Norwoodiversary

One year ago today, at 6:33 AM on Monday, November 2, 2009, we sent our sweet 7 day old son off for his first open-heart surgery. We waited patiently through 7 pager updates, informing us of how Chase was performing during his first surgery, until 2:55 PM when his surgery was complete and we were able to speak with the surgeon. We were beyond thankful that the surgery was a success and Dr. Hsia was able to complete everything he needed to. We know we were covered in prayer throughout that day, as well as the critical 24-48 hours following his surgery. We are so grateful to have friends and family who were there to support us through the hardest day of our lives.
When we were finally able to see our boy one year ago today, this is what we saw:

Fast-forward one difficult year later. I'm writing this post while LO works on her third piece of cinnamon toast and watches the Mickey Mouse Club. Chase is awake in his crib, and my heart just melts at the beautiful smile I am so blessed to see every morning when I greet my sweet boy:

I'm sure some of you may tire of hearing this, but God has been SO GOOD to us over the past year. We are so blessed to not only have Chase in our lives, but for him to be doing so well living with his special heart? It simply amazes me daily. I cannot get over how blessed we have been, especially as other families in the heart community have struggled through difficulty after difficulty and unfortunately, many of whom have suffered the greatest loss imaginable. I will continue to praise and thank God each and every day for the favor He has shown my family, and will forever be grateful to see this sweet face each morning.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and indescribable love for us!