Monday, July 21, 2008

Happy Birthday to my little Boy

Happy Birthday Caleb! I can't believe you're a one year old already! It has been so incredible to see you grow from a tiny 5 lb baby boy, into a fun, active, joyful one year old!

Just days before you were born... I thought we'd have more time together... just the two of us.



But you came 6 weeks early... before you, I, or anyone was ready. You were so tiny and fragile.

But so peaceful and beautiful amidst so much pain and hurt.


The first time we met... I waited days to see you... and it was worth it. You were cuter than the pictures the nurses brought up to my room!



And then we got to go home together. Even though life was still not as is should have been, I was still so happy to have you home.



You slept, and grew, and smiled, and cried.




And all of a sudden you didn't look like a preemie baby anymore!


You smiled and laughed when the rest of us were crying.


And started to bounce around!


We went places together...


And snuggled in bed together to watch some TV when it was raining outside!



You started to eat all kinds of new foods... and loved them all!

And before I knew it, you were sitting on your own, then rolling, and now you're crawling and racing me around the house getting into trouble!


What a fun little man you've become. We have so many good laughs and giggles together.

I love coming into your room in the morning to see you standing and laughing in your crib. You're always so happy to see me. What a great way to wake up!






Caleb, this year has been less than perfect... but I am still so thankful to have you with me. Know that I love you deeply, and am so proud to be your mommy.

23 comments:

Trev and Rebekah said...

The last picture is amazing. Thanks for posting. Yes it has been a hard year for you but I am so blessed to see how Caleb has been the perfect miracle admist the sadness and heartache.
I'm sure our boys will have fun together in the fall.

Melanie said...

Happy Birthday Caleb! Thinking about you guys!

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Birthday to Caleb. It was nice to see you all at the wedding and see how much Caleb has grown and what a happy little boy he is. My thoughts and prayers have been with you especially this weekend. Take care and may God bless you even through the hard times.
A. Linda Foth

Keith - Kristen said...

Happy Birthday you precious little miracle.

Bonnie said...

I had to fight the tears as I read this. What an incredibly beautiful tribute to such a special boy. Happy Birthday Caleb!

Mac said...

Happy Birthday Caleb!
Praying for you guys

Anonymous said...

Hi Caleb. Happy Birthday! I enjoyed seeing your smile and hearing your giggles a few weeks ago. I loved holding you too but it was such a short time because your grandpa wanted to hold you ALL the time! You are a great blessing to so many people.

Auntie Bernice

Nichole said...

Happy birthday beautiful miracle boy! We love watching you grow through your blog!!

Charlotte said...

Happy Birthday Caleb!!

Jamie said...

Happy Birthday Caleb - we all love you lots and lots!

Dan and Lynn said...

Happy Birthday Caleb!!
Your little guy has grown so much in this last year. He's such a sweetheart! I love his little laugh - it's so cute when he chuckles:).

Yvonne said...

Happy 1st Birthday Caleb! You are such a cutie and I love seeing your pictures that your mom posts:)
Elissa - I just want you to know that you and Doug have been in our prayers this past year and as hard as it's been, I'm glad you have Caleb to keep you smiling.

Kelsie-Lynn said...

Such a beautiful post, it brought tears to my eyes! Happy 1st Birthday Caleb! Praying for you lots!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday precious one! :) what a miracle you are - and what joy you have brought your family through dark storms! so excited to see as you grow & learn EVEN more this next year! :)

GSFALK said...

Beautiful! We praise God for Caleb, for His hand of protection over Caleb, for making him such a blessing. Thank you Elissa for creating this post, and sharing your thoughts with us. A.Shirley

Rosanna Toews said...

Happy Birthday Caleb! I love you.

Rick and Sandy said...

This has been quite the year for you and your family; much pain and yet so much joy in the perfect miracle of your son, Caleb. Happy Birthday, Precious Child!

The Friesen's

Courtney and Jon said...

what a lovely post for your son. Happy birthday Caleb.

Melissa said...

Happy birthday Caleb!

Kirsten said...

That was beautiful Elissa! Happy Birthday Caleb. You are quite the cutie:)

Leanne said...

What a beautiful post for a precious child. Happy Birthday Caleb!

{ as we know it } said...

Lisa, you've touched my heart with your post. I have praying for you & your family this past week. Happy Birthday Caleb!

Dianne said...

Elissa,

I just can't imagine going from the intimacy of having your little one rolling around inside you(so amazing!)so close to you, to not being able to feel or see him for days! I cried when I read that! I just can't imagine. You are such a strong woman! I am so inspired by you. And Caleb! It is crazy to think he is 1 already! So many changes in the first year, isn't it so much fun?! He is a heartbreaker in the making!