Another milestone has come and gone in our little man’s life. It’s so hard to believe that Mr. Bowen is already two years old, and more precious than we could have imagined. His sweet smile and tender heart bring us joy every day that we spend together.
This weekend we had a party for Bowen’s second birthday, and thanks to Sarah’s party planning super powers, we all had a blast! Upon arriving, all the kids were greeted with a bandana, an eye patch, a sword, a treasure map and a pouch for all the treasure they were about to find. Man, that stuff the kids got was cool, but I wasn’t jealous or anything…
We had a lot of laughs as we watched the kids run in search of the loot, and loot they found; gold doubloons galore!
After the treasure hunt, we had dinner and birthday donuts. Bowen blew out the candle on his own and he was so proud of himself. So were we.
At the end of the night, after opening gifts, Bowen took his new microphone and guitar to the stage. I can’t tell you how proud I was of that little guy as he rocked out like Daddy. Well, even better if you ask me. Looks like we have another performing musician on our hands.
Jesus, we know that you are the greatest treasure, and as long as we have you we’ll know true joy. Thank you for the gift you’ve given us in Bowen. We’re grateful for each day we’ve spent with him, and we hope for so many more. We pray for his heart, that he would grow up strong, and be a man after yours.







Connie Carlton
September 10, 2012 at 8:54 pm
So happy to hear things are still going so well for Bowen. He (and your family) have been on my prayer list since you started blogging about him. Hard to believe he’s 2!! What a wonderful miracle he is! Here’s to many, many, many more birthdays!
Lisa Beck
September 10, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Those are the sweetest pictures ever! Thank you so much for sharing Bowen’s special day and for continuing to share his progress. It’s hard to believe that two years have gone by since Bowen was born. I’m sure you think daily about God’s purpose for blessing your lives with Bowen. You’ve taken something so devastating and made it such a positive learning experience for so many other heart families. Best wishes for so many more birthdays with Bowen!
Judy P
September 10, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Thank you so much for sharing pictures of the Birthday boy. He is just too cute for words. You and your family is a great blessing to so many (of course included me at the top of the list). The last picture of Bowen is just too previous. I can see him singing just like his Dad.
Love so much!
Romy
September 10, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Amen for little blessings such as Bowen! Thank you so much for sharing him with us, Matt and Sarah!!! He is so precious and such a gift! Everyone looks great, the girls are getting so big and Sarah look radiant!!! God bless you all!
Megan
September 10, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Happy 2nd Birthday little man!! God has blessed you all so greatly!! ♥
Renee Little
September 10, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Totally awesome job Sarah! He is simply adorable and an answer to so many prayers. Love you friend. Your family is beautiful.
Piper
September 10, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Happy birthday, Bowen!
sylvia
September 10, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Bowen is so so beautiful! Belated Happy Birthday greetings to him. God has truly blessed your family and you will have many, many more blessings!!!
Jen
September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm
What a handsome little guy you have there Sarah and Matt!!!!! I love the idea you had for the party, Sarah, that is very cool and i bet the kids…..no matter what age….loved it. Your family is truly blessed!!! My daughter Samantha who is now 4 years old was also born with HLHS along with pulmonary stenosis, DORV, mitral atresia with fenestrated ASD and VSD. She also has heterotaxy where some of her organs are on the wrong side of her body than that of a normal person. She had both of her surgeries at U of M Mott’s Children Hospital by Dr. Bove. She is doing amazingly well and the doctors have been able to hold off on her 3rd stage surgery so far. Thank you so much for sharing your little man with so many and spreading awareness about congenital heart defects. You 2 are amazing!!!
Micah Peacock
September 10, 2012 at 10:26 pm
I want to cry. Two years old. I don’t even know you and still can’t believe it. And, um, “Sanctus Real – featuring Bowen”? Phenomenal : )
Bunches of love and prayers,
Micah
Kristen Arispe
September 10, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Happy birthday Bowen! I love the birthday pictures – Claire’s serious face holding the map, Bowen’s sweet, beaming face looking at his candle, and his confidence standing behind the mic. Makes me think of Jason Gray’s song “Good to be Alive”. Sarah, you are so creative! Thank you for sharing. Waiting in anticipation for the new album.
And continued prayers for you all, especially Sarah and baby.
Jean M
September 10, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Happy Birthday sweet Bowen! I think back to 2 years ago and how we were praying so earnestly for his healing and survival. Now look at that cute, strong boy. Wow. God is so good! Thank you for continuing to share Bowen’s story. He is a loved little guy!
Hey Matt just one question – where’s your bandana?!
Dana
September 10, 2012 at 11:01 pm
I LOVE it – especially seeing him with a guitar and mic like Matt!!
Bowen is so special – as are ALL the Hammitt’s;o) I just love that lil’ man… praying I get to meet those kiddos and Sarah one day;o)
Happy Birthday Mr. Bowen… God is GOOD!! <3 <3 Praying for SOOOO many more!!!
susie michaud
September 10, 2012 at 11:27 pm
The Hammitt family, Thank you for the wonderful post! Bowen sure looks like a happy little fellow
What a fun birthday party pirate celebration! I think it’s cuter than ever watching little ones put so much effort into blowing out those candles! It is always wonderful to hear from you guys and I anxiously await the new upcoming posts. Blessings on the new baby on the way in November. What a wonderful addition to a super sweet family! Bowen will have a blast with a new little buddy around! And enjoy those beautiful fall leaves you get out there!
Love and blessings always. The Michaud family
Karen Winters
September 10, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Thank you for sharing. This is so sweet and precious, can’t help but bring the tears. We are truly blessed to be your friends.
Jenn
September 11, 2012 at 6:46 am
Happy birthday Bowen! The pictures are amazing- it’s great to see him happy and just being a regular kid after all he’s been through. God is so good!
Mary Powers
September 11, 2012 at 6:46 am
Ahoy, matey! WOW!!! Happy Birthday, Pirate Bowen!!! What a rollicking good party you had! Wish I could have searched for some gold doubloons, too! Sounds like you had a jolly good time!
Wish I had Sarah’s “party planning super powers”, but alas, I be a disorganized landlubber.
Arg!
~Mary Powers
Patty
September 11, 2012 at 7:31 am
God is so good!!! Bowen looks awesome! Congratulations, Happy Birthday, and May God’s love and blessings continue to pour out on all of you!! Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging others!
Maria aka Rockermom
September 11, 2012 at 8:06 am
Thanking everyday for the little pirate who stole our hearts. So glad to hear he is doing so well and rocking out like daddy. Thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures. Sending much love and prayers to the whole family, specially as the arrival of boy #2 gets closer. Blessings to the beautiful Hammitt family and many many more awesome birthday parties!
Jeri Lau
September 11, 2012 at 8:07 am
Happy Birthday, Bowen!!
Can he possibly get any cuter? Love those pictures of all of you, thank you so much for sharing.
I love these updates!
God’s continued blessings on your entire family! God is SO good.
love you guys!
Tera Farhat
September 11, 2012 at 8:09 am
Happy birthday to amazing little Bowen! You are not only a gift from god for your family, you are a gift of hope from God to all of us!
Michele Rinaldi
September 11, 2012 at 8:13 am
Happy birthday little guy! Can’t believe that you are 2! So very handsome! Keep rockin’ Bowen!
Nan Lowery
September 11, 2012 at 8:24 am
God has surely blessed you, and thank you for blessing us by sharing Bowen. Such a precious little pirate! What a joy to see how well he is doing. He looks so good, Praise God! Continuing to prayer for Bowen and the whole family, and that the all goes well with the birth of your new little guy. God Bless You!
Michelle
September 11, 2012 at 8:47 am
Thank you so much for the update! Our family rejoices with yours in knowing the absolute joy of Bowen and God’s miracles everyday!!!
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family – in each step!
Mallory Fields
September 11, 2012 at 8:49 am
I’m so glad Bowen enjoyed his birthday. I hope you all are hanging in there especially Sarah with the new baby on the way. God remembers letting me see my second birthday, as well as just last Friday September 7, I turned 19!!!! Wow I can’t believe I’m a Senior too. I know Bowen will get to be 19 one day and be a Senior just like me.
Krista Phillips
September 11, 2012 at 9:33 am
MAN those pictures made my heart happy!!! What a SWEET and PRECIOUS little boy you’ve got on your hands, Matt and Sarah!!
The party looks AMAZING!!! What a fabulous idea!
Sarah, you need to come plan one of Annabelle’s parties… my party planning skills are sorely lacking, HA HA HA!
The donut idea instead of cake was GENIUS!
Love to you all, especially sweet little-rockin’-man Bowen!
Amy D.
September 11, 2012 at 9:40 am
SO adorable!! What a great party theme!
I love the pic of him performing. What a rock star!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOWEN!
Tammy Hermstad
September 11, 2012 at 10:30 am
Happy Birthday Bowen! It does my heart good to know that Bowen is doing so well!! He is such a special little man. I know his heart will follow Jesus all the days of his life! So happy for all of you! Great pictures!
Emily
September 11, 2012 at 10:45 am
I was thinking of this sweet little boy on Sunday! : -) What a great miracle God has worked in his life! Keep on rockin out, Bowen! Maybe you’ll be up there singing with Daddy one day!
And btw, Sarah looks great!
Andrino Family
September 11, 2012 at 11:13 am
Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Bowen!!!! Looks like you had a great birthday party!! Praying for many more like that one for you lil man! Those were some precious pictures that were captured! Love in Christ, The Andrino Family
Jo Slocum
September 11, 2012 at 11:13 am
Matt thanks for sharing this special time with us, If you would have a worn bandanna like every one else you would have been able to have some treasure. LOL God bless you and your family and the wonderful music you share love in Christ jo
Peter & Monica Lazcano
September 11, 2012 at 11:54 am
We are so happy to hear that Bowen is doing well and that there is another little one on the way. God is ever so amazing. His blessing are pouring over your family. Your family is beautiful and we will continue to pray for Bowen and his precious heart. God Bless you all : )
Delia
September 11, 2012 at 1:06 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bowen!!!!!
Thank you for sharing his birhday pictures with us.
Kept looking for update, and wow today open e-mail and
there it was, picture of handsome 2 year old. Thank-you
God Bless and will continue to keep Bowen in prayer.
Riete
September 11, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Happy Birthday to Bowen. He locos so cool … a real little pirate.
I remember the first photos I saw of him, when he was in hospital and fighting for his life. What a difference!
God is so good! Thank you, Lord, for this amazing “pirate” miracle!
Riete
September 11, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Happy Birthday to Bowen. He looks so cool … a real little pirate.
I remember the first photos I saw of him, when he was in hospital and fighting for his life. What a difference!
God is so good! Thank you, Lord, for this amazing “pirate” miracle!
John & Jennifer Szabo
September 11, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Happy birthday to Bowen … he looks like a natural behind a microphone!!!
Sarah, thanks for taking some time Saturday after the 6:00 show in Warsaw to talk to us and educate us about Bowen. It is so amazing to see how great God is through a little, energetic, and exciting two year old boy.
Keep on doing the work of Christ!
Sarah L
September 11, 2012 at 4:44 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOWEN FROM COLORADO! My family and I pray for you every day. Thank you God that he’s TWO!!!!!! AMEN. you have a wonderful family, and thanks for keeping us updated!!!!!
Wendy
September 11, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Happy Birthday Bowen…you are super cute! Wishing you many, many more sweet boy!
Holly Baker
September 11, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Looks like hes a leftie??? So am I, and we share the same birthday !!
Isobel
September 12, 2012 at 3:39 am
Cool!!!!!!
Isobel
September 12, 2012 at 3:44 am
2 years old! How could have forgotten
However , looks like you did indeed have a bash. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little man …………and , yep , looking more and more like his mama!!
Where’s your bandana ,, dad?
Robin
September 12, 2012 at 8:01 am
What adorable pictures. He looks great and I am so grateful to God for Bowen’s great progress. Thank you for sharing the memoriable time with us. It is always so “heart” warming to hear from you and to see the cute pictures of your beautiful family. God has truly answered our prayers as is evident by that beautiful smile on Mr. Bowen’s face. Where did the time go? It just seems like yesterday that I was logging on to the web site looking for updates on how Bowen’s surgery went. I originally heared about it just a couple of days after his very first surgery on K-Love. And look at him now!!!
God is awesome. Thank you God for our little miracle boy….
Mary Lou Cowen
September 12, 2012 at 1:28 pm
So very glad to see Bowen reach his second birthday. Praying every day for the healing of his heart. God placed this little boy in your lives for a reason. Good to see the pictures they are precious. God bless you and keep you.
Tammi T. (mom of an HLHS boy)
September 12, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Ahoy, Matey! Happy 2nd Birthday, Bowen! Me be lovin’ the eye-patches and bandanas but where ees the Captain’s? It appears ye might have another callin’, matey. It looks like ye be followin’ thee Captain’s footsteps. Pirate Rockstar Bowen.
Seriously, what a blessing!
Lisa Marie
September 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Happy Birthday Bowen
I’ve literally missed out on most of the last year. Bowens always in my thoughts and prayers. Its wonderful to stop in and see him doing so well and to see the other three also looking wonderful. God Bless your family.
Jill Leebrick
September 14, 2012 at 5:16 pm
oh my gosh – great pictures and heart warming as well. Was a bit disappointed that Dad wasn’t wearing a bandana along with the rest of the pirates. Blessings to you……..
Connie Lancaster
September 15, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Such fun times and such blessed times! I know you are enjoying every minute of it! Love the pirate theme! And the rockin’ out picture is just awesome. I feel so privileged to share in these moments this you. I pray for you guys and have Bowen’s picture with my grands!
Brenda
September 16, 2012 at 4:53 pm
That looks like such a fun birthday party! Thanks for sharing those precious pictures with us.
Elizabeth Kay Abano
September 19, 2012 at 3:38 pm
any new baby yet? isn’t the due date this month. also, I have followed all of your posts since Bowens birth. Isn’t God great? So glad he is doing awesome. He is a cutie. You have a very nice looking family and I love your music. God Bless you all. love Miss liz
Susie Michaud
September 25, 2012 at 9:58 am
Hoping that you had a great birthday Sarah!! Here’s a cyberhug (((HUUGGG)) We love you sweet pretty lady
Megan
September 27, 2012 at 10:41 am
Happy 2nd Birthday, Bowen!! It looks like you had a wonderful party!! What a great theme!! I have not checked in with you guys in a while, but am glad to see that everything is going well!! Thank God for that!!
I continue to think of you often and send prayers that God continues to help you to grow happily and healthily.
Keep Rockin’ Bowen!!
Craig Simpson
September 27, 2012 at 2:22 pm
He looks is happy and is healthy as he ever has in all your previous pictures. Praise God on such a remarkable miracle in your life in such great cute pictures from his birthday party. Thank you for sharing.
Beth Atalay
September 27, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Wonderful picture and where is the newest? Have they made an appearance yet?
Daniel Sanders
September 27, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Love hearing all about the good things that you and your family are doing and that things are really looking up for you. Hallelujah! We look forward to hearing more about the newest little one
John Pinto
September 27, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I love that prayer at the end. You guys seem to be doing well and plowing through and I wish you all the best
Elizabeth Ridout
September 27, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Happy 2nd Birthday to Bowen, the mighty heart warrior! It is so amazing to see these fighters making milestones and passing them by!!! Keep rockin, Bowen!!!
Theresa Gregorcy
September 30, 2012 at 11:39 am
Dear Matt,
Just saw on the football news that Carolina football player, Greg Olsen & Wife are expecting a baby with a heart problem. Not sure what it was. Is there a way you can help him? They look so afraid. I am praying for them. I know God works and they need to know it too.
In Jesus’ love,
Theresa Gregorcy
Reed Moore
October 1, 2012 at 5:47 pm
SOunds like you all are just trucking right along! Here’s to Bowen and his Miraculous Heart!
Wendy
October 5, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Thank you so much for sharing Bowen’s birthday pictures. He is such a cutie! And looks like he is quite a little rocker.
Praying blessings to you and precious family.
Wendy
Jack Scalon
October 10, 2012 at 5:32 pm
What a great pic! Looks like he’s ready for Halloween also! Go YOU
Jeri Lau
October 17, 2012 at 9:03 am
Whenever I want to smile I come on here and look at Bowen’s pictures. He is SO cute and a smile that will melt your heart : ) I have been, and will continue, to pray for Bowen from the very beginning. I have also been praying for a healthy pregnancy for you Sarah. Wow, a month or so to go!! A new little brother for the Hammitt kids. That is so awesome!
While I will probably never meet any of you, you are ALL in my heart and prayers.
God’s continued love and blessings!
kenda Hooker
October 18, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I have been following Bowen since I was pregnant with our sweet Koralyn and knew she was going to have HLHS, we lost her in July after her second surgery. We miss her every minute but know this is Gods will and we are so thankful through the pain that we were blessed with our Koralyn. Thank you for all you are doing for HLHS kids.
Robin
October 30, 2012 at 8:29 am
Have not heard from you guys recently. Just checking in to make sure things are okay there with everyone. Any updates???
Nancy
November 4, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Hi Everyone,
I was just listening to “All of Me” on K-Love and decided to look on your website. I love the pictures of Bowen’s second birthday. I always love looking at children eating cake, they are so cute; especially, the one with ice cream all over their face just like Bowen
He is growing very fast and I am quite impressed by his health. I have to say, the last picture of him with guitar in hand and pointing to the crowd, is daddy all the way. God definitely has something in store for him.
Take care and I look forward to seeing your Thanksgiving post?
Respectfully,
Nancy
Ginny Streeter
November 13, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I am so excited. I have been following your blog and praying for Bowan since he was born. I just heard on the radio that you will be performing in Bend, Oregon on December 6th for the KLove Acustic Christmas. So excited and taking my 16-year-old son. Thank you for your willingness to travel and bless others with your wonderful music.
christina blincoe
December 3, 2012 at 8:46 am
Happy Birthday Bowen! This brings tears to my eyes! Our son Isaac just turned 2 November 4 and we have been following your testimony and faith for the past 2 years. Our son stopped breathing at birth and then again 5 days after being in ICU, we held on to each other and God as we asked WHY this could happen. He now lives with extreme food allergies and we carry an epi pen everywhere we go but God is showing us how to live healthier and to think about what we all eat as a result.
We are so grateful that God has allowed our family to love and grow in our own faith as we give our hearts to Isaac. Life is so precious and I am so excited to see how God has blessed your family again with a new little one. To God be the glory. May you find peace and love each day!
Blincoe’s Kansas City
Joe, Christina, Brandon (16), Trent (11) and Isaac (2)
Jean Stout
January 28, 2013 at 7:10 pm
My grandson, Jacob just celebrated his 11th birthday. He was born with the same condition that Bowen was born with. We are so blessed that the Lord even gave us a word before he was born that everything would work out. He is able to play with other children (sports) and other than some times having to take a short break, he is A OKAY, He is a great big brother to his 7 year old sister and to his foster baby Christian. Please pray for health for Christian as he has some medical challenges ahead of him due to his mothers bad choices. He has a lazy left eye, along with some other issues. Will keep you and family in our prayers.
I actually got on you site to look for the words to hold onto the promises as I have a friend who just had a bone marrow transplant in Oct. and so far it is not taking like it should be. This weekend she spiked a fever and is now in the emergency room at Mayo Jacksonville. The Lord has given her promises, thus I want to send her your lyrics to encourage her. Okay blessing. Jean
jerry clark
January 30, 2013 at 1:58 am
Just want to say you guys rock and im not talking about with music but life and ofcourse on stage as well. To see these pics im not going to lie i had tears down my face to see what God has done and what he is doing, to see your beautiful family God has blessed. And ofcourse Bowen’s pics on here he is addorable. Love the one with guitar and mic as well, we know the plans God has for us to give us a hope and a future and its seen in your alls life. God bless you all and great things awaits those who
only beleives:)
Hannah D.
April 14, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Wow! I just ran across Bowen’s story recently after listening to Lead Me by Sanctus Real! I really love that song by the way… I like to think of that song as a prayer for my family as I am still a kid myself.
Bowen is inspirational! He’s putting up such a fight so well! I bet he’ll grow up to be a singer someday God willing!
Mr. Hammitt, I love your music! Thank you for all that you’ve done!
Hammitt family, I love the blog! You guys are awesome people! I’m praying for you all!
Melanie
April 21, 2013 at 3:50 pm
So glad Bowen is doing well. He is quite the performer. I enjoyed the video on here, too. That last photo of him with the guitar and mic are quite priceless.
God’s continued blessings for you all!