Summer days and a look back

The past week has been busy and fun for us.  We've gone to the park a lot, including the splash pad near us.  We went to a wedding and the boys came to the after party.  We've just been busy.  I'll be sure to post pictures and write more about our events next time.  I also had a big first for myself.  I got all 3 boys in the car and went to the bank and to get air in my tire...BY MYSELF!!  That is a huge accomplishment for me.  You may be thinking that I am crazy.  What's the big deal?  If you have ever had multiples or kids close together you get it.  Packing up and getting everyone in the car is a ridiculous amount of work.  I did it because our week was going to be crazy and I knew those 2 things really just needed to get done.  Was it worth the work?  Yes, it was.  I felt like after 10 months I was a little bit more like a normal new mom.  Mark that down as a milestone for me.  :)

Last week my mom printed out our caringbridge journal for us.  Yesterday we were rereading some of what we had gone through.  We realized that this coming Saturday marks 1 year since I was admitted to the hospital with preterm labor.  Wow.  What a scary time in my pregnancy.  Then we read about the last few days and the day they were born.  I cried.  What an unbelievable day.  We were beyond ecstatic to meet our little boys.  They were so healthy and beautiful.  Then I read about Reese and how overwhelming and difficult the days surrounding his emergency was.  I realized something.  I thanked a lot of people, but never specifically my dad. He was at the hospital with me while I sat and cried in the ER.  He was such a great support for me while I waited for Nate to get there.  I will never forget one conversation we had.  Through my tears I told him it was the worst day of my life.  He looked at me and said, "Or the best".  He was right.  I still had my little Reese with me.  He was going to be okay.  What a great reason to give thanks!  Having my dad there with me was something I'll never forget.  So, thanks Dad!  What a great way to remember how much he's done just before Father's Day.

On a similar note I've been reading a book (very slowly) called The Miracle of Kindness.  It talks about how to look for people with a need and that 90% of the work is just showing up.  It's true.  There have been people who have been here for us all along and most of what is important to us is that they just show up.  There is nothing more difficult than when someone says I'll be there or I'll bring you a meal or I'll do that and then they don't come.  It makes it very difficult to ask for help (which is already difficult).  It encouraged me to really think about what I offer before I offer it.  I'm really looking for people who can use a helping hand and a way that I can feasibly help out.  After all, we've been in a season of need and know how it feels. So, look around.  I'm sure you can find someone in your life or even someone you don't yet know who could use your help.