January 2022 - The Boys

After Michael's 1st year photoshoot, Jason got to start in it. I love these shots of him and his first guitar. 

We didn't really get any smiles from the two of them - my boys... but we tried. 

Trying to play with his little brother. 

 

January 2022 - Michael's 1st Birthday

The birthday boy!

One years old. What a crazy first year it has been. And how far we've come. 

So grateful. And sometimes overwhelmed at what could/will lie ahead. 

But today is a gift. 

Michael's birthday was actaully a hard day for me. Thankful for this milestone, but it brought lots of hard things back. And doing his one year photo shoot made my heart ache. Nothing looked like a typical first bday cupcake smash should. There was hoses to hide, and the cute face that I love so much, doesn't photograph the same as what I feel. So it hurts. It's a new normal. But still so much to celebrate.

We did a whole little shoot - of him in his "miracle" outfit from one of his nurses.

The cupcake I bought - and added sprinkles to. :) 

Jason tried to help hold Michael up for the smash - with some extra support

Such love between these two. 

I spy some chocolate on those little fingers

Oh yeah  - you're doing it baby. 

Erik stepped in to give a hand. 

A sprinkle on his tongue and some chocolate goodness on his fingers... 

I wanted a few of me and my boy - and I love these - as uncropped as they are. 

Happy together

Happy 1st birthday Michael.

We pray that we are given many more to celebrate.

During the week surround his birthday, I had so much in me to say, so that's when I finally made the time to write out his birth story - really, his first four months. I found that so healing. That the story was somewhere. Even if it's just me that reads it, remembers and cries, and thanks the Lord through it. 

Joy and pain are so intertwined. 

 

January 2022 - Erik turns 11

Adele was excited to share in the joy's of Erik's bday breakfast. 

The bestest buds. 

Another great pair of buds. 

Opening up presents is such fun!

For his 11th birthday he wanted cheesecake. :) 

Happy dude with great friends.  

January 2022- Turning 37

My 37th birthday that started with 7/8 of my children with me. So blessed.

James made me a lovely banner. Isn't his writing pretty cool with a paintbrush?

A little Timmie's date with my girl

Anne-Marie sent me a booster juice with Skip the Dishes - that was pretty cool!

Very blessed.