Noah's Mom

I know that every mother thinks that their child is a miracle, and yes, every child is. Before Noah I never though much about the word *miracle*, except maybe in a religious context. I did not necessarily believe in miracles and was coming from the school of belief that some people were lucky and others...not so much. If something was going to happen, good or bad, it was just that. Giving birth and witnessing tiny miracles unfold everyday has changed my perception. I still do believe that things are happenstance, luck or misfortune. But *miracles* are what we mothers see.

I never know if what I feel is normal or if it's because I was told my child may never talk, walk, eat, live. 50/50 odds. To see and know Noah, this is hard to believe. I don't share Noah's story much anymore but I recently mentioned it to his babysitter. She was shocked. Noah is the spunkiest, silliest, chattiest little guy around- how can I not believe in miracles? Every little kiss, I love you, silly phrase, funny dance- it all brings me back to the day he was born. Each day I stop, sometimes hundreds of times in a single day and think of 11-10-07, and remember how lucky, how honest to god, jaw dropping, heart stopping, LUCKY we are. How lucky Noah is. Why us? Why not us?

To be Noah's mom has been the hardest and yet most profoundly joyous, life changing experience of my 29 years. Noah is special, just like everyone is in their own way. Everyone has a story. Noah's story reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little things, something I have always found/find hard to do. I feel honored to be part of his story, to be his mama. Now that I am *about* to bring a new little life into this world I am expecting to see Rowen as just as miraculous as I see his big brother. How could I not? He too is a miracle and a new beginning for us, another ray of sunshine to warm our hearts and grow our family.

I am one lucky lady