These 3 girls

I had these 3 girls in just over 3 years. These 3 girls were each surprises. I thought each of them was going to be a boy, but perfectly and beautifully knit by God, these 3 girls made me a "girl mom".

These 3 girls are the ones that made me a mom of "3 kids under 4". These 3 are the ones who taught me that I could juggle babies. These 3 are the ones who made me fall in love with the juggle and want to juggle more. These 3 are the ones who paved the way for the 3 that would come 3 years later.

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Today I had to take Abby to the children's hospital for an X-Ray to see if her Atlantoaxial instability had changed at all in preparation for spring Special Olympics. And there were some other errands to be run, and the big girls wanted to get out of the house. So Dad stayed home with the others and we spent the day together. Me and these 3 girls.

We shopped, talked, laughed, had lunch with Nana, and ran our errands.

And at one point, when we were at the hospital, I couldn't help but remembering when they were the only 3. When we would come to this same hospital for Abby as a baby.

Then, I had a double stroller, baby bjorn, diaper bag and 3 tiny girlies.

Today I had 3 beautiful, thinned out young girls walking next to me with wonderful manners to the nurses and smiles for passing patients. My wise, maternal Ashley... faithful, funny Emily... and loving, joyful Abby. As they watched the fish pond, I watched them. And I thought my heart might explode.

They don't remember life when they were the only kids in our family. Nor would I want them too. But I do. And it felt like yesterday.

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When we got home I was greeted at the door by my strong, silent Micah... my sweet, gentle Mabry... and my wild, sassy Kate. These 3 more pieces of my heart outside my body.

The 3 girls poured into the mix from behind me and it was like watching water mix with water. Hugs and stories and the oldest with the youngest on her hip. All my sweet children. A family that is perfectly and beautifully knit together by God.

It's not easy to have a big family. To have 6 kids 8 years apart and 2 with special needs. 5 girls and 1 boy. Lots of drama and never a dull moment.

But if you see me looking tired, just know that I love this juggle. I wanted it, the Lord blessed me with it, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm the one who gets to watch these babies transform into people. I get to pray for their owies and disciple them to love Jesus.

The days are long but the years fly by. And I've learned so much.... they've grown so much... since I had just these 3 girls.