Dear John Michael

Today is your half birthday! I can't begin to tell you how proud of you I am. In six months you have grown from a frail little 1 lb preemie to a big strong 13 lb infant. But once you learned how to gain weight that was never an issue for you again. You have learned how to breathe better and your lungs are getting stronger everyday. The only thing you haven't mastered yet is your bottles, but I've learned to be okay with that.

You teach me something new everyday. One of your most important lessons has been patience. Everything will come in time, I just need to wait longer than most mommies. But you're well worth the weight - pun intended :).

Take time to appreciate the little things in life. Your first cry, your first bottle, your first bath, the day you can breathe on your own. Little things to other mommies but so big to me.

I've learned how blessed I am to have a beautiful baby boy like you. As tough and trying as this journey has been I still wouldn't change a single thing.

You do need modern science because a mother's love cannot fix everything. But the truth is it certainly helps and it creates a bond that no one can break. Like I said before you DO know your mommy and you DO know I'm there.

You've taught me to believe, have faith, and never underestimate the power of prayers.

Such a little boy and already full of all of these great life lessons. Happy half birthday little angel! I can't wait to be amazed with you next 6 months of life.

Love,
Mommy