One of the sweetest things going on now with us, is that Madeline asks to rock Clara asleep. I just love this, because I can pick up Clara's room, get things ready for the night nurse, put in a load of laundry, etc. She is really just so good with her, sings and rocks her to sleep.

When I am doing the rocking or just busy getting Clara ready for bed Maddie is in the room with me, playing with Clara's toys, handing me supplies, fetching pacies, blue posies for her Clara's downstairs. I am always just so amazed how she knows of the name of everything Clara needs. From the pulse ox to neo tape, Madeline knows it all. She is also apart, a big part of the team. How blessed Clara is to have her and vice versa. I just know that Clara's specialness will forever impact Maddie in such a positive way.

Of course there is the complaing about Clara, how she stinks, copies her (I haven't figured that one out yet), cries to much, gets more attention. All to be expected. But one thing I know Maddie is just so proud to be her big sister.

We often talk to her about why she was born. When Maddie was small I told her the story of Hannah in the Bible. How she too, prayed and prayed for a little baby, and God remembered her and gave her Samuel. I tell her that God gave her to us because he knew how very much we needed her.

When she asks about why Clara was born I tell her God knew how very much Clara needes us. A family that had so much love to give such a special baby!