Choosing your words

Though I know that there is no malice behind these words, they still sting in a way that I never expected.
I see and hear these words a lot, and I need to explain why they sting.
"Easton has always been cute, but his mouth looks awesome"
"Oh Easton looks SOOO good now that he has healed"
"He is so handsome now"
These are the sort of things people say.
I know! I know that they come from a kind, compassionate place. I know what is meant by these words but, listen to my side.
Our Easton was the most beautiful creature I've ever laid my eyes on. I never saw his cleft. It doesnt define him. He was a gorgeous, incredible creation of God.
There was nothing about him that was flawed. Total perfection from his head to his little toes. He was wondefully and beautifully made!
Having to change his appearance to improve his quality of life was and still is the hardest thing that we have ever had to do. Knowing that we were changing the mouth that God made for him, still breaks my heart. Never getting to see that original smile again. That God given, beautiful, big smile.
We did these surgeries because we love him, and we want him to live a life with the highest quality as possible.
NEVER was he "fixed" or "repaired" just because the surgery is called a repair, he was never broken.
His mouth has always been exceptionally beautiful.
Yes, he has healed well, our surgeon does outstanding work, and we are very proud.
But he was every bit as handsome BEFORE his surgeries as he is now.
Am I beings sensitive? Sure. But I have every right to be, dont you think?

Easton is 1!

I can't believe Im writing this! Easton is 1 year old! WOW what a year it has been!

But we all know what has happened in the last 12 months, so I will just talk about his birthday!

We spent his actual birthday driving to Fort Worth. We stopped at Cracker Barrel, his favorite place, to eat supper, but he was cranky, so he didnt enjoy it! haha!

But When we got home we had a party at Kiwanis Park here in Midland.
Lots of people came, Easton got SO many presents and we had a great time!

 Easton and Emily swinging!

 We love our KK!

We are so very very blessed with so many friends and family who came to celebrate Eastons birthday with us. And we do have so much to celebrate.

A year ago, we didnt know what our future held, after a very stressful pregnancy, and a lot of unknowns, the first few months of Eastons life were not easy. We battled weight gain, and reflux, feeding, formula whoas etc....Then began the ear infection, sinus infection, flu, RSV, Strep throat, any other upper respiratory sickness you can imagine saga.

But through all of that, we learned SO much, and we gained so much, and learned just how incredibly blessed we are.

We have had two surgeries in the last 6 months of this first year, and because of those, as hard as it was, we are stronger for it. God has shown us how incredibly strong and resiliant Easton is, and how strong we are as parents.

I give all the glory to God! For without his grace, and our faith that things WOULD be ok, we migth not have made it through this first year.

The main thing I have learned, or gained since the day we brought Easton in to this world, is I think I truly understand the kind of Love God has for us. I thought i understood it, but until I held this precious, beautiful, perfect child in my arms for the first time and felt the love for my child, I didnt REALLY understand it. Now I do.

So Year one is behind us and year two is upon us! :) I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year! :)