Photo Sneak Peek

Sneak peek from a family photo shoot we had this weekend... Thank you to my big sis for taking some amazing pictures of our family! 

These two are the best big bro and big sis to our baby CJ!  

 

Happy 6th Birthday Clayton!

Today, my oldest son turned.... 

He decided that he wanted a Spider-Man themed birthday party. 

Due to his brother being at such a high risk for RSV, we could not have a party, but it didn't stop me from decorating like we were having one! 

Spiders  and webs everywhere...just how he wanted them! Tonight, he gets to go to a WWE match. I don't know who is more excited...him or his Daddy! 

Today is a day full of celebrating him...

...and how much he has grown! 

Dear Clayton, 

      You are 6 years old. You have blessed me with 6 years of your smiles, your hugs, your laughter, and at times...your tears. I am so proud of the boy you have become and continue to change into. You are loving Kindergarten and are making so many friends! This summer and fall our family got turned upside with CJ, but through it all you stayed strong. I know that Mommy couldn't be with you like we had planned and talked about, but while I wasn't there with you physically, please know that my heart and spirit has never left you. Thank you for loving me so freely and innocently. Thank you for still wanting my snuggles and my hugs. Thank you for being you. 

I love you! 

    Mommy

Christmas

I remember laying in my hospital bed and having a vision. That's when my goal for our family was created. My goal was to have CJ home for Christmas and have my family all together. I had this image of my 3 babies sitting together under the Christmas tree. That image in my head got me through the 5 weeks spent in the hospital away from my husband and 2 older children. It got me through the 87 sleepless night spent away from my miracle baby while he was in the NICU.  It was this image that I held on to for dear life when I felt myself slipping down a dark path...this image was the light that helped me keeping going. 

    That image is now my reality. 

  

  Merry Christmas and God Bless! 

BFFs

How We Roll

Guess there will be no spontaneous "get up and go" for us for awhile...

When we roll...we roll with a mobile oxygen tank, apnea monitor, diaper bag with everything imaginable CJ may need, blankets, car seat, stroller to carry it all....

Oh...and the baby....can't forget the baby...

"Hey, CJ..."

"How do you like being home?"

Enough said. 

A Lesson From Big Sis

I love watching Clayton and Lacey bond  with their little brother and being snowed in with just our little family of 5 has been wonderful for that! Today, Lacey wanted to hold CJ. As soon as he was comfortable, he turned his head to stare straight at her. She started talking to him a mile a minute. I couldn't even tell you what she said...I just stared at them and could see their bond strengthening. 

   Their conversation was over too quickly for me. Lacey said, "I love you baby brother," then gave him a kiss. 

  I will forever cherish moments like this. 

Together at Last

Our 3 babes have finally met.

It took all of 1 second for them to fall in love with each other. 

Home.

After 86 days in the NICU and that many night without his Mommy and Daddy...

CJ came home. 

Elf in the NICU

CJ got a new visitor today in the NICU...can you find him? 

That's right! CJ has one if Santa's elves watching over him. Clayton and Lacey saw a picture of this new friend keeping watch over their baby brother. 

They decided to name his little elf Cena...after John Cena of course. 

Cena will watch over our little miracle until he comes home...which we are still in track for this week! Can you believe our 2.14 pound micro-preemie is now 7.11 pounds!?!