Just a Piece

I have had some interactions with fellow zebra Moms today that has made me really think about how I view my children. Since the day Maggie was diagnosed I have wanted from the bottom of my soul to parent them so they will be as well-rounded, "normal" and sane as possible. I wanted to give both Maggie and Ricky a chance to be more than just "a sick kid with pid". They both have Selective IgA Deficiency but it is only a part of them, it does not define them.

I was mulling this over as I watched them play today. It made me smile to see them dancing and jumping. They are both happy kids with ready smiles. So far, I feel we have given them the stability and love to walk along this journey. And were we or they have struggled, we have reached out for help. But I began to smile as I watched them and mused over who they are.

I want to share some of my thoughts:

Maggie is my strong, determined and independent one. She is the consummate first born. A perfectionist always striving to be the best at everything she does. I have realized lately that she has quite the competitive streak. Maggie was the baby who decided she didn't want the bottle or it was time to pee-pee in the potty. Many times I just followed her lead. She knows what she wants and she goes right for it.

But for all her strength, she has a huge and soft heart. She loves her little brother fiercely and always is looking out for him. Maggie readily shares and never wants any of her friends to be sad. She is my cuddler and loves to give out the hugs and kisses. She is a talker and very smart. She is observant and creative. Maggie is my sunshine.

Ricky is my breath of fresh air. He is silly and loves to smile. Ricky is a Momma's Boy and revels in the role. He loves to cuddle up with me and watch a good Dora. Yes he is the couch potato who would rather watch Dora than go out and play in the snow. He is a summer kid who loves running around in the grass with his shoes off. He belly laughs frequently and talks non-stop.

Ricky has a quick temper but it lasts only a second. His best friends are Bear and his big sister. Ricky thinks Maggie walks on water. He cries when she goes to school and screams with excitement when she comes home. He can tear apart a room and get into trouble faster then I can say boo. He takes things apart to figure out how they work on a daily basis. Ricky is the child who will give me a heart attack jumping off the couch or dive bombing down the stairs. He is all boy thru to the heart. Ricky is my laughter.

You see each one of my kids has a special place in my heart and soul. I love them both with everything I have but I love them differently. And the important thing to remember is that I love them not as a pid child but as a child who happens to have pid. They are the greatest blessings God has ever shared with me. All I ever truly wanted to be was a Mom and at times I thought it was not meant to be. But then these 2 angels entered my life and it was complete. You see no matter what happens in the future, it will all be as it is supposed to be. And it will be wonderful b/c I get the honor of being Maggie and Ricky's Momma.