Two-day's News: Happy Birthday Owen

Dear Owen,

Tomorrow you turn two years old- where has the time gone? The last two years have whizzed by us and before my eyes today is a handsome, vibrant little boy- not a baby. When you were born we were bombarded and overwhelmed by the things we were told that were wrong with you.... your mouth, lip & nose didn't form right and you had a cleft. You couldn't eat from a bottle- instead through a tube into your belly because your lip didn't work right and the little muscle at the top of your tummy didn't work right, you couldn't fight illness by yourself, stabilize your blood pressure, control your growth because your body would not produce the hormones to make you better, you couldn't see properly because your eye muscles were too tight, your heart didn't beat quite right because you had a hole in it...

What all the doctors failed to tell us- was everything that is right about you. There is nothing wrong with you my sweet boy, everything about you is perfectly right. You are the most perfect Owen your Daddy and I could have ever asked for. What the doctors didn't tell us is that you are tough and you would fight, you are hands down the strongest boy I know. You are strong in brute, but even stronger in heart and courage.  In the minutes after you were born, I was lying on the operating table and you on the cart next to me- the nurses helping you breath. All I wanted was to touch my tiny boy before the doctors whisked you away to board the helicopter. I reached out and you didn't just let me touch your hand, you held mine.  In the most difficult moment of your life, you hung on. Your tiny fist squeezed my finger.. you let me know you were strong and would fight. You've had more doctors appointments and surgeries than most people have in a lifetime, not once has it set you back.  You've greeted surgical staff with smiles and your charm. We've had our share of long days and nights at the hospital, but you always pull through and defy the odds.

The doctors didn't tell us how handsome you are. You were born with a smile a mile wide, beautiful hazel eyes and a head of thick sandy colored hair.  I'll never forget how scared I was before your lip surgery. I was afraid I would never see your BIG beautiful smile again... no surgeon has taken that away from you. Your hazel eyes, big smile and heart melting 'hi' radiate beauty and charm.

The doctors didn't tell us how amazing you are. Your birth has pulled our family closer together than I ever thought possible. Your incredible strength and endurance has inspired pure love, persistence and courage I never thought possible. You have enabled me to face my own fears, to not settle for less than what's best for my family and to love beyond what I could ever imagine.  You personality is so endearing- you have a quiet charm about you that easily warms hearts. Even at a young two, you have a strong bond to your brother and sister. You squeal in delight when you're included in their play & games and you defend them and express compassion for their hurt.

Two years are behind us and all of those things that were 'wrong' with you are now right. You eat just like every other toddler, the hole in your heart closed, your medication keeps your hormones in check, your lip & palate have been closed, your eye muscles have been moved and you are the proud owner of a very stylish pair of glasses.  Owen, I never want you to think there is something wrong with you- because there is not. Only a stranger could lead you to believe such a lie, because anybody who knows you knows better. They know the strong, handsome and amazing you are.  They know what you told me in the first moments of your life- everything's going to be alright.  I love you so much Owen, Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy

Holiday Greetings Family and Friends,

Again, it’s been a busy year here at the Fox home. We’ve had a year filled with milestones and unforgettable memories. The kids are growing up fast- Ashton will turn five in February, Kiera turned three in September and Owen will turn two at the end of the month.

This year Ashton began to walk! On April 20^th, 2011- just a couple of months after his fourth birthday he left his walker in the dust and began to walk independently. It was a momentous day for us! Years of struggle and heartache were left behind with his walker. In September he began preschool and has never looked back. He is excelling and enjoying every minute of his new found independence. He really enjoys school and has so many friends! It’s been a tremendous year for him and we’re so proud of all that he has achieved.

Kiera is a very busy three year old! She is always busy creating and playing, she seldom sits still. Kiera enjoys the outdoors as much as we do! She spent nearly every day this summer playing in her pool, running around in the yard, on her swing set, in my garden or out in the garage helping Daddy fix things. The winter weather has only slowed her down enough to put boots, a jacket and hat on! She’s very bright, has outstanding communication skills and her personality is so sweet. She certainly is my little helper. She’s constantly underfoot and willing to help out any way she can. She adores her brothers and helps them out often.  Her and Dixie (our dog) continue to be an inseparable duo.

Owen has had a steady year. Every week we invite his physical therapist and his speech therapist to our home to help us with new tips, tricks and ideas for building on his abilities. Owen is slowly and steadily meeting his toddler milestones- while he is not walking independently yet, he is very active and cruises around the tables, couches and behind his walking toys. Owen is always all smiles and continues to develop his vocabulary.  In early July during his routine eye exams we found that he needed glasses. We were very lucky to find Miraflex brand eyewear for children-  his glasses have been tested by bumps, tosses & torture and they still have not needed a single repair! Medically we are letting Owen grow-up! Our craniofacial surgical team doesn’t see any need for surgery for another year- and we’re happy with that!  We’ve switched all of his endocrine medical needs to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The move was a little stressful, but now we are able to combine appointments for the boys and reduce the hours spent on the road. Our trips are now only three to four times a year!

The little ones have easily filled the days for us over the last year and we’re not complaining. We are getting better at being outnumbered! It’s a lot of planning and prepping to get all three of the kids out of the house, but we do! We were able to get the kids in the boat a few times this year; we visited the animal park and attended many family gatherings. Most days we’re lucky and can round up some extra help- and we are very thankful for those who volunteer!! Shelby and I were fortunate to get a few days off in July! We were able to hand over the reins to Grandma and Grandpa Fox so we could travel our favorite fishing spots in Canada. It was a wonderful trip and the weather was perfect! ..oh, and I caught ALL the big fish of the trip!

It’s been a great year and we’re thankful for all of the memories we’ve made and look forward to the year ahead. These last few years our time and focus has been on our children and the extra effort it takes to raise our unique family. We’ve neglected some of our personal and social relationships as a result. We want you to know we are thankful for your prayers, well wishes, love and friendship in 2011. We couldn’t do it without you.

May you have a blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year! Love & Hugs Always,

Sarah & Shelby Fox Family