The O'Dell Family: Tori Turns 2

Well, it is official-Tori is no longer a baby but a toddler. I’m not sure I will be able to stop referring to her as my baby, but she has been well on her way to toddler-hood for several months. It is hard for me to believe she has been with us for 2 years already; it seems like just yesterday I was learning we were having another baby. While I truly believe all children are miracles, I am amazed at the miracle of Tori. When we lost the baby in June of 2006, I wasn’t sure we would ever have another baby. When I found out I was pregnant with Tori, I was thrilled, yet terrified of losing her. Just days later I started having trouble and thought it was the end of this pregnancy as well. After rushing to the Dr. I was surprised to learn I was carrying twins. While the shock of this was settling in, I also received the news that it appeared I was in the process of losing one of them, but I would just have to wait until my next appointment to find out for sure. I ultimately did lose the baby and have wondered over the past two years what life would have been like with Tori and her twin. Times like her birthday are bittersweet, as I thank God for the time we have had with Tori but mourn the loss of her twin. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and God gives you only as much as you can handle, so I try to just be thankful for each day with Tori and to not take away from the wonders she brings to us daily.

Her birthday, despite being on the same day as Easter, was still a special day for us. We celebrated with singing and yummy cookies at Gamma and Pappi’s. She was in a good mood despite no nap, and the day was perfect. She is funny, loving, cuddly, and ornery all rolled in to one big ball of adorable. She finds ways to test my patience, at the same time melting my heart with her smiles, hugs, and kisses. I am amazed at all the things she has accomplished in her life, and I can’t wait so see what the future holds for her.

Here she is while everyone is singing to her