Happy 2nd Birthday Drew!

Happy Birthday Drew!!! 2!!

We LOVE YOU!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z8sVpL0rz8

Reminiscing... 1rst Birthday Joys

Good friends

Some valuable snuggle time

Mr. McGillicuddy Jr. and Papa

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Boy!

Yesterday was Drew's second birthday and we celebrated the miracle of his life. While it was an emotionally charged day, it was also a magical day and Drew was a part of it in so many ways.

We started the day out by visiting his memorial plaque in the Garden of Angels. That was the first time for us, as we don't feel he is really there, but everywhere else. It was not as difficult as I imagined it might be, but it was definitely a very bittersweet experience. Peyton seemed to be alright with the idea that it was simply a place for us to remember Drew, one of many. He liked the idea that it was a place where others could remember him too, and that even people who didn't know him would be able to remember him. It was a very peaceful experience and we enjoyed our little Sunday service made up of our little family, surrounding Drew and surrounded by Drew. We are so glad we went.

Peyton brought a Transformer for Drew as well as a lucky penny he found, and as a family we brought the little frog for him. We chose a memorial marker with the little boy on the side because we wanted to be able to tell Peyton that we saw that as him, praying for God to keep Drew company.

Drew gave Peyton a kaleidescope as a special gift.

Peyton loves you so much Drew.

Peyton made himself right at home...

Showing Drew the treasures.

My boys...

Mommy's moment with Drew

Mommy's cause for so many smiles in spite of sadness!

The next part of the day was Peyton's favorite if you ask him. He was so excited about Drew's birthday party and wanted to make sure we invited people his age and decorated everything to the 9's. It had to be just right!

We weren't sure of the weather - they were predicting thunderstorms for the afternoon, but the afternoon turned out absolutely perfect. We couldn't have asked for better weather. The atmosphere was almost magical and our prayers for guidance navigating this experience seem to have been answered better than we could have asked for.

Some of the highlights of Drew's party for me were the lighting of our "Drew Candle" that stayed lit until the last person left and we blew it out with kisses, singing Happy Birthday to him while balloons floated on the breeze up to heaven, watching Jordan paint the expectant faces of the children, and most of all, the clouds at the end of the evening. Thank you to everyone who joined in the tribute - it was an experience I will treasure. The hole in my heart throbs with these words, because I so wish Drew was physically here to enjoy his day, but I felt the joy of knowing him and the peace of his new comfort as a salve to my heart throughout the day. It doesn't slow the tears from falling though, and I realize over and over how much I miss him and that I will love him forever and forever.

Balloons for Drew - his favorites!

Our Drew Candle
Upside down, but then you can read it!

Some of the creatures you could have encountered at the party:

The best part of the evening...

Coincidence?

Drew's feet topped my list of most loved spots to kiss, aside from his fuzzy head. If you look closely, you can almost imagine chubby baby feet in the bottom of this photo of the clouds. One with the toes, the other, just the back half of the foot. It was unmistakable in person, and I wish I could have captured it better with film. What a gift.

The baby foot again, surrounded by a hand. I would have needed a much bigger camera to capture this, but have you ever seen clouds like this? My Drew is loved, by both his family and by someone so much greater than I. I cannot imagine the depth of love my Creator has for us if He is willing to remind us in such a tangible way. I am so glad my Drew is in the lap of someone who loves him even more than I.

Thank you God.

I love you Drew. Mommy.