One year has come and gone

A year ago on May 23rd we left our house headed to the hospital with what I thought was just some back pain. Upon arriving they immediately began poking and within thirty minutes we were headed into our c-section. I got to kiss Jax and McKinley quickly before they were taken up to the NICU and never even got to see Allie. The first week in the NICU I got to hold them individually but it wasn't until Memorial Day that I was finally able to hold all three of my tiny miracle babies. They were all hooked up to multiple wires but our nurse that day helped to make it possible. It was a sacred moment for me as a mother and I was overcome with emotion. Jose decided it would be a tradition every year on Memorial Day to take a picture with my three kiddos all lined up in a row on my lap.
This year has brought some challenges as well as some of the most happy times of our lives. We have grown in ways we never wanted to but we couldn't imagine it any differently. Allie is the oldest by one minute but is our petite little princess. She has a serious face especially around other people but she has a contagious laugh when she gets going. She has a natural bug for anything musical and she can't help but move when a beat is heard. She can be crying but still rocking to a beat, she just can't help herself. We love our princess.
McKinley is our strong-willed and determined child. She has always been so curious of her surroundings and has been active since day one. She loves to smile and copy whatever we do. She is taking steps but she gets too excited and gets a little ahead of herself. She seems to be the ring leader and we hope she uses that influence for good. We love our McKinley.
Jax is an adorable little mommas boy. He loves his mommy which I don't mind and he has such a fun personality. He also is the only one that has attached himself to a blankie! He loves to follow his sisters around and make them laugh. He is our little walker and will soon be our first on foot. He is a great brother to Allie and McKinley and I hope he keeps that bond with them. Jax we love you and are so happy you are in our lives.
We tried for five years to start our family and encountered disappointments along the way as many couples do. We are so grateful every day for these three little ones who have blessed our lives in so many ways. One year down, seventeen more to go!