Elliott Benjamin

I can hardly believe that in just a few days, our sweet Elliott Benjamin will be EIGHT years old!!!!! It seems like just yesterday, this picture was taken in the Hospital...

 He has always been a beautiful child. He was born via c-section, and the nurses were constantly coming in my room to see if I "needed a break" because "We just can't get enough of him!". 

He has lived through more in his eight years, than most people do in a lifetime. He is our joy and delight, constantly showing us what it means to persevere, through pain and hardship. He really always has been the sweetest, cuddliest, tender-hearted, compassionate, kind, loving, energetic and out going child. I am so blessed and grateful to be his Mom.

 

I love how unique he is, example, all he asked for, for his birthday....
1.A camera
2.A wrist watch
and...
3.Suspenders.

He came up with those things all on his own, and it really tells you what kind of kid he is, not typical at all. Everyone that gets to know Elliott, says he has an "Old soul". or he is "Wise beyond his years" or "He is always so grateful." That is Elliott. We are so excited to celebrate him all week long.

 (Elliott as John, from Peter Pan, Halloween)

We chose the name Elliott, because of the meaning..."Jehovah is God." Elliott exudes this. When having labs done, he always sings "Jesus Loves Me". Always leaving the staff in tears. When someone in the medical community has treated Elliott, they don't forget him. We will run into them again, and they say "Hey, I remember you! I sang Jesus Loves me for weeks because of you!". Doctors and nurses alike, are amazed by his strength. That is no co-incidence. His middle name is Benjamin, it means "Son of my right hand", when we were choosing names, I did some name research. Of course, having NO idea what Elliott would live though. But God did. He lead us to the name Benjamin. Your right hand, is typically your strongest. In Hebrew, it also means, "Son of Strength"....or get this. "Son of the South".

Those pictures, were taken right before we moved. To the South. We praise God we moved (for a job), but more so, for Elliott. In the south, he finally got a diagnoses. The years of doctors scratching their heads, of hospitals, and every test under the sun. Moving south, has meant him getting some of the best care in the United States. This boy has lived through a lot. And yet, look at this smile...

Why do I tell you all of this? Because, God goes before us. Elliott Benjamin, his name, tells us that God is Jehovah, and He gives us Strength. Arthritis has taken away so much of Elliott's physical strength. But, Elliott in spirit, is the strongest child I have ever known. If you can learn anything from Elliott, it would be this. A diagnoses, has no power over who God intended you to be, and what He has in store for you. We love you so much sweet boy, you point us to Jesus daily. You love so well. You are an example and testimony, daily. Your high pitch, sweet voice, is precious to all who know you. Your smile lights up a room. Your honesty makes everyone laugh. Your joy is contagious. God is using your life in so many ways, and we know He has great and mighty things ahead for you. We love you so incredibly much.

I Love You Always and Forever, 

Momma

Life Lately...

It's Fall Y'all! This is one of my favorite times of year. The weather here has been BEAUTIFUL. I love all the things that come with fall, changing leaves, spiced pumpkin smells wafting through the air, bright blue skies, decorations. Love it all! I thought I would just share with all of you what has been going on as of late at the Hartman house.

(Photo's from my instagram)

These two cuties got new glasses a few weeks ago...

And in a few weeks they will be celebrating their Birthday's! I can hardly believe I will have TWO double digit children!!!! Say Whaaaa???

My best friend from Chicago, flew down to visit for a week. And her timing was perfect. She is such a blessing to me. Way more than just a friend, more like a sister. She loves well. And my heart was so blessed by her helping hand during a rough week health wise for Elliott.

   We took her to the aquarium one day, SO fun to show her our Atlanta aquarium! And we headed to a park for a little bit one day. Elliott loves his Aunt Emmy.

I have been working on making a home photography studio. I am so excited about having a beautiful space to take photo's of newborns/babies/toddlers. This space is coming together quite nicely.

We also went out exploring last weekend. We were all getting cabin fever. Elliott hasn't been feeling well, so we had been sticking close to home. He is doing a bit better, and we decided to just go out for a long drive, and discover a little town close to us. Talk about a picturesque town!

We had so much fun as family. Making memories, being silly, and just having fun.

Lastly, but most importantly, this guy. Sweet Elliott. Through all of this fun, this guy has been really struggling. His asthma has gotten progressively worse. At some points needing nebulizer treatments around the clock. We have no idea what caused this, he didn't have anything viral. But his arthritis did flare at the same time. (Hence the re-occurring fever) he has been very dependent on his inhalers. There is a very real possibility of lung involvement with his SJIA. (See article here) We have seen a specialist, and will be seeing another tomorrow morning. We appreciate prayers, as we need and hope to find someone who is knowledgeable at the complications of SJIA and is VERY attentive to monitor Elliott closely. We need wisdom and clarity of mind (something that is difficult when in a very sleep deprived state, that I am!) Elliott has been pretty exhausted himself. His endurance is pretty low. Praying we get answers and attentive care tomorrow.

 It's so hard to see him struggling so much. I had this song playing the other day...and heard Elliott trying to sing along. I left the room and wept. "We'll sing. Holy. Holy. Holy is our God. And we will finally, really understand what it means. So we'll sing. Holy. Holy. Holy is our God. While we're waiting for that day. We will see with our own eyes. He was always in control."

No one plans to be walking this journey with their child. But, we have this hope. An anchor for our soul. We will one day, taste and see, and understand . To see how He used this, to shine His Hope and Light. Until then. I write this to say.

 I know. Our God is in Control.