Yesterday’s thankful post was on our amazing firstborn, Macey. Today, I’m following up with a post of thanks for our equally amazing second baby girl, Mariana.
Day 4: Mariana
We always knew we wanted to have at least two children. All we knew when we decided to try was that we wanted another child, a new addition to our family and a sibling for Macey. Initially, I had boy inclinations early in the pregnancy. I think this must have been because we already had one girl and we both grew up with opposite gender siblings. Well, it wasn’t too far into the pregnancy before I started thinking that I was probably having another girl. We had our “big” ultrasound on December 30, 2005 and despite the baby trying to be coy, we found out we were, in fact, having another baby girl! Two daughters…sisters…how awesome!! (And, yes, we would obviously have been thrilled with a son, but we were and are grateful that God blessed us so amazingly with two girls.)
While we had told Macey’s first name and kept her middle name a secret to reveal during her pregnancy, we decided to keep Mariana’s name completely under wraps to be revealed when she was born. Macey was named after my great-grandmother and Mickey’s paternal grandmother. So, we wanted a name for our new baby girl that would have family ties as well. We loved the name Anna, but didn’t have any family connections with that name. So, we took “Mari” from my Gran’s name (Mariclay — pronounced “mary-clay”) and came up with Mariana. (“mary-anna”) The only other person that knew the baby’s name, besides Mickey and me, was Macey and we only told her once in awhile to hear her say her baby sister’s name. 😉
Mariana was born on Sunday, May 14, 2006 which just so happened to be Mother’s Day. I will tell you in a second flat that she is the best Mother’s Day gift I have ever received. I had been working on labor for a few days and she finally decided to make her grand appearance on the afternoon of Mother’s Day. She had brown hair, but not quite as much as her sister. When she was born, I remember reaching down to touch her almost immediately and telling her “happy birthday, baby girl.” Yet again, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her. One of the first things we put on Mariana was a hat with her name on it — a big reveal of her sweet name.
One of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen in my life was Macey meeting her baby sister. My mom brought Macey to the hospital as soon as she was able on the evening she was born. Macey came into the hospital room wide-eyed and curious. She sat with my mom who held Mariana and Macey wanted to check out her new sister. My mom unwrapped the “baby burrito” Mariana was in as Macey asked to see her “bitty bitty hands” and her “bitty bitty feet.” The bond of sisterhood was already being formed. And, it is awesome.
With Mariana’s birth we learned that it’s true that loves multiplies – it does not divide. I should admit that I somewhat worried when I was pregnant with Mariana because I knew I loved Macey so much that I couldn’t imagine how I could split that love out enough to cover another baby. I know that sounds sort of weird, but it was a concern. Well, I shouldn’t have been worried. Our Creator equipped us to love equally, but separately with our children. I can honestly say that I love both of our girls completely and fully, while loving them individually. It’s really very amazing and I keep saying how blessed I am, but, seriously, that’s how I feel — so SO blessed.
Mariana has grown into a spunky, vibrant, lovely six (and almost “a half”) year old first grader. She loves singing, reading, playing with her dolls, creating art projects, and collecting stuffed animals. She has a sense of humor that keeps us cracking up. You honestly never know what this kid is going to say. She is the tormentor of our cat, Dasher. 😉 She is into all things girly and loves dressing up in pretties and costumes. You have never met a kid that appreciates snacks more than Mariana. She is one of those that is quiet in new situations, but warms up quickly. When you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, most likely she will tell you “a mommy.” Hearing her say prayers for her friend Bea is something that melts our hearts every night. I could never sum up our Mariana in words. She is our beautiful, sassy, amazing little girl who is always looking for the next adventure. And, there is no way our family would be complete without her.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7
Be blessed, y’all…
Kelly
Mickey with our two beautiful daughters – October 2012
