Precious little Jace {Give Back Session}

I was so blessed to have to opportunity to spend part of my afternoon last week with the amazing little guy named Jace.  He is an overcomer, he walks with assured confidence and I would even call it swagger.  His mom contacted me last fall and heard about my Give Back Sessions and she asked if they could be a candidate and I couldn’t resist this amazing story.  Jace’s life began with immediate difficulties, he had his first surgery at 2 days old.  He was born with a birth defect called Esophageal and also a few other defects.   But the Doctors are amazing and he has had success with his surgeries and now he is a healthy amazing young boy with a heart of Gold!  He is so sweet, he loves his sister and he loves to snuggle!  My heart was so full when I watched him walk his sister across the grass then kiss her on her head, I of course had my camera all ready ans captured some great images.

I adore this family, they are blessed by Jace and he is a pure gift from God and makes this family whole!

Here’s moms story of Jace:
We found out that something went wrong with Jace’s development halfway through my pregnancy, we didn’t know exactly what, but that it had to do with his esophagus. Jace was born by an emergency c-section and taken directly to the NICU where he spent his first 6 weeks. He had a birth defect called esophageal atresia in which his esophagus wasn’t connected to his stomach, so he had his first major surgery when he was just 2 days old. He also had to have surgery on his nose to open up one of his nasal passages. Jace has micrognathia (small recessed jaw) and a sub-mucous cleft palate which caused him to have a very difficult time eating. We have spent MANY sleepless nights suctioning and worrying about our boy. He has been in and out of hospitals to continually dilate his esophagus and work on his mouth so he can eat normally. He has had over 30 surgeries now and I am happy to say that it has been over a year since our last emergency hospital trip for Jace’s esophagus! Jace also microtia (small ears) and hearing loss. We use sign language as well as speech to communicate and have found it to be a blessing for our family. He has had hearing aids since he was 1 year old and last march he got a BAHA implant by Sophono which has made a HUGE difference in his life! He can now hear me whisper and his speech is improving so that even strangers can sometimes understand what he’s saying. We are hoping to get his other side done this year! Jace is tiny for his age and struggles with some of his sensory and motor development, but it doesn’t stop him from enjoying life. Jace is a kindergartener at a local elementary school and we are just over the moon in love with the school and all the staff that work with Jace! He receives multiple therapy sessions every week and they are able to meet all of his needs with kindness and make it fun for him. Jace adores his teacher Alice and the rest of his teachers and friends there! Jace is probably one of the most adorable and friendly little guys you’ll ever meet! He is so full of life and loves to perform! He loves music and dancing and playing with his sister. He also loves movies and is a whiz with the iPad! He loves being outdoors and playing with his pets. He is also very loving and sweet to those around him without being asked. He is my little cuddlebug and I can always count on him for hugs and kisses when I need them