She was bright blue from the umbilical cord having been wrapped around her neck. Stillborn. Even our doctor considered it for a moment. But that baby was strong and courageous and responded to the doctor and nurses who worked on her and eventually she let out a beautiful cry. It was the most precious sound I have ever heard.
Courage. That tiny little one has lived up to her name even before birth. Long before she was born we had decided to name our child Riley, the Irish word for "courage". Her middle name is Josephine after my Grandmother who was a wise, kind, and courageous woman. If Riley becomes even half the woman my Grandmother was, she will be a beautiful reflection of God's love.
Riley is blessed with two older brothers, Tyler and Sam, who are nothing short of amazing in regard to their sister.
From the first day they "met" her, they have been helping and protecting her. To those around these three, it is evident that they are a team, a youthful "Three Musketeers". I have grand dreams for them and can't wait to see the reality of God's even better reality for their futures.
Time has flown with our little ball of Courage. In 2 1/2 months she will be three years old. In the coming weeks we will take down her crib and she will sleep in a twin bed, she has already started to potty train, and all the baby toys have been given away or packed away for a garage sale.
She is no longer a toddler wanting to be put in the baby swing,
but rather a daredevil who makes her "banana swing" go as high as her little body can make it go.
Naps are giving way to longer family trips and more adventures. Our youngest is becoming, truly, her own entity with ideas and plans and the ability to enact her plans!
Stay courageous and curious, little one.
