Peace and Light

One year ago, we welcomed a sweet baby boy into our hearts and arms.

We named him Oliver Luke.

Oliver, meaning olive tree (a symbol of peace) and Luke, meaning light. He has certainly lived up to his name, bringing so much peace and light into our lives.

Oliver's birth healed me in many ways. I remember his first cry and how relieved I was to hear his sweet song of health (and how I cried too at the sound of it). For a long time after Elijah was born I could barely say the word "birth" without crying and being fraught with anxiety. Oliver has allowed me to celebrate birth again, a priceless gift.

The past year has flown by as they tend to when you have a baby in your arms and then on your hip and then walking through your house. It's been a gift to be able to observe typical development, to watch things just happen without my constant positioning and therapy and intervention. These boys of ours remind us that it's a miracle any of us make it to adulthood able to eat, walk, talk, or breathe. Every  life, regardless of ability, is a miracle from God and we feel so blessed by the gifts God has given us.

Little brother Oliver is a goofy, sweet, affectionate, independent guy. He's been walking for about a month now and adores his big brother. He really is a light in our lives, full of silliness and a sense of humor.

A year ago I could hardly imagine what it would be like to have another child. Today, I cannot fathom a world without Oliver in it.

Happy first birthday, Oliver. Mom, Dad, and Elijah love you so much.

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