John is 5!

Today is John's 5th birthday. Five years ago on January 2nd, I went into early labor (due to placental abruption). John was born at 24 weeks and 3 days, 16 weeks early. He weighed 1 lb. 8 oz. and was 12 inches long. We were told on multiple occasions in those first few days that John might not live. The probability was high that he wouldn't.  White boys have the worst statistics for surviving a premature birth. John did survive and he is thriving.  He was in the hospital 134 days, close to five months. Here we are five years later and John is a rock star. He is a joy giver to all he meets. He wants to give everyone he sees a hug and tells them he loves them (We are working on the whole stranger danger thing.).  We are so thankful for him every day.  We read books this morning, went to Chick-fil-a for lunch with Phil, and had friends over tonight for pizza and cake and ice cream (McGehees, Baumans, Hussung kids, & Beth & Mari Stonehouse).  Happy 5th birthday, buddy!  May you know Jesus early and want to follow him all the days of your life and share his light with all you meet. 

John on his first day of life.

John has been all about Pokemon recently! 

Lunch with daddy.