Happy One Month Birthday, Little One.

Forgive the lack of posts, but I have been immensely enjoying my babymoon. If you had told me a year ago that I would be sitting here today soaking up the warmth of his little body, listening to his sweet squeaks and sighs, breathing in his delicious baby smell... well, I wouldn't have believed you. And yet, here he is. Alive and well and thriving at that! Such a strong, healthy baby. He beat the odds and held tight during a perilous journey. This little soul has certainly restored my faith in happy endings.

A look back ....

Remember this? He was only 17 weeks along.

And here he is a few weeks before he was born. Always wiggling! I spoke to him a lot in those last few weeks before he was born, asking him to just stay strong in there and telling him that I was doing everything I could to keep him healthy and bring him into our arms safely. I had a distinct feeling that he understood me. Well, he certainly upheld his end of the bargain....

...His heartrate never faltered during my long, intense labor (well, except for the very last contraction). He was even kicking and squirming while I was pushing!

And then, there he was. Our son, who didn't even exist 9 months ago, whom we almost lost along the way, was in my arms.

The name Willem means "strong-willed, fighter" and he certainly is that. He is a survivor. He took to nursing immediately, and has been gaining about a pound a week!!

Pure bliss.