There were many nights when we sat bedside with Evie wondering if she would see another sunrise. I vividly remember wishing I could see her at 3 years old. Something about that number meant something significant to me. I wanted to see her as a stable, energetic child who had survived infancy and toddlerhood and the rough start she had. If only….. If only I could see what she’d be at 3, then I knew I could get through another vigilant night of wondering and waiting. Im so glad I wasn’t allowed to wish away the past two amazing years with her, but Im emotional realizing we have “arrived”. That seemingly unattainable age is upon us. Evie will celebrate her 3rd birthday tomorrow.

And what a year she’s had! Sorry for the long post, but I’ve been reflecting on all the answered prayers and poinient moments in this past year and wanted to share…

Mommy left Evie for an entire week with Grandmoni in January while I traveled with C to India. An amazing week, but a stretch to be away from my girl! Evie also scored her first black eye this month….not a good color on her!

After three winters of expensive Synagis shots to vaccinate against RSV, Evie received her very last $3,000 injection in February. Glad to see those end!

Thanks to our wonderful “Miss Sarah”, Evie finally started talking in March and added impressive words like “mine” and “chocolate” to her vocabulary. Very special friends came to town this month too. After praying for a little heart-transplant friend in Michigan for 2 years, we finally got to meet the amazing Princess Lindsay. So grateful for the community and precious friendships we’ve been blessed with on this heart journey!

April meant it was time for our 6 month check up with Cardiologist in Charleston. A little set back this month when we were told Evie’s aortic root is begining to dilate and that they will have to keep a close eye on growth possibly meaning more surgeries in her future. April meant our lake was officially “open” and Evie discovered a love of water. She was a little fish all summer!

We breathed a huge sigh of relief in May when we waved goodbye to pulse-ox and apnea monitors and packed up oxygen tanks to send back to home health. A huge, victorious step to not need those anymore! Summer fun like strawberry picking and slip n’ slide with Daddy fill our afternoons! Blissfully happy to have such a life-loving little girl!

Evie was a guest at Dream Night at the Zoo in June. A special evening for chronically ill children and those who have survived major medical crisis. Such a special family evening and a tremendous honor to meet so many other amazing kids that night!

Evie was gifted with a beautiful plush new blanket in July to replace the tattered one she’d had since birth. Amazingly, she made the switch!

What a joy to see Evie walk down the aisle (hiding behind her bouquet of roses) as a flower girl in my brother’s wedding in August. Such an honor! Evie also started gymnastics class this month and loves her weekly playtime in her pink leotard with her sisters!

September held great things. Special guests came to visit from MO. Sweet-heart friend Maggie Jane and her baby sister who was named after our Evie. The three girls had such a precious week together and their momma’s looked on with grateful hearts and a few tears!

At the end of the month, our family was blessed with a beach trip by a ministry that provides vacations for families that have sustained the death of a child or had a long-term taxing medical crisis. We had an amazingly precious week watching sunsets and dabbling our toes in the tide!

For the first time ever, Evie cooperated for an ECHO in Charleston without needing sedation in October. Such a big girl!

Evie made a special announcement in November and proved her ability to step up as a big sister by potty-training. Woohooo….we’ll be diaper free for….well….about 7 months.

After three full years on multiple medications, we finally discontinued the last one in December. Its a beautiful thing to see our medicine cabinet clearing out that was once enough to stock a small pharmacy!

It’s been another year of gifts and answered prayers baby girl. We dont take a single one for granted and look back with such gratitude at all God has done in your short 3 years. I love that you come up to me out of the blue sometimes and say, “Mommy….’member when I ride in helicopter with Jesus?“. (How could I forget?) Or when you look at your scar and say “Look, God fixed my heart”. Im so glad He has been near to you precious girl and held you when I could not. May your grow to know and love Him even more. We pray that your story of grace will bring HIM glory and that your sweet life bring honor and joy to your Father’s heart! We love you dearly our little Evangeline Shalom! Peace be yours!

Happy Birthday Angel!

It was fitting that we should meet in person! Faith, Maggie, Evie and their sweet, talented grandmother Jane made the long 13 hour treck to visit us in our home for 4 days. Picture this, 6 girls under 1 roof ages 1,2,3,4,5 and 8. (……poor Tristan!)

It was absolutely moving to see these two heart-sisters loving life and making memories together!

Evie was intrigued with another baby sharing her name. Anticipating their visit, she kept referring to “baby me coming to my house?” A hard concept for a 2 year old to grasp. 🙂

So very blessed to call them friends! Thanking the Lord for the gifts that come in packages we would never choose ourselves. His sovereignty and goodness leaves me overwhelmed tonight. His hand…..it has led us through the Valley of the Shadow

…and has extended the blessing of friendship through this road of uncertainty.

A very heart-felt thanks to Faith for the ADORABLE matching dresses she made for the girls. And to Jane for the amazing photographs she took! Such special memories captured!

I declare, my kids were born with gills! They LOVE water!

Alas, thunder ruined our plan approximately 10 minutes after all eleven kids got soaking wet. We piled the picnic food and dripping babies into mini-vans and caravanned to sweet Shannon’s house who graciously hosted all the soggy kids and their families.

Of course, the presence of a very precious Heart Baby was missed. Her absence always leaves a void that cant be filled in our hearts at these sweet gatherings.

I will personally vouch that it was waaaaay better than that:-)

Such a precious group of friends and a tremendous support as we all walk this hard road with our special sweet hearts!