Father’s Day

If you've followed our journey, you know a lot of the updates focus on medical milestones, procedures, test results, and the ups and downs of NICU life. But today, I wanted to talk about something even more important: Ryan and the boys.

Ryan has spent the last several months learning a version of fatherhood neither of us expected. Instead of bringing his sons home, he's learned ventilators, feeding tubes, medical terminology, and how to parent through incubator walls and hospital rooms.

Every weekend, after long weeks apart, he walks into the hospital and immediately becomes Dad. He knows where to place his hands to comfort them. He knows their personalities. He knows when Colton is feeling playful and when Declan needs a little extra encouragement. He celebrates every ounce gained, every successful test, every good diaper, every peaceful nap.

The boys know him, too.

Colton lights up when Ryan is nearby. He loves holding onto Dad's finger and has already mastered the art of getting exactly what he wants with one look. He's growing into quite the little personality and keeps finding new ways to make us laugh.

Declan has always had a fighter's spirit, and Ryan has been right there beside him through every challenge. Through surgeries, setbacks, infections, and countless sleepless nights, Ryan never stops believing in him. When things get hard, Ryan is often the one reminding me how far Declan has already come. “Come on little buddy” “you got this D”

The truth is, this journey has tested us in ways we never imagined. There have been tears, frustrations, fears, and moments when the future felt uncertain. But through it all, Ryan has shown up with a steady heart, endless patience, and a love for our boys that somehow grows stronger every day.

One day, Colton and Declan won't remember the monitors, hospital rooms, or long NICU days. They won't remember the countless miles Ryan did or the weekends spent sitting beside their beds.

But they'll grow up surrounded by the love that carried them through it all.

And that love starts with their dad.

I couldn't be more proud of my three boys.

Dad, Colton and Declan.