All is calm, all is bright!

The holidays have ALWAYS been such a big and important part of my life.  Its always filled with good fun, lots of family time, and too many friend gatherings to handle.  This year is no different. Well, it sort of is, because we have a 15 month old.  Last year, our holiday season was a bit gloomy, because we were still reeling from bringing home baby, and getting ready for his first brain surgery (5 days before Christmas).  It was like we could never just catch a break. If things even calmed down for a bit, something was thrown our way.  But we over came every obstacle and had EVEN more to be thankful for.  A year has come and gone, and all I can say is that - ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT.  

Bear has really been movin' and a'shakin lately.  The little miracle boy that has brought so MUCH joy to all of us, is just AMAZING Gabe and I every day.  He keeps us on our toes and is a TRUE boy. (he toots and laughs about it...how much more "boy" can you get) We have been working on a lot of milestones with his all 3 of his therapist and they are so amazed at his progress.  He is a little behind on some stuff, but continues to improve every day. We are getting ready for that moment when he just takes off and starts walking, but for now, walking along all the furniture and windows will work for us.  He LOVES to get into anything and every thing that he isn't supposed to have.  If you have it, he wants it, and when he doesn't get it, you get his little temper tantrum.  Typical baby, I suppose.  He make us laugh with all his squeeks and squeals, and when you don't pay attention to him, he YELLS at you (just ask gramma Mary).  He is learning a little bit of sign language here and there, but our favorite is when he ask for "more".  More of anything, but especially food!

His eating by mouth was always a little delayed, and I think it was because he had been throwing up formula/breast milk EVERY day.  That nasty taste it left in his mouth just set him off from food.  Im happy to say that he hasn't thrown up since SEPTEMBER and has really made a turn on eating.  He woke up one day and just decided that food was an awesome thing.  He loves eggs with ketchup, chocolate cake (thanks Gramma Mary and Auntie A), cookies, and well basically anything but "mushy baby food".  Gabe is still convinced that he is getting more on the floor than in his stomach, but hey, baby steps..... we are still learning! Its amazing to see him stuff his face, and if I wasn't too busy stuffing my face on Thanksgiving, I would've taken pictures of him stuffing his face.  It was SUCH a blessing and we are so THANKFUL that he is taking huge strides on eating.  Hopefully one day soon (*crosses fingers*) we can get him off the feeding tube.  

As most of you know, we have been taking trips back and forth to San Antonio to get his helmet adjusted.  After his last skull surgery in August, his dr wanted to get him in a helmet (doc band) to get just the right amount of shaping.  He hated it at first and it was something to get used to, but now its just another thing in our life.  All I can say about it is WOW.... the change is AMAZING.  Not only have both of his skull reconstructions been SUCCESSFUL, but this helmet has really been the topping on the cake (chocolate, if you must ask )  It is so amazing to see how far medical technology goes.  I never would have thought that my child would have to be a part of "medical numbers" or "medical scans and followings" but we are, and to see the change each month is just truly a blessing.

He has to wear is for 23 hours a day, for 6 months.  We are going on month 2, so just a bit longer to go.  I have yet to paint it, and EVERYONE is telling me that I need to, but I just cant pick a design that will match ALL of his outfits... I know... such a decision to make 

 

 A couple of weeks before his 1st skull surgery

His first skull surgery included distraction hard wear (screws) that we had to turn 3 times a day that pushed the back of his skull out and gave room for his brain to grow. 

His third surgery was to fix the top "bump" and move his forehead forward

 He's just as happy as can be, even with his helmet

He sure does enjoy that HOUR a day he doesn't have to wear it though

Just playin' while waiting to get his helmet adjusted

ALL is CALM , ALL is BRIGHT

Next month is going to be HUGE for us.  We finally got the go ahead to go see the trachea specialist in Cincinnati and the appointments have been scheduled!  We are in the process of booking flights and hotel.  We got our itinerary in the mail a couple of weeks ago, and it looks like its 4 days of procedures, test,scopes and anesthesia.  It will be a long scary week, but I am looking forward to hopefully finding an answer.  I am faithful that they will be able to do something for him. And any thoughts of getting bad news is being thrown out the window.  I cant wait to take him on his first airplane ride, and all thought its not for a "fun" trip, Im sure the traveling experience is going to be one to remember!  

I hope that ALL is calm for you and your family, and I hope that ya'll are shining BRIGHT this holiday season.  I pray for a happy and healthy up coming year for each and every one of you and your family.  

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Much love and lots of warm hugs,

-S