December

This has been quite a month as Mark had a total hip replacement at the beginning of the month on top of all the holiday business that occurs. I have to say that I am completely amazed at how far medicine has come when it comes to joint replacement! Thankfully, his surgery went very smooth and recovery for the most part is coming along smoothly as well. Because Mark is unable to bend down and pick up Alex, I'm beginning to realize just how much he helps me out. My heart goes out to all the single parents out there....I'm VERY thankful for Mark and all that he does as he is a hands on father and husband.

December is a very special month for a whole new reason this year--it's Alex's birth month and he is turning ONE! I can't believe how fast time has flown by already and I'm especially amazed at all the progress Alex has made. I remember when he first came into our home and the poor little guy had zero extra fat, he was so tiny, on oxygen, and pretty unhappy as he was still withdrawing from drugs. I can remember rocking him one day and wondering what kind of deficits he would face and praying that God would give us wisdom and discernment on how to deal with whatever the future held. I can't tell you how many nights I walked the house at all hours holding a crying baby and praying for this little guy that was SO uncomfortable. But I do remember the day that he was done withdrawing from drugs, it was like he was an entirely new baby overnight. From that moment on, we have seen him reach one milestone after another and to his doctors amazement. She always tells us that Alex is the poster child for what the power of love can do and I think she has half of the story correct. Yes, he is a VERY loved and wanted child but I truly believe Alex is a testament to the power of prayer as well. God has mercifully healed him in many ways and this precious boy has no deficits! When I first got Alex people often asked how premature he was as it was obvious he had some issues, but looking at him today you would never know all that he has overcome already. So as we celebrate his first birthday we also celebrate the many firsts that we weren't entirely sure he would achieve.
The only lasting effect that Alex carries is that he simply does not sleep as much as he should. He does remarkably well with the lack of sleep but we are starting to see some tantrums and such that I believe stem from his sleep issues. Please pray for him and sleep, we so desperately want complete healing in this area and trust that someday God will grant that prayer request as well.

I love the holidays and this time of year and it truly has been a special season seeing it through the eyes of  a one year old. It is no wonder God has a special place in his heart for kids. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and take some time to slow down and remember the true reason for this season. Happy Birthday Jesus!