Hidden treasure!

For over a year, this photo was Connor’s first picture.  Taken just 2 hours after he was born, it was the only one I knew of taken on December 16, 2008.

A couple of weeks ago, I  was messing around on Brian’s phone and stumbled across quite a find…  He had 4 more pictures of Connor, also taken when he was 2 hours old, that I had never seen before!

Looking at these photos of our tiny 2 lb., 6 oz. miracle son for the first time stirred up all kinds of emotions for me…

Sad that he has had to go through so much because he arrived too early - a lengthy NICU stay, copious appointments, and ongoing therapies.  Some days, it's just not fair that he's had so many hurdles to overcome.

Hurt that I couldn’t spend time with him those first few days of his life…  I saw him briefly in the OR and they speedily wheeled me past his isolette in the NICU on my way to recovery the night he was born.  But, due to a raging fever and the doctors’ concerns that I might be contagious, I didn’t get to see him again until he was 4 days old.  I wasn’t able to hold him until he was 5 days old.  Over a year later, it bothers me that I’m still pretty raw about it, and I hope one day it’ll be just a distant memory.

But, most of all, I’m…

Relieved and proud that Connor is such a fighter and is doing so well at nearly 16 months, all things considered.

Blessed to be Connor’s mommy!

Happy that he brings so much sunshine into our lives everyday… he’s one funny little boy!

Grateful that we all survived the entire ordeal, and for all the strength and support we receive(d) from our Heavenly Father, and loving family and friends.

Indebted to the staff, nurses, doctors, and therapists at RCMC for the expert treatment, knowledge, and loving care they gave to our son.

Joyous that Connor is a part of our family forever!

Connor finally joined us at home on April 14, 2009, after 120 days in the NICU.  We plan on marking this important day with a little family party each year… our first one is next week!

Grandma Rogers will be here in a few days, and Connor’s really considering crawling for the very first time while she’s here!  We saw his physical therapist this week and she’s bound and determined to make it happen in the next couple of weeks.  Which means more appointments for us, but it will all be worth it to get him developmentally caught up.  He’s soooo close!