To Our Family, Friends, and Blog Readers

As we near the one year mark of our journey, I feel a flood of emotions coming back to me.  It's hard to describe unless you've been there, but it's a mixture of complete joy, and total sadness. I'm not one who is typically sentimental about dates, but I feel as though I'm reliving those first few weeks, and it brings with it a lot of anxiety.

One year ago today, I went into labor.  I spent all morning at the hospital without progressing, so I was sent home. I had absolutely no idea what God had in store for me...I had no idea of the secret that little Carter was hiding from us... I had no idea that we would be thrown into a journey that would be absolute hell for the first few weeks, but then turn into the biggest blessing that we could have ever asked for. 

I had no idea...

I had no idea that there were so many people who cared about us, and loved us.

So, today I have a message for all of our family, friends, and blog readers.

Thank You.

Today, I am grateful for everything you have done for us.

Thank you to my husband for being my rock.

Thank you to Mikey and Jovie for being strong through the last year.  You had your lives turned upside down, but you bounced through it with grace and ease.

Thank you to ALL of our family and friends for carrying us through the last year...even those who live far away. We know that we haven't been around much, but we really appreciate all of the love you have showered us with. Seriously, I can't think of one friend or family member (extended family included) that hasn't let us know that they are here for us.  We appreciate all of you SO very much!

Thank you to the Grandparents who took over our duties as mom and dad for Mikey and Jovie while we stayed with Carter.

Thank you to my sister-in-law for listening to me and talking me through all of the diagnoses as they kept appearing. You kept me sane! 

Thank you to our neighbors for always shining a positive light on things when it seemed that it was getting very dark, and for loving and accepting Carter.

Thank you to all of Michael's coworkers and friends for all of the support you have given us...it means a lot!

Thank you to my "britches" for loving little C even though you've never met him.  I have no idea where I would be without all of you ;)

Thank you to Carter's NICU nurses, all of his doctors, and his therapists.  We wouldn't be here without you!

Thank you to our blog readers for your wise advice.  It's so nice to know that we aren't on this journey alone.

Thank you to anyone who has ever said a prayer for our little guy.  We know that they work!

And of course, thank you to God for giving us this wonderful gift.