A little too long since my last post....

I am pretty sure that the last 6 months of the year have been the biggest roller coaster of emotions and events that I believe could be crammed into such a short period of time but I am forever grateful for each and every moment.

Our house finally looks like a home!
We finished off most of the decorating and were actually able to have family over for New Years Eve! I guess nothing can get you off your butt and hanging pictures, paintings and everything else like having guests and family over for the first time!
It feels so good to walk in and see the TV above the fireplace and actually working, the chairs out of their boxes, mirrors hung and a coat rack at the front door.
We still have a little bit to do (like putting doors and shelves in Faris' closet) but nothing major and nothing that can't wait.

Faris was taken off of Oxygen and his Apnea Monitor completely at the beginning of December. I had a very hard time not shedding tears of joy in the office when the doctor said we wouldn't be needing either machine any longer. He is also off of the diuretic and has started eating solid foods! He absolutely loves bananas! I am pretty sure he was tired of just drinking Enfamil because he smiled and smiled when he first tasted the bananas.
I think that the best news of all with him is that he doesn't look like a little preemie any longer. He is 16 pounds as of this week! (Which is one pound less than Hamza at the same age.) Someone actually called him a big guy at the eye doctor. He has been cleared of any retina issues and we will only need to go back to the eye doctor when he turns 1 this year to check for glasses.
The pediatrician is very pleased with his progress as well. Every month we go in for his Synagis shot, she tells me that we have done a great job with him and to keep it up. Having that kind of compliment makes all the worry, late nights and doctor appointments worth it.
He smiles so much and he looks at Hamza as the greatest thing ever to walk the face of the Earth. I am pretty sure that I will have my hands full when he starts walking around and wants to copy EVERYTHING his big brother is doing.
It has been so amazing to watch him progress from the tiny 2 lb, 7 oz; 28 week preemie into the precious, smiley little man that has made our house a home more than the decorations ever could have.

As crazy or silly as it may sound, I am thankful for all of what we went through last year.
I learned that my husband is stronger than I ever knew. That my mom is an amazing super woman that I hope I can turn out to be just like. Family is and will always be there for you.
Most importantly, no matter what God or the world has in store for you, there is always a reason and you will come out stronger and a better person in the end.