We started this blog in early 2008 to follow our first pregnancy. After our son was prenatally diagnosed with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), we turned to the blog to inform friends and family of Baby C's progress. There used to be 100s of posts, but it was overwhelming to sift through, so I've consolidated them into "Carter's Story," which you can read by clicking the link above.

January 30, 2010

what a difference a year makes!

365 days ago we brought C home from Duke! Here are some pictures from that day and a few new ones. He's come such a long way in just a year.






Little Dude:

As of today you are a week shy of 16 months old and we are celebrating your homecoming. One year ago, today, you came home from the hospital after 115 days at Duke. We shed a few tears that day for the friends we were leaving behind, the life we had become accustomed to, and for the sheer joy in finally being able to bring you home. From May 30th, 2008 (Diagnosis day) to January 30th, 2009, your future remained uncertain ~ we just didn’t know IF we’d ever bring you home. Your birthday is absolutely a special day, but this is a day to celebrate as well, because it’s the day that marks your success in kicking CDH booty!

I’ll never forget that day. Susannah was our nurse, we had roomed-in the night before with you, and when we found out you would be discharged a day early, we began running around like monkeys trying to get everything together. We were so excited to leave that we forgot to ask about your medicine and feeding schedule and had to call the unit from the car to find out when you were supposed to eat! We finally drove away from the front doors (and it was COLD that night!) around 7pm, not getting home until almost 10pm. Your Daddy couldn’t wait to put you in your crib for the first time, under your name, and I couldn’t wait for you to meet Lucy.

So, here we are. A year later, and what a fabulous year it has been. Here’s what you have been amazing & entertaining us with lately:

  • You weigh 22 lbs, 13 ounces (as of 1.20.10)
  • You have 15 teeth (you are currently “growing” 3 canines)

Thank you for continuing to be a delight. It seems that no matter what life throws at you, you just roll with the punches, which is one of the things we greatly admire about you.

We love you bunches!

Mommy, Daddy & Lucy ("lala")

10 deep thoughts:

Liz and Shane said...

What an awesome day it was last year to see Carter go home. I had tears of happiness. I can't believe all of what he has been through. Always has a smile and so full of laughter. I look forward in meeting all of you including Lucy and espeically Carter ome day. I hope he gets to do whatever he wants today. I am sure he does it everyday anyway =)

Vince and Patty said...

When I woke up this morning I told Vince that today was your one year anniversary of coming home. It sticks in my mind as such a momentous occasion because it was Carter's story that I clung to in the months after our diagnosis as we were preparing for our own CDH journey. I will admit to crying many tears of happiness seeing the post of Carter inside his home for the first time! My water broke one year ago Monday and it was Carter's success that gave me the strength to face what lay ahead. Thank you for sharing him with me! Much love to you all!

Jen said...

Happy Homecoming Day! Carter has come so far in the last year. He is truly a CDH Warrior. This is definitely a big day to celebrate!!

Timothy and Jenny said...

What an exciting day to be celebrating and what a difference a year makes. Carter is such an amazing little boy and has such amazing parents it has been so neat to follow him on his amazing journey. Praying for many more amazing milestones! :o)

Gabi's Journey said...

Wow... Look at you Carter! You are the face of hope for so many! You are truly priceless! What a wonderful anniversary! Congrats on breaking all odds!!!
Joanna

d a w n said...

YAY Litte Monkey!
Love you!

Megan Larson said...

Your journey has been an amazing one. What a milestone! I love checking in on baby Carter and seeing what's new. Pretty soon I'll have to just call him "Toddler Carter"--our boys are growing up! Congratulations on this anniversary and a wonderful year for Mr. C.

My Three Sons said...

Carter, you are such a miracle. I have been so touched that mommy and daddy have blogged your journey so that people far away can fall in love with you as well.

Happy Homecoming Day. It was trully a happy day when I read that a year ago.

You just keep being your cute little self.


Kaci and Carson

Vicki Jensen said...

It's been so great to follow your progress over the last year (and a bit more). You are one strong little guy Carter! We're all so proud of you. Stay happy & healthy!!

Dreyer Family said...

You've brought me to tears. What a miracle that boy is. Love to you all,
Kelly