As I reflected this week about Luke's birthday, I was reminded by my sister how different Luke's "birth day" was from most. On birthdays, we usually reflect on the joy experienced as our newborn finally enters the world, after much anticipation. This week, as we remembered Luke's birth, it brought back so many emotions that I had to decipher them all again and remember that today is ultimately a day to celebrate! I want to share Luke's story because I want everyone to know that he is a miracle from God, and even though he has been closer to death than most of us will ever come (until actual death), God saved him. God SAVED him...I don't know the how or why, but I am filled with eternal gratitude, and will share Luke's story as much as I can, with hope that it may bring one person one step closer to knowing Christ. It has been a difficult year, and I hope and pray that our family doesn't have to endure trials like that again for a long time. But through it all, God was with us. Here is a brief recap of our life last year:
A year ago today, I had been on hospital bedrest for 28 days and had an ultrasound before 6am. The ultrasound confirmed what we expected: my amniotic fluid was low again and Luke was going to be born today. Andy was planning to get Eli on the bus and drop Jordan and Drew off with a friend before coming to the hospital. They scheduled my c-section for 11:00 am, but by 9am they were "prepping me" for an emergency c-section because Luke was showing signs of distress. Andy wasn't there yet, but was on his way. I remember thinking that maybe we waited too long to get him out. It was such a constant internal struggle to determine if he was better off in utero for longer, or if he needed to come out. Andy made it as they were rolling me into the OR and was there to welcome our little 3lb 5oz miracle into the world. It wasn't the wonderful, joyous entrance into the world that parents imagine. It took the staff awhile to get Luke intubated, and he was struggling. It wasn't the first time we would pray for him to live, and it wouldn't be the last.
Since he was born, Luke has spent 79 days in the hospital (NICU and PICU combined). It has been a rough year for sure, which is why we are celebrating so much today. We wondered many times if his first birthday would be a time of joy or sorrow. We have known both. We thank God everyday that this day is one of JOY for us. I am thankful for every moment I am able to rock him, play with him, feed him, make him laugh, and so much more. I took time to jog to the ocean this morning, and saw a nun on the boardwalk. I love the creative ways that God shows me that He is always with us, helping us through our struggles and celebrating with us in our joy.
We couldn't love Luke more, and have had a great day celebrating (with more fun tomorrow). Grandpa and GG arrived from Indiana, and the cards, gifts and well wishes have been coming in all week. Thanks to each of you and so many more who had a role in our lives this past year. We are eternally grateful. As his older siblings say, "cutie" melts our hearts daily and completes our family perfectly. HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY LUKE THOMAS!!
Fun Luke Facts:
Weight: 18 lbs (on the scale with me this morning)
Favorites: those baby puffs, chewing on everything, laughing at his older siblings, bathtime, jumping like crazy in his jumperoo, mirrors, and of course, his Mama
He has 7 teeth; says dadadada, and a few other sounds sometimes; he claps and waves; sits up well on his own, even reaching for toys without falling, likes to stand for short times alone, and just this week started the motion of steps when standing.
He does NOT sleep through the night; still loves his animal pacifiers, takes 2 naps a day, can fall asleep anywhere if being held my Mommy and tired enough, has bright blue eyes that people comment on when they meet him all the time.
Still is on a pulsoximeter and heart monitor at night, and still on his pulmonary hypertension medication. He drinks soy formula and eats baby food, plus some table foods (pancakes, cheerios, toast, and more).
He cries often when Mommy walks out of the room and he still has a temper, even though his demeanor has mellowed out tremendously and he is more flexible than when he first came home from the PICU.
