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.

11.1

{our pride's brave heart}

Despite the spooky looking skies last night, it was a beautiful night for parading our costumed kiddos door to door.  Gabe really enjoyed the excitement and commotion around him. He was a people watching, sucker hoarding, daddy snuggling, trick or treater.

Happy Halloween

{pumpkin little}

Just when I feared this costume may have made its way into the donate pile last fall, I found it buried in a box of treasures.  Now we have a picture of each of our babes wearing the fuzzy, orange jack-o-lantern...at least  for a quick picture.  

10.30

{a treat}

10.20

{baby got bach}

Saturday Morning Stroll

This weekend Gabe's GEMs cheerful stepped out in support of our little guy. We hardly needed to put one foot in front of the other as we blew through the route. Never mind the clouds, chill, and WIND - the weather was no more unpredictable as the daily ups and downs of living with SB.  We've learned to make the best of it and look for the silver linings.  

And make the best of it we did...

In an effort to raise awareness for all those living with Spina Bifida, as well as to raise funds to support our community, the first West MI Stroll N Roll was a great success.  According to our amazing organizers, Leigh & Emily, initial counts show the event raised over $20,000!

Thank you to all of you who continue to walk along side our family and our new"extended family."

Be Aware

October is Spina Bifida Awareness month.  This accurate sentiment was written by another momma and shared on Facebook.  To which I say, "like. like. like."

Spina Bifida Awareness:

 You should be aware that having a child with SB may cause

 increased motivation to help others,

 a newfound perspective in times of trial,

 a desire to enjoy the little things & 

a commitment to change the way the world defines "disability".

 Studies show that raising a child with SB will

 induce strong feelings of  gratitude for even the simplest of milestones &

 produce a willingness to do anything,  talk to anyone,  try any method necessary

 to make life better for your child.

Side effects include feelings of 

worry, fear, uncertainty, and anger 

all tempered with love, faith, determination and hope.

 Having a child with SB is not easy

but loving him is !

It was also interesting to look back at my thoughts on Spina Bifida Awareness from last October.  Our sweet babe was just weeks old and had already taught us so much.