Max Is One!!!

One year ago today, Daniel and I were proud to introduce our newest addition to the Clayton Crew...

Maxwell Brooks Clayton! Odds were against our little love bug from the beginning due to being born at 27 weeks and weighing only 1 pound 13 ounces. Max was so tiny that he could even wear Daniel's wedding ring as a bracelet...

Daniel and I wondered if we would even have the chance to celebrate this day with him after our year long roller coaster with Mr. Max...

but thanks to the healing power of God and the little warrior fighting with all his strength...we rejoice in Max turning ONE today!

Of course in Maxer style, we celebrated in the hospital...

Max was admitted on Tuesday for respiratory distress from catching an oh-so lovely virus and has been hanging out in the PICU for a few days. It seems almost appropriate to celebrate in the hospital because he has been here for every single holiday this past year except Halloween...so why make his big day any different? Of course in my mom style, I had to decorate his room for him...you know I can't get away without a little happy cheer. I had a great day and couldn't stop beaming from ear to ear, but unfortunately he hasn't felt really well today and slept for most of the day. The staff at Covenant is absolutely amazing who love beyond belief and tried to help make his big day super special! We were surprised with a birthday sign...

signed by his NICU nurses and Dr. C! His doctor, residents, and nurse even sang him Happy Birthday this morning! His nurse was hilarious and created a birthday station on Pandora and had it playing all morning for him. He was also brought a few goodies...

and had a few visitors stop by to give him some lovin'...

Some of the staff brought us cupcakes to celebrate with Max. He isn't eating baby food yet, but was definitely eyeing the delicious sweet...

So I put a little frosting on his thumb so he could try it out...

Well, he wasn't too impressed...

Oh-well, we can try again when he has actually tasted something sweet and yummy! Daniel and I couldn't be more proud of Maxers and his perseverance in his short life already.

He has added so much joy to our family and we feel blessed to be able to celebrate this huge milestone in his life. The Clayton Crew looks forward to seeing the way God is going to use this little warrior for His glory in the years to come!