Can it be, they're now 3?!!

Not so long ago, on a cold December night, this very uncomfortable mama became the mother of 3 beautiful babies. Kayla, Braden and Daniel came fast and furious and before I knew it, I had two sons and a daughter. When your babies start life in the NICU, it's hard to get to know them right away. I felt so distant from them the whole time they were there. Sure I knew they were mine, I knew I would take them home. But it was hard to really connect when feeding tubes and oxygen masks are constantly in your way. But when we took our trio home and really settled into daily life, that's when the bonding started. I began to discover all the wonderful ways that God knit these beautiful children together and gave to me as the best Christmas gift ever. So yes, it is time for my annual reflections on these three, so please excuse the ramblings of this proud mama. :)

Kayla girl showed her personality early on. As any girl, she developed her opinions early on and was never afraid to make them known. She laughed easily and loved to dote on her brothers. She became mother hen early, ordering the boys around before she could even put sentences together. But also loving them so tenderly that it has often brought tears to my eyes. Kayla is a helper, a friend, and she wants everyone to be happy. She will extend a hand to a stranger and loves to tell everyone what is on her mind. She catches on to things quickly too (my first and only to be potty trained so far). Kayla also gets so excited about even the smallest things. Her face lights up and you just melt as you see her eyes sparkle. I love my Kayla for marching to her own beat, for her energy and charisma. I pray that God will use all her gifts in a big way as she continues to grow.


Braden was all boy right from the start. Even as a baby, he had a deep, throaty laugh, and hands and feet the size of mittens. He has always kind of been the leader of the pack. He did most things first and Kayla and Daniel loved to mimic his every move. Braden also knows what he likes and doesn't like very quickly and doesn't have a problem telling you that. He is greatly amused by his brother in particular, and enjoys roughhousing with daddy as any young boy would. Braden has shown incredible strength and resilience too. Even as he continues to struggle with seizures, he has always been an incredible patient, wowing the nurses and doctors with his patience and calm composure. He is Mr. Manners around here too with please and thank yous that can't help but make any mother proud. My prayer for Braden is that all his early challenges and trials will shape and mold him into a strong godly man who stands firm in His faith.


Daniel, my silly boy. He was always my smiler, the big flirt with the camera. I still have a hard time taking a bad picture of this kid! He was squawking and growling early on, already for his own amusement. He loves to laugh, and he really has one of those contagious ones that's hard to resist. Daniel, like his father, is also a boy of intense concentration. I used to think maybe I needed to get his hearing checked because my voice was so easily tuned out. But I've learned that Daniel is often in his own world, consumed with watching how something works or engrossed in his world of pretend. He is also my high energy boy. Who knew one kid could make so much noise! He's a one man band, and whether he's playing his makeshift drum set, playing his toy guitar, or singing his favorite songs, music seems to be in his soul. I'm anxious to see what God does with my talented boy. I pray that his passion for life will grow into a big passion for God that will be contagious to everyone he encounters.

And look how they've grown!!

 

First Birthday

 

 

Second Birthday

  

 

Just a few weeks shy of their 3rd Birthday

 

At 3 years old, the Hess trio is going strong! Unfortunately this Christmas, they came down with the flu so we are having a very quiet and not so exciting holiday. But we're thankful to be together. We're thankful for wonderful family and friends. And most of all, we're thankful for the incredible love of our heavenly Father, who loves us more than we're worthy of. Blessings to all of you this Christmas!!