Happy Happy (Homecoming) Day

2 years ago   today our little 6 pound 10 ounce 4 month old came home from the hospital.   That day was quite possibly the most normal part of our journey.   Well maybe not normal, afterall it had been 4 months since delivery and I was wearing skinny jeans.  We had stopped for coffee on the way to the hospital and we had a restful night of sleep the night before (it was my first time not setting the alarm for 1am and 5am to pump). Im pretty sure that is not how most people bring their babies home from the hospital, but it seemed normal to us and it is definitely a contender for the happiest day EVER.  

2 years later February 22nd is still such a happy day. The mixed emotions, sadness and guilt that surrounds many other anniversaries is nowhere to be found today.  Its a day to celebrate being whole and together and it is a day of immense gratitude.  

Today the sun was shining bright much like her homecoming day.  We left the house early to go to the children's museum for some fun and time in the much loved water room.  I kid you not, as we got on the highway "Home" by philip phillips came on the radio.  Immediately Virginia called out from the backseat "Ginny song!!" Sometimes you just can't make this stuff up!  It set the tone (pun intended) for a beautiful day of enjoying our best girl.  

We celebrated today with an elmo balloon, a cupcake decorating party, lots of snuggling, and our annual porch photo :) 

And because Virginia couldn't quite get "homecoming" to roll off her tongue this morning the rest of the day was known as and will probably forever be known as "Happy Happy Day."

ALSO, we have hit our goal and will be providing 31 meals for families at Yale's NNICU.  Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts.  We know that the support to team Go Ginny Go will make an immediate impact for the families at YNHH and a lasting impact through the research and support of the March of Dimes.  Click here  if you are interested in supporting or walking with Go Ginny Go.  We have just over 2 months until we will be walking for healthier babies.  

 cooking at the childrens museum

winter blues and valentine fun

I usually hate to complain about things as mundane as the weather but I'm sure as many of you can relate, we are SO over winter.  OVER it! We are doing our best to make the most of it, but are struggling to balance work, snow days, avoiding the sickies, and staying sane. Please come soon spring!  

Life has been busy, fun, stressful and confusing lately. It seems like lots of good news and good things have been equally paired with tough news and stressful things. All is good though, there is lots of laughter in this house! That sums up the lack of blogging lately too... life has just gotten in the way.  I hope that changes soon!  

In the meantime, some of our good news!

Virginia passed her developmental eye exam with flying colors!

Heath has just 3 months left until he has his MBA diploma in hand!

My project appears that it will finally be entering the construction phase this month.

Virginia has been showing some interest in potty training (in her own time and in her own way I'm sure)

Our March of Dimes team has already raised over $1200 (but we could use more help.  wink. wink. http://www.marchforbabies.org/virginiakkent )

This little girl had an awesome valentines day!  Once again she wore her little felt heart.

yup.  That is the same one as in this photo! 

And she had her very 1st valentine exchange with her fun bunch of friends.  

mom confessions

they'reeeeee  back!

some Mom confessions!

Before we start, look at this face! I die. She is lucky she is so darn cute.  

I am so sick of sharing my food.  I can't even eat my hard boiled egg in the morning without giving my little pants pulling, whining girl a bite.  It is a hard.boiled.egg not a brownie.  

Im convinced that Virginia is still going to be having crocodile tear temper tantrums at 7th grade drop off.  I totally dread drop off every morning :( 

Sometimes I wish I could have a tantrum a la Virginia when things aren't going my way.  

My new hairstylist confirmed that I have a "few" grey hairs. I wonder how that happened?!

Speaking of hair, it is taking all my power not to cut Ginny's baby mullet.  

I could only laugh when Virginia chanted "Mooooore Coffee, MY coffee" over and over while lunging for Heath's coffee cup through the grocery store yesterday.

There is really nothing better than a tea party with Elmo, Abby and Baby Stella.

We need a bigger house driveway, playroom and 2nd bath.  Less confession, more desperate statement. 

I was dumb enough to fall into the "sure, Ill let you out of the stroller as long as you hold my hand" trap.  It ended like this:

due date

Today is Virginia's due date.  There wasn't no anticipation of this date this year.  Still when I arrived at work this morning after a hectic few hours of getting ready, packing lunches, a speech therapy session, cleaning off the car & daycare drop off, I realized that it was February 4th.  On a date that was anticipated so much, it is hard not to dwell on all of the what-ifs.  Its hard not to feel guilt.  Its hard not to feel immense love and gratitude.  

I think not only about her due date, but I also think about what a difficult time this was for us in 2012, still in the NICU and still with so many unknowns.  I wish I could whisper in my own ear and give some peace.  I wish I could take away the pain from those days.  I wish things could have been different.  

There was nothing special about today.  Virginia's birthday was eons ago and we still have over 3 weeks until we will be celebrating her homecoming anniversary.  What was special though, was the fact that today was just so typical.  It was the type of chaotic working-mom-of-a-toddler day that I imagined back when February 4th was a day of so much importance and anticipation for me.  

On second thought today was super special... it was Virginia's first day wearing a backpack! 

While today is a bittersweet, we will be joyfully celebrating Virginia's homecoming on February 22nd. We will be celebrating this year by providing meals for current NICU parents at Yale New Haven Hospital.  This is where we need your help!   For every donation that is made to our March for Babies team and for every new walker that registers for our team between now and February 22nd, we will provide a meal for a parent struggling through their NICU journey.  A meal that will not only fill their bellies, but also provide them more precious time at their child's bedside and hopefully give them a little hope and maybe even a smile.  If you would like to help, please follow the link below.  Every little bit counts and your donation will not only help fund the mission and research of the March of Dimes but also help a family that is living their difficult journey right now.  http://www.marchforbabies.org/virginiakkent