Thanksgiving 2014

I know it's already a week past Thanksgiving but I would be remiss not to take a minute and reflect on all we have to be thankful for this year. One of the biggest things is of course that Spencer is ALIVE and WELL. Those are two huge blessings...And there are so many other things along that vein....

• Spencer came home without oxygen and continues to breathe fine
• Spencer came home without a monitor, had a great check up with the cardiologist and his little heart continues to do well
• Spencer came home without a feeding tube and is slowly improving his abilities to take a bottle and breastfeed
• Spencer is growing and gaining weight!
• Spencer is a pretty good sleeper and usually doesn't wake up Carter with his nighttime sqwaking
• The amazing medical team at Methodist Womens Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital and Womens Clinic who took care of Spencer, myself and our whole family this year
• The fact that we are finally a family of four under one roof! My heart is so full to have everyone together (even if it is craziness most if the time)
• Carter is a really good, proud big brother and has done remarkably well with all the transitions this year (including some of his own accomplishments like potty training, big boy bed and preschool)
• Matt is an amazing dad who gets up to help with night feedings, washes bottles/pump parts constantly, makes dinner, wrestles with Carter and is patient with me as I work through all the changes this year
• My employer has been extremely flexible, understanding and supportive of all the unplanned, stressful events this year (and I still have a job!)
• My parents for taking care of the boys during the day and helping to keep the germs "at bay"
• The amazing support system we have found in family, friends, coworkers, NICU support groups and strangers to give us pep talks, prayers and hugs all year long. 
• Our church family who has been so faithful to support us in prayers, meals, donations, gifts and visits.

But most of all I am thankful for my relationship with God and how He has been so faithful, loving, patient and comforting to us this year. I have grown to know Him better and trust Him more through His marked faithfulness in our lives.

And I have learned so much about myself (and continue to learn more) as I journey through the hard ups and downs of this year.

Thanks you Jesus for loving us, for loving me. 

And to top off a great year, my sister and her family came to visit us for the holiday. I can't believe this - but she actually hadn't met Spencer yet - so it was all very exciting. My brother, his wife and their new baby made it as well, so my immediate family was all together and it was really nice. 

Here are a few pics -

Baby Kayla!