Long Over Due Update...

Forgive me for the long over due update! It's hard for me to put into words the astounding love I have for this little guy and all his accomplishments I get overwhelmed so I haven't even attempted to write anything more down...

 My Sweet Little Man,

 Two years ago was when my world as your mom became a bit shaken. From the low of my water breaking at 19 1/2 weeks to the high of your cries 5 1/2 weeks later, was a roller coaster ride I could've never prepared for. During the trials of your hospital stay my faith wavered like the waves upon the shore, but Our God never wavered. You my son are one of the 6 greatest gifts God has entrusted to me. I am so thankful to be your momma! When I see you playing in the sand, when I hear you say "football",  when I kiss your soft, blonde, curly hair, and when I watch you breathe while you sleep,  my heart just wants to burst with thanksgiving to God for your life. You are healthy and thriving! PRAISE GOD!

To catch you up these past few months......

You walked at 16 month (12 month adjusted age)

Trip to Mackinac Island

Camping at Silver Lake

Still have amazingly long eyelashes!

Camping up in the U.P.

Growing like a pumpkin!

Opening your very own stocking!

You discovered how to move the stool to open up the fridge. I heard your brother say, "Ezra is in the fridge!" And that you were!

So Handsome

You manage to fall asleep everywhere but your crib at night. Still working on that.

one of your favorite words, "Daddy". You are slow to talk, so we have been specifically praying to hear you talk. I had to record you saying "Daddy!"

Partners in crime

You were ready to join the older boys in an airsoft battle. Maybe in a couple more years.....

You love dirt and bath time! A real boy!

Way past nap time!

1 Year of Life Video

While I made the trip to a from the hospital for 137 days, this specific song carried me through. I would weep on the drive there and weep on the drive home. This song would play EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. "Yea though I walk through the valley I know that You are always right beside me, And I will fear no evil. You're my rock, And my strength. You comfort me. Amazing grace." No matter how angry, upset, or sad I was God was there right beside me. There was no pain, no suffering we went through that Jesus himself didn't go through. "You carry me through the waters, Where Your peace clears away all my sorrow. And nothing can separate us from Your love Oh, Your love it will always be. You were healing in the pain, You were shelter in the storm. Hallelujah You restore my soul."

Happy Birthday!

My Sweet Guy,

God has brought us to a year! What wonderful grace He bestows upon us. One year ago, my prayers were answered. Against all odds you came into the world with life. You fought everyday and till this day you are our feisty little guy. While this past year was the hardest year of my life, I'd endure it all again to have you healthy and here. Faith was put to the grinding wheel, and I was on my knees more than standing. What manner of love the Father has given into us, that He calls us His children. My heart ached to have you well, Jesus heart aches even more to see His children suffering and in pain. He gave us strength for another day. If anything I can teach you, my sweet boy, is cling to the one who sacrificed all, all the days of your life.

We had such a wonderful birthday party. It was rainbow themed to reflect on God's promises! We had a candy bar, balloon arch (that flew away!), and rainbow fruits, veggies, and pop. You were spoiled with gifts, and slept threw most of the gift opening. You didn't try any cake, we'll save that for your 12 month adjusted birthday in August. You were surrounded with family and love, one of the best gifts!!

We can't wait to see what God does this year in your life! :-)

Happy Birthday Ezra!

I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Still Sick

Sweetness,

You are still battling this pneumonia. You are on antibiotics number 2, praying it helps! You have lost weight and are back down to 14lbs 6 oz.  You are working harder than usual just to breathe so we are watching you close. Your lung doctor scheduled your sleep study for the end of May, in hopes you'll be feeling much better by then. We will have to pack up and head overnight to DeVos so you can be hooked up to machines on your face,nose, mouth to monitor all your numbers while you sleep. I'm a bit nervous about that, because you don't sleep thru the night.. Should be interesting!

You are sitting up all by yourself, getting onto hands and knees bouncing back and forth. You are bound and determined to get moving even if you are sick!

I sure hope this sickness will be over soon. It tugs on my heart to see you sick and loosing weight.

Love you to the moon and back,
Mom

11 Months Old

Little Sir,

You are 11 months Old! You are currently battling pneumonia and an awful cold. You are back on oxygen full time :-(  again. But it's okay, when you are healed I know your lungs will pick back up were we left off. You were getting so close to being off oxygen for good. We were ready to schedule your sleep study (monitors your oxygen levels while you sleep) but then you got awfully sick. We are thankful that you didn't need any hospital admissions, though. It's been a rough couple months of sickness at our house. We are ready for sunshine and warm temperatures to kick the germs out of here!

You are loving food these days. Sweet potatoes, apple sauce and prunes are your favorites!

In a few short weeks you'll be turning 1, we have a fun birthday planned for you!!!! Stay tuned!

Xoxo,
Mom

One Year Ago..

One year ago my world was shattered with the news my water broke and you would be born. We prayed, we cried and we hung onto hope! You held on 5 additional weeks, against all odds given to us by the doctors, ONLY by the grace of God. There was nothing I did, there was nothing your dad did, Jesus did everything! We are so undeserving, but He   answered our pleas and you are here. Living. Thriving.Loving. To God be the glory!!!

Love you my dear boy!
Mom

10 Months Old

Sweet Little Boy,
You are 10 months old! You have two teeth and weigh 14 1/2lbs. You are rolling over, working on sitting up, and pushing up on your hands and knees.
Your weight gain has slowed down because you are sick again. You have a nasty cough that you projectile vomit from.
Last week you were off oxygen all day long and only wore it at night! Woo hoo! This week we are leaving you on because of your cold.
Everyone at home is sick, including mom. We've been battling colds, fevers, headaches, bodyaches for over 3 weeks. We are fervently praying for complete healing come Saturday because we are packing up and heading up north! We all desperately need a vacation, and so we are taking a few-day getaway to Great Wolf Lodge! Your going to love the warm temperatures and water! I'll update with pictures of you at the water park next week.

Keep growing and smiling my sweet angel! Love you to the moon and back!

Mom