weekend trips & old friends

Every once in a while, Steve and I like to sneak away. Just the two of us (no kids!) I think we NEED that time alone together sometimes. And we usually make it a priority to get away once or twice a year. Sometimes, it's only for 2 nights and other times, it's 4. But, we try to get away when we can. Raising kids can get pretty hectic sometimes! When raising a child with special needs, getting away with your spouse can be even more rare as there aren't always very many people you can trust to care for your child. Steve and I have been so blessed in that my mom takes SUCH good care of Ryan for us so that we can get away. Steve's mom also helps out with our youngest, Josh. And Jorie usually goes along with Ryan to stay with my parents. We know our kids are always cared for as we would care for them and that makes getting away SO much nicer. We don't have to worry that our kids are okay! This trip has been extra special in that we got to visit 2 of my friends that I haven't seen in years! Kelli and I have known eachother since the age of 12 and try to get together every couple of years. But, its been nearly 4 since the last time I saw her. And Kristi and I haven't seen eachother in about 12 years!! It was so much fun seeing them both again. I have been so overwhelmed and busy with day to day life and especially, the needs of Ryan; that maintaining friendships has gotten difficult to say the least! Steve and I really enjoy getting away and this was a MUCH needed trip!!!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Tomorrow is Ryan's 15th birthday!!! He is my firstborn and will always hold that special place in my heart!!

I will never forget the day Ryan was born. I can still remember getting up from bed that morning and feeling my water break! Soon after that we headed to the hospital. After about 12 hours or so of labor, Ryan Andrew came into the world. He was 6 lbs and 13 ounces and so beautiful!! At the time, none of us, including doctors, knew that Ryan was affected by SMA. He was perfect in every way! He took to breastfeeding immediately and rarely fussed. He was always happy, always cheerful and was rarely sick! Being the first baby and first grandbaby, he was held ALOT! I can still remember wanting to hold him constantly! I knew that if I did not enjoy this time with him, it would be gone and I would never get that time back! I am so glad I enjoyed that time with him. I can even remember running errands and wanting to take him with me; despite others offering to watch him!

Ryan was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) at 11 months old. A degenerative muscle disease causing weakness throughout his body; including the muscles used to cough and breathe. He has never stood, walked or even crawled. But, he has continued on with the most amazing attitude. He is content with what he has and rarely focuses on what he cannot do. There are times, though they are few, that he will cry and tell us how he wishes he could do things for himself. Those are the times that it gets really rough. We don't always have the words to say to comfort him and sometimes all we can do is hold him and tell him we love him.

Ryan has many wonderful characteristics. One of which is his sense of humor. We all love laughing with Ryan. SMA might take away many abilities. But, not his ability to laugh and tell jokes. :) He is an amazing student and works hard, despite his physical struggles. He talked at a very young age. We beleive this was partially due to his physical disabilites. He was able to focus all of his energy on talking! We often joke about how he used to wake us up each morning by singing praise songs from his bed. This would let us know he was ready to get up!!

When shopping for his birthday recently, I realize again just how grown up he is now! :( It makes me sad that he is growing up so fast. But, also incredibley proud and happy that he has made it this far. Doctors told us he wouldn't make it past the age of 3. So, we have been blessed with 12 years past those predictions!! And we are grateful for each and every one of them with our boy! Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you!!

Cousin Elliott

We've had cousin Elliott staying with us here for the past week. The kids have had alot of fun having him here! Josh and Elliott are just 1 year apart and have alot in common. And Jorie, Josh and Elliott all slept together in the same bottom bunkbed each night. :) Funny enough, noone wants to sleep on the top bunk! They were so cute all cuddled together on the bottom bunk. Everyone but Steve is fighting a little cold. So, prayers are much appreciated for Ryan!

Brotherly love

Many mornings as he leaves for school, Ryan will ask Josh for a hug. I captured these two precious photos this morning right as Ryan's school bus pulled up to take him to school. Ryan has never really been able to give a hug unless we place his arms around our bodies. His arms are just too weak. But, he can certainly receive hugs!!!

Snow Day

Recently, we were hit with a ton of snow. And on this particular day, the sky cleared and it was a beautiful day to play outside in it! I helped Jorie and Josh build a snowman. Isn't he cute? And we enjoyed playing outside together. What a beautiful day!!