Happy Birthday Hunter!!

What a difference a year makes...


Twelve months, 366 days (leap year), 8,784 hours, 527,040 minutes--that is what has passed since one of the most frightening, blessed days of our lives. I can still remember the phone call from Gabe telling us that Ryan was in labor. I remember thinking everything would probably be okay because they would probably stop her labor. She would have to endure months of bed rest, but all would be well. Then came another phone call from Gabe--there was no stopping the labor and Ryan was going to be careflighted.

We were worried about Ryan and the baby. We were worried about Gabe and Kattie getting to Ft. Worth in time. But we prayed and the worry subsided, because we knew God was in control.

He blessed us with a tiny little guy and a healthy mom.


Hunter Brayden Lewis

9/21/2007

1 lb. 3 oz. - 11"

It was the beginning of a roller coaster ride with a lot of good and some bad. He remained in the NICU until January which was when he was supposed to be born. He went home on oxygen and a feeding tube and was back in the hospital twice. Just within the last few weeks, he FINALLY was weaned off the oxygen. He has gained weight--up to over 14 lbs. His motor skills are developing well, and he has the most awesome personality of any little guy.

He makes our hearts melt with those big blue eyes and that beautiful smile!!!

Along the way, we have witnessed such growth and determination on the part of his mommy and daddy. I cannot even begin to tell you how proud we are of Gabe and Ryan. They have pulled together and shown remarkle strength. Even when they were beyond exhaustion and despair, they hung in there and helped their little guy pull through. I know that he drew strength from them. Ryan continues to amaze me in loving and working with Hunter. She has endured so much and still has managed to be a wife, mommy to Dane, and student along with a part-time job for much of the time. WOW--can we say God bless Ryan!!

I can honestly say that I have had to learn to trust God like never before during this journey with Hunter. I wanted so much to believe that God was going to bring him through each day, but there was this little part of me that was worried and scared. Had we not had the love, support and prayers of many good friends and local churches, it would have been even more difficult to get through the past year. What a blessing this journey has been and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for Hunter!

Anyway it's a celebration of great blessings. Thank you God for Hunter--our little miracle!