16.5 month old ( more commonly known as 8 months old)

Cohen turned 16.5 months old today. Some of you are doing a double take, I know. We celebrate it as 8 months because that is how long it's been since his birth, but he has been alive and with us for a full 16.5 months. I'm not one for political debates or agendas but now, more than ever, and on this day in particular I am reminded of how much I value life. The only difference to me that March 5th made concerning Cohen's value as a person is that instead of feeling Cohen kick, now i see him kick and that on that day, God chose to let us keep him here with us. As we approach Nov. 7 - the day we found out about Cohen's fatal diagnosis, I can't help from think of how many other babies, like Cohen were never given the chance to show off their kicking skills to the world.

I do get how yesterday is a great day for American history and I actually am happy that we at least live in a country that has possibly finally broken down some racial barriers and turned at least a little more colorblind. I just wish it wasn't at the sacrifice for human life. I know that's not the only issue at stake in this election, but for me it's a big one. However, I choose today to now support our President elect and to pray daily for him, his family, and the decisions he will be making in the coming months and years. I am reminded and take comfort in that fact that our president is not sovereign but our God sure is.

Today, my baby boy, who by all worldly standards and measurements shouldn't be here - is here. And isn't he beautiful....

Today, my baby boy is here due to the wonderful, miraculous intervention of our mighty God and because He placed it in our hearts to choose life - a choice that was not ours to make in the first place. We are forever grateful that God chose to give in this way - to give us more than just 8.5 months with our son, to allow us to feel him with our hands, to see him with our eyes, to kiss his skin directly with our lips for a another 8 months thus far - and on that day, March 5, 2008 - had God chosen to take Cohen home with him instead - we would be forever grateful for the 8.5 months of life that He granted us with him.

Today and this month, I have experienced things like...

Cohen's obsession with grabbing his feet, blowing raspberries, grabbing out at objects, sitting well with lower trunk support, cuddling for those continuing middle of the night feeds, increasing his solid food intake, breaking 12 lbs( 12lbs 1 oz.), throwing a few consonant sounds into his babble,( like ba), and his increasingly louder volume in his babble(is it totally weird or totally God that the phrase - "He sure has some lungs on him" comes to mind? - praise God!!!)!!!



Today, as we celebrate his 8 month birthday, I feel privileged and blessed to have been part of his16.5 months of life.

Today I celebrate Cohen's 8 month birthday and joyously share it with a fellow miracle - Stellan on his one week birthday.

Today, I pray that others choose life and that are country and it's leaders will learn of stories like Cohen's, Stellan's, Miller Grace's, Maddox's, Poppy's, Eva's, Tristan's, Issac's and Asher's, and Mary Grace's and see the impact these little babies have before they are even born and be forever changed.