Happy Birthday James Henry

It's hard for me to put into words the journey we have been on this past year and a half. It seems like in the blink of an eye we have gone from the heartbreaking reality of James' birth to the celebration of his first birthday.

It might seem strange but yesterday really was a celebration. We slept in then had breakfast together. Afterwards, we took out the box of momentos we had gathered. Elie wanted to take James his "lovey" that Judi, Kristin and Lindsay had given us. She also wanted to read the "new" book We were supposed to have a baby but had an angel instead book that Lindsay gave us. We re-read the prayers and sermon our ministers Meg and Tom shared on that day. Then on a glorious fall morning at about the same time he was born, we headed over to church.

Elie had been writing James and Jesus letters all morning so she added those to our flowers. Bill read scripture and we both tried to answer the question "when were we going to heaven?"

We compromised and went to Westin, MO, to the pumpkin patch and to see the barn animals. The day was stunning and we bought a pumpkin as big as Elie.

Later in the afternoon Lucy, Max and Aunt Kristin came over to sing Happy Birthday and have cupcakes. Then we all got our hands dirty and planted tulips. We had 32 of them and it was hard work, but it was fun and good. We are all looking forward to seeing them in the Spring.

Bill and I ended the night at one of our favorite spots just having a glass of wine and talking about the day, the past year and what is to come.

What we know for sure is this...going on this trip to Holland wasn't our first choice, but we enjoyed our time there. James Henry gave us many gifts during his 8 short months. Someday we will meet him but until then we will have to settle for remembering the tulips and windmills he brought into our lives.

Thank you for loving us and thank you for loving our son.

We hope you enjoy seeing our day. (copy the link below and paste it into your browser to be taken to the video)

http://gallery.me.com/nationranch#100021