Letter to Sofie

Dear Sofie,

It's hard to believe you're already two years old. But when I think back to all you've been through over the last two years, it really seems like its been much longer. Your story is truly a miracle. We didn't know what would happen when you were born. All we could do was hope and pray that you would be strong enough to beat the odds and live a full and happy life.

After you were born, it became clear very quickly that your CDH was on the severe end of the spectrum. Severe enough to need ECMO, to be on a ventilator for the first 5 weeks of your life, to reherniate three times after your first battle. You've had so many hard fought battles for such a little girl. Not just to survive, but to thrive and have the amazing life that you have.

We've come to know many families like ours over the last couple of years. And I'll never understand why it is that we have been so blessed to have you here with us. We aren't any different, weren't any better prepared, didn't have any other reason to be so lucky to be holding you in our arms today. So many beautiful babies have fought just as hard as you. So many parents have prayed just as hard for their little ones. I will never know why our story has taken the path it has, but I couldn't be happier or more appreciative to have you.

I hold you a little more tightly, watch you sleep just a little longer, kiss you just a little more often, and watch you in amazement over and over, because I know what a blessing you are. Your first steps and first words meant so much to us, because there was a time when we weren't sure if they would ever come. To see you as a happy, giggling, ornery two year old just like any other is nothing short of a miracle to me.

Before you were born, you were meant to be just the way you are. And we couldn't love you more, for every bit of what that means.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy