My baby is 18 months old today!

Wow what an amazing 18 months its been. I cant believe how far we have came in such a short time. there was a time I didnt think we would make it 18 months and now look at us. Not only have we made it but we are much stronger because of the struggles we faced. God sure knew what he was doing when he chose to bless us with such a special baby. I cant even begin to imagine our life without him.
I think back to the day we got our diagnosis. I remember being so scared. I remember being so angry. I just didnt understand. I had no idea what laid ahead for us or mostly for our baby. I knew he would have challenges but nothing could explain what we would soon realize was our new life. And now I can say I wouldnt change it for the world!
Then I think about the day my beautiful precious baby entered this world. What a great and joyous day that was. It was a very challenging day. I remember being in labor and realizing that he was almost here. I was scared to death! I couldnt wait to meet him but I just wasnt sure I would know how to be his mommy. Its amazing how God gives us mommies the tools we need, huh? From the moment he was laid in my arms I was in total love. I couldn't believe God could create so a wonderful and precious baby. He was perfect in my eyes!
When we went to Pittsburgh when he was 4 days old. We met Dr. Jaing for the first time. I had no idea what an important role he would play in Isaiah's life. They placed his NAM that day. It was halloween and I will never forget. That NAM was placed in hopes that it would decrease the chances for one surgery. We knew in our hearts that we had to do it. We didn't even think twice. We didn't care about the long drives every week. We just knew that as his mommy and daddy we owed it to him to do everything we could to help him. When they removed his NAM before his first surgery we knew instantly we had made the right decision! He looked so good.
The first few months of his life were challenging. I wanted everyone to see what a miracle he was but so many couldn't get past his mouth. I think the part I miss the most about his first six months was his gorgeous smile! It was a smile that could light up the room.
When he had his first surgery I knew what they told us to expect but he's done so well! I was amazed at the great job they done. Dr. Jaing is truly our hero. I can't say enough good things about him. Although he moved and is no longer a part of Isaiahs care team he will remain forever in our hearts. By the time he was two weeks post-op you would think it had been months since surgery. A couple of weeks ago marked our 1 year anniversary for that surgery and you can barely see his scar!
Although he was a little delayed with meeting some of his milestones we were thrilled that he was meeting them! It didn't matter to us that he was behind. We thought he was perfect! I pray that we have never missed an opportunity to give God praise for such a miracle that he has blessed us with!
He had his second surgery in December. I can honestly say I had no idea what to expect! That was a very rough surgery and even rougher recovery time~ I knew this surgery was gonna take care of so many struggles but I couldnt believe how hard it was on my baby. The life he knew was changed. He would never eat the same or drink the same or try to talk the same. He had to learn to eat and drink all over again. We are definitely making progress now!
We started working with the birth to three program. Again God placed the right people in our lives at the right time! Ms LeaAnn is doing a great job in teaching us signs to help Isaiah communicate and in hopes to not become frustrated. He has picked up so well. He is doing better than I ever expected. I have a new list for signs to learn. He is actually saying more and yes when he signs them. Its so amazing! As for Ms. Stacy Isaiah loves her! He knows when I say ms stacy is coming that he is gonna have some fun! He runs to the door looking for her. He loves to play with her. When we first started she gave him a sucker. He drooled everywhere. He didnt have the muscle skills to keep his mouth shut and move it around. He had one the other day and it was so much less of a mess! What a great job he is doing.
So as I look back over the last 18 months I see what a miracle that has been given to us. Sometimes I look at him and think.. Really? could this beautiful baby really be mine? I believe with all my heart that God placed baby isaiah in our lives for a reason. I am so anxious to see how God will continue to use my baby to bless others!
TO MY PRECIOUS ISAIAH:
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE ALL LOVE YOU. ALTHOUGH YOU ARE AS ROTTEN AS CAN BE- I WOULDN'T TRADE YOU FOR THE WORLD! YOUR DADDY AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF! YOU ARE DEFINITELY ELIJAHS BEST FRIEND. I WATCH YOU TWO PLAY AND WONDER WHAT MISCHIEF YOU WILL GET INTO NEXT. I SEE YOU INTERACTING WITH YOUR SISTERS NOW AND THINK WOW! IT WONT BE LONG UNTIL YOU WILL BE TALKING AS MUCH AS THEY ARE. THEY LOVE YOU SO! SO AT THIS MOMENT KNOW, THAT ALONG WITH YOUR BROTHER AND SISTERS, FROM THE MOMENT YOU WERE EACH CONCEIVED THAT WE LOVED YOU AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO EVERYDAY OF YOUR LIFE. LOVE MOMMY