Learning to Lean: Brady's 1!

So, about a month ago, we celebrated Brady's first birthday. What a day it was! We were surrounded by friends and family as we ran and walked the Gigi's Playhouse 5k & 1 Mile Walk. It was an incredible experience; there were so many people there who were walking along side of or in honor of, someone with Down Syndrome. While I have definitely been made more aware of people who have been touched by DS, I haven't been able to visualize it quite like I did that day.

The Brady Bunch raised over $2300. How incredible is that?! I am blown away by the way that God is working through Brady's life. My mom asked me tonight if I can believe this is my life... and honestly, if I stop and think about it, no, I can't. But I couldn't imagine my life being as good without Brady.

I appreciate every little thing. The fact that he's half-crawling now, after 7 months of PT. The fact that since we've been working with his speech therapist, he's now eating real food and making strong consonant sounds. The fact that he know what little phrases like, "hands up!", or "give me a kiss!" means. I get it. Every mom probably gets excited about these things, so I don't claim to be unique in that. But I just feel like we work so hard, and it makes these little victories seem so profound.

I am reminded about what it means to live as a disciple of Christ daily. There is an ability in our culture to live in a very self-centered way. Having Brady kind of takes that away immediately. Instead, I am aware of what it feels like to be marginalized, and forced to think outside of what I know. All the time, I am relying on those around me who have carried us and lived out the Word.

It got me out of my comfort zone. I miss the city every day. Having to drive everywhere isn't my favorite, and it's easy to go from garage to work to garage and not have relationships along the way. Thankfully, God didn't wire me that way, and He has put some of the most impactful people in our lives since we've moved to the 'burbs. I have been stretched, challenged and grown more than almost any time in my life. We moved because we were having a baby and I didn't want Brad to commute. We're staying because it turns out God was in control of that decision the whole time and this is exactly where we're called to be right now.

So, thank you for all of you who have prayed us through our first year. I would ask that you would pray for Sophia, a friend's baby who is in the NICU after being born 16 weeks early. We know all to well what that feels like, and I have faith that the same Healer who placed His hand on Brady can do the same for her.

Here are some pictures from Brady's birthday weekend... enjoy!