Dear Christopher

I am posting your birthday letter a day late. That's what happens when you are a grown up and one of your children is sick. Things you want to do get left undone while you focus on the sick one. You have had your share of illness over your 9 years, way more than your share. Yet, I can thankfully say it has now been over a year since you were last hospitalized desperately ill with asthma. You are growing, albeit slowly and have finally outgrown your size 4 jeans. Woo HOO! I have heard people complain about their children outgrowing clothing; I understand; but for me it brings me joy when you outgrow something.

Hopefully, this next year will bring great changes when insurance approves growth hormone for you. It will increase your appetite and strengthen your bones. The benefits far outweigh the side effect possibilities. We promise that we will always do what is best for you. If side effects become to much, then we will stop. BUT...we want to give you a chance to catch up with your classmates. They TOWER over you! Yet, there you are with your sunny, happy self not letting it stop you. You have amazing perseverance.

Your faith is so strong, so vibrant and so bright. Your compassion for others is precious. You are the type of son and parent would want. You are obedient and respectful. While you do have your moments, you do love to please others and obey. You do get into mischief or cantankerous from time to time. And I see glimpse of teen attitude from time to time as well. You my son make my heart smile.

You are a great big brother. Your sisters adore you and you adore them. You would protect them at all costs.

I have watched you grow in spirit and character this year far more than physical growth. Your bright mind sometimes gets ahead of you and your mouth too, but you try. Watching you in karate is amazing. You are serious and focused.

We love you son. You are a gift from God. He has great and mighty things planned for you. God has a purpose and a call on your life that even Daddy and I can not understand. Run the race my son. Keep fighting for God and what's right. Keep living life with the positive view you have. Keep believing in others and having compassion. Most of all Keep on loving Jesus the way that you do.

God bless you my darling son. WE love you.
Happy 9th Birthday
Mommy and Daddy

7 years of Blessing

7 years ago today, our lives changed forever. Our lives changed because one little bundle of blessing came into our lives at 6lbs 11 oz and 19 inches long. The 28 hours of labor, c section, preeclampsia, failed epidural and genereal anesthesia I endured was all worth it. I looked into that little face and he looked into mine. There was a connection beyond description. He looked at me as if to say, so you are the one I have been listening to all this time. He was an on the go baby from the moment he came into this world. He held his head up and looked around the nursery, checking things out. He hasn't stopped being inquisive yet. The nurses even commented on how strong and observant he was.

The first year of his life, was hard. Unknown to us, he was deathly allergic to all dairy. Nursing was a nightmare because I didn't know he had an allergy. He would scream in horrible pain every time he ate for hours afterwards, then it would be time for him to eat and it would start all over again. The doctor said nothing was wrong with him and that I was a nervous new mother. At 7 weeks he spent the night in intensive care because of a reflux and choking incident. That scared me senseless! The year rocked on filled with a baby who was so miserable he rarely was content. Oh how he tried to be content. He was such a happy, content baby those moments he had no pain. Finally, at 12 months we received the diagnosis and took him off all dairy. The difference was like night and day. To this day, I believe that horrible first year is what gave my son aversion to foods and textures of foods which caused an oral sensory issues. On his birthday he had his first asthma attack and we spent the night in ER. His life has been filled with ups and downs. We have almost lost our son to death on several occasions. He is tiny and petite and his challenges with asthma, allergies and sensory issues continue. But our son's spirit is phenomenal. He is a child who keeps on trying no matter how hard things are for him. He has a faith beyond his years. He has compassion and respect for others. When he is naughty, he is repentant. Oh, he can be sassy and cantankerous like any other child but he has a desire to do the right thing. He already professes faith in the Lord Jesus and accepted the Lord as his Savior when he was 5. He said he wanted Jesus to live in His heart cause he needed Jesus to help him not sin. His issues are challenging at times and I lose it at times. But my little boy is a blessing. He thinks everyone loves Jesus. He thinks everyone deserves love. Once when he was little and he saw coverage about Iraq he said:
"Mommy, I know what their problem is"
I said what
He said they need a mommy and daddy that love them and they need to be told they are naughty and to play nice.
It was so sweet. Because when it boils down to it, isn't he correct? Perfect love cast out fear. Jesus said the greatest of all things is love. If people loved with the pure love of a child, our world, would be a better place. So today on October 21, I celebrate 7 years of blessing. My son, my heart my child is a treasure. He has a great future ahead of him. He is bright, articulate and filled with faith and compassion. While I am proud of his smarts, I am most proud of his faith and compassion. When he sees someone get hurt at school or teased he tries to comfort them. He cries if his sisters get hurt. He can't bear to watch them get shots and usually ends up in tears when they cry out. I praise God for my 1st little blessing. When God gave me my son, He made me into a mother. Oh I am still learning how to be a mother, but my son is a great teacher.

So to my first born, I say, you are a blessing. You have great potentiality in Jesus. NEVER ever give up your faith. Never ever give up your perseverence. You made our lives richer because you came into it. God knew just the little boy we needed and he gave us you. Never doubt we will always love you, NO matter what. I love you my son, Happy Birthday.