One Year Strong

 On Monday, we had the amazing opportunity to celebrate Owen's first birthday.  I am so grateful for my baby boy.  Six months ago, Owen was on hospice and I held very little hope that he would still be with us for his birthday.  Owen continues to be a mystery, an amazing little puzzle who brings sweetness, joy, and love to our life.  He was born in the midst of a hurricane and his first year of life was a symbolic extension of that storm.  This past Monday was a beautiful, sunny, warm day and I pray that this next year will be an equally bright journey for Owen.

Owen- August 27, 2011

Owen- August 27. 2012

The cake Ellie decorated for Owen

A very happy family 

Welcome to the party!  Owen rang in turning ONE with a pool party at his Mammie and Bankie's house

The cake Mommy made and Daddy decorated for Owen

Ellie enjoying a cupcake

Me and my boy on an amazing day

Happy Birthday Owen! We LOVE you!

Owen's birthday was wonderful milestone for us (yes, a milestone! Check it off the list).  To mark the day, to celebrate all of the challenges, heartache, struggle, hope, love, and faith our family has gone through these past twelve months, we planted a tree for Owen.  My mother-in-law chose a Dwarf Alberta Blue Spruce- selected with Owen's beautiful blue eyes in mind.  We planted the tree in their front yard, near the Black-eyed Susan, which returns each August with their happy flowers in full bloom. 

Owen's tree

Our family has been touched by many people this past year who have offered us help and support.  For months, we had meals delivered from our church and there was a steady stream of people providing loving arms to comfort Owen.  We have been blessed to collect many new friends and we are so thankful for the support.  Owen has an amazing ability to connect with people.  His long eyelashes draw you in and his red hair (with curls emerging) is quite adorable.  During this past month, I gifted a few special people, "Owen's Ladies" as I call them, with their own Black-eyed Susan to plant in celebration of Owen's life and their role in it.  If you are a reader of the blog and have a green thumb, plant some in honor of Owen.  These beautiful flowers are strong, a perennial- they will come back every year, and bloom during Owen's birthday month. 

Here is what they look like- Rudbeckia is their scientific name

It was a great day, a special birthday party, and a reminder of what an amazing family Owen was born into.  It was also Pete's birthday.  For the second year in a row, Owen has completely monopolized the day.  I hope that happens for many more years to come (sorry Pete!).  

My delicious baby when he was a few weeks old
Happy Birthday Owen!