Happy 18 Months!

My Sweetest Chasey-poo,

Happy 18 Month Birthday, sweet boy! I cannot believe it's been a year and a half since Daddy and I made that first (of oh so many) drive from our rental house in Charleston to MUSC for your birth. I had been so caught up in what was going to happen to you after you arrived, that I honestly didn't start to think/prepare for the actual process of getting you here until the night before!

You've been through so much. You've shown the world what a ROCK STAR you are by surviving two heart surgeries and two heart catheterizations, as well as a bout of RSV! No one would ever know what you've been through unless Mommy or Daddy were to mention it. You are so amazing and you make me so very proud to be your Mommy!

You are the happiest little guy EVER! You are always so smiley and happy, unless you are hungry or tired or (heaven forbid) somebody tells you NO. You love your big sister, but sure do get tired of her when she pesters you. You love being with your Mommy and Daddy, which isn't surprising since you haven't been able to spend too much time with anyone else yet. Except maybe your Mona. You love to hang out and play with Mona. She sure loves to visit with you and is always willing to play with you and your sister so Mommy and Daddy can have a night out every once in a while.

It's been so much fun for me to watch you get to experience new things now that we're out of quarantine season. You are inquisitive and enjoy learning new things. You are such an amazing boy!

I would have NEVER guessed 18 months ago that I would see pictures of you running around the yard, popping bubbles, smiling from ear to ear!

When you get overwhelmed by things, Mommy is always there for you to help comfort you. While new things can be exciting, they can be scary, too, but Mommy will always be there to hold your hand and feed you some yummy chocolate to ease your mind...

You like to get your own way. All. The. Time. You get this honestly, though. Mommy's the same way (and Daddy, too, but don't tell him I said so)! It doesn't take much more than someone shaking their head "no" in your direction to result in a meltdown of epic proportions...

You're a relatively quiet little guy. You don't like big crowds or lots of noise. It takes you a few minutes to warm up to a new environment or when you're outside of your comfort zone.

But before long, that gorgeous smile of yours lights up your face and lights up the room!

You love to eat. A lot. Almost all kinds of bread. Cheddar cheese cut up into cubes. All things Gerber (crunchies, yogurt melts, cereal bars). Yogurt and applesauce are some of your faves. And don't get me started on juice. I don't think you can survive more than 10 minutes without guzzling a sippy cup of juice!

Oh, and the cranberry sauce. Can't forget the cranberry sauce!

I love watching you learn. You're so laid back and enjoy taking things in at your own pace.

Every now and then you let Mommy love on you and be silly with you. I cherish those times more than you know! You are such a fun and silly little guy, and you own your Mommy's heart!

Speaking of trying new things... Daddy got you a really cool bike seat and Hot Wheels helmet so you could go on bike rides with us and your sister! You definitely were not a big fan on your first ride last night, but once the bike was moving, you had a great time!

Sweet Chasey-poo, your Mommy loves you more than you'll ever comprehend. Your Daddy loves you like crazy and your big sister--as annoying as she can be at times--loves her little "bruhder" bunches.

We are all so grateful to have you in our lives. While I wish I could take away the pain you've experienced and the uncertainties that lie ahead for you, I wouldn't change one moment of my life from the second you were born 18 months ago. You are my sweet, precious, lovable son, and God gave me the greatest gift when He gave me you.

Happy 18 month birthday, sweet boy. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my world!

All my love,
Mommy