I've been in an unintentional brainstorming sessions.  You know, one of those that erupt out of the blue, and suddenly you're taking notes, making drawings and buying material? Well, that's where I've been. And usually, it is totally exhausting, but this time I'm energized.  But, before I get too far into it, I had a fit of normalcy and thought "You'd better take some pictures!".  Now, if I could only find my camera . . . .

. . .  and that was (going to be) the post back on Valentine's Day, you know, about a year ago!!!!  What is it about February? Sure, it's a short month - but this year a day longer, and still it vanishes. I found the camera, took some pictures and next thing I know, it's almost my daughter's birthday. So, instead of crafts today, it's time to focus on Jessie.

What a dream of a daughter.  Often my dh, Chris, reminds me how different our lives might be if Jessie were "normal".  But not it a bad way . . . in a "I'm-so-thankful-she's-Jessie" way. 30 years ago, Jessie was born via C-section, the last of my five children.  The abnormality?  Down Syndrome. Yeah, I know, no problem . . . but back then . . .

She barely survived her first 2 months, having an AV canal in her heart, meaning basically she had wide open chambers in her heart.  Fortunately, Dr. Bailey of baboon heart transplant fame was available to repair Jessie's heart, but truly it's her heart that repairs us. Talk about open chambers ~ she lets everyone into her love-filled rooms.

Jessie, her dad and I all call each other "King" and "Queen".  Jessie's getting a little ahead of the day, wearing her "crown" all day long today.  What's not to love about Jessie's excitement about her birthday?  We all get whatever we want on our birthdays in this house, and Jessie wants: breakfast in bed (bacon, poached eggs toast and milk) and prime rib, asparagus, green salad for her birthday dinner naturally followed by cake, ice cream and presents. And with each fulfilled request, Jessie beams with gratitude followed by her cooing little "unnnnh".  One of the other differences about having a daughter like Jessie is what she is genuinely happy to receive as a present.  Just ask her. "Anything." she'll say, then turns to smile at her imaginary friend and unnnh. Ah, to be queen ~ the true queen of hearts . . . Jessie.

(Sam, Jessie's boyfriend and the birthday girl last year)

Can't wait for tomorrow . . . . unnnnnhh!!!

Dora

Sneak (p)review of where I WAS going with this blog 2 weeks ago . . .

 

Look forward to talking to you in the next few days.

Thanks for reading along,

Dora