Happy Birthday Colt!

Happy 1st Birthday Colt! Today was a fantastic day, the weather was awesome, and we were able to celebrate Colt's first birthday with friends and family. Here's a quick peek at our day, with tons more photos to come this week.


We started the day with a baby dedication (similiar to a baptism or christening) at our church. It was extra special because Pastor Dale was there to dedicate Colt for our family. Here is why that is so special to me......the day we found out about Colt's brain bleed, to say we fell apart would be putting it lightly. I called our wonderful friend Neil that next morning in a panic- not knowing what to do. The night before, the doctors had told us we needed to decide whether or not to take Colt off of life-support. I don't think I ever posted that before because at the time, I don't even think I could manage to type those words. So Neil got on the phone to our church and Pastor Dale and Chaplain Scott drove right down to San Diego to be with us, to pray with us and to just talk with us.

Pastor Dale was able to go back and see Colt (which was extremely limited to only 4 family visitors total) but because he was clergy- he was able to go see Colt and pray over him with us. Just to be faced with that decision was life-altering, even though, looking back I don't think we would ever have even considered it. But being asked, is bad enough. Pastor Dale helped encourage our waivering faith and was there to help keep us strong through an extremely tough week. They stayed by our side through the entire journey, praying and checking in on us. So it was so special to finally dedicate Colt to God, because afterall he is his miracle.

Colt's birthday cake was well received.....the boy likes chocolate :)
Colt was too busy to smile, he was busy enjoying the frosting.
Four generations of McCoys!
Here's Kelsey letting Colt open his birthday gift from her- more chargers stuff! Woohoo!

Today was such an awesome day! I don't even know where to start. The day, like this first year, went by really fast. I wasn't able to let it all sink in until we got home and Colt and I enjoyed some quiet time after his bath, in the rocking chair before he went to bed. The year's events finally hit me, and I finally had a good cry with Colt in my arms. We are so blessed, not only to have him here with us, but to be surrounded by such an amazingly supportive family and wonderful friends. I probably don't thank them all enough in getting caught up in life, but as I sat down with those quiet moments tonight I was consumed with gratitude for everything everyone has done for us. From the prayers, to the phone calls, visits, gifts, and love that has been showered on us and on Colt.......we are eternally grateful for everything. Thank you to all our family and friends, and strangers alike- who care about our family and about our little guy. It's a joy to be able to share him with everyone.

Lots more pictures from today to come!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone!

Lots of Love,

The McCoy Family