I decided to believe that God threw a couple of stomach bugs at us over the last two weeks to show us that caring for two healthy (relatively speaking) kids is actually pretty easy. I've been a little frustrated and sleep-deprived, but I am really trying to remain positive and laugh about these situations. So I wanted to write an uplifting post, with some thoughts that have been on my mind in the last couple of days.
If there is anything that Brenna's birth has taught me, it's that the choices we make about how we react to situations have such a meaningful impact on our lives - not only for that particular situation but for everything going forward.
I don't think there's a day that goes by that I don't struggle at some point with maintaining a positive attitude, though some days are definitely easier than others. Faith in God's ultimate plan certainly helps.
I am becoming more aware of choosing how I react to each challenge we face when it comes to caring for Brenna. And I am choosing to look not at what is different from a baby without these special needs, but to cherish her uniqueness.
Instead of missing the smell of Johnson & Johnson's baby lotion, I am choosing to love her little Aquaphor scent.
Instead of lamenting the fact that most days I don't have time for makeup and hairstyles and jewelry, I'm choosing to savor the opportunity for a hot shower.
Rather than trying to limit the Aquaphor stains on my clothes, I am choosing to snuggle my baby without concern for my shirts. (who needs nice clothes anyway?!)
Instead of focusing on any limitations she might have because of her skin, I'm choosing to look forward to all that she is doing and all that she will achieve in the future.
I'm choosing to look at the big picture rather than dwell on the small challenges we face each day. I'm choosing to rejoice in each successful bath/skincare treatment and newly shedded skin instead of dwelling on the fact that our lives now revolve around baths and skincare treatments.
Each day, I'm making it a point to stop for a moment and thank God for these wonderful gifts that he has given us. I'm choosing to laugh instead of cry when I'm frustrated. I'm choosing happiness.
THANK YOU Courtney for reminding us we have a choice. If we want to be miserable we will but we can choose happiness and thank God every day for the little things he gives us. You and your family are my daily dose of God's blessings. I can't wait to get on here and read about your little family. I have been working on some clothes for her and little hats. What size is Connor wearing? I want to get him something special. Hugs to you, Evan, Connor and Brenna. Vicky and Jeff Keever
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki! Connor is usually in 2T right now...thank you for the nice comments! :)
DeleteYOU. INSPIRE. ME
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love following your blog and Brenna's story. She is a beautiful little girl and so lucky to have you as her mama!
ReplyDeleteBrenna looks adorable! I follow your post everyday and you truly are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inspiration. Attitude of gratitude - priceless. My kids gave me a "Book of Positive Quotations" for Christmas (the Lord knows I need it ;) Today's reading began -- "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~
ReplyDeleteAs I write in every post - you are all in my prayers! (PS Brenna looks just great, and the only time I wear "nice clothes" is for that special occasion when I get to go out to dinner with my spouse!)
that a great post my mum found it hard to look after me i am 28 now and i luvw=e my live and my family and friends if you need to know anything i will try and help
ReplyDeletefrom nusrit shaheen (nelly)
What an inspiring post! Your positive attitude and outlook is contagious!! We all need to catch a dose of it at some point. I read your post at the most perfect time. My husband is getting ready to travel for work, and with 3 kids (4, 2, and 7 months) and teaching full time, it's sometimes overwhelming when he's gone. Sunday nights before he leaves I tend to get a bit cranky. Thank you for reminding me to choose to be happy! I have 3 amazing children and it's better to have lots of company while he's gone:)) thank you for reminding me to choose happiness!
ReplyDeleteLovely post. And Miss Brenna looks adorable!
ReplyDeleteMissing you guys! Brenna looks wonderful!!! So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteKara Weigler
Thanks for being so raw with your journey! Not a day goes by that I dont check your blog. Our god is smiling down on you everyday. The day will come and your babies will grow up. Enjoy every minute! Too, this time shall pass. You are doing it all according to god will. God bless you! Keep that chin up .
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite picture of Brenna yet. She gets cuter every day! When you are tired, please remember to utilize all that have offered to come and help. You do not have to do everything alone. :) Continued prayers and support headed your way!
ReplyDeleteGod certainly knew what he was doing when he chose to give this little angel to you. You have all been such an inspiration and I'm reminded every time I ready your posts what truly matters in life. What a beautiful family - thanks for keeping us grounded. Blessings to you all.
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog and I want you to know your daughter is adorable. I just prayed for her and for your family. Thanks for being such loving parents.
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney! I learned of your new little sweetie via springfieldmoms. I have been praying for her since...i try to check back every couple weeks. Your post today is something I needed to read. I have a high maintence little guy, and I need to keep focusing on the positive rather than the lack of sleep and exhaustion, etc. You have such a beautiful little girl...wishing you and your family the best!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this important reminder - we can't always choose or change our circumstances, but we DO always have a choice as to how we react!
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are a blessing to many!
Courtney, thank you for being such a blessing to those of us who are caring for a child with chronic needs. You are absolutely correct that happiness is a choice. We cannot control what is handed to us, but we have total control as to how we handle it. You have a beautiful gift of communication and a beautiful spirit. Brenna is so beautiful - and I absolutely love the pic for today. She is certainly pretty in pink!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and Evan, Connor and Beautiful Brenna.
Your blog and posts keep me remembering that life is a series of ups and downs and we need to focus on all the wonderful moments. Thank you for sharing you family's story with all of us. You are all beautiful people on the inside and out and I think that God has a great plan for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your hills and valleys. Today's blog reminds me of the Abraham Lincoln quote: "People are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog through Kelly's Korner. I am a missionary mom of six living on the Amazon River in Brazil. I've recently been struggling with "choosing happiness" in whatever comes my way. Thank you for the reminder today. You've been such an encouragement!
ReplyDeleteKristi
It's Monday night, I'm getting ready to go to bed, and I'm going to say a Rosary for Brenna and the entire Westlake family. God bless you all - hope you have a peaceful night.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite quotes comes from a Coldplay song and says "Blessings and curses are choices".
ReplyDeleteWay to go on CHOOSING happiness! Continued prayers for your family.
Just wanted you to know how amazing you are and how beautiful your sweet angel is. What a blessed little girl to be placed with such a wonderful Mommy and Daddy. You are all in my prayers. Please let me know if I can help you in ANY WAY! Much love and blessings, Courtney Roth (Tripp's mom)
ReplyDeleteI am a new reader to your blog, I came across it just this evening and just finished reading each and every entry tonight. May God Bless you and your beautiful family! Just know, my thoughts and prayers are being sent from GA.
ReplyDeleteRandom thought: Clothes laundering tips are probably that last thing on your mind but in an effort to not ruin all of your clothes.... Small tip you might want to try on clothes with Aquaphor stains - rub some Dawn dish detergent on the stains then wash as normal. My husband loves to tinker/fix things - I have found that Dawn gets out most of his oily/grease spots.
Great post! Thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective : ) It's one we should each adopt ... choosing to count our blessings and make the positive choice. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs!
Lisa Rigoni
For a little while now I've been keeping up with what's happening with Brenna and with you all.
ReplyDeleteI defy anyone who finds out about Brenna and her story not to fall in love with her. She is so, so beautiful. I think she is the child you were always meant to have.