PHANEROO

Dear Schaeffer,

Today you turn 11 months old. It is hard to believe that only a short while ago you were so tiny and so fragile. Now look at you! You are such a growing boy full of life and energy. I didn't even know my heart was capable of so much love. First it was just your Daddy, big sissy and me. And my heart was already filled to over-flowing. Then you came along and my heart must have grown ten fold!

The day you entered my world was amazing and terrifying. You looked so strong and healthy. And then the news came that you would need extra care because your lungs were still too immature. For only a brief moment we were able to introduce ourselves to you before you were rushed away to intensive care. For six days I visited you every three hours. As I think back about that moment, I remember how it felt. I explained it to your Daddy like this: For those six days every three hours felt like a first date. I watched the clock and counted down every minute before I could see you again. And as I rushed to be by your side I was relieved and overjoyed to see your big dark eyes staring back at me. You recognized me from the very beginning and I loved you from the moment I saw you. I have grown to love you even more today.

In just one month you will be celebrating your first birthday. We have already shared many firsts with you. Every moment since your birth until now has been precious and special to me. You are so sweet and so loving. Your personality blossoms more every day. It makes me eager to see the work God does in you and through you. I know He has a very special plan for you. I am proud that He chose me to be your Mommy. I'm glad that I have front-row seats to your life.

I love you, son!

Mommy