Can you believe how far this boy has come?
February 19, 2009 – About an hour old, and the first time I laid eyes on him!
February 2010 – 12 months old and one month home!
February 2011 – Two years old
2012 – Three years old
(and suffering from a closing cor triatriatus membrane, poor boy)
February 2013 – Birthday celebration last week at preschool.
Counting the candles on the cake.
Let me tell you something. I was tempted not to attend his preschool birthday celebration. I mean, it was a whole week early and I was slammed last week with preparations for a family weekend getaway plus the normal stuff. I’m SO glad I went. He knew exactly what was going on and LOVED every minute. I was tempted to grab my camera and document every single step (showing his favorite toys, reading his favorite book – of which he “read” half – to his class, putting on the birthday candles, making everyone do 4 things four times, and letting them go through our London Bridge). It was worth every single thing I didn’t get done in that measly 1/2 hour I gave up. And every stressful moment of last Tuesday morning. EVERY. STRESSFUL. MOMENT. Heck, it was worth every stressful moment of the last four years! He was so dang cute. Instead of pictures, I tried to tattoo it all into my brain so I’d remember it forever. We’re celebrating tonight as a family. Exactly as we do every RSV and Flu-ridden February. More pictures with cake and ice cream to come!
But for now, in case you haven’t seen, Children’s National, the hospital where Ryan was born, put out a small little video on him to raise awareness for congenital heart disease in time for his birthday this week! Here’s a peak.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (11)
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ryan! And God bless your family! What a lucky and blessed boy!
Debbie, from south central PA
Happy birthday to Ryan and family. You guys are such an inspiration and a good reminder of what faith can do.
Happy Birthday Ryan! What an amazing little man, and amazing family. You give us such hope!
How amazing to watch this video! Happy Birthday, Ryan! Every day is a gift–I have definitely learned that. We have a day-by-day attitude around here as well–different circumstances, but same motto. It has been so amazing to watch your sweet boy grow and change. Thanks for sharing your story out here with those of us that don’t know you, but feel like we do just the same.
Happy Birthday to Ryan! Loved the video and you sharing your story to those that don’t know you personally. We follow your blog regularly and have enjoyed seeing Ryan grow along the way. Have a blessed birthday with your baby boy!
Sherrie from Kentucky
Happy Birthday to Ryan. I’m so glad you took the time to spend his preschool birthday day with him – you will never regret it. I have never seen him without a big smile on his face. Becky in NC
Literally got chills reading this post!!! Happy BIRTHDAY RYAN!!!! loved the lil dude putting on a big smile! May Jesus bless you all with extra love celebrating tonight!:) xoxo Michelle:)
the sweetest smiles ever – HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!
Happy Birthday sweet boy.
Happy Birthday Ryan!
4 is my FAVORITE age!!!! happy birthday, ryan!!