One year ago today...

My precious boy,

It's hard to believe one year ago today you came into our lives, weighing barely over 5 pounds. You came early, four weeks early to be exact. You came with out the need for NICU, you were healthy and strong.

We first of all didn't know if we'd see your first birthday. When I was 6 weeks pregnant with you, I was bleeding. We went to the Doctor and was told the sac was tearing away from the uterus. I was put on bed rest. Our faith in God was put to the test as Mommy waited, cried, and prayed for you. You were our little fighter even from the beginning.

You were born at 36 weeks 1 day. Your little hands were so tiny, little features so small. When they put you in my arms you didn't cry, you just stared at me as I talked to you. Your lips were teeny and red...so was your hair! Red as can be and you had lots of it. You looked like a tiny doll, so delicate, but Mommy knew you were strong, she felt your strong kicks when you were in her tummy! We felt like we were dressing a doll when we had to buy all premie clothes. We didn't have any premie clothes at the hospital, so your newborn clothes swallowed you up!

It was hard feeding you, you'd have a knack for falling asleep at the eact time you had to eat, so we knew full well the tricks of waking up a premie to eat! Daddy had to feed you with an eyedropper the first few nights home, and you'd suck the end of his pinkie. Oh my, how tiny you were! You were so tiny your pack n' play was too big for you, so you spent the first few months sleeping on us on the couch.

You grew quickly into a chubby boy. We loved your "chicky" legs and your triple chin. You loved to eat, but in true premie fashion had acid reflux, so some meals didn't stay down. You hated tummy time for awhile. You'd cry until we picked you up. You loved to smile, the first time you smiled at me was at your two month appt at the Doctor.

You love to laugh, the first time you laughed at us was when Daddy and I were talking and Daddy was talking and tossing something in the air, you thought that was the most hilarious thing! You are quite the ham, you smile at any and everyone you see, although you are getting kind of shy with people you don't know. You smile from a distance, I guess. ;

You are feisty! Daddy and I are just beginning to get a peak at your little personality. We know you are a go-getter, and with love and discipline are going to turn that around into someone who is passionate for God and will go after him with all that you have. We love the little man you are and who you are becoming. Each day is priceless and precious. We love seeing you do new things, each day we wake up wondering what you'll do next. We are so grateful to God for letting you live and giving us such a precious boy. We love you so much, Happy 1st Birthday Teenie!

Love,

Daddy and Mama