I wish with all my heart that we could send everyone a Christmas card this year. So many of you have been our prayer warriors and encouragers throughout this past year and I can't express to you how much I love and appreciate you. Since we can't send everyone a card here is a copy of our Christmas letter.
As I write this letter I listen to music declaring the birth of our Savior who is the reason we celebrate during this magical and magnificent time of year, and I reminisce about all that I have for which to be thankful. This year has been amazing. God has worked in our lives in ways we could have never dreamed, beyond what we would have ever imagined.
The year started out with the challenge of finding homes for Zoe’s litter of puppies. The endeavor ended up quite successfully with only one week needed to find homes for all five pups. Not only was January full of the happy sounds of squeaky little puppies and the joy that each one brought to the face of their new owners, but January also brought to our family a new fear and intense prayers. On the 29th of January I went to the hospital with pregnancy complications and the impending possibility that we would lose another baby. Thankfully God had other plans.
On February 11th early in the evening after exhausting all efforts to keep him inside just a little bit longer our baby boy made his debut. He was the most perfectly formed tiniest little baby we’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. We can’t begin describe how we all felt upon seeing our beautiful 1 pound 8 ounce baby boy.
For weeks we wondered if he would survive, and for weeks longer we wondered what the future would hold if he did survive. For three months we traveled back and forth to the hospital, and on May 11th after only 90 days in the hospital Ryan was able to come home.
The months since Ryan has been home have been amazing. He came home weighing little more than 4 pounds wearing monitors and oxygen. In June he weighed 6 pounds, and we frequented a different doctor at least 3 times a week.
Seven was a special number this year. Ryan weighed 7 pounds in this seventh month. On the seventh day of this seventh month in this year of ‘07 Ryan also had his first big outing. He attended a beautiful wedding honoring his Uncle Tobin and Aunt Shelly. Much to our delight July also brought about big dimpled grins from our little man.
The sounds that babies make ought to bring a smile to anyone’s face. August brought the joyful sounds of cooing into our home. He began talking to anyone who would listen. Ryan was a busy little guy this month. He got rid of the oxygen, went swimming for the first time and attended yet another wedding.
Ryan turned 7 months old in September. During this month he started grabbing his toys with earnest determination. He also started rolling over ,although his determination in this task only worked one way. He only rolled from back to front.
In October Ryan learned to roll over and over, but he still preferred being a one-way baby. Ryan also started putting everything in his mouth, and with that sweet mouth he also learned to scream. October 11th was a very special day. Wade and I celebrated our 10th anniversary, so we decided to celebrate by going on our first family vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was wonderful!
The holidays are now here, and we give thanks daily. Ryan is now a very happy and healthy 10 month old little boy. He loves his dogs, his toys, and taking a bath. His laugh is engaging, his smile is contagious, and his personality is delightful. We have been blessed with a miracle this year.
As this year ends and a new one begins we want to express our love and appreciation for you. We are glad you are a part of our lives. We pray that your Christmas celebrations are ones that remind you of Christ’s love for you, and we pray that your New Year begins with lots of love and laughter.
Love to All, The Stanfills
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