On May 1, 2004, the lives of Roxanne and Jeremy of Kansas City, MO were changed forever. They received a very special gift...a little new baby boy.

Roxanne and Jeremy had chosen the name Mark Mahan for their little new bundle of joy.

It seemed to Roxanne that Mark might never be born. Yet he finally arrived at North Central Hospital at exactly 2:00 a.m.

Roxanne was filled with joy when she heard Dr. Rose say, "Congratulations, you have a handsome little boy."

Wrapped snugly in a soft, warm blanket, Mark was handed to Roxanne, who held her little miracle for the first time. She thought that Mark was such a beautiful baby and that he was so cuddly and small.

Mark's birth was a brand new beginning for his mommy and daddy. Mark will get all of the love and care he needs from his new family, and he will bring lots of joy and happiness to their lives.

As soon as Mark was born, he was placed on the scales.

His weight was
10 pounds 1 ounce,
and he was
20 inches long.

Friends and family were anxiously awaiting Mark's birth. When they heard the good news, they showered him with many gifts. Some were clothes, some were blankets to keep him nice and warm, some were bottles, and some were diapers, of course.

All of the nurses thought that Mark was the cutest little boy they had ever seen, and they enjoyed taking care of him. Even the doctors were amazed at this little new arrival into the world.

After Mark came home from the hospital, he soon settled into his daily routines.

Roxanne was very excited to give Mark his first bath. Afterwards, she gently covered him with powder, and dressed him in tiny, warm baby clothes.

Roxanne thought about all of the babies who are born all around the world and realized how all parents must feel...that their baby is the most beautiful of all. And they are right.

Many people came to visit Mark. Amanda, Kim and Christy had been eagerly waiting for Mark to be born. When they saw Mark, they thought he was the most precious little person ever, and that his skin was very soft and smooth.

Every day, Roxanne and Jeremy think of how blessed they are that Mark has become a part of their lives, and how full their lives will be in the years ahead. There will be laughter and joy, boo-boos and tears, and really big hugs to chase away the fears.

Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to Mark's first smile, the first time he crawls, his first steps, the first time he feeds himself, and even that all-important potty training time.

Often, on bright sunny days, Mommy sits outside and holds and cuddles Mark. She enjoys rocking him and singing to him. As she looks at Mark, her heart is full of love for this special little gift she has received.

Daddy enjoys helping Mommy take care of Mark. Sometimes he reads to him, sometimes he feeds him, and sometimes he even helps give Mark his bath. These are very special times for Daddy and Mark.

While Roxanne and Jeremy were waiting for Mark to be born, they prepared a room especially for him. In this room, they placed a cozy, warm bed for Mark to sleep in. They also placed a big rocking chair there so they can hold and rock him, or just sit and look at him.

Sometimes, Mommy and Daddy take Mark for long walks. Mark just smiles, coos, and makes cute little faces all along the way. As they walk, Mommy and Daddy talk about all of the plans they have for Mark's future and all of the exciting things they will do together as a family. They will make memories that will last forever.

Important dates for
Mark Mahan

_______________First smile

_______________Sleeps all night

_______________Rolls over

_______________Sits alone

_______________Crawls

_______________First tooth

_______________First word

_______________Pulls self up

_______________Walks