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We were able to get away last month for Fall Break. It actually felt like a real vacation this time spending 5 nights away. Looking at the calendar, I knew that it would encompass Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I brought a yummy candle along to light that night. I didn't mention it to our host until I saw an image of a turtle that someone had painted on an electrical box. She was wondering why I was jumping out of the car to take a picture. The next night, we were at a fun hotel and there was a Lego ladybug model in our room. I was seeing signs of others' angels all around, so I reached out to both angel moms and they got right back. I was even able to visit with one of them when we were in L.A. I don't normally do things like that, but it just felt so right. Maybe it was my angel telling me to reach out to these gals. I like to think of it that way.

There is just something about the ocean that makes me feel more peaceful. The weather was perfect. We took advantage of some free events at the Natural History Museum in San Diego for autism families and a homeschooling day at the La Brea Tar Pits. We had so much fun! It was neat to see T be chatty with another boy around his age at one of the hotel's pools. We just ache for typical experiences for him and this was especially cool to see. It is a good thing that D got his fill of salt water taffy because he just had his second phase of braces put on earlier this week. He is somewhat miserable, but he knows it is only for a year. I cannot believe that my first preemie is going to be thirteen next week! 

D has had his eye on a toy that came out at San Diego's Comicon. It is the only thing he has been asking for, so it will be nice to see him unwrap it. It might be the last "toy" we buy him as he is getting older. He keeps telling me that it is for his collection. He even keeps the boxes and packaging. He gets his birthday off this year as it lands the day before Turkey Day this year. We are keeping his party small with just us. We have plans to eat at his favorite place for lunch and do whatever it is that he wants to do that day. In the evening, he is going to a Coyotes hockey game to help sell 50/50 raffle tickets for a non-profit near and dear to our hearts. How many kids volunteer on their own birthday? I know! Well, as it turns out, because he is so awesome and special, he is in for a surprise. He is going to get to ride the zamboni that night! Yup, there were tears when I read that email. We have not told him yet and he will not find out until he gets to the game. I just hope that he enjoys the moment and that hubby gets some good pics.

So, thirteen years ago today, I was on my second day of bedrest. I was 31 weeks pregnant and I was at a routine appointment when my OB was admitting me to the hospital. I was so scared and was living day by day in the hospital. I was not focused on anything but my baby boy, trying to keep him safe inside for as long as I could. I still remember it all as if it were yesterday. D made me a mom. After his several weeks in the NICU, he came home. He was such a joy that he gave me courage to try again and again. I am so thankful for the chance to be a mom, their mom. I learn so much from him and he is my hero, more than he will ever know. 

Mammoth at La Brea Tar Pits

Pumpkin Patch in CA