Stephen's Journey: Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy Birthday!

Can you believe it....this exact time last year we were doing this:

And this:

But it wasn't all smiles all the time. I was also feeling like this:

That was about the time my epidural started to wear off and I got some more happy drugs!

But pretty soon, the doctors decided it was time and out came Stephen Charles into the big world!! Stephen was born at 6:58 pm, weighing in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 19.5 inches long. And most importantly, he was able to use his little lungs.

What a year it's been!?!?

More pictures of the birthday boy to come later!!

2 comments:

AnonymousJanuary 4, 2012 at 7:52 PM
Happpy Birthday Stephen!!!
We are so happy you came into this world to share your life with all of us. You are so loved by so many--having taught us all huge lessons about faith, determination, and the power of prayer. You are one amazing Superman and we are sure God has a special plan for you. Sending lots of love and hugs your way on Big Birthday #1!!
Love,
Aunt LuAnn & Uncle Dick
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SuzanneJanuary 4, 2012 at 8:44 PM
These pictures brought tears of happiness to my eyes. I especially love the one where Bill is touching his hand and the last one with you. You should be very proud, you have all come such a long way this year. Here's to an even better 2012. Happy birthday Stephen!
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Our Crazy Kidney Life

As many of you already know, our son Stephen, was born with a very rare kidney disease called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). When the disease was discovered during my 27th week of pregnancy, Stephen was given a less than 1% chance of living more than a few hours past birth. He was to have such severely underdeveloped lungs that the doctors said he would likely not even take one breath. However, on January 4, 2011, we were granted our 1st miracle - and Stephen came into this world crying (and breathing!) and fighting for his life with fierce determination. At 6 days old he had BOTH of his kidneys removed and began peritoneal dialysis. Stephen came home from the hospital when he was 59 days old requiring 12 hours of dialysis every night as well as enteral (feeding tube) feeds during the day and overnight.

On May 9, 2013, we were granted our 2nd miracle, in the form of a new kidney from an extremely generous friend. Stephen received a kidney from a non-related living donor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He spent 13 days in the hospital recovering from his big surgery and ever since has been living life the fullest! His life is still a delicate balance of medications and weekly lab work, but he's an extremely vibrant, loving, active 2.5 year old.

This blog is Stephen's journey told through my eyes (his mother's), thoughts, and emotions, with extreme highs and lows. But there's no way we would be where we are today without all of the support, thoughts and prayers from our family, friends, and readers! Thank you!!