Sibs

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I had planned on just one baby girl to finish off our family. I had my baby girl and that was all I needed. Maggie was it! I made plans and had dreams of all the things we were going to do. I didn't need anyone else but her to "complete" this family picture. Maggie was the center of our world and universe.

When Maggie was 16 months old, the pregnancy test showed the plus sign. A baby brother or sister was on the way. Maggie had no idea and no stress on the issue. I was a wreck. My plans had changed. What was I going to do? How could I manage two? Then we found out the baby was a boy. A boy! A positive because I felt Maggie might transition better to a boy. Negative because I had box after box of pink. We were blessed enough to have friends give us lots of hand me downs. I still stressed about how my baby girl was going to feel with all this change.

Jump ahead two years and I look back laughing at all the "plans" I had. God knew so much better what this family and I needed. Ricks is such a blessing to this family. He was the final piece of the puzzle to complete this crazy crew. When he looks at me with those beautiful eyes and that amazing smile, I know I am just completely in love. He is a Momma's Boy in every way and I love it. No one has ever looked at me like my son has. There is such unconditional love and acceptance in his eyes. Oh and not to mention the twinkle that shines so bright!

Ricks has made our family better and me a better Mom. Most importantly, he has made Maggie a better person. He loves her and follows her everywhere. She is one of his favorite people (next to Mommy and Bear). They fight like any siblings but they also love each other intensely. Maggie is extremely protective of him. And she is so sweet and nurturing when she bosses him around. Ricks gets so excited to play with her and finds her hilarious. I watch them play and bicker and it makes me envious that I never had a sibling so close in age.

Today I watched them belly laughing in the pool. Ricky was copying Maggie as she pretended to be a frog. They would jump and fall into the water. Each time they fell they would break out laughing in unison. In that moment I was so grateful that God followed His plan. He sent this angel down to us to brighten up our lives. He sent Ricks down to make Maggie less "the center of the universe" and more "the big sister". And he sent Ricks down to remind me that His plans always hold better miracles than mine.

Maggie told me she met Ricks in heaven and wanted him to be her brother. She explained that when she was born she started praying to God to send him to our family. She asked God just for Ricks to be her little brother. I have to tell you, I am glad Maggie had that conversation with God. And I am so thankful that God listened because my Little Man is one of the most amazing and magnificent surprises I have ever received in my life. Thanks again God for my angel boy : )