Friday, February 17, 2006

Happy Birthday, Aaron James, Jr.


Happy Birthday, AJ! You're two years old today and what two years they've been. You came into this world on your schedule, no one else's, 10 weeks early. I was there that night, along with a room full of people all focused on your care. You came out all arms and legs, an incredible 3 lbs 6 oz, and were immediately handed off to the nicu doctor and nursing team. We got a quick glimpse as you were whisked upstairs. You spent the next 5 weeks in the nicu in Racine, WI and we counted every milestone as a miracle. Mommy camped out in your room and Daddy had to keep the home fires burning, work and came up every day. And finally, you got to come home. And then 6 months later you scared us again and spent 2 weeks in Children's Hospital in Milwaukee while you recieved heli-ox and the doctors decided whether to open your windpipe and reshape it and give you a long-term trache. You surprised us again and made it on your own.
And now, through some tough times and lots of happy times, you're turning two years old today. You're running and playing and talking a blue streak and last week you had a cold and it sounds like you finally have conquered the windpipe problem they thought you'd grow out of by the time you were two!
Happy Birthday, AJ -- you are our miracle. You have brought real joy to our lives.

11 comments :

Kairle Oaks said...

Life is such a miracle! What a blessing it is to live in an age where these tiny ones have a fighting chance.
Kairle

Laura said...

Happy Birthday to little AJ, hard to believe he is already 2 years old. I remember all you went through when he was born. Love the tulip farm quilt!
Laura

Quilts And Pieces said...

Happy birthday AJ! What a miracle babies are! And isn't it a wonder what the medical field can do these days!

Laurie said...

Joanne,
What a great story...truly a little miracle! Can we see a pic of the 2yo AJ? I bet he's a doll!
Hugs
Laurie

Quiltgranny said...

What a tiny little boy to have been such a big miracle!

Finn said...

Happy Birthday to AJ, and special hugs and love for his Grandma Joanne!!! (((((HUGS))))) Finn

Granny said...

Happy Birthday, AJ. Sounds like everyone has had some stressful times getting AJ to this birthday but things seem to be pretty postive now, huh?

Glad he's doing so well.

Judy L.

Unknown said...

Happy B'day, AJ! Miracles do happen ... you are proof.
I have a g'son who was born 14 weeks early, 2#9 oz. and he is also 2 years old, and doing well. Maybe it was that batch of valiant spirits in heaven ... showing us a special love.

Dona said...

Happy Birthday AJ!!!!!

Mary Johnson said...

Well that picture brought back memories of working in the NICU for 2 years not something I miss. He's a cutie now.

Passionate Quilter said...

A miracle baby--I'm so glad to hear that he's celebrating his second birthday! Right on my grandson's 3rd birthday! How precious and dear these little ones are to us.

I love your tulip quilt too!! I'm from a Dutch heritage and always think that I should do something with tulips. Yours is stunning!