Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Part 2: Quinn's List

First of all, Eric and I wanted to thank everyone for their love and support for our cute growing family. We have been overwhelmed by the kind words, actions and thoughts that we have recieved. Sharing our story about Quinn was not the easist decision but we know what a difference he has made in our lives and can only hope that we can help or reach someone else out there.

Eric and I found out about Quinn's diagnoses Memorial Day weekend. I'm not sure there are words to describe the feelings and emotions that came to us. The best single word I can use is "shattered". Your whole world feels like that. All the hopes and dreams that you had, not just for us as a family but as your first child, your first son. That's what I had the hardest time with. I couldn't turn my brain off from thinking of all the things we had planned for him.  I'd thought of his Daddy being so happy and proud and taking him to the U of U football games at the end of the season this year and how we would keep him warm. I'd thought of our first Christmas together as a family, having another stocking hung on the fireplace and what I would fill it with. I'd already pictured him crawling, then walking, then kindergarten and so forth. And my brain wouldn't stop. Shattered. All shattered.

Eric had a very special, and very inspired, thought. Instead of thinking of all the things we "couldn't" do with Quinn, we needed to focus on the things that we ARE doing with him. And right there changed everything for us. Nightly we sit down and talk about our day and/or find time to do little things that we want to share with him. We don't have a checklist of things we want done, we just get to reflect and enjoy all those "little moments" I took for granted before. I know most people never even think twice about what they are doing when they are pregnant but it has been such a blessing and  a comfort to us.

This is the special journal that we bought to write these precious moments down. It's perfect isn't it? :)

As of today, he has 19 FULL pages of things that we have been doing with him over the last 8 weeks!! Some things that are on there...

  • Snuggle with Mommy and Daddy every morning
  • Celebrated with Daddy his first Father's Day and Mommy for her first Mother's Day
  • Roasted marshmallows with Grandma and Pops in their backyard
  • Went to the Living Planet Aquarium
  • Ate late night breakfast at Denny's with Uncle Dane, Aunt Aubrey, Grandma, Pops, Mommy, Daddy and friend Dan
  • First road trip!!
  • Went to Disneyland! :)
  • Played baseball with all the Burton cousins, Aunts and Uncles
  • Rode in a convertible
  • Ate your first wedding cake
  • Fed the ducks

And the list goes on and on and on!!! He is such a loved little boy! :)

6 comments:

  1. This post is beautiful, Nicole :)

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  2. Nicole -I was so sad to hear about your baby. Thinking about you and praying for you.
    -Angela (Maddocks) Burkhart

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  3. that journal of all the things you are doing with him already is such a good idea! i absolutely love it. and i love you, collee. you're an amazing example of strength to everyone around you. hope to see you soon. love.

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  4. I am so humbled and inspired just reading this. Thank you so much for sharing. You are already such a wonderful mother!

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  5. Sweet Nicole, what a wonderful mom! I'm so sorry for your heartaches. My prayers will be with you and your family. Love!

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  6. the journal is such a wonderful idea!! and what a great perspective to have, i would have never thought to pay attention to all that you are sharing with him now, i absolutely love it. and what a treasure for you guys to always have. i've come to realize that life almost always never turns out as you expected it to. we have disappointments, trials, shatterings (such a perfect way to describe it), joys and happiness too. and through all that your attitude is what will get you through these things. i am so grateful you and eric have each other, and know you are loved by so many others who are here for you always! love you miss nicolio.

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