Donovyn turned eight years old last week and he had a smashing good time! He was up early in the morning ready to open up his presents. A Lego Chima set was one of the bigger items on his wish list this year. He has been building the set over Thanksgiving Break and it's keeping him busy. All those years ago, I couldn't see future birthdays. We were so scared being first time parents . . . and to a preemie. He has been through so so so much and he just amazes us everyday! He is my belated birthday gift. The month of November is a very special month in our household. This picture was taken one very late night in the NICU after shift change. It was warm and quiet. I remember picking him up ever so gently as not to disturb the area on his head where he was receiving transfusions. We got that call a day after Thanksgiving that year. We even ate our turkey dinner at the hospital so that we could in some way be together as a family. We were living hour to hour and day by day. Our miracle eventually met his goals and was finally healthy enough to come home in time for the holidays. It was terrifying bringing home such a small baby, but we figured it out. Here we are, 8 years later:)
D wanted to have a small party (boys ONLY), so we set him up at a local place that offered laser tag and bowling. There was an arcade too, but we chose two of three activities to keep the parents on budget. His four best buddies showed and they had a good time! He wanted a Lego theme, so we settled on Lego Star Wars. I had fun making his cupcakes and party favor goodies. I try to enjoy every second because I know that making treat bags will end someday. We spent about 3 hours at the bowling alley and we all crashed when we got home. I thought for sure D would stay up from all of the excitement and sugar, but he was tired. I hope that 8 will bring more . . . loose teeth, hugs, patience (for building Lego sets), understanding, less dysfluency, D and mommy time, cleaning up his room and laughter!
Donovyn opening up his Lego Chima Croc Swamp Hideout at 5ish in the morning on his b-day.
D patiently waiting for us to light his cupcake candle as we sing "Happy Birthday."
Vazquez Bros. at Legoland earlier this week. They are almost the same height! They are the same in lbs!
You have such beautiful boys. Or is it handsome now that they are getting so big? I am glad that D had an amazing birthday, you are so right about the treat bags ending soon. I think about the same things when I make them. I am glad that you are enjoying every moment with them. I am also wishing 8 brings you all the things that you wished for as well.
Hugs,
Jami
So glad that all of you were able to enjoy D's special day. Eight is a great age!
Shannon
Happy Birthday Donovan! It sounds like a great day. It's so amazing to see the picture from when he was a baby and the pictures now.
Marissa
Wow the boys are getting big. Happy Birthday to Donovyn wishing him many blessings in his life…. Sounds like he (and Mr. T ) had a great Bday party… Look at that cute pic of him so tiny and so blond! Sometimes it is amazing when we look at them so grow up, so healthy, imagining that once they were so tiny, and with such a difficult beginning…
hugs to you and your boys, is so nice to read news from your family, good ones of course…
Lorena
Love how you threw in the wish for cleaning up his room.....good luck!!! LOL!! Looks like he had a great day! Too funny that little man is catching up....think he'll pass D.??
Hugs!
Tracy
Happy Birthday, Donovyn!! Sounds like you all had a great time celebrating him...such a long way he has come from being a preemie in the NICU. Such a handsome 8 year old!!
Much love!
Libby