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.

9.21

{one}

The More I Know You, The More I Love You

I know
Gabe currently weighs in at just over 30 pounds.
I love
when my arm is crazy tired from carrying his weight around he helps me forget by hanging on around my collar with his sweet paws.

I know
Gabe is 30 and a couple inches tall
I love
when he pulls his 30something inches up to standing at the front window to pound and greet our neighbors

I know
Gabe says: mom, dada, Gav, Gibson, Hope, up, hi, bye, uh-oh, ta-da, and ball
I love
his deep voice

I know
Gabe has 9 sharp teeth in his little grin
I love
the way he readily shares his toothy smile with everyone, earning him the "oh, what a happy baby" label and no one can resist starting a little conversation with him

I know
Gabe sleeps about 11 hours at night, wakes up for a pre-breakfast, and falls back asleep for another hour
I love
that even during the Idon'twanttobeleftaloneinthiscribtosleep screaming fit he will instantly stop, sniffle, and say "thnuggle" if we walk in to reassure him we are still close by

I know
Gabe loves to play Pat-a-Cake
I love
how he tucks his chin and acts shy every time we say "baker's man."

I know
Gabe has really blond hair after spending time in the summer sun
I love
the one giant swirl that is the back of his whole head

I know
Gabe wants nothing to do with baby food anymore.  He only wants "people food" and he prefers fruit to most other foods
I love
how his pincher finger curls around the teeny tiny pieces he is trying to pick up

I know
Gabe's kidneys are looking strong and healthy
I love
that the details of his spina bifida aren't always the first things that come to mind as I spend my day playing with, caring for, and getting to know my baby ONE year old!