Thursday, May 27, 2010

You've come a long way, baby!

May 27, 2010....
Today marks the day that changed my little boy's face forever. It has been two years since Reid's lip repair, and I am amazed how fast time goes. When you are going though this journey, there are many times that I thought that time could not go fast enough. And here I sit, two years later thankful for so much. I am proud of Reid and how well he has done through his many appointments, procedures, taping, stent work, therapy sessions, and surgeries. He was perfect in my eyes the minute I saw him....and I will always miss seeing that first face that I loved so deeply. Reid, you've been through a lot... and I could not be more proud of you. You've come a mighty long way, baby.

Ahhh, remember that lovely NAM? It grew to be as big as you were...almost. But, we are grateful for it. It helped transform you into the handsome little guy that you are today.

I heard from a mom of another cleft baby that God grants beautiful eyes to all cleft children....so everyone will look there first...instead of focusing on imperfections. I love this picture of Reid's eyes...and I will forever love that wide smile.

Reid was flirting with a nurse at his pre-op appointment here. Not much has changed.

The big surgery day. This was the last face I will always remember before I saw your new look. I think I have this moment forever engraved in my heart.

Tah-dah! Here you are in the recovery room. I also have this moment planted in my heart.
Brian and I were so taken aback at your new look that we had to sit down for a moment to catch our breath. The transformation was amazing.

You are my hero....and will be forever.

Healing took its toll on everyone...especially you. But, you managed (as we did) and we marveled every day at how well you healed. The human body is an amazing thing. We also think you medical team headed by Dr. Gosain is amazing.

And now look at you! You are my little light of sunshine every day. You definitely are my strong-willed child....but after your journey, I guess some of that is to be expected. I am proud of you everyday, and I am honored that I was chosen to be your mom. Happy 2nd Anniversary, Reid. You are my beautiful boy!







5 comments:

Adawk said...

ok...you made me cry!!

Krissy said...

It is so amazing to think of what all our boys have been through!

I think I started following your blog right before this and I remember seeing that post-surgery pic and just being amazed at what a great doctor Reid was blessed with :)

Joy Howse said...

Ok, I am an emotional wreck today (call it hormones or whatever), but that sent me over the edge to tears. There are moments that are etched in my mind forever in regards to Aiden and you hit them on the nose with your post. The NAM, the pre-surgery pic, the immediately after pic. AHHH, tears! What strong, resilent little guys we have, who no doubt will turn into wonderful young men.

steph said...

The past week has been an emotional one...many tears of sorrow have been shed. The tears that come to my eyes after reading this post are tears of joy!!

Kelly Rogers said...

What a sweet post. It is amazing to think of all our little guys have been through at such a young age. I like to think that it will make them more caring and compassionate young men. Seeing the pictures of Reid before and after surgery sure brought back the memories for me!!

Hello, and welcome to my page! I am so glad you are here. I am going to try and show you the average life of a 5 year old from my perspective. Mommy and Daddy will help me along the way if I get stuck.

Let me first introduce my family to you. I am Ellie. I am a 6 year old. I live in Ohio with my Mommy, Daddy, little brother Reid, and dog, Sophie. My mommy is a teacher. She teaches nine and ten year olds and loves it. She has been teaching for twelve years. My daddy works with computers. He works hard everyday.

We all love spending time together. I have wonderful grandparents and a terrific extended family. I am a very lucky girl. Thank you for visiting my page. Write to me any time. I love getting mail!!!

Many blessing to you all.

Love,
Little Ski (Ellie)

Mommy and me having cuddle time at Hocking Hills.

Told ya, my hair can be wild! And you thought I was kidding!

Hmmm, Blue's Brother's perhaps?