Have A Little Hope.

Here she is; the fabulous, famous, and ADORABLE Hope Beatrice Kurth.

If this picture doesn't say Happy Mother's day, I don't know what does.  That's her mom too, my dear friend, Mo.  

Hope was born on october 31, exactly 30 days after I left to come to Sing.  So seeing her was high on my list of things to do the minute I landed.  She was worth the wait.  One look into those beautiful bluish brown eyes, and I was captivated.  And don't get me started on her hair.  I told Maureen all throughout her pregnancy that I hoped she had a fiery red head, not unlike herself.  Boy, did she get it.  Hope rocks the mohawk like a surly punk rocker, with betty boop femininity.  She makes it work, and one bat of those incredibly long lashes, and you're a goner. I spent an afternoon getting my fill of head sniffing, ogling and staring in wonderment at this perfect expression of God (thanks, Mo).  No matter your beliefs, when you see Hope, you just know everything happens for a reason.  She is love, faith and grace all wrapped up in one perfect package.

Maureen and her husband Joel, had a baby boy too.  Will was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, and passed away after 3 very difficult months.  They survived every parents worst nightmare, with spirit and souls intact, albeit a little broken. They proved just how strong you can be when you are faced with the unimaginable. They took a huge, courageous leap of faith (and hope) and decided to try for another baby.   Mo's pregnancy was exciting, scary, and a little tense.  I'm sure I am not even scratching the surface on what they felt, and I won't try to.  As a friend so far way, I felt helpless as how to best support my friend.  I'd shoot an occasional email, send her good vibes, and pray everything turned out ok.  I know as a friend, I wish ease and peace for the people I love.  It hurts when they don't get it.   They have shown me once again, with grace, and determination that things really do turn out the way they are supposed to.  Seeing her was a very precious moment for me, and I will never forget it.  She is everything I imagined and so much more.

You can read all about Hope and her brother, The Mighty Will here.  Her parents do an amazing job of blogging about the joys and trials of having a special needs baby.

Things in Michigan are going great.  I had knee surgery, and am feeling pretty good.  If anything, just frustrated that I'm not moving better, sooner, but apparently you need to rest after surgery, and I'm not good at that part.  My dad had his hip replaced this past week and is doing amazingly well.  He's a little surly, but is moving well, and trying to stay on top of the pain.  My mom and I are enjoying the time together, and she's teaching me to knit.  Larry and I spent a beautiful weekend in Washington, visiting Ryan and Annabella.  Look for those pictures soon (speaking of captivating red heads....ooooh man is she a looker!)  Deb and I got to see our husband sanctioned boyfriends (BNL), and it was yet another squeal inducing afternoon!! (um, yeah, they totally know us!!!!)

Happy Mother's day to all you mommies out there!

xoxoxo

Pam