One year

[WARNING:  PHOTOS OF CHILDREN AHEAD.  IF THAT'S SOMETHING YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT, PLEASE CLICK AWAY NOW.]

One year and two days ago, my sons were born.

One year and one day ago, I was the sickest I have ever been and came the closest to dying that I hope to ever come (until it is truly my time, which I hope will not be for at least another 40 years or so).  I will say that I feel fortunate to have reached the age of 40 before experiencing anything that would merit that statement.  I don't think I even fully realized at the time how serious my condition was because my mind was more occupied with how my sons were doing.  I only mention this fact here because it was something that was on my mind on and off yesterday.

One year ago today, I began to recover.  The "cure" for preeclampsia that was the delivery of my sons finally took effect.  I was permitted to sit up, and then to walk around and to shower and, most importantly, to have my first interactions of any length with my sons. 

Although my sons turned one year old on Saturday, it was a year ago today when I really started the process of getting to know them.  And what a joyful and wondrous process it has been.