My Mommy and Me

**Most of this post is about me and my mom**

Cody mentioned that my mom came down when Charles was born. My family lives in Alaska.When we first told my family we were having a baby, they were thrilled. But, they were not planning on coming down when we had him. Once we found out that Charles had Spina Bifida, my mom decided she needed to be here for us. I was so grateful when she came a week before Charles was born.

I have never had the best relationship with my mom. We are too similar and that caused so much tension when we lived under the same roof. During the last few months of my pregnancy, I would become very sad. Cody tried his very best to make me feel better. Unfortunately, I would sob and tell him I just needed my mom. When I told my mom this she both laughed and cried. I have come to realize, no matter how old you get, you will always want your mommy!  

This was a new experience for both me and my mom. I was so excited when she got here! It seemed completely unreal that my mom was with me, and that I was about to have a baby. 

Cody worked until the day Charles was born. This left my mom and I time to bond during the day. We had a wonderful week together. I was so grateful for my time with her! My sweet husband was a bit neglected... He missed spending time with me. But, he was so sweet and would tell me all the time it was ok, he knew I needed time with my mom. Looking back I feel so bad for not spending more time with Cody those first few weeks after Charles was born. In a lot of ways I reverted back to a younger me. All I wanted was my mom to take care of me. 

 Like I said before, my sweet husband was so good about letting me be with my mom so much. I love Cody dearly and I will love him forever! When Charles was born it was a highly emotional time. 

I have a quick story from right before Charles was born. My mom and I were out trying to find a camera shop to fix her camera. We were in Layton. We were at a light and the other side of the light had a green arrow. As we waited for the light to turn, a car turned onto the road coming towards us. The lady was quite a ways down the street and was clearly never going to make the green arrow. My light turned green and I began driving into the intersection. Half way through the intersection I hit my brakes. My mom was looking down at the time, and looked up to see a car coming straight at us. The lady driving turned right in front of us at close to 30 mph. She didn't even look at us. She ran a completely red light and would have hit us head on if we would have been going any faster. (I hadn't even hit 20 mph). I pulled into a parking lot and parked. My mom was breathing so hard and was so worried about me and the baby. I had stayed completely calm. I wasn't even stressing a little bit over what had just happened (which is highly unusual for me). When my mom caught her breath she asked me how I was ok. I explained to her that I hadn't hit my brakes. I just remember the car stopping and my foot on the brake. I was completely calm as I told my mom we were alive because of Charles. Because we were surrounded by his angels. Had we been hit, it would have been fatal. We both know it. The fact that we were unharmed in an almost sure accident was amazing. It was nothing short of a miracle. I know it wasn't my reflexes that saved us from an accident that day. We were protected because of Charles. He has a very special mission to complete here on this earth. I have no idea what it is, but he is a very special child of God. 

The day before Charles was born, my mom went with me to my last doctors visit. (Cody went to work, since we knew he would be taking lots of days off. Thank goodness for FMLA!) I had my last NST and my mom loved it!

All hooked up to the monitors!

 My mom was so excited to hear Charles' heartbeat in person!

 This is the readout of Charles' movements and my contractions. 

The day before delivery I weighed in at 175.1 pounds!

Our sweet Sam! She isn't the doctor who delivered, but she was so amazing explaining how things were going to go. We really loved her!

My mom and I had an amazing week where we grew closer than we have ever been. If strengthening our relationship was Charles' mission, then he did a great job! I am glad to know that it was not his only mission because he is still here with us! My mom and I love to talk now. I am so grateful for that!

After the doctors appointment, my mom and I went to lunch and then got a manicure and pedicure!

The Corner Bakery Cafe in Salt Lake. One last lunch with my mommy before Charles made his appearance!

 We ate lunch outside and it was a beautiful sunny day!
After I took this I posted it to Facebook. My brother, Daniel, couldn't believe it! He wanted to know how I got mom to take a selfie. So I told him all I did was ask and we took some!! It was great!

 We got a pedicure and a manicure as part of our mommy daughter day together! It was such a great day to be together! 

That night Cody and I stayed at the Marriott just a few minutes away from the hospital. My Uncle David had points from his constant traveling for work, so he got us a room on the concierge floor with a king size bed. Oh my gosh. Best nights sleep. It was amazing having a night just to ourselves. We stayed up way too late. We were talking about how much things were going to change. But, mostly we talked about finally getting to meet Charles!! 

Charlyse Wilson

Disabled not Worthless

So with all of the struggles we have faced in recent months I have begun searching for sayings, church quotes and scriptures to help bring me peace. I have to say that I most certainly found it. This post is all quotes and scriptures that hit home for me in so many ways. I also have a link that I love! I came across it in my search and want to share that as well.

https://www.lds.org/topics/disability/basics/respecting-people-with-disabilities?lang=eng

I have a hard time when people look at others and only see a disability, not the person that they are! I hope everyone reads this and passes it along to others. People with disabilities are still people! And let's face it, they are usually way cooler than the 'normal' people anyways...

"Your calling is to bless lives... Just the way your smile or the way you offer to help someone can build their faith." -Henry B. Eyring 

"If you respond to the invitation to share your beliefs and feelings about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a spirit of love and a spirit of courage will be your constant companion." -L. Tom Perry

"Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life - quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life." -Quentin L. Cook

"If healing does not come in mortal life, it will come thereafter. Just as the gorgeous monarch butterfly emerges from a chrysalis, so will spirits emerge."    -Boyd K. Packer 

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." -Psalm 30:5

"Never assume that you can make it alone. You need the help of the Lord. Never hesitate to get on your knees in some private place and speak with Him." -Gordon B. Hinckley 

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31

"I wish to say a word of appreciation for those among us who struggle with handicaps, and impart a message of comfort to their families, especially to the parents. Where in all of the world is the son or daughter of God who is totally without blemish? Is life not worth living if it is not perfect? Do not the people with handicaps also bring their own gifts to life  - and to others who are free of those handicaps - in a manner that cannot come in any other way? There is hardly a family without one of its members who might be considered physically or mentally diminished. I have a great appreciation for those loving parents who stoically bear and overcome their anguish and heartbreak for a child who was born with or who has developed a serious mental or physical infirmity. This anguish often continues every day, without relief, during the lifetime of the parent or the child. Not infrequently, parents are required to give superhuman nurturing care that never ceases, day or night. Many a mother's arms and heart have ached years on end, giving comfort and relieving the suffering of her special child." -James E. Faust

"Our Father in Heaven has promised us peace in times of trial and has provided a way for us to come to Him in our need. He has given us the privilege and power of prayer. He has told us to 'pray always' and has promised He will pour out his Spirit upon us." -Rex D. Pinegar 

"For reasons usually unknown, some people are born with physical limitations. Specific parts of the body may be abnormal. Regulatory systems may be out of balance. And all of our bodies are subject to disease and death. Nevertheless, the gift of a physical body is priceless. Without it, we cannot attain a fullness of joy. 

A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames. Great spiritual strength is often developed by those with physical challenges precisely because they are challenged. Such individuals are entitled to all the blessings that God has in store for His faithful and obedient children. 

Eventually the time will come when each 'spirit and... body shall be reunited again in... perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame'(Alma 11:43). Then, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become perfected in Him." -Russell M. Nelson

Charles on his blessing day! It was beautiful. He is ours for eternity and we are so blessed to be his parents. We know that regardless of how long he lives on this earth, he is sealed to us because of our temple marriage. If there was ever a reason to keep the covenants we made, this is the ultimate reason. We love Charles. It feels impossible to love one person so much. But, we do. He is perfect in every way and has changed who we are for the better. 

A Message from a proud Daddy

When I first heard the complications with our unborn son, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. No words could escape my mouth and no thoughts could be formed. It was a moment in my life when I felt most vulnerable.  A weight seemed to settle on my chest, as the ultrasound technician pointed at a lump on Charles' spine. My wife's eyes filled with tears as she asked the technician what was wrong. Unfortunately, she couldn't tell us what the results meant. And painfully told us that only the doctor could verify the results. We would have to wait over three hours to meet with our doctor. Little did we know we were about to walk into a new life full of trials that would challenge us on every level. Through those trials hope and miracles would arrive as we met our wonderful child, Charles the warrior spirit.

Those three hours we waited to hear results were some of the longest that I can remember. I sat in the office with my wife staring at my phone. How was I supposed to tell my family? What was I supposed to say? Words felt insufficient to describe what had just happened. And there was no way I could call to let them know. I do not cry often, just ask my wife, I feel like that emotional gene skipped me. But even the thought of trying to tell my family brought tears to my eyes. Finally, after several minutes I was able to tell my mom that we had just found out that there was a lump on the baby's spine and something was wrong. I swear that I had just sent the message and my phone started buzzing. It was my mom on the line. As I lifted up the phone tears poured down my face as I tried to control my panicked breathing to tell my mom what was going on. I don't remember what else happened those three hours. I know that I had talked to my family and that Charlyse had talked to her family. But, that dreaded moment of finding out what was wrong loomed over my head.

Finally, the time had passed as my wife and I grasped each other for support. We met with our doctor and the first thing she did was give my wife a big hug. She had a concerned look on her face that wasn't too comforting. She began to explain to us that Charles at an early stage hadn't fully developed his spine. And because of that he had an increased amont of spinal fluid sitting on his brain, which is an early indication of hydrocephalus. She could only give us the diagnosis, no specifics. Spina Bifida. She then told us we would see a specalist the following day who could give us a more acurate diagnosis and information. She warned us there was a chance that the baby might not make it to birth and that the specialists might tell us that abortion was an option. My wife started crying at the very word abortion and all hope seemed to be sucked out of us.

The rest of the day felt like a void. We had no idea what to think as we waited to see the specialist the next day. The words repeated over and over in my mind. The doctor had told us that there was a chance that he would not make it to birth. I remember at one point my dad told us we would gather together for a family prayer and blessings that night. I accepted wondering what was the point. Day turned to night as my family piled into my parents house, until we were all there. My dad had us all get on our knees and hold hands, like we used to when we were young. Then something happened that changed my view of my sons situation.  My dad prayed and a feeling came over me. I don't remember the prayer but, I remember the comfort and peace that came over me. As the prayer was ended, everyone looked at each other and I could tell that everyone had felt it. Charles was going to be ok.

The next morning, I had left the room and Charlyse had started crying. She called me back. Something unexpected had happened. Charles had punched Charlyse. She was talking when it had happened and stopped in the middle of a sentence. A smile beamed across her face as she grabbed my hand and placed it on her stomach. As I felt from the outside a small thud on my hand. A shiver went down my spine. We looked at each other with tears in our eyes. We knew our son was ok and that he wanted to be with us.

Charles was born on May 23, 2014. He has faced many complications and has defied all odds. There was a night before Charles was born when we were visiting with Charlyse's Uncle David. He looked up the meaning of Charles' name. Charles means man or warrior.  Timothy means to serve God. It is the perfect name for him. He has battled so much to live where I feel many would have given up. Many people that know him have called him a warrior spirit and he deserves that title. He has had six surgeries and faces many more. He has always been happy despite his challenges. We feel he is determined to live his life and touch the hearts of all those who meet him.

Charles and Daddy in the U of U NICU

**THIS WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BIRTH**

I have one last thing to say. Charles has been worth every moment we have had with him. He has brought our families closer together in ways that I never imagined. I want to thank all those who have sacrificed their time to help us. Especially my mother-in-law who came down from Alaska for a month to help us out in a moment of need. Prayers upon prayers have been uttered on his behalf. We have felt every single one of them come our way.  We thank you all.  We couldn't have done it without your support. The Lord blesses us even in our  toughest moments. I promise to all who are struggling in one way or another miracles happen. Charles is living proof of that. Lastly, this goes out to all the parents who have kids with disabilities because you are amazing. We have met many who have inspired us. To anyone who faces a troubled pregnancy have hope.  It is hard but it is worth it.

Cody Wilson

Life before Charles

This post is all about before Charles. A brief history of how life brought us to where we are now. 

We both grew up in active LDS homes. We met in September of 2010. We started dating May 3, 2011 and were engaged on July 14, 2011. We were married on October 21, 2011 in the Logan Utah Temple. It was a beautiful fall day and couldn't have been more perfect. I married my best friend that day and I wouldn't be where I am today without his love and support. 

My husband (Cody) grew up in South Ogden Utah and never moved until he served an LDS mission to Puerto Rico (a Spanish speaking mission). I grew up moving all the time! Logan Utah, Roy Utah, Reno Nevada, Puerto Rico (yup more to come here!) and then to Gilbert Arizona where I spent most of my life.

Ok so when I met Cody he had just returned from his mission and I had just moved to Utah. He was awkward I was upset I had moved away from all my friends! Great combo!! Anyways, we had a rather normal first date (as normal as you can with a newly returned missionary!) and spent most of the time talking about Puerto Rico. In continuing our friendship we found more and more things in common. We spent a lot of time talking about Cody's mission (because we both knew where Puerto Rico was on a map!) and in doing so I inevitably heard his mission presidents name. Martineau. Not a very common name. Turns out he was from (you guessed it!) Gilbert Arizona... And to boot I had gone to school with one of his kids! Small small world! 

As Cody and I spent more time together we became best friends and it eventually came down to one of two choices. Date or not be friends. We didn't think anyone was good enough for the other so we started dating in May and were married by October. Some said we were crazy, some say we are still crazy. But when you know you want to marry your best friend why wait? 

Marrying Cody and having our son Charles are the two best decisions I have made in my life. We struggled getting pregnant and staying pregnant so when we found out about Charles we were thrilled! 

We knew our lives would be different with a child. We just had no idea how much things were going to change.

Engagement photo

Engagement photo

Just married!!

Logan Temple

First Christmas 

This picture is last for a reason. We are on a path and you can see part way down the trail. We could not see the whole way we had to continue in faith that the trail we were on would take us where we were trying to go. That is how life is. We cannot see everything all the time. We have to push forward with faith and as we do a little more of the road (trail) ahead of us is revealed one step at a time. 

This is what we are here on Earth for. To live the best that we can and to strive to be more like Christ. If we have faith, in our Heavenly Father, we will be led in the paths that were meant for us.

Charlyse Wilson

Our Story

The story that I am about to write and that you are going to read is highly emotional, personal and full of very spiritual experiences. I have decided to share our story with those who wish to hear of our struggles and our triumphs. Our story is just beginning. It will be a long and difficult road ahead of us but we are firm in our beliefs and stand by all of our decisions regarding our son.

Please feel free to share our story with those you love and those who maybe just need someone to love. It has been our experience so far that everyone who meets our perfect little angel has fallen in love with him. He has even touched the hearts of anyone who sees his picture. There is just a very special spirit about Charles and although I want to hide him away from the world I cannot deprive the world of his influence. I only ask that you remain respectful in comments.  We have made decisions based on what we have felt was right for our particular circumstance. Because I cannot control the things others say I have been very hesitant to share our story.

The thoughts, feelings and experiences shared are extremely personal and very dear to my heart. We love our son more than words can adequately describe and want his story to inspire the world.

***Some photos that will be posted are not for those who get queasy***

I hope and pray that by sharing our story others will be inspired.

Meet our son Charles Timothy Wilson only minutes after birth! He was born on May 23rd 2014 at 8:05 am he weighed 5 pounds 13 ounces and to this day we do not have an accurate length due to how his legs were positioned at birth. Charles was born with Spina Bifida with his defect on T-12 which was higher and more severe than was originally expected. And this is his miracle infused story!

If you want to keep following his story as it unfolds we welcome you to Our Story!!