Our rainbow baby was born July 16, 2015. After five years, three pregnancy losses, and one drama-filled traumatic pregnancy, we were blessed with our Evelyn. Her perseverance, strength, and overwhelmingly joyful disposition despite her continuing physical difficulties is wildly contagious and the light we desperately needed in our lives.
While we love our Evie to bits, finding ways to enjoy our baby is, at times, challenging. She has much to navigate on a daily basis: doctors’ appointments, ear infections, illnesses, constant antibiotics, medications, inhalers, wrist splint, brace shoes. Every day is a journey of balancing her physical and occupational therapy, fitting in suggested exercises, and helping her reach developmental goals that are not as easy for her as they are for other babies. Cognitively, she’s sharp as a tack; her watchful eyes never miss a beat as she cases a room, watches faces, and learns new tricks. She craves stimulation, activity, interaction, and most of all, fun. She knows how to find happiness in the small moments–a lesson we can all take to heart.
This contest (Help Evie Win) has been a enjoyable way for us to celebrate her. We can talk her up to friends, family, and acquaintances. We can monitor her progress, taking a page from Evelyn’s playbook and rejoicing in each vote we get. Whether or not she wins, or even becomes a finalist, we can finally enjoy having a daughter. We can have fun. We can enjoy the moment and forget the difficult.
This blogging community has been the support that buoyed me after we lost Sophia. Through it, I found my voice. I learned of others’ struggles. I showed support for their plight, and they for mine. It feels good to ask for support for something positive. Please show your love, support a special rainbow baby, and take a few seconds to vote.
Voting is open through June 29th at: Vote for Evelyn!
Laura Gaddis 