Birthday {in cell phone pictures}

Ok, so turning thirty has never seemed great.
It always seemed, until recently.....to be a turn of events in the way of growing older.

The day I turned thirty was the best day I have had in as long as I remember......and the blessings have seeped over into today......

I started my day out with some Paysen and Phinlynn snuggles.......
Then headed over to the hospital to see my other boys....
Devan and I drank coffee together while Parklen snoozed away.

At about 9 in the morning a cab met me downstairs........
As I climbed inside, alone......i knew I was in for an adventure.

The hospital volunteers office was sending me down town.........
I was going to a spa.

I walked inside and instantly felt incredibly relaxed.
The sweet gal at the desk escorted me back to a Eucalyptus steam room......
I spent quite a while just sitting there......breathing in the steam and letting my body relax a bit more.

After putting on my given spa robe and sandals, I headed out to my appointments.

I walked behind the desk girl as she lead me up a flight of stairs and into the "relaxation room."
While I sat there in silence sipping on my lemon infused iced water, I found myself getting lost in the flames of the candle in this dimly lit room.

It was so calming to watch.
I had little worry.
I knew that all of my children were being cared for......
I knew that there was no place I was needed just then......and that tiny flame was just enough to occupy my thinking.....the flickering made me smile.
I cannot remember the last time I was sitting in a bath robe, relaxing.....
I cannot remember the last time I sat in silence....complete silence.

A woman entered the room and took me back for a massage.
She spent much time and effort working on the knots throughout my shoulders.....
I could just feel the tension melting.....
I debated just staying on the table for a nap after she had finished.....
Instead, I was lead back to the relaxation room...

A new woman entered and I followed her to another room.
I enjoyed a manicure and pedicure.....
I'm sure that the room full of women found me a bit weird....
I didn't have conversation to add to their topics....
There was not more than just a couple of words that left my lips the entire time.

I just sat there........
breathing.
I just sat there.
In a room where I was not needed.....
where no one knew one thing about who I was.
I just took in the moments.
The lack of the word "mommy"

The spa experience was so delightful.
It was so relaxing.
I needed that.

Afterward I jumped back into a cab and headed back to the hospital.

I spent some time with Parklen, who had still been asleep when I had left hours earlier.
He was grinning ear to ear with excitement as he handed me three presents.
"I wrapped them myself." He said as I studied the pink paper.
He could hardly contain himself as he watched me rip them open one by one.

After a while I headed back to the apartment.....
I watched as Paysen had some fun with silly string.
Phin slept across the room as we enjoyed one anothers company.

One of Paysen's most favorite friends came down to play with him and Phin while Devan and I went to dinner.

We went to a fancy restaurant.
I was generously gifted with a card for the BEST steak I have ever had.

Devan and I enjoyed each others company and laughter as we took in the scene.
Ten years worth of birthdays flashed before my eyes.....
all of them with this man.

Most of them sitting across the table from him for a celebratory meal.
I could see that 28 year old man..the one who first stole my heart.
I could see him every year thereafter.
His smile,
His hand touching mine.
His ever present sense of humor.
His love for me written on his face.....so very visible to me.....even through the dim lights.
This man.
My husband.
There was live music playing in the background......
Our food was so delicious......
As I stared at Devan I couldn't help but smile and I just could not believe how blessed I was and am.

Of course..........since I was turning 30, I treated myself to a creme brûlée........
It was worth every bite.

There was a moment when the waitress asked if we had big plans to celebrate on the town after dinner......
we both smiled at each other........
She couldn't have known that our after meal plans consisted a trip over to Target.........
did you know I love this store?

We spent a bit more time with Parklen and then headed back to the apartment....
Parklen's Nana was staying at the hospital and the rest of us at the apartment....
We spent the rest of the evening talking with my friend and watching Paysen dance.

As I laid in bed last night I thought to myself......
I could not have possibly had a better birthday.....
and then I woke up today.

I woke up to a video made by a friend.....
I have watched it many many times since this morning.
Each time, I cry.
I love these three babies so much.
watch the video here

Thought.....you know?  Things cannot get better than this.....
And then I spoke to Parklen's nurse.
The doctors declared today that the bone marrow is officially engrafted.

It is the news we have been waiting for.
It means so much.

It means that Paysen's bone marrow that was given to Parklen is being recognizing by Parklen's body as its own.
It is reproducing.
It is growing.
It is where it needs to be.

It means that Paysen's gift is not just working,
it is working quickly.....
It means that Parklen's days in the hospital are numbered.......

It means that God answers prayer.

It does not mean that the war is over.....
but this battle is won.
The fight for Parklen's health will wage on.....for years to come.
But this is no small victory we have......
this is big.
The official start of the rest of his life.....

Now that is a good gift.....
no, a great gift.....
the perfect kind.


and with that I declare the BEST birthday..................ever.