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Gabe has been home for a week now.  We are getting into routine with nurse visits, IV meds, bandage changes, and follow up appointments with the specialists. We are also enjoying the return to some "normal" routines with work, car pool, play dates, piano lessons, and track practice. 

Tomorrow we are hopeful the neurosurgeons will agree it is time to take out the stitches in the incision on Gabe's back.  It will certainly make for much quicker diaper changes.  We will also visit urology tomorrow.  I am praying for a sliver of hope suggesting the original surgery was worth something as we strive for future bladder and kidney health.  It is encouraging to see Gabe begin to shuffle along on his feet a bit.  He has figured out how to get where he wants to go with a combination of crawling, cruising, and shuffling.  His determination to teach himself to walk again is obvious and with each small success we see a little more sparkle return behind those big baby browns. 

Our family has been ridiculously blessed by our village with many delicious meals, surprise deliveries, encouraging phone calls, extra grace, and endless prayers. 

Everyday Victories

Two weeks ago Gabe had his long anticipated MRI.  It was a lengthy study of his head and spine.  I thought the wait for scheduling was ridiculous? We are still waiting for results.  Trying not to be antsy, but I will admit to leaving another message with each neurosurgeon in hopes that someone will fill us in.  At the same time I like to believe that no news is good news, right? 

He's obviously not worried about it!  He has a contagious smile that he flashes often.  He also has a cheesy, teethy smile that he knows will always get a good laugh.  When he wakes up happy none of us can resist being the first to greet him.  Most often Gibson beats us to it and happily hops in the crib for some brotherly bouncing.

We are still amazed, and so thankful, for the way Gabe is getting up to standing.  We pull out the camera at least once a day to capture it on film, half wondering if this might be the last time we see it. Anytime someone else sees his trick for the first time they eye us suspiciously, "Are you sure he has SB?” My response "Pretty sure no one has told him yet!" 

One of his therapists believes it is time for Gabe to start wearing AFOs to help him strengthen his stance for side stepping and longer periods of standing.  His other therapist does not agree.  To some of his doctors surprise we refused the recommendation for wear when they were made at four months.  Also to their surprise, he has full range of motion in his ankles even without using the AFOs.  To their chagrin this momma is putting up a bit of a stink again. I understand that they might be necessary in time, but we don't think it's time quite yet.

One day, one smile, one miracle at a time.

Not-So-Wee G

Gavin has affectionately named the brothers: Big G, Little G, and Wee G.  However, there isn't much about the Wee G that is all so wee.  Our mighty fighter weighed in last week at 18.3 lbs. and today, exactly 7 days later, the Dr. weighed him again at 19.3 lbs.    At this rate, he is going to catch up to Gibson before his 5 month birthday!

Other Gabe Updates:
~He is measuring 24.5 inches long.
~He's been rolling over for about 2 weeks.

~Last week he had a Frenectomy (do you know what that is?).  It may not have been such a big deal to him, but his momma is relieved.

~He is working hard on his physical therapy with bi-weekly in home visits and bi-weekly center visits.

~Gabe is still shunt free.  His next visit with the neuro surgeon is scheduled for the second week of February.

~He is scheduled to be fitted for his first orthodics early next week.

~He has an amazing smile that he still shares willingly despite his current double ear infection.

{Gabe Evan: 4 months old}

 

Side Note: I'm still waiting for the comments on my giveaway post to reach the magic number.  It is getting close.  Feel free to add your repeat entries!

Making Our Spirits Bright

7 months ago we were told that our little babe would likely not have any movement or feeling in his feet and legs.

Untitled from Katie on Vimeo.

We believe that THE babe born 2000 years ago is still performing Christmas miracles!

Note:  I apologize for the over-exposure here of our little guy's body.  I hesitated to post it because he kicked off his washcloth, but his happy kicks seemed too good not to share!