Words of Wisdom from the Birthday Boy

It's hard to believe that it has been three years since Cody and I began the most challenging, yet rewarding, journey of our lives.  As we prepared to have a baby in the labor and delivery room of a Salt Lake hospital, we had no idea what was in store for us.  Jett made his entrance into the world and we knew immediately that life was going to be different.  Not just different because now we were parents, but different different.  Does that make sense?

Excuse my profanity, but we were scared s#%tless.  How were we going to take care of this child whose needs extended far beyond our scope of knowledge or training?  There were points during that first year where we just wanted to run away from it all.  It was extremely difficult to see our baby boy in constant pain.  Jett underwent various surgeries (cleft lip repair, feeding tube, etc.) and was very weak.  He lost copious amounts of weight and was literally clinging to life.  Cody and I felt helpless and questioned our faith on several occasions. Why would our Heavenly Father allow a small child to suffer so much? What was the point of all of this?

Well it turns out that sometimes the most complex children are here to teach us the simplest of things...

#1 Fight hard for what you want. 

Jett has fought hard to be where he's at today.  His perseverance amazes me and makes me realize that I can do anything I put my mind to.

#2 Celebrate even the smallest of achievements.

If you know us well, you probably know that we find a reason to have a celebration for any occasion. This was no different before Jett, but now we have MORE reason to celebrate. We have been known to throw parties when Jett gains weight.  

#3 Be silly.

Life is more fun that way.

 

#4  Feel the warmth of sunshine on your face.  

Let the wind run through your hair.

 Get outside more. Move more. Get the blood flowing.  Feel alive!

#5 Don't allow limitations to get in the 

way of trying something new

Sometimes we set limitations for ourselves when in reality we were made to accomplish so much more in this life.  

**Jett was never supposed to eat by mouth, but lately has shown interest in "tasting" new foods!

#6 Smile and Laugh More.

It's good for the soul.

#7 Get plenty of rest.

Even if it's during your birthday party.

#8 Be Patient.

We've learned that life is sometimes is not in our control.  Ride the waves out and be patient when challenges come your way.  

#9 Love Unapologetically.

There's nothing more important than the human connection.  Cuddle more.  Give hugs and kisses.  Hold hands.  You get it!

#10 Life has PURPOSE.

There is a reason why we are all here on this Earth. We are here to serve a higher purpose.  Put the negativity aside and watch your life (and heart) reach greater heights than you ever thought possible.

 

THREE years later and we cannot imagine NOT having Jett in our lives.  We are so incredibly grateful for his presence in our home and honestly feel lucky to have been chosen to be his parents. His sweet, but strong-willed personality has really blossomed this past year and he has become more interactive than ever.   Jett has fought hard to be here on this earth and we strive to appreciate each day more than the last.

Happy 3rd Birthday to our Jett man!!!