You and Your Mommy

I just got back from a trip to visit you in Redmond. As always I was shocked by how much you had grown in the last month. You are such a GOOD boy! At only two years old you recognize that your mommy is not able to do lots of for you and choose to go above and beyond in your abilities to take care of yourself. I was shocked to see that you can get yourself into your carseat, climb into your chair to eat, and climb into your bed. We are so blessed at your resilience.

Oaklen, the other huge blessing for me this weekend was hearing you utter the word Jesus. You and I were reading one of your little bible books and I asked you where Jesus was and you pointed to his picture and said His name. It really does make a difference when you share the word with your kiddos.

A Moment

Last week when I got you from Daddy at the hospital I was delighted to have a few days to spend with you. Your cousin was probably the most excited to have uninterrupted time playing with his little cousin. Unfortunately you were a bit sick on your first evening home and needed some extra snuggles from Nana and Auntie. As I remember the day that I got to stay at home with you to care for you I will relish in the five minute window I had with you while dancing in the living room with your chubby little fingers wrapped around my neck giving me a "arms around the neck hug" and swaying to a country song. You are the brightest spot in this entire journey.

Proud Auntie

Your mommy just called to tell me that you went potty in the toilet. I am so proud of you! Your vocabulary and imagination has grown so much in the past month. I love you beyond words little man and know without a doubt that you will do such great things with your life.

The Reunion

You woke up and felt a little out of sorts. Grandpa didn't give you a nap so you fell asleep in the car for the short 45 minute ride. Your little cheeks were especially rosy as your reached your chubby little arms up to me for a hug. I quietly prayed for you to be on your best behavior as I brought you in to see your mama. She had been in a great deal of pain for the entire day and I didn't want you to accidentally bump into her incision. You amazed me and then some as your sweet little face looked at your mama in awe. You both reached for each other and your look into each others eyes was amazing. You were the most gentle, sweetest two year old ever in that moment. It was the first night you cried as I thought about placing you in bed so that your mama could go back to sleep. She decided to live life through the pain and spend some extra time cuddling you on the couch while watching a movie. You were again so gentle and responsive in being placed just right next to her so that you wouldn't cause her any pain. Little chunks I love you dearly and am so thankful that your mama has you to fight for. Enjoy this week with mama and all of the other people that love you so. God is good to us!

Mommy is coming home

Dear Oaklen,

Your mommy should be getting out of the hospital today. I am so thankful that you get this reunion. I won't lie, I am going to miss you like crazy this next week while you stay at Nana's and get taken care of by so many of the people that love you. You are an amazing little boy that fills my heart with pure joy! Last night I felt like a new mother again as I left to get my haircut and let Uncle Kyle get you ready for bed and tuck you in. I had to make sure that you were tucked in right and give you a little kiss on your sweet chubby cheeks. Oaklen, I pray that you life is filled with love, fun, and much laughter. You have definitely filled our home with lots of love and laughter this past week. Your cousin Bronson loves you so much that he can't stop counting down the hours while he is in school until he gets to play with you. Sweet boy I am sorry that you have to deal with the cancer word at such a young age, but I know that it will make you that much stronger.

Love you always,
Auntie Sunshine

Two Years Old

Dear Oaklen,

Yesterday you turned 2. Your birthday was not your average two year old bash; we did that last weekend. On the 20th your mommy threw you a giant party at a local gymnastics club with 50 of your biggest fans. Yesterday your mommy had her prayers answered. She was given the surgery she has been wanting since they uttered the words stage 4 terminal cancer. Your mommy was a rock star. Dr. Sheppard removed one whole lobe of her liver during a 6 hour surgery and your mommy was up within a couple of hours talking about you, smiling, and most importantly praising God.

Oaklen, I am sorry that for the majority of your life that cancer has had to be part of your routine, but I believe more than anything that The Lord will use this for good. I pray for you that this becomes part of your amazing testimony. I pray that you have a beautiful life and that you always know how much you are loved. Your mommy prays multiple times a day that you know and love Jesus at a young age. Jesus definitely loves you little man.

It might be hard for some to understand how a Savior that loves so deeply would allow one of his children to go through cancer. I can easily say that this has happened to bring your mommy to The Lord and to use her to speak His truths and to show others that miracles do happen. Yesterday was a miracle!

Oaklen, on your 2nd birthday your mommy was given more time. The fact that this surgery was so successful means that she gets two more surgeries that will also work to remove tumors from both of her lungs. We are praying for the words, NO EVIDENCE of DISEASE (Ned's). At this time there is no cure for your mommy's type of cancer, but guess what? There could be. 5 years in cancer time is like a lifetime. There is no reason that we should ever doubt Jesus. He can and will perform miracles on a daily basis. As your mommy said last night you were her miracle two years ago.

Little man I am so thankful to be your Auntie and can't wait to watch you grow up to be a wonderful man. Happy birthday and may your 3rd year of life be the best ever!

Love

Auntie Sunshine

Mr. Chunks

Check out this picture of a difference between Bronson and Oaklen in the same outfit!