Aria

I admittedly have written very little about Aria. There are many reasons/excuses for this - none of which I am proud. Some of my crazy head talk includes thinking that Georgia may think that I have forgotten her or found some kind of replacement. I have also considered the idea that some people that are grieving the loss of a child or have a child with SMA may not want to hear all about Aria. I also know that despite the fact that everyone always says that you shouldn't compare your kids, I do - ALL THE TIME. I just can't help it! I don't love any one more than the other. They're all different and I think about how they are the same and how they are different every day. Aria, having three older sisters gets the most of this.

Aria is now almost five months old. She is actually the spitting image of her sister Georgia except that she doesn't have the same thick head of hair. A doctor from the hospital recently met her and looked like he had seen a ghost. He even made reference to the fact that she has the same eyes as her angel sister. The difference however, is that while Georgia's eyes were calm and full of wisdom, Aria's are mischievous and determined.

Aria is quick to smile but slow to laugh. She seems to save her laughter for her sisters. She is always entertained when Calla and Maya are around. She is a very content baby for the most part but quite serious. She is always busy but is also very calm. She only ever cries if she needs something and is easily soothed.

Aria is strong. She rolls from her back to her stomach and brings her knees up. The other day she was reaching out for the blanket trying to pull herself forward. She has also started to roll in one direction. I could just see all of the neurons firing in her brain as she figured out that she could actually move towards something. Man, am I in trouble! : ) The first time that I put her in her exersaucer, she stood up straight to look around...and I cried. She also likes to bounce around in the jolly jumper and every once in a while I have to catch my breath.

There is my baby girl with big blue eyes reminding me that life is good. There is my baby girl reminding me to slow down and take a breath. There is my baby girl forcing me to continually remind myself about what is important in life.

The word aria of course means a melody and our Aria's melody is just so sweet. I truly believe that Georgia is nothing but thrilled for us. Because Georgia knows my heart she understands that the joy I find in everyday with her sisters will never mean that I have stopped missing or loving her. And, while I find October an especially hard month I am just so grateful to the continual surprises that my girls, but most of all Aria keeps showing me.

Love to you all,

Kristen