this post.


Also, I don't know if it's just me... but the last few posts a lot of the pictures are just showing up as red squares for me.

Millicent said...

Happy birthday, Charlotte, Katie and Jack!

Andrea said...

HI! I've been reading for a while but I don't think I ever posted before!
Happy birthday to ALL your beautiful babies - I think that jack was definitely there as well. Anyway, here's too many more birthdays :)

Andrea said...

HI! I've been reading for a while but I don't think I ever posted before!
Happy birthday to ALL your beautiful babies - I think that jack was definitely there as well. Anyway, here's too many more birthdays :)

Anonymous said...

I have wanted to comment many times, but never knew what to say. I don't remember how I found your blog but I am so touched everytime I read it. Happy Birthday to ALL of your babies, it really is a celebration of their birth no matter where they are. You are in my thoughts and prayers often.

Jody said...

Congrats to all of you! What a year it's been.

I love the girls' dresses and hats. Adorable!

Elyse said...

Happy Birthday girlies! Jack is smiling down on you right now and forever. Now you have a new phase in life ahead of you: Toddlerhood! Glad the party was a success.

Jack will always be special in all of your hearts! He is watching over you and smiling now.

~Elyse~

Anonymous said...

The girls look absolutely precious! Very ready for a big party. Jack was at the party, in spirit and in all of our hearts!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Girls and Jack. I picked out the same hat for Melissa. She is wearing it tonight and Daniel is wearing his blue one.

Thinking of you.

Randi said...

Always will be Jack's birthday too.
Thinking of you tonight. Praising God for your beautiful family.
Randi

Alana said...

The girls and their dresses are gorgeous! Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Hope yo all hhad a great birthday!

I just started reading your blog.. I am in tears right now... I am SO sorry to hear about Jackk..

Lisa
lisa.murphy650@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I am new to your blog, I wanted to wish your girls and Jack Too a very Happy Birthday. From the pictures you posted it was a bitter sweet day. (The girls look so cute) But with the love of family and friends and everyones love for the girls and Jack made the day special. Seeing the butterfly proves that Jack is with you always and will be forever.