Happy Birthday J.T.!

9 years ago Dustin and I tried to adopt a baby. 9 years ago I today I became a mother! My dear little son J.T. was born! He was 10 weeks premature and weighed only 3.5 lbs. Since he was so early he was in a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for 8 weeks until he learned to breathe and eat on his own. He was so fragile and delicate and I loved him so much!

We lived almost an hour away from the hospital where he was so I went home every night and came back in the mornings for the day. (The hospital wouldn't let me stay because he I wasn't technically his parent  yet)  Leaving him was so hard, but I really needed the rest too because I was also sick at the time. But I didn't care. All I could think about was this precious little man that needed me, and I needed him. We were a match made in heaven!



Me holding J.T. in the kangaroo position to help with his vitals.

 Many night's his vitals were not great and the nurses would call me and tell me I needed to come. As soon as I held him in the kangaroo position, skin on skin, his vitals imediately went back to normal. The nurses were amazed that I seemed to be the only person that was able to get such a positive response from him. I sang to him and prayed with him, and he brought so much joy to my life it NEVER felt like a burden.

We were blessed to raise him for 10 months! And even knowing I could not keep him forever, I would do it again in a heartbeat! There is no feeling in the world greater then giving a child love! I am so thankful for the time we had with him and that we were able to help him at such a critical time in his life. And although I wish things had ended differently, I don't regret 1 moment!




 Happy 9th Birthday J.T.! Mommy and Daddy miss you and love you very much!