My Heart is Full

I've wanted for some time now to put this into words through a blog post. Due to the fact that I've been basically absent from the blog since Ethan's birth (other than sending the "I Crawl the Line" picture from my phone), obviously it hasn't happened- until now.

I knew that if we were to have a baby, I would love him, and it would be an incredible new experience for me. That has been true, but I had no idea the degree in which it would happen. This little guy just eats me up.

I have trouble even putting it into words. Any of you who live here in Midland and see us regularly can probably tell something of how crazy I am about him, but it's difficult to express to the rest of you. I love my job, but don't like leaving the house in the morning and look forward to getting home every day just to be with him and his mom. And when I'm here- I just can't get enough of him.

I am overwhelmingly thankful to God- although life here has its challenges right now just as does life anywhere at any time... I don't know that my life has ever before been so full of joy. Of course I probably would have said the same thing while we lived at NLCH in Guatemala, and before that as we started our married life together in Georgia. But now- my marriage to an incredibly wonderful woman, and the privilege of being a dad to this little boy have made my heart full.

Meeting the Harris Cousins

This Christmas we have enjoyed getting to be with the whole Harris side of the family, as both of my brothers and their wives and kids came in on Christmas Eve. Ethan is the 6th grandchild on this side, and he evens out the ratio of boys to girls. He's pictured above with the next-youngest cousin, Jack.

Christmas Cheer

Ethan received an early Christmas present from Nana Kate (Daniel's mom).

He was mesmerized by the ornaments and lights after we decorated the Christmas tree.

Visit with Michelle

I wrote in a previous post that the directors of NLCH, Kendon and Wendy Wheeler, were bringing Michelle to the U.S. for genetic testing. Yesterday we were able eat lunch and visit for a few hours with them in Lubbock (two hours from where we live in Midland). It was so great to see them! I didn't realize just how much I missed Kendon and Wendy until I saw them yesterday. They are amazing people and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I wish it was as easy as yesterday to get to see them!

Michelle is as precious and adorable as ever but I must admit that I was shocked to see her. She had grown as far as maturity and development but her size seemed even smaller than I remembered. I always knew she was very tiny but I guess being around her everyday in Guatemala and not having a baby of our own, it didn't really sink in how serious her growth issues really are. I just thought of her as cute and tiny.

At 19 months she is much smaller than three month old Ethan and that was heartbreaking. I am used to our 12+ pound son so when I held her in my arms, her 8 pound 10 ounce body felt like I wasn't holding anything. I am once again reminded of what a miracle she is. She crawls at rapid speed and walks holding onto a rolling car toy. She is happy and into everything -- opening cabinets, playing with toys, etc. -- and is just full of energy. I am amazed that she is so healthy -- no colds or illness besides a brief time of stomach issues since her arrival at NLCH almost a year ago. That is amazing considering she lives in close contact with so many other children. Kendon and Wendy take such good care of her and have brought much joy to her life as she has also done for them and everyone she comes in contact with.

They have an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday. I pray for the doctor's wisdom, that Kendon and Wendy will finally have a definitive diagnosis, know how to proceed with her care, and possibly be given a good idea of her prognosis.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful time in Missouri spending Thanksgiving with my family. We flew from Midland to Dallas, and Dallas to St. Louis. Ethan did well on the flights. Thankfully he slept most of the way.

We were there from the 24th to the 29th. During our week, Ethan was introduced to many family members and seemed to love the attention.

Here are a few pictures from the week with captions below each:

On the airplane. I look tired and Ethan looks WIDE awake!

Smiling and talking with Paw Paw.

Meeting three of his cousins.

Meeting Great Aunt Lori (my aunt)Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Aunt Krista.We also celebrated Christmas with my family while we were there. Ethan hit the jackpot!