It’s almost impossible to believe that exactly two years have passed since that terrifying day when Charlie and his brother Oliver were born so unexpectedly at 9:46 and 9:48 am at just 24 weeks gestation. As we did last year, we’re returning to the NICU this morning to pay our respects and bring birthday cake to the amazing folks at Cedars-Sinai who saved our son’s life over and over again during those first five months.
Here is the first photo I ever took of Charlie. He was a few days old and barely over a pound. His eyes were still fused shut and he was getting all sorts of treatments to help his underdeveloped organs. His first of six surgeries would occur the following day. We had no idea what we were in for at that time but we knew it was going to be a long haul. Those days seem like ages ago but also like they happened this morning.
And here is Charlie five minutes ago, just waking up on his birthday morning and enjoying his morning bottle.
We love you so much, Charlie. More birthday pix later…
Looking at his first picture and seeing him now, he really is a miracle. It touches my heart to see his bright, shining face. He is so happy and healthy! And I know his brother is looking down on him and smiling. Happy Birthday, Charlie!!! xo
Posted by: Karen | April 27, 2011 at 08:09 AM
What a bubbeleh!! Yummy, yummy, yummy.
May he continue to go m'chayil el chayil: from strength to strength.
Happy Birthday, Charlie.
Posted by: TorontoPearl | April 27, 2011 at 08:22 AM
Adorable, adorable, adorable. Even with the combover!
Posted by: david | April 27, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Happy birthday Charlie. I love you more than anything. I'm glad you are here.
Posted by: campbell | April 27, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Happy Birthday Charlie! I have watched you grow for the past two years and look forward to all the wonderful experiences that your Daddy will share with us. You may wind up being the youngest person to ever be in a musical!
Posted by: Peggy Shecket | April 27, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Dear Danny,
I don't know how you can keep from spoiling him rotten. LOL.
Happy Birthday, Charlie.
Posted by: Gordon | April 27, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Happy Birthday Charlie!
Posted by: Neil | April 27, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Happy birthday to Charlie! I'm so glad we got to see with him last week. My kids are still quoting him ("Uh, yeah"). He's an amazing child.
Posted by: Julie R. | April 27, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Happy Birthday precious boy!
Posted by: Heather | April 27, 2011 at 10:25 AM
So delicious. I love you Charlie! Happy 2nd birthday--well earned my little man.
Posted by: Ellen | April 27, 2011 at 11:12 AM
OMG - I can't believe he can talk and answer your question!! He looks so much bigger and older than when I saw him so recently. I'm sending happy birthday wishes and lots of love.
Posted by: Shari | April 27, 2011 at 02:02 PM
Happy Birthday Charlie!
Posted by: kimberley | April 27, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Happy Birthday Charlie: we all remember that terrible time, and how all of you pulled through, despite the grief of losing Oliver, and the trials that Charlie went through. To life! and many more.
Posted by: Otir | April 27, 2011 at 03:10 PM
I can't believe it has been two years already. My thoughts are with you and happy birthday to your dear son. Love, PG
Posted by: Pam G | April 27, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Happy Birthday Charlie and many, many more. Love, Bubbe Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Molnar | April 27, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Hugs and kisses from Tel Aviv!
Posted by: tamar | April 27, 2011 at 09:45 PM
"Uh yeah" Charlie, I hope you have a happy birthday. Don't say "no" to that. You are "two" "two" precious!
Posted by: Cynthia Reich | April 27, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Looking at that face....what a great way to start the day.
Posted by: Cleo Gascoyne | April 28, 2011 at 05:06 AM
What a happy, happy day.
Posted by: Maura | April 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM
You have a twinkle in your eye Charlie, and you have the proudest parents. Must be your birthday. Happy Birthday you are a gift.
Posted by: Patsy | April 28, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Drunk again. Great!!! Happy Birthday Babt
Posted by: hp | April 28, 2011 at 06:00 PM
Happy Birthday Charlie! How precious and wonderful.
Posted by: laurie | April 28, 2011 at 07:17 PM
A joyful birthday. Miracles do happen. Love to all, Marc and Judy
Posted by: marc and judy | April 29, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Happy Birthday Charlie!!!! Beautiful and so precious. My love to you and the family. XXXXXOO
Posted by: Jane | April 29, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Oh my G-d, I burst into tears hearing his sweet voice say, "Two."
What an incredible blessing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLIE!
We love you.
Posted by: Lori Kirkland Baker | April 29, 2011 at 05:24 PM
OMG that is the cutest video i have ever every seen.
Posted by: Dr. Judy | April 29, 2011 at 10:48 PM
I love it that you remember the folks at Cedars Sinai each year on your son's birthday!
Happy Birthday, Charlie!
Posted by: Mindy | May 01, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Happy birthday, Charlie! Love to Oliver.
Posted by: Erica M | May 02, 2011 at 01:32 PM
I'm late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!! Hope it was a wonderful birthday.
xoxo
Posted by: Barbara | May 02, 2011 at 04:45 PM
He is such a handsome boy, Danny. G-d Bless all of you.
Posted by: Wendi | May 03, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Happy belated, Charlie! I'm so glad you're here and the apple of your parents eyes.
Posted by: churlita | May 03, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Oh Charlie, what a sweetheart.
Happy birthday to all of you.
Posted by: heather... | May 04, 2011 at 10:55 PM
He is a fighter, this is sure and love life , he will be a strong man and very handsome, girls will roaring around him.
Posted by: Miami refractive surgery | May 09, 2011 at 03:49 AM
Happy birthday, Charlie.
Posted by: Kirk | May 09, 2011 at 03:25 PM
I love how when you ask him how old he is, he furrows his brow in thought - what a little smarty!
He looks wonderful and happy and like a completely different child than the one you first introduced us to in the ICU.
Happy Birthday to Charlie, and many many many more happy ones for all of you!
Posted by: Sally | May 09, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Wow, wow, wow....I can't believe it's been two years, either! To see his handsome face has always been a pleasure, but that sweet voice just makes me melt. Happy Birthday, Charlie!
Posted by: Jane | May 10, 2011 at 02:17 AM
I love your happy birthday, mom posts and pics...And adding Charlie pics doesn't hurt either.
Posted by: churlita | May 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Sorry. I commented on the wrong post.
Posted by: churlita | May 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Oh my GOD. "Two." Charlie!!!
Posted by: amba | June 15, 2011 at 07:51 PM