Friday, December 26, 2008

You've come a long way BABY!

This is where we started 5 months, 1 week and 3 days ago...

We stayed cautiously optimistic through the early
days and were never far from your bedside,

but we weren't sure we would ever share this day with you.
You were a little fighter from the start
and you surprised the doctors at nearly every turn.
Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you
for getting your ninja bear to the final black belt.
We've waited 11 long months for this day.
Welcome home sweet baby boy!
To get from birth to home we've experienced:
  • 163 days in the NICU
  • 3 of the most fantastic primary nurses you'll ever meet, and countless other nurses and respiratory therapists who took care of Rhys
  • a multitude of unbelievable doctors who, in conjunction with the Lord Almighty, are responsible for our little man being with us today
  • unwavering support from family and friends and the preemie community
  • 162 daily visits to the hospital
  • 6,300 miles round trip from home to Rhys
  • one hurricane
  • thousands upon thousands of prayers on Rhys' behalf
  • and one tiny miracle!

Words can not describe how excited Cody and I are to say that our little man is finally home!

29 comments:

Kristi said...

Wow!!! I've been reading your blog for a few months now, but I've never commented. Now I sit here in tears. What a beautiful post, what a beautiful boy, what a beautiful family, what a beautiful Christmas present!!! I'm so happy for you guys.

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!!! Welcome home, Rhys!!! What a HUGE day for you guys!!!

Alicia said...

I can't even imagine how excited you are!!!! I read your blog regularly and have fallen in love with Rhys and it brought tears to my eyes to find out that he was able to come home!!!! God works miracles. Merry Christmas to you.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! We are so happy and excited for all three of you. What a wonderful Christmas present!

Kevin, Jane, and Zoe

hsturner said...

Congratulations! I've been following your blog and just wanted to say! Welcome home! & Thank you Jesus for answered prayers!

Jodi said...

Oh my goodness. . .I can't stop the tears. I know what an amazing day this is for you and one that I've been praying and praying for. Welcome home Rhys!!

Audre said...

I have been foloowing your blog since about early september and I can honestly say I am so amazed how God can do amazing things. Congratulations

amyoutlaw said...

I love you Rhys! I'm so proud that you fought to stay with us. Welcome Home!

Amy

KCWoodhead said...

Congratulations!! And thank you so much for the support you have given to Chris, Machel, and Baby Bella.

Jennie said...

WOOHOO!!!! We knew you could do it Rhys. 2009 is going to be a VERY special year.

Mary Anne Whiteley said...

Way to go, little man! Party in your crib tonight?

Parker's mom said...

YAY RHYS! What an amazing Christmas present for you guys! Now the fun can begin! We are so happy you guys are all where you should be now....home! Enjoy the moment!
Love,
Mere, Parker and family

Angie and Jason said...

Welcome home, Rhys! You are such a fighter... Hugs and Kisses.

Kelly said...

Congratulations! What a fighter!

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Wow, Wow, Wow! What amazing Christmas news! I've been reading your blog every day for ages now, and I'm so thrilled that little Rhys is finally home! Now the fun REALLY starts! I'm so pleased for you. With love XXX

Juliette said...

Congratulations!!! I can't think of a better Christmas present for your family than this. Rhys is amazing!

Chris and Machel said...

Congratulations!!! What a Christmas it turned out to be!?! We are SOOOO Happy for all of you. May God continue to bless you and keep you strong. Rhys's entire blog community looks forward to seeing him grow. Peace be with you!

Debi said...

Way to go, Little Man! We are elated that you are all home. Oh, what a happy holiday...

Debi, Tim, & the boys

Naomi said...

Welcome home little man!

I have been reading your blog for the past 5 months. I myself have premature twins (although they were born at 28 weeks) and thankfully only spent 48 days in the NICU before coming home. I am soooo deliriously happy to see little Rhys home where he belongs. I will continue to pray for Rhys and the family. Congratulations! Enjoy!

Amy said...

You don't know me, but I have been following your story. I have cried with you guys and laughed with you as well. I am sitting here with tears of joy streaming down my face. Enjoy your beautiful baby boy!! He has come so far!! I have had him our prayer list at church since day one and will continue to pray for his continued health. Have a very Happy New Year and may God continue to bless your beautiful family always!!!!! Amy

Mary G said...

Wow!!! I am so happy for all of you! God is so good to us and we will continue to pray for all three of you. Congrats!!!

Pachar Family said...

Welcome home Baby Boy! We all love you so much!!

Nancy said...

Congratulations! What an amazing Christmas gift!

mack said...

I can't tell you how happy I am for you two!!! Congrats! You guys definitely deserve to have your sweet baby boy home! Love you guys! Even though I won't be able to be at his celebration party I will be there in spirit cheering the lil man on!

Crystal M said...

Yea Rhys!!! We are so happy for you and your mommy & daddy. The tears just cannot say enough of how elated we are to see the answer to our many many prayers! Enjoy him and we are so happy to see him home and look forward to many posts about your new adventures. Lots of love, The Myers

Nix said...

Congratulations, I've also been reading for months without commenting but just needed to wish you all the best.
Enjoy your little boy and finally having your whole family home.
Welcome home Rhys!

meredith said...

Welcome home Rhys. I'm proud of you!

Anonymous said...

It's been about a week since i took a look at the blog. Let me just tell you how happy it made me. I'm starting to tear up. I'm so excited for you to finally have little man at home. Please let me know when you are up for visitors. Love y'all,
Bran

WAY TO GO RHYS!

DCM Photography said...

What a great thing to log on to read. I remember just how sweet that day is. Looks as if you have all the same take home gear we had. Apnea monitor and oxygen. I am very happy for you and your family. its been great to follow Rhy's progress through this blog.