Happy First Birthday, Sam!

One year ago, we welcomed our sweet Sam into our family.

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The girls went to Mother's Day Out today and got to celebrate Sam's birthday while there. Emory was so proud to tell everyone that today was "her baby's birtday (no h)."

I went to my bible study, and then I met Stephen to see War Room. Have you seen it?  It's a great movie about the power of prayer, letting God fight for you, and fighting the real enemy, Satan. 

We took cupcakes to the pediatrician's office. Dr. Hardy and her nurse Delightful have been so amazing since we started taking Emory four and a half years ago. Delightful and Dr. Hardy called me several times to check on Sam when he was in the CHSU, and they have continued to be so supportive of our family. 

We went to Stephanie and Chris's this evening for supper, cupcakes, and a balloon release.  

We wrote notes to Sam and attached them to the balloons to send to heaven. 

Eating cupcakes is serious business.

My family had a balloon release in Bertram, too.

We both got lots of calls, texts, Facebook messages, and hugs.  Today was a good day.
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This has been, without a doubt, the fastest and most difficult year of my life.  We have felt every emotion possible.  We have experienced the worst possible.  We have survived by the grace of God and the support and love of our family and friends.
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My Dearest Sam,

I love you.  I miss you like I have never missed anyone before.  You are, without a doubt, the most handsome baby boy that has ever lived.

Our journey with you has taught me many things--the futility of mascara, a longing for heaven I haven't felt until now, a desperation for everyone to have the hope of heaven, the preciousness of time, the earnestness of prayer, many characteristics of God, the solidarity of the CHD community, perspective, and purpose, to only name a few.

I am so proud of you, Sam.  People faithful in prayer, those who hadn't prayed in a while, and those who maybe never prayed before loved you and our people through prayer.  You have given us the opportunity to share our faith over and over again.

Thank you for the snuggles, the laughs, and the late nights/early mornings just the two of us.  Thank you for a lifetime of love in just 143 days.  I will never stop loving and missing you.  Losing you, Sam, has showed me everything I have.  From the moment we knew you were going to join our family, it has been a privilege to be your Mama.

Happy first birthday!