It’s hard for me to believe that three years ago today I held my son Ian for the very first time. It’s just amazing how all of a sudden my “baby” is a big kid, a three year old! It seemed to happen when I wasn’t looking.
My pregnancy with Ian was a very difficult time for me. It seemed to be one problem after another. Starting at 7 weeks, I was suspected to have an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound revealed a cyst instead. Later, at 20 weeks Jon and I were told that there was a possiblity that Ian had down syndrome. Part of his brain was swollen and we spent the rest of the pregnancy with ultrasound after ultrasound as well as an MRI, bloodtests, and a consultation with a pediatric neurologist. I feared for the worst. We were told he could have anything ranging from mental retardation to learning problems to nothing. Then at 30 weeks my blood pressure began to rise. I started having headaches and other issues associated with high blood pressure. More doctor visits. Bedrest. An overnight hospital stay. And finally the onset of severe pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks. Ian was born 4 weeks early in an emergency c-section. It was amazing that I didn’t have a seizure or stroke – that is what the doctors feared. I was told he would probably be small and may have to stay in the NICU. Thank God, he didn’t. He was tiny, but normal…my perfect baby boy.
I guess I just wanted to share this story today because it’s been on my mind all day. Just remembering how God was with me through those scary times, and how he is the protector of my children – their heavenly Father. Since Ian was born, we have had a lot of uncertainty and scariness in our lives – the loss of Jon’s dad shortly after Ian was born, and then more recently the move here. The past three years have seemed like a bit of a roller coaster ride but God is faithful and He is good. I know that whatever the next three years bring, I am guaranteed to experience more of God’s grace during the scary times, but also during the times of unexpressable joy. Ian’s name is one that fits his story so perfectly because it means “God is gracious.” And He truly is.
Ian had a fun birthday party with a "futbol" theme. Feliz cumpleanos Ian!
Our little boy!
what an amazing story about Ian, blessing for him and you all!
I remember the day he was born so well – standing in line at the grocery store in Maryland and getting the news that you needed an emergency C-section, getting in the car and driving way too fast to get to the hospital in Pittsburgh. The long time you were in surgery and we didn’t know what was happening…And here he is, 3 years old and he is healthy and so are you. God is good – all the time! Wish we could have been there to celebrate his birthday with him, but we’re grateful for Skype and for all the pictures. In just a month, we’ll be able to give him a big hug and kiss in person!
Happy Birthday Ian!