Elyse's 3rd Birthday w/Jesus

Today is Elyse's 3rd birthday. Many of you know and have already written, sent a text, called or celebrated with us. We miss this girl. I miss her everyday, multiple times a day. I'm thankful for today for so many reasons, 3 years ago today I heard three very exciting words. 'It's a girl'. That was so fun and a little surprising, I remember I kept staring at her name on her bassinet that day thinking 'I really have a little girl'. There was something so special about finding that out in that moment. A little girl. If I had known then that I would only get to hold her for 10 1/2 short months I'm not sure what I would have thought. I'm so glad we don't know the future. But, I wouldn't trade those 10 1/2 sweet months for anything. The tears, the pain, the heartache, the loss, the many, many rough days are all worth those short months of having her in our family. I'm a different person because of her life and her death. Life is more precious to me than it was just over two years ago. I look at Titus and I really treasure every moment with him both when he is happy and sad (which is not very often).

We celebrated Elyse's life on Sunday. We threw a party, it's the party I've never really gotten to throw and it was good. We had family and close friends. Our good friends and little friends that would have been her good friends. We were together, there were tears and laughter, good food and lots of pink and orange! I sure hope she likes those colors, cause her mama does. ;)

 The drinks & cups, a borrowed and enhanced idea from my friend Allyson, thanks friend!  Pink & orange mason jars with chalk lids to help you keep track of your own glass.

 The amazing dessert buffet from my very talented sis-in-law! Thank you Spoonful of Sugar!!

 

Tanner & Pete, sweet friends! 

Peter is such a great big brother and remembers and loves his sis so much.

 We released balloons at 1:06pm, the time she was born. It was just two days early this year. We always do balloons, but this year was fun with SO many!! There were 50 that went up to her and the kids were so sweet as they sent them 'up to heaven to see Elyse and Jesus'.

Here are a few lot of pictures from the party. Thank you for celebrating with us and for walking this journey of loss, hope, redemption and hopefully more than anything of looking to Jesus for our everything. He really is everything. I'm thankful I get to celebrate Elyse and then look forward to Easter and the cross and the empty tomb, because that brings new life and assurance of seeing my girl again.

Elyse's 2nd Birthday with Jesus

As I write this we are headed down south to celebrate our sweet girls birthday. In just two days she would be celebrating her 2nd birthday. Oh how much I wonder what life would be like with her these days...how much of a two year old would she be, how much would she be saying and how would Elyse and Pete be getting along (or not getting along).

But, I am left to wonder these things without answers...ever. So I will focus on the fact that I've made it to this point, one year ago I honestly wasn't quite sure how that was going to happen. But here we are in March 2011 and we are doing even more than surviving we're making it and we're looking ahead to what God has planned for our family and future. Oh it doesn't mean I don't still grieve...often, but I have hope HOPE in the creator of life. Who does indeed give and take away.

Cliff is running in his third half marathon within the last nine months tomorrow. I know he's incredible and in such great shape these days. I'm hoping to jump back into the game next year, after baby comes and a little recovery time!!

Then on Sunday, the 27th Elyse's birthday we're going to Disneyland!! We went last year with my sister, brother-in-law, Sam & Ben. It was a good, mostly fun thing to do. This year it's just the three of us going and I'm looking forward to watching Peter enjoy everything even more. I think he actually knows who Mickey Mouse is this year. ;) Lots of people have ask us if this is going to be a tradition, we don't know. But, we did think that since I wasn't very far along in pregnancy and we don't have a newborn it would be a good thing to do on Elyse's birthday again...we'll see what next year holds.

We do want to invite anyone that's interested to help us celebrate her birthday by releasing a pink balloon at 1:06pm on Sunday. Some of you did this last year and it meant a TON to us. If you take pictures will you send them to us or tag us on Facebook? We would love to know that you are thinking about our sweet Elyse and us.

Thank you for walking this journey along side of us, through tears, prayer, hugs and so much more. We are so blessed and loved by each and everyone of you. And we really don't take that lightly, we covet your love and friendship.

Elyse's 1st Birthday

Well, I should be staying up late tonight making cupcakes, cutting fruit and all the other last minute preporations that go into a first birthday party. Cliff hates it when I throw a party becuase it usually means we're up until at least 1am and pretty tired by the time the party starts! But, it's all worth it in the end when everyone has had a good time and most importantly the guest of honor knows they are valued and loved! And when the last guest leaves you put your feet up and know you will do it all again for the next event!

Tonight isn't like that, we're in Southern California, we went to Disneyland yesterday to celebrate our little girl and to have some time away this week. It has been really good, but a little bitter sweet too. I'd rather be at home with sore feet from standing in the kitchen instead of standing in lines all day. But, THIS is my life now and I'm trying with all that I am to still go on with each day and to make the best of what I've been handed. Including still celebrating Lysie's birthday.

Cliff did a great job explaining what we're doing tomorrow, so here is a copy of what he wrote on his blog.

Saturday, for Elyse's birthday, we're starting a tradition. At 1:06pm, the time that Elyse was born a year ago, we'll be releasing balloons in her honor. April, Peter and I will be in San Diego and will have a picnic lunch, a time together to honor her, and then we'll release our balloons. We're inviting anyone who wants to join us, wherever they are, to do the same in honor of Elyse. If you are able to do this we would love to see some pictures from your time and also be able to put those in her album.
 
Thank you family and friends for helping us celebrate!

SD ZOO

For Peter's 1st birthday mom and dad took us to the zoo, it was a very fun day! I think Peter liked the people and attention more than the animals, but at least he had a good time! Here are a few of the shots from our day.

Tired from a full day, he did take a great nap for about an hour of the afternoon!

Peter's 1st Birthday

I know it's been over a month since Peter turned 1, but I had to share some pictures of his big day! We were still in SD so we had a quiet morning and then went to the zoo with mom and dad and then had a small party with a few friends in the evening. He was pretty happy about turning 1!
A few of Peter's favorite gifts!
Uncle Jay & Aunt Jen gave Pete Mater (from Cars) it's his first ride-on toy and he loves it! He loved it instantly, from the first time he sat on it and started playing the music!

Jay & Jen pretty excited about their gift also!

Riding

Peter really like Ben's birthday present! Maybe he's ready for one of his own...

Ben's 2nd Birthday!

It's hard to believe that Ben is 2 years old! It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Happy Birthday Ben!

We all enjoyed the 'george' party, especially Peter!

Peter might have a new girlfriend, that Ellie is pretty cute!