Almost 7.

6 & 1/2

My smiley boy!!!

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Tomorrow Samuel Augustine will be 7. I can't believe it's been that long... and I can't believe it's ONLY been that long. It seems like an age ago when I gave birth and asked Mike after I heard my newborn cry, "Is it a boy or a girl?"


"It's a boy!" was his reply.

11 months old

After 5 weeks of contractions I gave birth to a 6 lb. 3 oz. boy. He was only 30 weeks gestation... translation = 10 weeks early. I didn't know all the complications that would follow. Samuel had to stay in the NICU hospital for 5 weeks. Intubated on and off. He came home on oxygen and stayed on oxygen and an apnea monitor for 6 months.

13 months old

Hospitalized ten times by his second birthday you think it wouldn't have been so surprising to learn his diagnosis of cancer at age 4. But it was a huge shock. He had been pretty "stable" from about 2 to 4 that we thought we were in the "clear" so to speak.

18 months

But Samuel is a survivor. But more than just surviving. He is joyful. You can see it in his smile. His laughter is contagious. He's always been joyful even in the midst of intense adversity. Even in pain and suffering. Even in the midst of shed tears. He is compassionate and caring. Sensitive to the needs of others. Long-suffering comes to mind.

age 2

My baby boy has grown. From a precious infant to a sweet chunky monkey toddler with beautiful curls to the sweet little boy he is today.

3 1/2

From diagnoses of asthma, chronic lung disease, reactive airway disease, and oral aversion issues to one who must patiently endure aggressive chemo treatments and radiation and shots given almost daily he has not only survived but thrived.

age 4

Through the years he has gone from being a precious little brother to Libby to a big brother to Ian and Michael and Peter.

Age 5

Samuel there aren't enough words to express how much I love you and how thankful I am that I get to be your Mommy. It is an honor and privilege to know you and love you. You are a perfect part of our family and a joy to those who know you. I'm so glad you're my boy!

I look forward to all the years to come and to seeing you grow in your knowledge and in your love for Jesus. He is truly our prize! My little one Jesus is the One who has sustained you and carried you and healed you. 

I know we have a journey still ahead of us but let's persevere fixing our eyes on the prize- Jesus Christ. We are hidden in Him. And He will be faithful until the end.

Age 6