Malachi turned a year old on November 2nd, 2008. I still can't believe it! Many times, when we were stuck in Pittsburgh, it seemed that time was standing still. Now, looking back it has flown by! Much has happened with him. He is now rolling over both ways, and lifting up his head. He is sitting up, until he decides to throw himself backwards and lay on the floor. He is standing and jumping. He is babbling and saying, "Dada," "Momma," "Anana," and "Yeah!" I think "Anana" is his way of saying, "Gramma," Grampa," "Aunt," "Uncle," and pretty much everyone else! He is eating really well. We now only have to feed him five times a day and it is working much better for him. He doesn't vomit nearly as much. He is taking baby food, and likes it.
We have had a couple of scary times when he developed a fever and we had to take him to the ER. Every time it ended up just being an ear infection, but with his heart, and where we were with him a year ago, you can't just "assume" he is alright. He is seeing the GI doctor for his reflux, that we continue to pray for the Lord to completely heal him of. He sees the Cardiologist about every three months to make sure all is good with his heart, and he has a CT scan in December to make sure all is well with his stent. We are being referred to an Orthopedic doctor about his scoliosis, which is a new development in the past few days.
To recap this past year; there have been a lot of times of uncertainty, unknown, anxiousness, fear, sadness, frustration, and hopelessness, BUT God has always remained faithful, even when we weren't. He ALWAYS showed up and showed us what His greater plan was, even though He didn't have to. I am amazed at how much love the Lord has for His children even when we have all but given up hope. (2 Timothy 2:13) I have a tendency to look back and see a lot of the bad, but honestly, there is SOOOOOOO MUCH GOOD! Malachi is alive! He is doing so well, and he is growing and developing. You would never know that he is a heart kid, unless you saw his scarred chest.
A few months ago the Lord gave me Isaiah chapter 43 as a promise. I know that it was written for the Israelites, but I couldn't help but think it was written with us in mind. If you have time to read the whole chapter it is amazing the promises in it, but the part that stuck out the most was verse 19: "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert."
I used to think that it meant that the Lord was going to heal Malachi's reflux, or that He would allow him to sit on his own before he turned a year old, but I realized that the "new" thing was going to be in me. The Lord was going to transform my attitude and give me a peace and contentment in my circumstances. (Philippians 4:11) He was going to change how I would handle things that came about. Malachi may never be healed of his reflux, he will always have heart troubles, and more things could be discovered with his health, but one thing will always remain constant.... the Lord and His plan for us. I still have no idea why He has given us the honor and privilege of having such a wonderful baby boy, but He has. He has chosen us to walk this path of life. And I am convinced that it is all so that we will have a jar full of tears to annoint His feet with. (Psalm 56:8) It reminds me of the woman in Luke 7:36 - 50. She had much to be thankful for, and I always wondered why the Lord would keep our tears in a bottle. I think (my opinion only) that one day He will give them back to us and we will be able to wash His feet with them, as a thank you for all He has done for us. I know that is what I want to do with mine!
It amazes me how far Malachi has reached to touch so many lives. A few weeks ago we had our annual Church Retreat. A lot of people were there that had been praying for Malachi, but had never actually met him. May his life continue to be a testimony of the faithfulness of God! We could NEVER thank everyone enough for their faithful prayers and support for our family.
So in conclusion, I will sum it up: God is Good ALL the time, He is FAITHFUL, He LOVES, and He NEVER LEAVES!
We love you all!
Love,
April for all three
2 Timothy 2:3
4 comments:
yeah a new post. I am overjoyed to watch Malachi grow and grow. I may not see him everyday, but when I do I just cherish the times with him. He is such a joy and so VERY loved. Thanks for updating us. love you and am proud to be an AUNT, thanks for making me one. Happy Anniversary to you and yours.
Something I needed to hear today. God reminded me that no matter what each life is precious and a gift to us...I never want to take that for granted. The unknown makes it so scary, but cannot fear how our baby will be. All is well so far and we are so thankful. God bless you and your family and your precious little boy!
Thanks for posting this! There are so many things I want to say, but basically, I want you to know that your faith in the Lord through this year of uncertainty as far as Malachi's health goes has strengthened mine tremendously. Love you, and I'll be praying about his appointment with the orthopedic doctor!
Awesome post April. Awesome because it points us back to our loving, all knowing, perfect Heavenly Father.
You guys are such a blessing. You may never know how many lives the three of you have touched. We love your little fella!
I especially loved the verses in Isaiah. We can all draw strength on His Word and it is so comforting when He gives us such a personal application. I so appreciate when the Lord does that for us.
Just yesterday, Barb (my niece) asked if she could personally meet Malachi when they come down for Thanksgiving! He really has touched so many lives.
Love to you three!
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