The Birthday Boy

On Brody's Birthday, Thursday the 18th, we went out to breakfast, then to Sam's to buy cookies and cupcakes, then to the NICU. We wanted to celebrate with our NICU family. They all loved seeing Brody and they appreciated the goodies. He had a big day.

Then the big party on Saturday. What a day!!! Brody awoke at 4am, giggling. It's like he knew it was his party day. From then until 10pm he only had about 2 hours of naps. Saying he loved everyone singing to him is an understatement. What a joy watching him smile looking around at everyone. We had an awesome day and it was wonderful celebrating with all of our family and friends. As soon as Aunt Leeta gets pictures to us I will post them on the blog. I didn't take any pics, I knew I would be like a butterfly caught in a windstorm so I asked Brent's sister, Leeta, to be our photographer. She takes excellent pictures (especially of Brody) and I can't wait to see all that she captured.

Until then.......

Living

He played so hard he fell asleep in his play yard.

Crawling in the grass, he loved it.

And side note on the pics (for Swick especially) ....if you will note there is a lot of hair on his little head in the 1st pic but it appears to not be there on the 2nd. This is due to the lighting...Brody has hair it's just very fair. Although he hardly has any on the sides. It looks like he has a "high & tight" military cut. I think it's from the infamous NICU mohawk. He DOES have more hair than his Daddy, lol. This is my story and I'm sticking to it.

Today Brody and I enjoyed a long visit from our adopted college daughter, Chantelle. Our church has a program where a family adopts a different student each year. Well, we rebelled. We have kept Chantelle all four years. She graduates in December and we hope she finds a job around here so we don't have to let go just yet. She has been a blessing to us and Brody enjoyed playing with her today.

Then Brody and I went to college ourselves. We were on the campus of WVU. A friend of ours, Robin Smith, asked me to speak to her class of junior Social Worker majors about our story. I was more than willing to talk about my perfect guys. The class asked a few questions. One was where did I find my sweet husband. I am blessed! Brody stole the show though, he loved talking to everyone. It was an honor to be the spokesperson for our family and that WONDERFUL WVUH NICU. Have I told you lately how much I love those peps at that NICU? Master Brody and I went up the other day to visit and so many of the staff came out to see him and just made over him. A year later and they are still so amazing to us.

Speaking of amazing.....my grandparents are 86 and 89 and they have been married for over 70 years. Unfortunately they are getting to the point where it is necessary to either move to a nursing home or have round the clock care. It is a hard time in our family. I went to my uncles' business the other day and saw the picture of my grandfather in the foyer of when he was younger, stronger, (and remembered that I was his Deedlebug) and it broke my heart to have that flashback memory unexpectedly. My grandmother's mind is still very sharp but my grandfather's isn't at all. The thing he remembers the most right now is Brody. He loves "that baby". I think because last year he was more coherent and Brody was such a concern to all of our family. And it broke his heart that Brody had oxygen like him. It is hard to see him and know him and he not know me but it is a joy to take Brody for visits and brighten their day. Pappy (my grandfather) always wants to keep Brody. He'll say, "Hey Maw, do you just want to keep that baby?" And my Nan just laughs. Then Pappy talks about "that baby" for days.

Life quickly comes full circle in the midst of living. Master Brody is a year old, already. My grandparents are almost 90. And at the beginning of October my parent's will celebrate 48 years of marriage and Brent and I will follow at the end of the month with 14 years. I love to celebrate my birthday (understatement to those of you who know me well) because I love life. I am glad I was born. I am glad God wanted me to share in this awesome earth he created for us. I am blessed! Livin the dream!!!!

Party Party

Here are all the details about Brody's party. I am so excited. If you plan to attend please let us know either by calling, posting a comment, or calling. We hope you can come and celebrate with us.

God’s Precious Gift
A year ago Our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of a son,

and we want to celebrate his first year with you.

Please Join Our Family in a Day’s Celebration
September 20th
Chestnut Mountain Ranch
1pm – 8pm
Dinner at 5pm

Fireworks Shortly After Dark

Fun & Games
The Ranch offers a new softball field and two large ponds for fishing so please

bring your fishing poles & tackle. Also we will have horseshoes, volleyball, a

bounce house, and yard games, plus surprises for "kids" of all ages.

Your gift of love and support has meant more to us than any of you can ever

know. We want to celebrate our answered prayer with you. No gifts, please.

Small donations to Chestnut Mountain Ranch in honor of Brody are welcome.

The Ranch is dear to our hearts and is a huge part of our life. Brody making a

difference to others in need by your donation is a priceless gift to us.

If you plan to attend please call our home at 368-0104 or email us at

mrsbreeze94@yahoo.com by September 14th so we know how many

people to expect. Feel free to bring extended family and friends.