Believe me, they are doing great. Both Bay and Bree are growing and little personalities are blossoming. They both coo and smile upon my smiles and prodding. So beautiful.
Matt, myself and all 5 kids braved a "blizzard" to bring the girls in for the genetic testing last week. We're wanting to know if the mutated connexin 26 genes is what has caused Aubrees ANSD, and we
tested Bay to know whether or not she is a carrier and also to know whether or not to keep watching her hearing. There is a chance she has it and it could lead to a progressive hearing loss. 25%. My gut says she is the odd ball Steffen and will be clear of it, but who knows! It was a quick trip. We initially cancelled, but then upon not seeing a blizzard arrive, we decided to go. I wanted Matt there with me, and Our rescheduled Friday appointment was not an option for him. They draw blood from both of the arms of the babies, and it may sound silly, but I struggle with it. It's hard for me to watch. We ALL survived :). Matt was our hero, getting us there and back safely, and being the girls' comforter as I managed the other three. I'm such a lucky girl!
Kendra turned four! That just does not seem possible. These days, she talks about her Marley (my brother and sister in laws puppy). Everyday, she tells us how much her Marley and Zustin (Dustin) love her. It's true, she is a loved little girl! She is talking soooo good. It makes my heart smile when I think about her CI surgeon and our ENT leaving our last appointment and telling all the nurses within her path with such a proud voice "I can't believe how GOOD she is talking". She is a rockstar!
There are so many things to be happy about and so many things our family has proudly accomplished. We have survived the first 12 weeks of the twins life, and I still love my husband :). Kendra is writing her name and singing ABC's, Miles is counting and figuring out how to hold a pencil to write. Noah has just about finished his addition facts and headed on to subtraction, Matt just got named "outstanding Store Manager" for this year and I'm still nursing my girls. It's good, it all is.
It's been almost 7 years since my Dad lost his short battle with leukemia. It was so sudden, and I was so involved in his appointments that led up to his diagnosis. I brought him to the doctor and I sat in with him on his clinic appointment which ultimately led him to the hospital. I have these flashbacks and I wonder what he would have thought of his grand kids? I bet he would be so proud of Matt and his accomplishments at work and how he has been able to provide for us. I miss him.
In an attempt to not feel too sorry for myself, or the circumstances I have been challenged with, I started writing down my 'sparkles' (the little things that bring a smile to my face or just make me happy in general). I just thought I would share a few... Frozen cookie dough from friends, when Miles squeezes my cheeks to give me a kiss, tacos at my moms, shopping with my lil sister, getting my mile 'run' to 10 min - no judgement :), cards with friends, goodbye kisses from my hubby, Aubree smiles, Baylee coos, my brother Dylin taking kids sledding, the way Kendra adores her uncle Dustin, watching the way my mom effortlessly comforts my babies when they are fussy, seeing old friends, the way Noah kisses the babies the second he picks one of them up :). Isn't it funny how the smallest situations can provide so much joy? Isn't it even crazier how we can dismiss those little situations, move on and not embrace them?
I'm going to keep on recording my sparkles, then I can refer to them when I'm feeling I need a little boost. It's the little splashes of joy that delight my heart. Those teeny, tiny little magic moments that I'm able to enjoy have softened my soul. Lord, let my smile be an encouragement, my trials be my victory and my heart be open and honest for all those around me.
