E was born in January, and he is a heart warrior. He earned his “zipper” four days prior to turning two months old. Along with a couple extra creases, easily confused as fat rolls now, from two abdominal surgeries at one month old.

There was no hint of a problem during my pregnancy or at birth. We discovered at two weeks old, a loud murmur, and sought additional opinions from a pediatric cardiologist. At this point, we learned he had an AV Canal defect (more detail another day), which meant surgery at four to six months of age. We didn’t make it to that point.

In March, E was recovering from surgery and still in newborn clothing. At almost seven months old, he now sports 9- and 12-month-old clothing. This child is a fighter. Despite, the medical troubles he encountered off the bat, E is my child of JOY. There is no word that describes him better. He is JOYFUL. Three days after open heart surgery, he smiled for the first time and has not stopped smiling since.

This is my miracle baby. My joy. My light. God has something very special planned for this little boy.

Read more about his journey here.