The BIRTHDAY Post! (better late than never)

What a year, what a year, what a year!

In some ways it was the fastest year of our lives and in other ways it was a slow one. I will never, ever forget sitting in the Dermatology clinic room at Texas Children's Hospital, holding my 3.5 week old baby, Greg sitting as close as possible on my left, facing Dr. Bree (who we have grown to LOVE and will always hold a special place in our lives) listening to her tell us what no parent would ever want to hear..."IF he can get through infancy, he will probably have a good shot at life." Those words will forever stay stamped in Greg and I's memory. It was then and there that I could not wait to celebrate my little boy's FIRST birthday! And THAT we did!

I have learned more this past year than I ever thought possible..not just more...I have learned the more IMPORTANT things in life. I have grown in my faith, learned how to have HOPE, learned how to truly cherish everyday, become a little less selfish, become a better wife, the real meaning of team work, learned how to let others help, learned not to dwell as much on petty things, learned that I really have no idea what PAIN feels like, and SO much more. I still stumble ALL OF THE TIME; however, our God has used Luke to teach Greg and I what life is all about. For that, we are thankful.

Luke, if you ever read this some day, you are our hero. Your Daddy and I are so proud of you and all you have shown us during your first year of life. You are the toughest little boy and such a fighter. We can't wait to see all you will accomplish in the years to come! We love you more than anything sweet baby. HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

We celebrated TWO times over the course of his birthday week. The first party was in Longview at my parents house. It was small but special. The extended family came over for hot dogs, hamburgers, cake, and ice cream. It was great to see the family and for them to be there for Luke's birthday. Greg and I know without a doubt that this year would not have been as good without the prayers and encouragement from friends and family. THANK YOU for celebrating with us. THANK YOU to mom for putting the party together. It was perfect!






this was on his actual birthday at my mom and dad's house...we went in singing happy birthday to him :)


The next party was here in Houston! It was 'Candyland' themed and definitely a "sweet" success. Greg's mom, Rachel, and Billy flew in from Virginia for the special occasion. My mom and sister also came for party # 2!! It was everything I envisioned and more (except for the mega HEAT-Luke did not get to play outside :( )! THANK YOU to everyone who came to help us celebrate this wonderful occasion. We are so thankful to have so many wonderful family and friends who love Luke and have been faithful in praying for his health. God is good all the time! It brings tears of joy to my eyes every time I think of how far our baby has come and how amazing he is to handle each day so gracefully.

Here are A LOT of pictures from the special day. A friend of Greg's, who happens to be a photographer, was so nice to come to the party and take pictures. Thank you Tom Folder. www.folgerstudios.com