Happy Homecoming Day, Zachary!

It's hard to believe Zach was so tiny. This was the first day we met him, over 2 years ago! He only weighed 3 lbs.

My little love bug! Look at that great head of hair, though! ;)

Meeting the newest member of our family. What an incredible moment!

A couple of weeks later, he was transferred to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

This was the FIRST time I held my boy!

He was still sick here at almost 36 weeks but getting better!

A week before coming home. Our little warrior!

The morning of discharge finally arrived! Oh, HAPPY DAY!!

The car ride took 12 hours. We stopped in Bakersfield to have dinner at Ben & Lucy's but still, it was a long and grueling trip home.

International or domestic, I always say ALL our kids took about 12 hours on the final leg of their journey home. Zach's discharge day was a bit surreal. We were SO TIRED from all the emotions and from staying up (pretty much all night) with Zach in the hospital the night before. Yet we were also on cloud nine! It had been one heck of a summer! So much touch and go... The reality of all those answered prayers and that God had actually healed our son. It was nothing short of a miracle and we were so very grateful!

It was a cloudy and drizzly September morning in San Francisco as we left the hospital and crossed the street to the parking garage with our new son. I remember thinking that after being alive for 75 days, he was actually taking his first breath of fresh air (outside of a hospital or ventilators). 

Zach slept most of the time and I pretty much just stared at him the whole way as Morgan drove.

It was the ending of a challenging but life changing chapter in our lives and yet a whole new chapter was just beginning.

These last two years have been the most difficult years we've ever gone through as a family. We've faced many trials and challenges. Not just with Zach but in many aspects of our family life.

But God.

He's been so faithful through it all.

He restored our boy. Developmentally and physically, he's doing wonderfully and he continues to amaze us with the growth we see in him every single day. By saying yes to a 28 week old preemie, one never really knows the issues you might encounter (either now or later). In that regard, we are beyond blessed and thankful to the Lord for Zach's good health.

Fast forward two years...

He's one active kid who loves to play with his sisters.

 Have dance parties in the kitchen...

Hang out with GIANT bears at Costco...

(He's holding his shovel because he likes to hold something in his hand, always).

Reading and memorizing all the books.

 Doing puzzles with sissy.

Trips to the park.

Learning to fly. :)

Trying chopsticks for the first time.

Doesn't everyone eat their pizza with chopsticks?

He absolutely loves to go on golf cart rides around the neighborhood.

His version of ice skating at home. :)

Zachary has come full circle in many ways and he's brought more love and joy to our family than we could have ever hoped or imagined. He has a sweet soul. He's also one passionate and determined little boy. Duh, of course, he is!!

This weekend, a friend of mine mentioned to me the fact that she can already see Zach's uncontainable spirit and how she just knows he's going to do something great for God.

Her words were such an encouragement and confirmation to me!

We know that God has an awesome plan for Zach's future. Morgan and I pray all the time that we, as his parents, would be able to help him channel all of his God-given passion, zeal, drive, and enthusiasm in a way that leads him to fulfill his purpose and calling, all for the glory and honor of God.

Uncontainable.

What a perfect word for our son.

We love you, Zach!

 We naturally enjoyed his favorite meal on his special day. This boy loves his pizza (and his daddy!).

 And then he got to go up and down the escalator, quite a few times! He loves escalators, too.

Three of the best blessings EVER!

Me and my girlie girl, Grace.

 The girls, just being silly.

 Photo by Grace.

 See? Over and over again. :)

 Gough, party of FIVE!

Doesn't everyone take their two year old to a casino for a special celebration? What the heck?! :)

We didn't actually go to the casino party of the resort. We just love their Pizza Kitchen (and bowling alley)!

Happy Homecoming Day, Zachary!

You are LOVED beyond words and we are so grateful for the joy and privilege of being your forever family.