Overjoyed!

I've sat here trying to figure out the best words to describe what we are feeling. I almost can't believe Braden is coming home today. There is a tremendous and overwhelming happiness that has surged through us. This journey has been long and at times, it was extremely bumpy. It would be a lie to say that we haven't had our fair share of heartache. But this journey has also been so much more.

This journey was educational. We've all learned so much about preemies and the workings of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We've learned all the back ways to Baylor hospital, including the DART train and bus routes. We've learned how much nurses and doctors truly care about the babies they help. We've learned that Baylor is a superior hospital with the most knowledgeable, compassionate staff. We've learned the strength and power of prayer. We've learned how family and friends can come together in Christ to offer love and support.

This journey was encouraging. We witnessed Braden's body grow from 1 pound 7 ounces to over 7 pounds. We were there when he fought through ventilators, IV tubes, feeding tubes and surgeries. We've seen him prove his strength many times and we are encouraged to see him grow even more. Braden always encouraged us to be strong like him. He had a way of letting us know that he was going to make it.

This journey was spiritual. We felt so thankful for people like you who would stop by here to read about his progress. We felt closer to God during this hospital stay, mostly because you kept reminding us just how much God is with us. Your prayers, e-mails, messages, card, gifts, etc. were a beautiful reminder of God's presence. Sometimes in situations like these, it's hard to stay strong in your faith. But thanks to you, we kept our spirits up and remained positive. Our faith is solid and could never falter.

Most of all, this journey was rewarding. Braden is the reward that this journey has brought us. Having Braden in our family is a blessing and we're overjoyed that God chose us for him. God could have given Braden to anyone, but Annie and Steve were rewarded with this most precious baby. We all love him so much and I can't even begin to tell you all the wonderful ways he has made our lives better. We cannot wait for you to meet him. He will steal your heart - if he hasn't done so already!

This is the last entry that will cover Braden's hospital stay. In a few days, I am going to hand the blog over to the Bunger family. As Steve mentioned, there will be times when Annie and Steve will post things regarding Braden's life at home, so please check back here!

Again, I want to say thank you for all you've done. Your support has meant the world to us and we're eternally grateful to you. As always, you will remain in our prayers. When Braden does read all this one day, I hope he knows how many people were praying for him and just how much he is loved by all of us.

Below are the pictures I took on our last Tuesday night at Baylor. Thanks again for everything and God bless!

After dinner, Braden stretched and stretched, but never woke up.


As he snoozed, I snapped a photo of his Rock Star onesie.


Nothing was going to wake him up.


We turned down the lights and he slept like an angel.