One Year Ago Today.

One year ago today, the exciting news that we would be having a baby boy was completely overshadowed by the devastating discovery that our baby boy would be born with a very rare heart defect.

It is hard to believe that it has only been a year, in some ways it feel like a many years, in other ways it seems like it has absolutely flown by.

And, tomorrow will be the 1 year mark that Oakes' heart defect was diagnosed in utero. Truncus Arteriosis. And so our regular visits to St. Louis Children's Hospital began. Oakes would need surgery when he was born, another around 8 years old, then a final surgery in his early 20's. Greg and I were so scared for that first surgery, and nothing would have prepared us for where we are today. So many other diagnoses, so many other procedures and surgeries, so many other surprises that have scared us, but still so many blessing, so many miracles, and so much goodness from one little baby. One year ago today the trajectory of our lives quickly and completely shifted. And although I never would have asked for this last year, or the complications that Oakes has, I know that medically he is a little puzzle, but as his Mom, I believe so strongly that Oakes is, in so many ways, perfect. Just perfect.

So, I am looking forward to another year plus many more with my Oakes. I am looking forward to a more calm year, boring weeks turning into months, lots of healing, a steady stream of miracles, fewer surprises and a lighter load of craziness all together!