Monday, May 9, 2011

Happy Birthday Kendra!!

Dear Blog friends and followers,

Today I am NOT writing about CJ and Keagan, but I am writing about their mommy, whose birthday just so happens to be on May 10th. I just wanted to take a couple of minutes of your time and tell you a few things about Kendra and the way she has handled the circumstances of this past few weeks with such grace and maturity. Many of you know these things, but I just want to restate how proud we are as parents.

When the babies were born unexpectedly, Kendra felt compelled to get into her classroom and get it organized for the teacher that would take her place for the remainder of the year, even though she was still recovering from her own major surgery. She doesn’t walk away from obligations and wanted to finish strong even though everyone would have understood if she had just backed away and left it for someone else to do.

Kendra and Clayton made the decision to get the best possible care for their children by having them remain at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, even though it meant a more challenging living situation. Kendra has basically lived at the hospital for the past seven weeks, taking occasional breaks at Clayton’s mom’s house to rejuvenate or get a decent night’s sleep. This is just what a mom does when she puts her children’s best interests first.

Being thrown into “extreme” motherhood has suited Kendra well. She has gotten to know the medical terminology, the highs and lows of preemie babies, the day-to-day operations of a NICU and has embraced all of it in order to get her babies home as quickly as possible. 

There are other things, but for now I just want to express our gratitude that so many of you have cared enough to include Kendra, Clayton and the babies in your prayers. We thank you for doing that and today, the request is simple: please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Kendra!

*Baby updates will be coming soon! There are good things happening with CJ and Keagan, but today is Kendra’s day to be in the spotlight!! 

6 comments:

  1. I hope that Kendra has a wonderful birthday! Love the updates. They are doing so well.

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  2. Happy Birthday Kendra!! You are amazing and you deserve a day that is all yours!! We are thinking of you and hope you have a fantastic day!! Love you! Aunt Patty and family

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  3. Have a very happy birthday, Kendra! Not only are you blessed to have two beautiful babies, but they are certainly blessed to have YOU as their mom. You all remain in my prayers.

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  4. Happy Birthday, Kendra! You are a remarkable woman. God has given you great love, wisdom,and strength. I pray for you and Clayton, and C.J. and Keagan nearly every day.
    With my love and prayers,
    Susan Eriksson

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  5. Hope it has been a wonderful Day. You deserve it.

    We miss you but Know that you are where you need to be.

    Happy Birthday

    Mary Jo

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  6. Kendra, who knew that on your "29th" birthday you'd still be playing with naked babies!!! Clearly we should have been paying attention. Happy HAPPY birthday, Kendra!

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