We went into the hospital on Thursday 09/11/08. I was sick, you were still growing. The doctors said we would have to deliver... only 24 weeks pregnant. We all prayed for other options, the doctors said there were none. Delivery was scheduled for the next day, Friday 09/12/08 at 2:00 pm through c-section. That next morning, prayers were heard and answered... I was stable, you were stable. Delivery would be placed on standby. We would wait until one of us fell into distress. It could be hours, days, weeks, even months. Even with the news of stability, no one expected us to have much time. It was the following night, Saturday 09/13/08 when the doctors said, "It's time." They said you may not make it through the delivery. We heard different numbers from different doctors.... 50/50, 60/40, 35/65, different percentages of surviving delivery, but even if you made it through delivery, the chances of survival were not much better. We all prayed for a miracle, for protection, for life. Our prayers were heard and answered... at 9:15pm 09/13/08 "It's a boy!" Only 1 lb 7.3 oz, 10 3/4" long, but you were alive. Little Wesley James Byork came to join our family. We were all so scared, we all continued to pray. We all prayed for healing, for health, for strength. Our prayers were once again heard and answered. Although not every day was a good day, you made it through. You struggled, suffered, but ultimately fought your way through. God gave you that fighting spirit... He gave us nurses and doctors and therapists to care for you and never give up on you... He put His healing hands around you and lifted you up when you were falling. 7 long months later, you were finally able to leave the NICU. Then after what seemed like a quick stay at Baylor (compared to your time in the NICU), you were finally home, 06/09/09. Now we celebrate 1 year. One glorious, miraculous year. A year of joys and sorrows, a year of smiles and tears. A year that included 5 major surgeries (PDA ligation, Nissen, hernia repair, g-tube, and trach) and numerous so called "minor" surgical procedures (including PICC lines, broviac lines, spinal taps). A year that is now over, but never forgotten. Seeing you today, and remembering where you have been, it amazes me. Nothing brings more joy to my life than seeing you smile, hearing your little giggle, watching you get bigger and stronger every day! I know God has big plans for you little one.... He chose to give you life. So happy birthday to you, our little miracle gift from above.
Here are some comparison pictures from birth to now.... WOW!!!
We love you little Wesley James!!!!
