Well I can hardly believe it, Dax's 'NICU birthday' was December 11, 2008. I cannot believe that all happened a whole year ago. I remember when they told me they were going to take him to the NICU how upset I was. I turned to Brady and told him to go with the nurses. He didn't want to leave me but he went. I was heartbroken to watch him leave and the nurses taking my baby.

The following eight days were quite possibly the hardest of our lives. Brady had to go back to Salina to be at work, and he took my little Dylan. They came up and visited when they could but oh how I missed them. I stayed at the hospital a couple of days but when I was released I had to sleep at my Grandmother's house. I was so thankful she was there and so willing to let me stay. She took wonderful care of me and we had many special moments. Thank you Grandma, I love you!

It was so terrible to stand over our little Fred and watch him try to simply breathe. He was such a fighter though. He progressed quickly and the nurses commented several times at how quickly he was getting ready to go home.

The day they said we could go home I was so relieved and yet so nervous. The baby was only 5 lbs 5 oz. But we made it home and survived those first few very scary nights.

I am so grateful at this time of year remembering how hard last year was and how much we have to be thankful for. Thank you so much to both of our families for all you did and still do for us. There was so many generous things done I can't even begin to name them all. But I hope you all know how much each little thing meant. Even just a quick text or phone call made my day so much better. I am so grateful for such awesome family and friends. We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Here is a pic of the family along with the moto mutt coco.

Well I can't believe it! Fred Dax is ONE!!! He had his first birthday December third. He had so much fun. He got some fun toys including a four wheeler (what a surprise!) It's just a little ride-on toy but both him and his brother love it.

I cannot believe that he is already one. This year has gone by so fast. The first week after he was born I thought we would never get home and life would never be normal again. But here we are, happy and healthy (twenty-five pounds in fact!)

Our little Fred is such a happy boy. He loves to laugh and loves to play. His favorite toy is my crock pot. So quite obviously, his favorite place to play is the pantry. He loves to pull things off the shelves and bang the pans and lids. Some of his other favorite toys include the coal bucket, the fireplace grate, and the stairs. What a busy boy!