Travis' First Birthday

I can't believe it will be a whole year since you've been in our lives. When I try to think back of a time before you it's almost unimaginable. This first year of being your mom has been such a whirlwind of emotions. I feel so excited and proud of all you have overcome in just this short little year of life.

You've taught me oh so much about life, faith, and even myself. I'm definitely much tougher than I give myself credit for. I remember thinking back and how we'd dream about what it'd be like to have another baby. Then I found out I was pregnant. Then you were born and we faced some of the hardest moments and greatest victories of our lives.

I was so scared when we heard the news about your birth defects. I felt robbed. Robbed of a blissful post-delivery experience. I remember crying in the recovery room because I could hear other babies and I was baby less. You had already been sent off to the CHKD nicu. It was so painful but little did I know that God was mending the whole situation. In this short little year you've had two successful surgeries. And are thriving and doing so well.

I do not know what the future holds but I'm so grateful for you. I love you so much. My prayer for you this year is that you continue to grow and develop to you fullest potential. I pray that God always be the center of your life and that you love Him with all your heart. I pray for your protection and I speak health and abundance over this little life of yours. Happy 1st Birthday Travis!

10 Months New

Is exactly what I am. I'm definitely not the same person I was 10 months ago. I remember when I was pregnant with Travis and I would wonder how different I'd become. I always heard you change when you go from being a mother of 1 to a mother of 2. When you think you can't love your next child anymore your heart just grows. I guess that's a way to put it. 

In our circumstances I feel I did twice as much growing. These past 10 months have taught me way more than I expected. I thought I had grown patient but I had more to grow in that department. I've learned to have faith too. I was always a believer in God. With everything Travis has experienced and we as a family, made me grow even more faith. 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. 

Hebrews 6:19-20

Travis had his follow up appointment with the geneticist today at CHKD. She's so sweet and knowledgeable. She was so happy to see us and said how much Travis had grown. That he was developing beautifully. She even held him and gave him little kisses. That is a total reminder of how faithful my God is. We are now able to see her yearly. Just to continue to make sure he's doing well. 

I feel a need to ask if you are reading this and hopelessness has taken over, you're experiencing something, or believing for something in particular. Message me so we can pray together. Esperanza1461@aol.com, on IG, or even Facebook! 

Hugs!!!

Growing in Faith

So where do I start. I've contemplated writing on this topic multiple times but always tell myself that it can wait. Partly because of fear and wondering if it is important at all. What Ive realized recently is that it is and I believe God has a purpose in this story. Through this experience I've come to know Jesus like never before. Another thing I learned is to trust in something far greater than my personal strength or of anyone else. I share this primarily to glorify how God has worked and continues to work in my life.

Exactly 5 months ago today I was in early stages of labor. It was an intense day filled with disappointment because I was progressing enough and wasn't far along enough in my labor to be admitted in to the hospital. Little did I know that I was about to face more confusion, pain, and disappointment. At exactly 5:21pm Travis was born. I felt such relief and happiness because this long grueling process of labor was over. He was perfect and we nursed for a bit. The nurses took him off to finish checking the typical baby stats.

Well about 30 mins after the pediatrician comes into the room. She begins to explain to me that my baby was born without a condition called imperforate anus, which meant he was born without an anal opening. I was in shock and then began to cry. All these thoughts began rushing into my head. She said I'm sorry and walked out. I was heartbroken and confused. I wondered what would happen to Travis. Would he survive? I questioned all these what ifs.

That night he was transferred to The Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters, also known as CHKD. Its probably the best in the area and of that I am grateful. Well once he arrived they completed multiple scans, xrays, and tests. We later noticed he was also born with an extra finger on his right hand and a spinal x-ray found that he had a tethered spinal cord. We called every few hours to see how he was doing and the doctors always said he was doing well.

This entire time although we were tired and scared, we entered in fervent prayer. I was discharged the next day and the doctor informed us that the scans showed the corrective surgery for his anal opening was fairly simple. Praise God! That was the best news we had heard.

Well surgery followed through very successfully and Travis was doing well. Hes been pooping tons ever since haha. Doctors are so pleased with his continual growth and development. He is even above on some milestones. The genetic testing that came back was negative and so they were all happy about that as well. Now all we are awaiting is an MRI next month and we're believing for healing of his tethered spinal cord. We've been seeing a Neurologist who has been closely monitoring his development. We are all very hopeful. Other than that he is doing wonderful and super healthy.

Despite this difficult circumstance God has been so good and faithful to us. We ask that you pray for Travis and our family as we continue on this journey.