A Different Kind of Birthday

Yesterday, October 6, was Michael's first birthday.  Our plans to celebrate Michael's first year were changed just a little.  Instead of spending his first birthday at home with friends and family, he spent it in a hospital room.  Our little guy was admitted to the hospital after we took him to the emergency room Wednesday morning at 3 a.m. with croup.  He received several breathing treatments and a couple of doses of steroids in the emergency room, but continued to have stridor (that wheezing sound) even at rest.  Since being admitted, Michael has needed pretty continual breathing treatments.  We are still camped out at the hospital with hopes that he might be able to go home today.

For Michael's birthday, the nurses and doctors surprised him with with presents, a "happy birthday" sign, and a very creative "pretend" cake (since he can't eat the real thing with all his food allergies).  They came in a big group to deliver the presents and sing "Happy Birthday."  Michael was so cute to watch.  He was smiling and waving to everyone.  He also loved opening the wrapped presents!  Coley bought a cake, so everyone stayed and ate cake with us.  It wasn't my choice of places to be on his birthday, but everyone here made it very special.

I was sitting in the hospital with Michael at this time last year (when he was born).  The nurses were teasing me a little bit about it, saying that they are not saving a room for us next year at this time.

I have several fun birthday pictures, but I'll have to post them when we finally get home.

Happy birthday Michael!  We love you!