Prologue

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." -- Forrest Gump

While that quote from the movie Forrest Gump can come across as quite trite, there is more than a grain of truth to it. Sometimes you manage to snag your favorite treat; other times you end up taking a bite that can make you gag. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought we could experience these extremes in such a short span of our parenting life. Two years ago what started out as a wondrous experience with the 2009 birth of our Daughter Olivia, quickly turned into every parent's nightmare. Since I have extensively chronicled those experiences at Olivia's Big Adventure this blog will focus on our newest arrival: Amelia Anne.

Amelia joined our family in October 2010 after much testing and anxiety, she was born healthy and vigorous; Alagille Syndrome free. At 7lbs 3oz. she already outweighed her older sister by over 1lb.

It didn't take long for her to send a shout out to her sister though, sporting an 'Olivia's Little Sister' onesie.

I plan on using this blog to chronicle her growth and adventures, sharing them with family and friends who are interested in watching her grow up too.

The name of this blog is "The Rainbow's Reward" is a play on Rainbow Babies (a baby born after the loss of a previous child).

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

Amelia is most definitely The Rainbow's Reward.