I grew up with two older brothers, and I always imagined that I would have three children in the family that I created. Two big brothers and a baby sister. I always liked having big brothers who would keep me in line, tease me relentlessly and love me unconditionally. This was my idea of a family.
When Mark and I started our family and learned that our first child was a boy, it was all going to my master plan. Liam was given the middle name Andrew after my oldest brother. They share the same bold laugh, nervous energy and nerdy hobbies. When we learned we were expecting our second child I thought for sure we would have a saecond son and name him Alec Michael after my middle brother Mike. Lydia surprised us and gave us the gift of a daughter and to add one more amazing woman to this world. I was shocked, thrilled and excited for this curve ball to my ‘dream’.
Daddy and Liam (age 7)
Our third child was born on December 1st, just a few short weeks after Lydia’s birth. This third child would be the most challenging of all.
One of my many tools for self preservation is that I have accepted that I have three children. Liam, Lydia and Muscular Dystrophy.
Liam, age 5, Lydia age 2.
Liam likes to read, play with Legos, write notes to friends and make any item into a sword.
Lydia likes fairies, the movie Shrek, and playing with my pony tail.
Muscular Dystrophy requires a lot more attention and heartache. MD means visits to doctors, physical therapists, meeting with teams of teachers, and fighting with insurance companies. MD wakes me up at night, and doesn’t give me sweet baby skin to snuggle, but instead requires me to be on my game. I can’t let MD get away with anything, and I can’t relax with MD.
Mommy and Lydia (age 4)
I have a favorite child. It’s Liam when he snuggles me goodnight. It’s Lydia when she helps her big brother off the floor. My third child is a pain in the butt, but it’s here to stay.