A Few Tricks for the Camera

Upward & Onward

Success

 is not a doorway

it's a staircase.

~Dottie Walters

What's New?

{12.17}

Last night three of our four little loves spent the night at Gram's house while we enjoyed a mostly adults' night with friends. Gabe hung out with us.  Delightfully cooperative - eating, entertaining, and then quietly crashing in his crib.  

This morning I was able to give him some extra one on one attention.  We had out blocks, balls, trucks, and DOGS.  All faves. As we played, Gabe amazed me with the many words he is working in to his growing vocabulary.  I giggle every time he tells me to "go git it."  Anything new is greeted with "lookit dis."  I have no idea why he knows the word "pop" {accompanied by the frantic signing of PLEASE}?!?! He points to the tree and shouts "Christmas."  He reaches for our somewhat creepy Elf on the Shelf  "Santa." As he says "No" he Os his lips and blows out like he is ready to blow a giant bubble. And then again his stand by filler word "DOG!"  

Recently I have had a couple questions about Gabe's MRI {2 months ago already}!  The truth is we really haven't gotten results yet, but peace of mind we have.  The short story, our local neurosurgeon finally responded with "It's fine."  The long story is that we are still waiting for the films to be read in  Boston, we have many questions about Gabe's Chiari Malformation, we are waiting for a face to face appointment, we would like to see the pictures of his spine, we were supposed to hear from Boston last Tuesday, and we resigned to the idea that we likely won't hear anything more until his local appointment in February.  But, the initial "it's fine" lets us know that there is not an immediate need for surgery. 

Gabe had a rough November with ear infections, strep throat, and pneumonia.  Which lead to antibiotics... Which lead to yeast infection.... Which lead to more medicine.  Thankfully, he is back to his silly happy self and will likely get the all clear at a follow up appointment later this week.

We are all looking forward to watching him on Christmas morning as he opens presents, play with the paper, and appears to believe the bows are THE gifts.   We are thankful for the gift Gabe is and the new things the "baby" Jesus is doing in our baby's life!

SBA Christmas Party

{who me?}

Tonight was the annual Christmas Party hosted by the Spina Bifida Association of West MI. They certainly put great effort into making it a very special occasion.  I  was looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect with other families in our local community after a busy year. Our children could not wait to go this year in hopes that Santa would make a return visit to the party.

He did not disappoint!  

Gibson was the first of our kids to be called up to Santa's lap for a surprise.  He quickly opened his gift - a set of 4 monster trucks - and stared at them in amazement whispering "Awesome, Awesome, Awesome..."  Gabe looked over and yelled "TUCK!" and proceeded to tackle Gibson, grab the box, and throw a crying fit as he played tug of war trying to get the trucks for himself.  It was so not funny, but yet SO funny!  

Despite the small scuffle, all four of our kids came home with something special off their Santa lists and giant smiles on their faces.

12.6

{mmmm...I think I like this Sinterklaas deal}

12.4

{calm & bright}

12.2

{HEY!  What's Up?!?!}