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Wow, I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last updated! So sorry! =)

We've had such a wonderful Christmas 'week'. I absolutely LOVE this time of the year. I think it's so magical and peaceful and joyful. And of course, it can be stressful and exhausting and expensive, but I try to not let that side of it take over!

Christmas was a blast. I think Chris & I were more excited than Coy was on Christmas morning! Coy loves to sleep late these days...and I think he was rather irritated when we woke him up on Christmas morning. He "opened" some gifts and didn't have a clue what was going on. =)

We spent Christmas day with both of our families; we are so lucky that everyone lives so close together! Last year, we spent Christmas in the NICU, thankful for our son and praying for his healing. This year, we're in awe of Him, eternally grateful for Coy, and amazed at what a difference a year makes!

Hope everyone had a happy, healthy, joyful holiday season!

Chris & Coy gave me a new camera for Christmas! I was so excited and took lots of pictures! Here a few of the better ones!


so excited!

bath time!

taking a wagon ride with cousin ryder

playing with cousins macey & thomas
climbing stairs!

update

Thank you so much for all the prayers for my sister in law, Sara. She was released from the hospital on Saturday and is at home recovering. I know she was so happy to be home, and see her babies! She continues to experience a lot of pain and said that after her surgery, the pain was far greater than when having the twins! She is a trooper though, and we're so thankful the surgery is over and was successful.

Coy is doing wonderfully. He has so much energy these days and really wears me out! He is weighing in at 18 lbs 2 oz and is 28 inches (i think) long. He's had 3 Synagis shots to date and his flu vaccine. We received the EOB from our insurance company regarding one of his Synagis shots...grand total of $2561.00 per shot (he will get six shots total this season)! Craziness! Thank the good Lord that they are paid for by our insurance company!

Last week we saw his PT and she continues to be impressed with his development. We are still working on building his core strength and the transition from crawling to sitting. She also encouraged me to feed him "table food." He's done great on purees and Stage 3's, so we are making the transition to other things. So far he likes carrots, mashed potatoes, spaghetti noddles, green beans, bread, pancakes, yogurt, those nasty baby turkey sticks, puffs, and crackers. I've said before that I'm not one that loves the kitchen or grocery stores...so I'm learning with him! Any good beginning table food ideas would be appreciated!

We are really enjoying the holiday season this year. I can't believe it's almost Christmas already. Having Coy at home this year is just such a gift. He is our greatest joy and I cannot imagine life without him. My mind can't fully comprehend what a miracle he is. I lived it, I was there for everything, and I'm still not able to process it completely. God is so good and His power is so great.

For his birthday, Coy received a UT (University of Texas) baseball bat from his Uncle Matthew. It caused a good laugh because Chris played baseball for Rice University, and if you're a fan of college baseball, you know UT and Rice are always in stiff competetion. Well, Coy LOVES this bat and could play with it all day. The other night, Chris picked him up and gave Coy his first batting lesson....I think they both enjoyed it!

Sara Update

I just heard that Sara is out of surgery and now in recovery. Thank you God! The surgeon said all went well and he was able to remove the whole tumor (since he had to remove it in pieces, there was a chance all of it would not be able to be removed.) He also said she most likely will be in the hospital through Saturday. Thanks for all your prayers! I will keep you updated!

Prayer Request

My sister-in-law, Sara, will be undergoing surgery tomorrow morning (12/10) to remove the tumor on her pituitary gland. A recent MRI showed the tumor has doubled in size over the past few months. Sara is married to my brother, Thomas, and they have 11 month old twins, Macey & Thomas. Since Sara will be unable to pick up/care for the twins for 4 weeks post surgery, Sara's mom is in town to help out with everything. Please pray for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Here's a pic of the adorable family....thanks for all the love & support!

Birthday pics!

Here are a few pics from Coy's birthday! It was a wonderful day filled with lots of playing and celebration. We had our families over for dinner and Coy really had a great time digging into his cake and opening presents!

Thanks to everyone for all the sweet comments and birthday wishes! Your support and encouragement have been a blessing for our families, Chris, and I, and we couldn't be more thankful.

Coy opening the present from Chris & I...

He thought crawling on top of it was fun...
He's not so sure about this hat...

Cake!


Cake was EVERYWHERE!
Having fun opening some gifts...
Sitting in his new chair!
He loves this new toy...

Happy Birthday Coy!

Our baby boy,

Words can not express how your presence has changed this world and our lives forever. You are the sweetest gift God has ever given and our love for you is immeasurable. On this day one year ago, you entered this world 4 months too soon. You were so tiny (weighing only 1 lb 4 oz) that daddy's wedding ring fit over your foot and hung on your little leg.

I still remember the first time I saw you, the first time I kissed you, and the first time I held you at 2 weeks old.


We didn't know how long God was going to let you be with us, so we cherished each and every second by your side. We stayed next to you everyday, along with your Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles and Cousins. You quickly charmed your way into the hearts of many nurses; your angels who watched your every move. They loved you, and kept your mommy and daddy comforted and supported as well.


Each day that you stayed with us, was a victory and a gift. We didn't take a moment for granted, not knowing if it'd be our last with you. Every passing second, someone around the world was praying for your life and your healing. Mommy and Daddy are ever so grateful.


As we sat next to you everyday, we prayed and hoped and begged. We begged God for your life, your existence, your survival. We begged for the day that we could bring you home, the day you would sleep in your crib, crawl around the house, play baseball with daddy. We would have given anything for you. Anything.






The hours turned into days, the days into weeks, the weeks into months. You stayed mighty and brave and got stronger with every day. Three and a half months after your early arrival, you were well enough to come home! Daddy and I couldn't have been more excited!

You adapted quickly to life in your new home and mommy and daddy did too. You kept us awake many nights with feedings, diaper changes, and rocking, but we loved every second. Your Aunt Steph & Uncle Chase, Aunt Jenny & Uncle Tim, cousin Ryder, Aunt Mandy, along with your Grandma's & Grandpa's helped us those first few weeks you were home. Your Uncle Matthew, Uncle Thomas and Aunt Sara were also always thinking and praying for you; your cousins Macey & Thomas were born one month after you. They all couldn't love you more!


The weeks flew by and mommy loved staying home with you each and everyday. It was a challenge and was by far the hardest job I've ever had! But it was a dream come true. You are a dream come true.













Now at 1 year old, you are by far, the sweetest, most beautiful, loving baby boy I've ever seen. You never cease to amaze us with your courage and strength. You continue to develop and thrive and are growing by leaps and bounds. Mommy gets told by strangers and friends alike, that you have the most beautiful blue eyes and a gorgeous, warm smile. You love life, you love to laugh, you love to smile, and play. You have the sweetest demeanor and couldn't be happier.

You are crawling everywhere, absolutely LOVE your "sisters" Sugar Pie & Dixie, snuggle up with mommy and daddy when you fall asleep, and love to play with your toys. You are such a charmer and make friends everywhere we go. Mommy already says how you have 10 girlfriends. You seem to be mesmerized with your Aunt Steph. We call her #1's (aka #1 girlfriend).

Everyday is a day full of joy, love, thankfulness, and gratitude. A day we didn't know we had and days we don't take for granted. The doctors gave a 2% chance that you would turn out the way you are; we didn't care, we wanted you just as God intended. We love you more than life itself and cannot imagine life without you.

You are everything and more. God healed you to perfection. You are His son and we are thankful for this time on earth. We love you baby boy.

Happy 1st birthday!



(Last two pictures taken by Tasha Pool with Homeshade Photography)

Love,

Mommy & Daddy