Owen Gandy: September 2014

A year ago today we kept waking up all night long hoping that it was just a nightmare and that Owen was still safe and comfortable inside Amy. But that was not the truth, he was downstairs in the NICU with tubes down his throat and lines in his veins and machines hooked up to him as he was fighting for his life. At this point we were just in shock and did not really know what to think. All we knew to do was to pray and stay by his side as much as we could. We were never going to give up on this little 2lb fighter. As the days went by in the NICU and the roller coaster had its ups and downs Owen proved to us over and over again his strength and determination that he had to fight through. He also let everyone know that he would do everything on his own time, known as "Owen time."

Owen has taught us so much in his first year of life. He has taught us Love, Patience and faith. They say the love you have for your children is something that is so indescribable you have to experience it to believe it. Well that is so true, there is no other way to explain it then you have to experience it. I am sure all you other parents out there understand. I thought that I had patience before I met Owen, but I must say we have learned to push Owen to develop as much as we can but he is on "Owen time" so we have to let him tell us when he is ready. We have learned the power of prayer to a much deeper level, it is so amazing! Thank you to everyone that prayed for this little man, we know a lot of you did and a lot of people that we have never met!! We prayed all the time as well for Owen and everyone at the hospital that was looking after him 24 hours a day.

A year old and we can certainly say that Owen has really developed a personality!! He is Happy, very Social (loves all the attention!), knows what he wants when he wants it and is very serious most of the time!! He is sitting up SOO good! Owen and PJ have started to enjoy each other at times, he has gotten his first tooth (yes just one right now hehe) and he is loving his first word, "Dada" he says it all the time! It was so cute at first, but I think it is time to move on to other words.. like ''Mama" :)

Owen is just over 17lbs and growing!! We are still traveling to Dallas every 2 weeks to get his helmet adjusted. We went on Monday and they are very pleased with the progress and do not think that he will be in it for the projected 8 months!! maybe only 6!!

Thank you to the UMC staff for the most amazing gift anyone could every receive!!! Thank you to all of the prater warriors that never stopped praying!! Thank you to our friend and family for loving us and Owen and for being there for us!!! One year down so many to go so excited to see what is in store for Owen!!!