HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, HENRY!!

Surprise and Miracle. These are the 2 words that will always describe our Henry .

I remember exactly where I was standing when Audrey popped in one morning for a quick visit.  I was at my kitchen counter pouring a cup of coffee… you know, an ordinary moment on an ordinary morning that soon turned into the most extraordinary moment on the most extraordinary morning.

“Mom,” Audrey kind of just burst out, “I’m pregnant!”

Maybe I looked at her quizzically.  Maybe my mind swam with this 4th baby in an already family of 3 little boys.  Maybe.  Maybe.  Maybe.  But what my heart felt was joy beyond joy.  I could feel the joy in Audrey’s heart coming right into my own.  I could feel this tiny new life dancing and singing in her heart and soul and body.  I knew this little surprise miracle was coming because it was meant to be.

It was Henry in there.  Audrey and Matt’s 4th little boy.  The baby brother.  The baby.

I cannot even imagine life without our Henry.  His laughter.  His words… oh, the words and sentences and questions.  “Hi, Mam-a. Where’s Pop-up?” is his favorite.

“Pop-up is at Barrington Printing,” I always answer.

“Oh,” Henry says.

Then he starts with, “Mam-a. Where’s Janie?  Where’s Bri-an?  Where’s the puppies?  Let’s play games.  Where’s ‘Punge Bob’ (Sponge Bob)?”

His little voice.  His big heart.  Love surrounding him wherever he goes.  HENRY… so loved and so loving.  His big blue eyes and soft hair.  HENRY… who loves his brothers and his light blue Crocs that used to be Benjamin’s.  HENRY… who calls Benjamin “Baby.”  HENRY… who is called Henna and Henny and Hen and HennaWenna and Henrika and Henrito and HennaBenna and answers to each of them.  HENRY… who has found every way possible to keep up with 3 older brothers.  HENRY… who loves Rainbow Fish Crackers and Wheat Thins and apple slices all mixed together in a cup while watching Max & Ruby.  HENRY… who loves to brush his “teef.”  HENRY… who was meant to be and who gave us the gift of him 2 years ago today.

I will always remember June 15th, 2008.  Audrey was due to have her C-section in 2 days, and on that Sunday afternoon she came to visit with her 3 little guys.  NanaFlo would come, too.  Audrey and NanaFlo sat on our deck and talked and ate and talked all afternoon.  It was a glorious day for Audrey and NanaFlo.  NanaFlo and Audrey always had a very special bond and NanaFlo had some experience with boys (she had had 3 boys within 4 years herself!).  Two day later, on Henry’s BIRTHday, Barry and I brought both NanaFlo and GrammaRita to see Audrey and Henry at the hospital.  NanaFlo held and swaddled and whispered to and kissed Henry… she was so good at it.  Henry would be the last great-grandbaby that NanaFlo would hold.  I know that Henry will always have this special bond with NanaFlo.  When Henry sees a photo of NanaFlo, I ask him, “Where’s NanaFlo?”  Henry always answers, “At Barrington Printin’.”  This is a miracle of an answer because Flo loved working at Barrington Printing, the company Barry founded… and I’m sure as I’m sitting here that NanaFlo is, in fact, right there with Barry every single day.  Henry knows.

I will always remember that morning in October of 2007 when Audrey told us of this new little baby.  I cherish that moment and I cherish this gift and I cherish my daughter Audrey and Matt for bringing Henry to this world.  Our little surprise.  Our little miracle.  Our Henry!

I love you, Henna!  HAPPY, HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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2 Comments

  1. 6.18.10
    Heather said:

    I hope Henry has had a great birthday!! I remember when he was born…I couldn’t wait to hear that day how Audrey and her sweet boy were!

  2. 6.19.10
    Nancy said:

    Happy Birthday Henry! I know just how you feel. Our Jack is our little surprise miracle and even at two months old, I can’t imagine our lives without him.

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