SURPRISE!
My wonderful friend Mandy surprised me with an early birthday present- MY SISTER!
She must have known I've been missing her bad:) So she flew her in for a short weekend!
North Dakota is just WAY too far! I was so surprised that I'm pretty sure I screamed a little and then cried when I saw her.
I got to spend the whole weekend with my family, friends, and the people I love the most.
Thanks again Mandy and Britt for pulling that off- I know flying standby really stinks!:)
It was a super great birthday surprise!
So, my sister just recently bought a new camera and has been taking some photography classes just as a hobby. She was so excited to finally be able to take some pictures of Tripp. And boy, did Tripp give Nanny a treat for the weekend... he really had a pretty good weekend, overall. He stood up for her about 3-4 times, which lately is a whole lot!
I think they came out great... Pictures I will treasure forever!
Update on little man's transfusion:
We are waiting for approval from the hospital to be able to do the transfusion at home.
Please say some extra prayers that we can make this happen.
Also, I think we are battling an infection that can no longer be treated with oral antibiotics.
I think some tough decisions are coming my way soon.
Please pray that I make the right ones.
Thank you all for your KIND words and so much encouragement!
Love,
Fabulous pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteBeyond amazing!!! He's just so handsome and such a blessing to everyone that has had a chance to learn of his story <3
ReplyDeleteCourtney- These pictures are beautiful! I am sure you will treasure them forever. I posted about your blog on MY blog today and will continue to do so. I hope you don't mind. I live in Destrehan and grew up knowing Randy's family. You are an amazing mother and Tripp is the most amazing little guy ever. You are both never far from my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAMAZING pics! They are so clear. Tripp is adorable. That smile is what love is made of. The prayers for Tripp and all involved continue.
ReplyDeleteLoving and praying for you from Oregon. All my friends now know about Tripp. What an incredible purpose he is fulfilling on earth. Praying for the peace of the Spirit to flood your hearts.
ReplyDeleteCourtney, God will guide you with any decisions you have to make. Love the new pics and glad you had a special surprise visit with your sister....Hugs and prayers to you and Tripp!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog last week and your story has been an inspiration to me. Tripp is such a beautiful little guy and you are an amazing mom. What a lesson of joy, love, patience and faith you both are to the world. Sending prayers from my family to yours...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures! So special, and like you said, you will always treasure. Thank you for sharing your world with us. You have touched so many and I know I think of you guys always!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! Praying for you and your sweet boy, always.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pictures!!!! Such a cute little man!! Praying for upcoming decisions.
ReplyDeletePraying Praying and what beautiful pictures. Thanx for sharing
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful gallery blast Courtney...Prayers for your lil man!
ReplyDeleteSuch important and special pictures you captured.
ReplyDeleteYour big smiles in the face of such suffering are inspiring. It's impossible to not want to be a happier, better person after reading this entry. I will never forget your boy and his suffering, but most of all your happy smiles!
Sending so, so much peace and love your way.
All the best from Finland. I think you are an amazing sweet mother and your son is truly a treasure. I am so happy that his granmother and -father support you two.
ReplyDeleteHe is beautiful! These pictures are amazing! God bless you and Tripp!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are absolutely beautiful and just amazing!!! He is such a precious little boy, and your sister definitely got some shots that you can treasure forever!! =) Sending love, hugs, and prayers your way for you and Tripp.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are so sweet! Thanks for sharing and posting. You are always in our prayers. Take good care and I am so happy to hear you had a great weekend with your sister and family. You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures!! Y'all are in my prayers always!
ReplyDeletePaula
Oh my goodness... such sweet pictures with some sweet little smiles from Tripp!! He is precious, precious, precious!! Tripp sure loves his Nanny and Aunt Brittany! Love the tender shot of your mom with her head touching Tripps head~ and the one where Tripp is "looking' toward the camera while his little hand explores the toy with the black toucan! And any picture with his precious Mommy ALWAYS brings a smile to my face! Hugs to Tripp!!
ReplyDeleteI love those pictures so much. The ones of him playing are so great. And I like the ones of you bandaging him and taking care of his sores. It gives us all a little glimpse into what you do each and every day. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteThe pictures ARE beautiful! But I could not help to tear looking at Tripp. I wish so much for you Courtney for them to find a cure or find something better! The verse, for this child I prayed, I almost lost it. I look forward to your posts, and especially pictures! Happy your sister could make it in!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing friends you have to bring your sister to you for your birthday!!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures ate truly amazing and Tripp looks so incredibly happy and you can tell he is well loved!
Much love and many many prayers for you and Tripp. Praying the hospital will allow the transfusion at home and this helps him greatly.
::hugs::
Rhiannon
beautiful pictures ~ sending love & prayers to you & tripp
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of your sister to surprise you! Looks like you guys had some fun! I love that Tripp played the drums for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the great pics of your amazing little boy! You are both inspiring, I love the smile on his face.
Stay strong =)
What a special visit! I've been reading for a few months now, but don't often post. I think of you often and pray for you and Tripp. I pray not that you feel God's presence and support when you make the decisions that are coming up.
ReplyDeleteAw, look at him smile! And the picture where he's holding his blanket to his mouth is so sweet, my 1 and a half year old always does that. Prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing pictures. I teared up looking at them. Your strength is amazing and I continue to keep you and Tripp in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful baby boy. I am new to your blog....I am praying for you and Trip. These are beautiful photographs... I love his little hands. Such precious treasures.
ReplyDeleteI check back to your blog every single day but this is the first time I have commented. I put your button on my blog and I have to say that I am not a religious person but I have been praying every single day asking that if there is a God out there that he heal Tripp. I also gave your name to some friends who brought it to church and they say his name in prayer there. You are so strong, I cry every day just reading your blog. I have a son who is only a couple of months younger than Tripp. Your blog has made me hug my babies a little tighter every day and realize that the little aggravating things don't mean anything. Seeing Tripp smile in his pictures... it is amazing the spirit and strength he has. We are all thinking about you over here through your upcoming decisions.
ReplyDeleteSha little Tripp, what a beautiful little boy. These pictures are gorgeous, I am sure you will treasure them forever. As always, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.....
ReplyDeleteTripp has such a beautiful smile! Praying for you two!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a happy and special birthday!!! I'm also glad Tripp was able to be up and play. He is just precious! Praying daily for a miracle of healing. Praying for wisdom for you in making such important decisions for your amazing little boy. God bless!
ReplyDeleteWhat a awesome surprise...great pictures to treasure forever
ReplyDeleteEvery one of those pictures is absolutely precious! What treasures! How wonderful that you had the opportunity to spend the weekend with your sister; what a blessing. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers as you make these decisions concerning Tripp. Love and hugs to you all from NJ! <3
ReplyDeleteTripp touches my heart every time!
ReplyDeleteGod bless his beautiful soul!
ReplyDeleteTripp has folks in GA praying for him and just love him to pieces! Also praying for Mommy to make the right decisions. :)
Wonderful pics!
These pictures are beautiful treasures, indeed! I pray for you daily...I pray for you to have the wisdom needed to make the tough decisions and I pray for peace and comfort for sweet little Tripp. You have touched my heart so deeply...sending you love..Mary
ReplyDeletePraying for Trip and your family all the way from Arizona! Before reading your blog, i had never heard of EB. It truly is the worst disease imaginable. Damnit! I just want to take his pain away! Every post i read, I come away with tears and prayers for that sweet baby boy.
ReplyDelete*Bawling at the beauty I see* Thank you for sharing your miracle boy with us. <3
ReplyDeleteI love these pics!! Awesome pictures of your man!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise for you, to have your sister visit and to be around family.
Continuing to pray for Tripp, for decision to be made and for this blood transfusion to be done at home.
God Bless you Courtney, your a special mom and every time I look at Tripp, I just thank God for giving him you for his mommy.
<><
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteThese pictures touched my heart and took my breath away, left me laughing and crying - what a gift your sister has to be able to capture these moments for you.
I don't know you anywhere other than from the other side of this computer screen, but have veraciously been reading up on your little guys challenges and triumphs. Since I can't help but be compelled to do something, for now, I pray.
You have a beautiful gift, Courtney, not only in Tripp, but also in your ability to write what you are going through in a way that speaks to so many people, Tripp is an inspiration and blessing - but you do the work of allowing the public to share in that. I truly feel blessed to get to "know" him through your words - thank you!
I will be praying for a successful transfusion for him and that you are able to do it in your home.
<3<3<3
Loved the pictures!!!!! Your sister is so talented! She can definitely capture the best moments and best angles! A pictures speaks more than 1000 words and your pictures speak even more!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs to you and dear Tripp! :)
And I am sure you'll CONTINUE making the right decisions, dear Courtney!
God be with you always!
Hugs,
Thais
Love the pictures!!! Your sister is a great photographer already! She can capture the best moments and best angles! I loved it! :)
ReplyDeleteKeep being strong, dear Courtney...and I am sure you will CONTINUE making the right decisions!!
God is always with you and your sweet little drummer! :)
Hugs,
Thais
Great pictures!!! I just love that little man! You have such a wonderful family!! My continued prayers to all of you!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how healing being with family (especially those far away)can be. Tripp's strength and spirit inspire me! You both are never far from my thoughts. We continue to pray for your both.
ReplyDeleteHe is so sweet and his smile melts my heart. You are truly blessed and may God use Tripp to bring more into His kingdom! Love the pics and thank you for sharing. I had NO idea. This brings mush knowledge and insight. You should print up some tee shirts and use them to raise money for research. Just an idea. Thanks again(:
ReplyDeleteWow Courney - what a special gift of your sister coming to visit and those fabulous pictures. Tripp is truly an inspiring little boy as you are to be his mother. Best of luck and we'll be praying extra BIG prayers for you here in Texas! Because we do everything BIG here in TEXAS! Jenn
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome surprise. The pics are wonderful and they made me cry. He is such a loved little boy and though you can't see that in his eyes he shows that from his heart through his smile and courage.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. Hugs to all of you. Take care
He is an angel on earth... God bless you both!
ReplyDeleteTripp always makes me smile. (: You guys inspire me everyday,because you're both so strong! Wish you guys the best <3
ReplyDeletelove all these pics, esp the ones of the two of you and the ones of y'all taking care of your baby. it's one thing to read your words about it but it's neat (is that the right word??) to see it in action.
ReplyDeleteWow. Truly amazing. Many prayers for you and Tripp. You are his mom, and an amazing on at that, so of course you will make the right decisions!! Mom's know best even if it doesn't always feel that way. God Bless you.
ReplyDeleteI have been following you for awhile now and I read your posts about bath time and how horrible it is. I have seen videos of Jonah (I think) having a bath, but for some reason seeing the pictures of Tripp before his bath with those sores on his nose dark and black and then seeing them cleaned off afterwards broke my heart for you. I never "got" it before. The things you have to do to make sure he stays as healthy as possible. I can now understand in a very small way why you dread bath day so much. The strength you and your mom have to do what is necessary is amazing. You are amazing! I'm so happy for you that your sister and good friend were able to come to see you. I can think of no one more deserving to have good things happen to. You can tell Tripp loves her too! Beautiful pictures of your sweet angel baby.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was looking at Tripps pictures my 3 boys were huddled around me asking who he was. I've shown them his pictures before and we pray for him always, but it became so real to them today too how much Tripp needs our prayers. All they could think about was wanting Tripp to feel better. I don't even know you for real and you are constantly on my mind.
Much love from my family to yours
Memory
Praying for you guys from Nebraska! Everyone knows you will make the right decision for your family because God will help you!
ReplyDeleteYour sister did a great job! They are beautiful and I know you will treasure them forever! It is great seeing him happy! Prayers to you and sweet TRIPP!!! You will know in your heart if you are making the right decisions. Don't question yourself!!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading since Tripp was brand new. I have a 2 year old just a few days apart from Tripp. Praying for wisdom for you and for your heart's healing from all of this pain. My heart aches for you.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I stumbled across your page, but I have been sitting here bawling my eyes out to think how selfish I have been to worry about things so small. Your blog has filled my heart with so much love that I only wish to ever have a day of the strength and patience you have had for over 2 years to care for your beautiful baby boy. Without even meeting your couragious son, he will be in my thoughts forever. Thank you sooo much for sharing your heart-warming story with me. Many blessings to you and your family! Tripp is an amazing toddler!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that your sister was able to make it home for a visit. I know just how far away Minot actually feels. We head up there every so often for exercises. Thank you for sharing these great pictures of your Big Guy. They paint the perfect picture for us to put with your amazing stories of courage, fear, happiness, and sorrow. It's great to see Tripp smile and feel better as of late. Rest assured that you will make the right decisions in the coming days... no one doubts that one bit. Please know that we will be praying for you all and you will not be there alone. Tripp's 12th Man will be there in spirit, stronger than ever.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures. My favorite is the black & white one with you kissing Tripp and your sister looking on. Priceless. I love this boy and you and will be praying as you face these decisions. You are an amazing woman and you will always do the right thing for you son as you have proven so well up till now. God will guide you and all of us on your prayer team will keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThese videos and pictures completely made my day - how encouraging to see such joy and happiness on that precious little guy's face! God is good - He really is. And Tripp...well he's just a rockstar (I mean...literally - that boy has some serious singing and drumming skills!!) :D Praying for many more good days like this, Courtney. <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise! I'm so glad for you!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing all the pictures. There is so much love in them.
Thank you so much for the videos! I love this boy! Can't get enough.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your website and I am just in awe of your amazing stength. I don't even know you but I know you are THE best mother in the world. Your love for your sweet, adorable little guy just radiates off the computer screen and Tripp is so lucky you're his mama. I pray for you daily and ask God to bring peace and comfort to your sweet boy. No one should have to endure what he goes through but these pictures make me know that despite his pain, he feels love more than anything else. You are amazing. Tell yourself that every single day. Praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I'm guessing my birthday wishes are still early? I'm so happy you were able to see your sister!! How wonderful! She took some amazing photos of Tripp. :) The photos of you and Trip in your matching Elmo shirts are the cutest!!
Keeping my prayers coming! Anticipating hearing the next set of news. ((hugs)) xo
Wow! I am just so in love with your little man. I really do think about him on a daily basis. I am always following your blog and I feel like I know him. It thrills me when I hear about one of his good days and I always prayer for many more. In these recent photos he looks so GREAT! The power of prayer is amazing, isn't it! I want you to know that you have brought all new meaning into my life. I use to feel sorry for myself because my son has spina bifida, but knowing your story has brought so much appreciation for life and the things we do have. You are an amazing mom and I just hope each day I could be even 25% of the mom you are because that still is so much more than most. You are my hero, truly!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I found your blog through Babble.com, and you and Tripp have touched my life in a such a strong way. I think of Tripp every day. The videos of him drumming are priceless! He has such spirit! And you have amazing strength; I'm in awe. I'm not a very religious person, but I believe in the LOVE between a mother and her child; and I believe in Tripp and his spirit and strength that he can only have gotten from you and your love. As I as have these past couple weeks I've "known" you, I'll be keeping Tripp (and you and your loving family) in my thoughts and praying for his pain to cease and for good days of play and smiles and more drumming!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, you and Tripp are in 1st place in the Readers Digest sweeps!!! Im so excited. There are so many dedicated people working to get this for you guys :-) Please tell Tripp that we will do this! Im so excited that you are ahead now!! Have a great day....Prayers will not cease!
ReplyDeleteWhat a Cutie Patootie ~ Gods Love is Shinning Through ♥ My Thoughts & Prayers are with All of You'
ReplyDeleteSo so precious! Love the sign on the basket. Cutest baby ever. Still praying.
ReplyDeleteReally nice pictures and he is so cute.
ReplyDeleteHe is so precious! Thanks so much for sharing him with all of us! Love and prayers for your family and sweet sweet boy!
ReplyDeleteIf only I could take this sweet little boy's pain away... <3
ReplyDeleteI'm only 10yet I've prayed for him over 100 times
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely pictures. I am catching up with the blog downwards:)Tripp is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI have literally been reading and crying a lot) your blog all day long and I am so happy you have these pictures. You are so strong and Tripp was so lucky to have you (and your mother and family) to take care of him every day of his precious life. I especially loved your 8-16-11 post with Tripp playing the drums :) I pray for healing for you during this time.
ReplyDelete