Today I began my morning with an eggnog latte from Starbucks. For me, it’s something that reminds me of all the sweetness life has to offer, one of those simple, simple things that makes me smile. When the eggnog latte hits Starbucks, I know the holiday season has begun. Sure, by this time there are Christmas songs being played and people have begun to decorate their houses, but there’s something about that first, hot, frothy sip, that hint of nutmeg: winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. And yet, after the first sip, I felt like walking around and asking people to pinch me. Is tomorrow really Thanksgiving? How could the happiest and saddest year of my life be nearly over?
Last year, two days after Thanksgiving, Noah burst into this world red and screaming, with a head full of sloppy black hair. I watched in utter awe as he was wiped down on the plastic hospital bassinet, the bright warming hospital lights shining down on his long, chunky body. At 8 pounds and twenty-one inches long, he was already strong, already our little fighting angel. We just didn’t know it yet. As I lay on the hospital bed, mystified by this loud, magnificent creature that I had brought into the world, Mike took hundreds of pictures. The room flickered and flashed; it felt like the Academy Awards.
We had all we had ever wanted: we had the baby we had dreamed about. Only Noah was better than the dream. He was more than we could ever have imagined.
As we cuddled and kissed Noah for the first time that day, we could never have imagined the road we would begin to travel, the road we continue to travel. About 360 days later, so much has changed. This year has flittered between joy and devastation. But. We are moving forward. Noah will turn a year old on Sunday the 29th. What a miracle, what a blessing. We are thankful for him in so many ways that I can’t possibly begin to say – even for a writer there are times when heavy silence says more.
But tomorrow, we won’t be silent. We will sit down to a giant meal, prepared by so many loving family members, with Noah in his highchair beside us. We will thank God for what he has done for us. We will thank Him for Noah. And we will thank Him for the baby growing inside me, who has a grand name to live up to and big shoes to fill. Then we will feed Noah all the first Thanksgiving foods that, eight months ago, we thought he might never eat: stuffing with gravy, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. If he’s anything like his mommy he will eat until he’s green in the face. And then he’ll probably eat some more!
On Sunday, Noah’s first birthday, Mike and I will wake up with glee. We made it! No. Noah made it! We will kiss him more than a million times. We will kiss him until he takes his pudgy hands and pushes us away. He will eat his first cupcake that I will have probably taken hours to decorate, though I doubt it will look it. We will listen to him laugh. And we will revel in it.
We have so much to be thankful for. Even in our darkest hours, we still have Noah. God bless all of you on this Thanksgiving. Remember your blessings as we remember ours.
-From Mike-
I would also like to give thanks this year for all of you. Without you, this would be a darker and less up-lifting Thanksgiving. I would personally like to thank God for the loving and supportive people of our community, all of whom have bonded together to help heal our son through prayer. Thank you, also, for praying for all of those other children out there who have suffered for one reason or another.
Please help us continue to raise awareness and shed light on the FACT that shaking a child DOES have dire consequences and is NOT without repercussions.
I heard about Noah back in May of this year. I prayed for Noah and forwarded his request. That is when I also heard about another little girl, Alexis. How could this happen more than once???
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/AlexisLinn/updates/2476019?client_code=scottwhite&ipc=mcr
There is a new rehabilitation clinic that was just announced for other children with the same long recovery as Noah and Alexis.
May God Bless these innocent lives and those who protect them.
Mike, Erin, and precious Noah!
) but your admiration and determination to remain positive through this life-altering event has been an encouragement…and really hit home with me today.
My name is Hannah and received word about your story a couple of days ago from Luci Dent. I have spent a majority of my day reading your WHOLE blog, when I really should have been working
At first, naturally, I was angered to hear what had happened to Noah…and am still devastated at the thought of it. However, I am uplifted with joy in reading your words. I, too, believe that God will not give you more than you can handle. I also believe that He will continue to give you strength and encourage you through words like “BELIEVE” on the building by the hospital, or the church’s message of faith, “With God by your side, anything is possible.”
I am excited for all three of you because I know that God has a miraculous plan for your lives…if only to have touched the lives of so many people through this blog. You have certainly done so for me! I will continue to follow your blog as well as pray for your amazingly strong family. I also have forwarded your story to everyone I know! The power of prayer alone is a wonderful thing in life!
Lord Bless and Stay Strong in Faith!
)
Hannah
Dear Erin & Mike -
Like many, I have followed your blog since its inception and feel like your family has become a part of my own. I continually check it for updates on sweet Noah and share your story with others. My husband and I are in awe of your strength and courage.
In lieu of Christmas gifts this year for the adults in our family, we’d like to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House where your friends and family so generously volunteer their time. Would you mind contacting me offline with directive on how to do so?
Warm wishes to you and your growing family for a joyous Christmas and new year. Your family is an inspiration and a blessing to more than you know.
Alisha Waid
alisha_waid@yahoo.com
Alexandria, VA
Erin,
You have done a beautiful job of documenting your journey with Noah. I wonder if he will ever fully realize the impact he has had, not only on your and Mike’s life, but on so many other people in the world. Because of Noah, I hug my kids a little bit tighter and I cherish their accomplishments a little more than I would have.
Know that you are always in my thoughts. -Melissa T.
I’ve never commented on your blog before but I have been following your story since the beginning. I am a nursing student and a mom and thought you might find hope and encouragement in this local newspaper article.
http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_bb3e684a-b75c-11de-bb95-001cc4c002e0.html
i usually dont like discussing my personal life online but when i read about noah i knew i had to. My son chance is a 12 year old survivor of shaken baby syndrome. he was shaken when he was four months old and the person who was responsible for it only got 5 days in jail and a $500 fine. we have had a long hard road and even though things get better he still has a lifetime of trials ahead of him. i understand what you are going through and the long battle you have ahead. the only way i have made it through it is my prayers and seeing his smiling face every morning and knowing that he is my miracle. if you would like someone to talk to who understands you can email me anytime at p_rincess_qt@hotmail.com i will pray for you and noah everyday as i do for my own son as well as other children suffering. may god bless you and your family.
michelle may
Idaho
Happy (late) Birthday Noah! I hope you enjoyed your cupcake!
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!
Happy, Happy Birthday Noah! You have no idea how loved you are by so many who have never even met you. Praying for God’s continued blessings for you and your family. Praying for God’s continued miracles -large and small- and the ability to recognize them! Can’t wait to see photos of you and the demolished cupcake!
We continue to give thanks for and pray for Noah every day! May the Lord continue to heal and bless Noah with each new day!!
Erin, Mike & Precious Noah,
I can’t wait to see pictures of his birthday party. Please post one for us. 
Relax and enjoy your day tomorrow and special birthday weekend! Know that you are all loved and cared about a lot!
I have not posted for a while but you have been in my thoughts. I sent you a message on facebook a week or so ago. I hope that tomorrow is a Happy Thanksgiving! I am very thankful that I have “met” your family. You have become very important to me. I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I think of baby Noah…big boy Noah- almost 1!!
Happy Thanksgiving!! Love & (((HUGS!!)))
Sweet Noah- Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Noah! Happy Birthday to you…and MANY MORE!!!!
Have a great 1st Birthday buddy! Lots of love & (((HUGS!!))) ….(Kindergarten teachers have to sing) 
Stephanie
Culpeper
A day for giving thanks……..and for the blessings of the simple things in life! We as a community of unseen do hope that our collective prayers will be heard and answered. As we are supportive of the three+ of you, know that you inspire us! And know also that the prayers will continue.
It is my fondest hope that Noah’s first birthday is wonderful and cupcake messy!!!
Giving thanks for life!