I was introduced to this family throught a dear friend of mine.  I am forever changed, much like Ricky's story through  his brave Mom Meghan.  Please go to Noah's website and read the entire thing. It may take a while but is worth it. I cannot even begin to describe the strength of this family through the Lord. I would strongly encourage all of you to take the time to get to know Noah's story through his amazing Mom, Adrienne!  It will change you forever...be prepared to fall in love as the tears fall!!

                         www.noahsteven.blogspot.com

I know that I already wrote one journal entry today, but Callen had such a big day today that I couldn't wait to share the news!  His feeding tube was removed completely today...he is a normal little boy!! PRAISE GOD!  I had hoped that this day would come sooner than later, and it never gets old to me to see the suprise mixed with happiness that comes over the doctors faces as they continue to get to know this little brave boy who has been blessed to overcome so many obsticles. 

So what does this mean for Callen...no more feeds on the pump....no more having to "be careful" around brother...no more cleaning the g-tube site (although he will have another really cool scar resembling a belly button to show all the chicks when he is older)!  I don't think the reality of how huge this really is for him had really hit me until now, as I sit here crying thinking of how great our God truly is...and how he continues to bless our family!  I am just so grateful to have the opportunity to give him hugs and kisses every day...and I would have gladly taken care of all of his special needs for the rest of my life...I am his Mommy.  But for my Callen, I am so happy that you will be able to eat normal food...run and play with all of your brothers...and that you will only remember the experience by the scars on your body and the stories we will tell of your bravery and courage you showed to so many others. 

I was casually reading through my emails the other day and got a letter from my friend Megan who I went to college with.  She and her husband recently had their first children, twin boys, whose birthday is within weeks of Callen and Coleman!  She was I am sure not trying to be profound in her email, but it struck me as such a true statement at this time of the year I had to share!

She was saying that Christmas is her favorite time of the year.  One of her traditions is to take an entire day and bake, decorate, etc. to get ready for the Holidays.  She was humorously asking my advice on how I get things done with four boys!  People who have been to our house and seen the "Great Laundry Mountain" that permanently lives on my family room couch knows I DO NOT get it all done.  Anyway, she was saying that this year she had not gotten a chance to do anything that she traditionally does to get ready.  She then told me that she wants her boys to remember Christmas the same way she did growing up, but maybe the thing they will really remember is not if there is a wreath hanging on the front door, but that she was there at home with them spending time playing with them and taking care of them.  How true is that?  How many times do we rush around this time of the year trying to get everything done so we can "enjoy" the Holidays sometimes forgetting what Christmas is really about!  The celebration of Jesus' birth, where he was born in the most humble of locations, a stable with a manger of hay for a bed!

 Christmas is such a joyous time of the year where traditions are what make us so happy and giddy this time of the year.  Our children will remember us spending  time with them, quality time where they are happy and safe.  Let us not forget that during this wonderful and busy time of the year our families are what most of our fond Christmas memories are based on, and make sure you tell them how much you love them and cherish them in your life. We may not know what tomorrow may bring, but we can make sure to take charge of today.   "Merry Christmas"

As I was updating this website a few weeks ago I was just casually looking at other families webpages and came across one little boy's story that has forever changed me.  It never ceases to amaze me how even before I am aware of what my true hurts and joys are, the Lord knows and subtly allows us to come in contact with people who can help us heal in many ways.

The little boy's name is Ricky, and what a powerful and amazing story his "mommy" tells about his short stay on this earth!  I found it difficult to read... tears constantly falling from my eyes, not always from sadness for Meghan his mommy, but of complete and utter adoration for her sacrificial love she has for Ricky, and that even though times got very tough she continued to be an example of God's love for us, holding him with an open hand to his creator.  Today is the one year anniversary of Ricky's "Heavenly Birthday" and I feel the pain, I can only imagine what those closest to him must be going through. 

I do not know why the Lord chooses some over others to continue the journey on this earth, but I do know that we are always given the opportunity to be examples and lights for him.  It's not about  doing things right or wrong or being a good or bad person... it's about acknowledging that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that through him all things are possible, even if that means mourning the loss of a child.  We are always given the opportunity to glorify the Lord, and Meghan chose to let little Ricky's life impact so many others by glorifiying the Lord in ALL that she does, and unselfishly sharing with even strangers the joys, pains, hurts, and fears she must have felt, and still does feel.  I hope all of you take the time to look at little Ricky's webpage, it is truly a powerful example of strength and God's unconditional love for us all!   Thinking of you Ricky!

                                  www.littlemanricky.com

We have realized through this entire process just how important the "little things" in life really are.  Yesterday I spoke with Callen's GI doctor (tells him what to eat) and we decided that he was ready to be unplugged from his feeding pump during the day hours and just hooked up at night!  Well to be totally honest I had made an executive decision the day before that I was going to unplug him (against doctor's and Corey's  recomendations) just to see what would happen, and to see if he would be more interested in taking a bottle by mouth. Anyway, those of you who know me well realize that this is "parr for the course" in my decision making process, as I have a hard time waiting for my JCrew order to come in the mail!!  So I unplugged him and I was right, he was even more interested in taking a bottle and he was much happier being "normal".  Mommy Instincts in Full Force!!!

    This is the day I was waiting for... no cords attached, no making sure there is enough milk in his bag, no worrying about what clothes he can or cannot wear, sounds silly, but these are all things we take for granted with healthy children!  So as I am typing this Callen is in his bouncy seat next to me, frustrated because his bottle keeps coming out of his mouth as he eagerly tries to eat!!  I am again reminded through little steps like these how gracious the Lord has been to our family.  My prayer this week is that Callen would continue to gain weight and avoid sickness so he will be able to remain unplugged.