Fierce

So I think it's probably obvious by now that there is a baby in our house. And though I can't share her whole story at this point (and it may be a loooong time before I can), it's impossible not to mention her or pretend her entrance hasn't changed our entire world.

To say that she came into our lives unexpectedly would be the understatement of the year, friends. But, in retrospect, I honestly believe that's the best way it could have happened for everyone involved. And it also explains why I kept seeing my baby verse - from THREE YEARS ago - plastered EVERYWHERE as the calendar turned from 2013 to 2014. I was confused and refused to read anything into it because, let's face it, once you've lost a baby it's just hard to believe it will or can ever happen again.

Not to mention the fact that she was so tiny and needed someone around who was comfortable with fragile babies who need extra care. Someone who would know exactly what to look for and how to treat her immediately so something seemingly small didn't turn into a huge ordeal for one so young.

Enter Tonto. Who, by the way, said tiny babe wrapped around her finger IMMEDIATELY.

And she does have extra needs. Things I never dreamed of doing with Taylor when she was this age. But it's become our new norm. And lately as I've read so many stories about preemies and the challenges they had and do still face, I realized one more miracle: the baby's health itself.

Because she is a fighter. And she is fierce. And she's literally had almost no major health issues despite being so early.

We are so blessed to have her. To be able to snuggle her. And to love on her. While I won't pretend that there have been no bumps in the road regarding other areas of the situation, the one perfect and innocent angel involved is the one whose face I so wish we could share. 

Because, y'all...she is BEAUTIFUL.

But one day, friends...one day she'll have an amazing story to tell. And, no matter what happens, we'll be some tiny part of that story. And I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

What's blown me away, though, are the number of people who had said things along the lines of how lucky she is to have us. And I understand the sentiment. Honestly. But every time I hear those words, I realize how the very opposite is true. Because just like Taylor has saved me from myself more times than I can count, this tiny one has healed a part of my heart I was absolutely convinced would remain broken - in some way - forever.

And, yes, she is little. But my, oh my, is she also fierce.