The Birthdays

During this crazy week, two more boys had birthdays.

I have a twenty year old.

20!!!

How on earth did that even happen?

I also have an 18 year old.

A 17 year old.

A 16 year old.

I remember when they were little and people would ask ages...

"1,2,3, and 5."

"5,6,7, and 9"

And so on.

Those seemed like the hardest years ever.

Little did I know these boys would grow up to be the most noble and loyal and funny and resilient and courageous and handsome men and young men.

Oh, how I love being their mama.

Thank You For Kaydon

Every year on this day, I send an email with pictures to Dr. Mizell.

Dr. Mizell is Kaydon's attending physician. 

He has been since Kaydon was six months old.

He is a gastroenterologist.

Extraordinaire.

The best there is.

This man has my heart.

He saved my son's life repeatedly.

And, he saved my heart in the process.

He would come to the hospital to do rounds before 6 am.

He would gently wake me up as I held my boy, laying in the same hospital bed as my son.

It was against the rules, but this mama was not one to mess with.

He would patiently wait for me to fully wake up, since I had just fallen asleep every single time.

Then he would pick Kaydon up, with all of the tubes and plugs and such as I climbed out of bed.

The doctor would sit in the rocking chair and hold my fragile baby as I went to shower and get some breakfast.

He was the only reason I would ever leave my boy.

Today, Kaydon is big and strong and athletic and bright and kind and lives with purpose.

He is active.

He climbs mountains, literally.

He serves the people around him.

His testimony is the strongest I have ever heard.

He is in tune at all times.

He is a hard worker.

He is smart.

He is everything that so many other doctors told me he would never be - and he is the best.

On this 17th year of his life, I offer thanks to Dr. Mizell for believing in his purpose.

I also thank God for allowing me the honor of being this boy's mama.

My Baby Will Be 16

My sweet baby boy is turning 16 years old on Sunday!

Colton was born on August 4th.

I had been in labor for two entire weeks.

I went into labor at 30 weeks and was on hospital stay for the next two weeks.

While I had a 4 year old, 2 year old and 1 year old - who was in and out of the hospital.

My parents took care of the three oldest while I was hospitalized.

I was so uncomfortable. Tired.

I was about to give birth for the fourth time in four years.

I was on medication to stop the labor, and had been given two thick-as-peanut-freaking-butter steroid shots to take care of his lungs.

I was not at all afraid of any temporary health issues with him being premature because I already had home health and nursing for Kaydon.

But, 16 years ago a 32 week baby was still very scary and full of unknown. 

My doctor decided to take him by c-section since just 12 months earlier I had an emergency c-section with Kaydon.

Colton was beautiful from the beginning.

He was in the NICU for three weeks to get feeding a body temperature regulation under control.

NICU parents know how traumatizing that can be.

Going to the hospital every day while healing from a c-section, while I have three babies at home, is so hard and so draining.

But, so worth it.

He was my smallest babe.

Just the sweetest little thing.

It was pretty early on that I realized something was "off." 

Everyone told me that it was all due to the early delivery.

My mama instincts told me different.

Colton was special in so many ways.

In fourth grade, after so many mis-diagnosis, he was finally properly diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and numerous learning disabilities.

Colton lives in a different world than the rest of us. 

It's a world that I wish we all lived in.

He is happy, kind, empathetic, compassionate, REAL, honest, funny as fetch, and loves his mama.

He doesn't see bad in people or things and that can be a huge trial for him.

The adventures we have had with our Colton are uncountable.

He truly is the greatest blessing.

To know Colton is to LOVE life!!

If Colton hugs you, or allows you to hug him, you're in!

He misses Jackson a lot.

He misses P a lot.

He loves Gus and Doby.

He LOVES horses, especially Wasabi.

He loves movies and games and sitting and talking to grownups, like he is one!

He loves to give mama loves and hugs.

He loves his cousins.

He loves his family.

He wants so badly to drive... we are still working on how to do that one.

He starts high school this year and this mama heart is very worried.

Prayers for this boy of mine are always welcome.

Happy, happy birthday Boogie Boy.

Mama is so proud of you!

Grandma's Birthday Weekend

What an awesome weekend we had!

Papa and Auntie Tiff did such an amazing job planning a big 60th birthday surprise for Grandma in Midway!

Matt, Kaydon, Colton and I arrived around lunch time and the boys were quick to get in the pool.

They swam for 4 1/2 hours while Matt and I laid in the sun. It was exactly what all of us needed!!

The boys played SO hard. 

Unfortunately, they have an irresponsible mother who did not think about sunscreen because half of the pool is indoors and it was like 65 degrees. A couple of hours in, Matt recognized that Colton was struggling and had him start downing water.

We changed and got ready for dinner and the big surprise!

Tiff's cousin made the most incredible cake EVER.

It was so beautiful.

And delicious.

When Mom walked in, we were all seated: Matt, Kaydon, Colton, Dave & Tiff, David, Eden, Uncle Rick, Aunt Jan, Cousin Mark & Sheree. Braxton surprised everyone and showed up five minutes into dinner. 

It was laughter and joy and fun and love!

After dinner, the kiddos wanted to swim MORE.

Our kids were so exhausted!

The grown-ups sat around and talked and laughed. 

Uncle Rick showed us pictures of stars that were pretty neat.

Grandma was in heaven!

We had breakfast as a family yesterday morning, then headed back.

Happy, happy birthday Grandma!

Two Years of Asher

Two years ago, this sweet and perfect baby boy was born.

His birth mom and dad lovingly gave him to our family for time and all eternity.

I remember being so excited to be have him home so that I could bond with him.

I remember spending nights with Asher Dean so that his mommy and daddy could get some rest. 

His mommy was pregnant with his little brother and having a newborn when you're seven - nine months pregnant is exhausting!

Asher, Auntie loved you from the moment I found out about you.

You have healed hearts.

You have brought so much laughter and giddiness to this family.

Your cousins love you more than life itself.

You have such a cool bond with Kaydon.

Auntie is enamored by you.

Your brown eyes.

Your funny faces.

Your window seal sitting.

Your toilet plunger playing.

Your movie loving.

Your laugh.

Your running up and down the hallway.

Your playful bath time.

Your adventurous, not afraid of anything self.

I love you to the moon and back and am so thankful for every single second with you.

Happy birthday, Sweet Baby.

Two!

This baby boy turns TWO on Monday.

Make it stop!!!!!

Asher Dean is the most independent, creative, imaginative little boy I have ever known.

He is funny, silly, feisty, and so smart.

We love him with every ounce of our souls!

He loves to sit in the window seal, watch Smurf's, swim, play with the toilet plunger, make silly faces and laugh... he loves his daddy and his mommy.

I LOVE that they live so close and we get to see them often!

I miss him being a little infant, and I LOVE watching him grow and develop.

We love you Ashabash!!!