Happy 4th Birthday, Wesley!

The first time we ever saw Wesley's face was when we looked at this picture...

It didn't take long for us to pursue learning more about him!
I will never forget the first time we met him!  He was FULL of energy and spunk!

It didn't take long for us to know we wanted him to be part of our family!

And then it happened, he actually became our son!  It's amazing how things have changed for him and us in the last year of his life!  He was almost 3 when we inquired about him after seeing his picture and now he's 4!  His life is completely different...everything about it!  You would never know though...he has taken all of the change and the chaos like a champ!

He got 2 new brothers and new parents...

 

New cousins, Nanas and Papas, aunts and uncles.
He has jumped into each of their loving arms with gusto and accepted all of them as they have accepted him.  We are in awe of him and his resilience.  He has had a full year with lots of ups and downs and more change than any 3 year old should have to endure in such a short period of time.

We have had LOTS of fun...

 

Lots of family time...

Some scary times...one which included a week long stay in the hospital...

And then recovery.
We moved into a new home and he got his new signature haircut! :)

We have celebrated holidays...

Started school...

Cheered on our team...

Walked the Kidney Walk...

Spent lots of time with family and friends...

Celebrated more holidays...

And then it had been a year since we first saw that picture of his adorable almost 3 year old face...just like that.

And he's 4...
 

 

Oh Wesley, you have taught us so much!  You embody a whole type of strength that we didn't know existed.  You've been through more in your life than many will have to endure in a lifetime.  Our love for you grows stronger with each day that passes and we just cannot express how blessed we feel to have you as our son.  You are such a gift to us.  We love your energy and your constant joy, you have the most incredible smile in the world and you give the most amazing hugs!  We cannot wait to watch you grow to become the man you were created to be and look forward to being there for you every step of the way!  Happy Happy Birthday, Wesley Xander, you are loved beyond words!!!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy