8 years of Marriage and going strong

Last Friday, May 16th, was our 8th wedding anniversary.  I can't believe 8 years have already gone by, but at the same time when I think back to when we were just married or dating it seems like a really long time ago.  This last year has probably been our toughest year during our marriage due to expecting twins last March 2007.   

However it has been the best year of our marriage because it has taught us the important things in life.  When our twins were born our son, Maxwell, had to be flown to Primary Children's Hospital in SLC when he was only 3 days old.   They found out that he had Necrotizing Enterocolitis.  Which put in simple terms is a flesh eating bacteria found within the lining of the intestines that on x-ray looks like little bubbles.  He had to be close to a surgeon so that if at any time the bacteria perforated the outer lining of his intestine they could do emergency surgery to remove that part before the bacteria spread through out his abdomen.  It was really hard to watch him go through this for he couldn't eat anything and had to have a picc line to supply all of his nutrients.  After being down in Primary Children's for only 4 days Maxwell contacted spinal meningitis.  I was still here in Idaho Falls with Isabella in the NICU and hadn't been able to see Maxwell since he left.  What a horrible feeling for any mother...I can't even explain.  In the meantime Matt has been staying down in SLC at the Ronald McDonald's house just a few miles from the hospital.  As time went on and good and bad days past for Maxwell it seemed like our lives were never going to return to being a family.  Traveling back and forth to SLC and being separated from Matt and enduring our own trials alone was really hard.  We often only had the phone to give each other encouragement to help us through to the next day.  After 8 long weeks Maxwell had finally made a final recovery and never had to have surgery.  We were able to bring him home on April 26, 2007.  What a joyous day.  It was the first time that Olivia and Harrison were able to see their brother.  (When I find some time I will post the pictures of Maxwell in the hospital.)

So needless to say this year has been the hardest year during our marriage but has greatly brought us closer as a family.  With not knowing if you are going to loose a baby any day you are truly grateful for what blessings you have been given.  With endless prayers and many tearful nights we realized that spending time with our family was by far the most important priority in our lives.  I love you Matt and will forever be indebted to you for helping me be a better, stronger person.