Graduating...

As I drove to Holden's graduation party for his 2-year-old class, I found myself fighting back tears. I couldn't help but remember when doctors told us he would not be able to go to preschool until he was 4 (when the lungs stop growing). Then, as he made so much progress, they suggested we put him in preschool 2 days a week to help build his immune system, but warned that we'd probably have to pull him out during cold & flu season. But fortunately, we never had to.

Holden constantly amazes me! In his own way, he defies the odds over and over again. So graduating from the 2-year-old to the 3 year-old-class represents so much more for us. We've graduating to a wonderful typical daily life. One without the physical restrictions of oxygen and feeding pumps. One without constant doctor appointments. One without having to restrict him from playing with other children.
During one of our many hospital stays, Holden and I took a wagon ride to the gift shop. Holden picked up a plush flower with scripture text "And the child grew, and the Lord Blessed him" (Judges 13:24). I bought it to liven up our dreary hospital room. The flower is now in Holden's room and nearly every day I think about how fitting that verse is..."and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him." We have been so blessed.

May has been a busy but good month for us. We got a contract on our old house and are set to move and close the end of this month. Holden had his last couple soccor games and party, and we also had two weekend getaways.

Holden and I went with Grandma Rosanne and the Kramer family (my sister Joanne) to Pigeon Forge. We stayed in a cabin in the mountains and spent a day at Dollywood. Holden had a blast. He didn't want to ride in a stroller...he wanted to walk like a big boy to keep up with his cousins. He was totally into the rides and the shows. He said his favorite was the car ride. He's already talking about going back again and bringing Daddy!

We spent Mother's Day weekend at a beach house with the Witmers and friends in St. Simon Island. It was an amazing house and we all had a great time. Holden absolutely loves the beach (and sand) and could get enough of it!

So as we graduate to summer, we have so much to be appreciative of...and so much to look forward to.