Monday, April 23, 2012

Our triplets recently had their eleventh birthday. I have no idea where the last 11 years went because it seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the NICU at UNC Chapel Hill praying fervently over 3 little loves. We are thankful for God's goodness and provision. They are His and we are thankful to have them as ours for a little while. In the midst of diaper changing and sleepless nights, we often can't feel how quickly time is moving. Suddenly we wake up and realize that more than 10 years have passed! Since we are in a new town, we had a small celebration for their birthday. Each child invited 2-3 friends to play tennis one afternoon. We wanted to include all of our new friends, but this was a fun little gathering. Earlier that day, I was running errands with Hurricane. We saw a Dollar Tree, so I ran in to buy plates and napkins. As we were checking out, Hurricane asked if we could buy some balloons. I have a fear of regular balloons because I know one too many stories of a child trying to blow up a balloon, inhaling it, and then passing away from suffocation. I trust that only God knows their time, but I am extra cautious with balloons. These were mylar balloons for only $1 each,so I let H pick out a balloon for each of them. We returned home with our 3 balloons and picked up the big 4 from school. My eyes welled up with tears when I heard our Boy say to his sisters, "THIS is going to be the BEST birthday ever!! We have BALLOONS!" I guess I have never bought balloons for any of their parties and they have always wanted them. What a precious thing to be so excited about at 11 years old. Yes, we do have balloons, sweet boy. It just may have to become a tradition.....