Where a year has taken us

Have you ever taken a step back and thought "where was I a year ago?". It's crazy how fast it can go. Last year at this time, we had convinced Jay (2 1/2 years old at the time) that the Easter Bunny was going to give him a gift if he gave up his baby food and would eat Big Boy food. We thought this was going to be our biggest worry at the time. In the middle of this eating struggle with Jay, we were anxiously anticipating an 18 week ultrasound of our soon to be second child, on Friday, May 13th. Friday, arrived and the ultrasound came, but it wasn't what we had expected. Everyone thinks this is the moment you are to find out what you are having, but really it's for the doctor to measure and check the baby's measurements. We were caught off guard when the technician left the room to go get the doctor. We looked at each other and said this didn't happen with Jay. The doctor told us there was extra fluid on the baby's brain. Quickly, we were sent to a specialist to have him look at it closer. His diagnosis and guess was That our baby boy would have Down Syndrome. He couldn't tell for sure unless we had an amniocentesis. The decision was made to have it and the wait continued into the weekend of the results. The results were to be ready, Monday, May 16th and we decided Garrett would get the call. In anticipation of a long wait and the unknowns Garrett came home at lunch to wait on the call. For some reason, the girl I tutored canceled on me and I was home sooner. As I opened the door, Garrett was sitting on the ottoman waiting and then bursted out in tears. The unknown was known, our baby boy had Down Syndrome. We didn't really say much, but just looked up things on our own about the syndrome. Who knows really what we could expect. Doctor's visits went well and then, you know about his quick delivery on Saturday, October 1st. From then, our life was changed. Not for bad, but for good. It's been one of the happiest times to have Mason here. As you look at his face you can't help but smile because nine times out of ten, he has a smile on his face as well. With Mason, we relish the moments and the here and now. Who knows what is in store for us down the road, only God knows. Right now, we know that Mason is a happy baby with a big brother that loves him. (And may we mention the big brother has been eating awesome for the past year.) Mason is growing so fast and developing only a month behind normal kids. As we remember a year ago, we want to let you know that on Sunday, May 13th we want to celebrate Mason with his dedication at church during the 9:30 service. We want to thank everyone for your support over the last year and your kind words. We love this little child with all our heart and strive to grow him up in the ways of the Lord.