Saturday, December 31, 2011

Remembering 2011

We had a good night having a picnic in the middle of the living room, watching Gomer Pyle movies and then lighting off some fireworks.  Daddy bought a bunch of fireworks to make this New Years extra special for Devin...the whole night was just for him...whatever he wanted to do.  Corey was visiting with his mother this New Years.  Wish he was able to be here with us, but we can do it again next year :)

It seemed like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating New Years....one with our Caleb.  It's hard to imagine that he has been gone for 4 months.  Caleb was so missed this holiday season...but then again he is missed everyday.  Not a moment goes by that he isn't thought of.  I have heard from many people that they wish me a better year this year.  And I know that they say this because they care for us and want the best for our family.  But I truly loved last year.  Even with Caleb passing away.  There were so many wonderful moments.  He celebrated his 2nd birthday, we went on vacations, we took walks, snuggled, and just spent time loving and laughing with each other.  I wouldn't trade one moment.  And even during his last moments on this earth, as I laid my hand on his chest feeling every breath he took...I wouldn't wish that moment to go away...I'd do anything to have that moment again..to have that last nap.  We cherished every moment and even through the heartache, we had many blessings, many memories, so much happiness.  May God Bless all my family and friends, keeping their families safe, healthy and blessing them with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.  Cherish each moment, they are too precious.  Happy New Year!!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve...missing our sweet Caleb

Today has been a very tough day.  I think it has really hit me that Caleb won't be here with us this Christmas.  I just couldn't stop crying.  We went to Christmas Eve service at church.  I couldn't breathe.  I remember Caleb moving to the music last year...doing his very best Stevie Wonder.  I loved sharing these beautiful moments with Caleb, with our family, with our friends.  I cried through the whole service, but that was ok, because I was surrounded by so many people who care for us & love us.  They have walked beside us in our journey.  We are so Blessed with the gift of family and amazing friendships.  There are so many heavy hearts this season.  So many lil' ones gone too soon. I pray for all these beautiful families.  God Bless you all...... 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Philly Trip: "You Are My Sunshine"

During our speech in Philadelphia, we mentioned how Caleb was surrounded by friends and family before he went into the arms of Jesus.  We sang "You are my sunshine".  Our son Devin, use to sing this to Caleb so often.  After we were done speaking, Gianna Jessen, who was also speaking at the Pro-Life Conference asked if she could sing this song in honor of Caleb.  We were so touched and happily said "OF COURSE :)".  Gianna's story is absolutely amazing too.  She is a beautiful person with the sweetest spirit.  Danielle Rose, who travels the world as a Music Missionary joined Gianna in singing.....what an honor it was to have these Godly women sing to our precious son Caleb.  They are the kind of women that you want to hang out with....always.  Getting to know them brought us so much peace and healing.  There aren't enough thank you's to express how much it meant to Steven and I.

 "........ coming from an orphan's background, it was the most amazing thing to watch a father weep for love of his son. i have never seen that, we hugged each other."  This is part of a post that Gianna made on her page that day.  We cannot express how much this meant to Steven.  Often father's are left in the background and people forget that they hurt too.  Thank you so much Gianna. 


Philly trip: Speaking at the Pro-life conference

Steven & I were asked to speak at a Pro-life conference in Philadelphia.  We were honored to be asked to be a part of such a wonderful event.  However, we weren't sure that we were ready to make this trip.  It is still so new in our grieving for our precious son.  But when we saw the title of the conference we knew that this could only be orchestrated by God "Born This Way? Made This Way...Wonderfully (Psalm 139)"  Psalm 139 is what we used in all of Caleb's parties, Celebration of Life, etc.  And how often are you asked to go across country to speak at a conference, especially by a caring and compassionate Dr.?  So we did.  We met some of the most amazing people.  I would like to think that this conference was about making a difference in other people lives...and we pray that we touched even one person.  But I truly think this was more about us this time.  God knew we were struggling in this part of our grieving process. Lots of doubts, lots of questions and a lot of saddness.  He brought these amazing people into our lives that were part of the conference...it was like God brought them together and we were surrounded by this huge hug.  For that we are so grateful.  I have much more to write about...so much more to share...but for now I will share the video of us speaking.  I will tell you that I had this whole speech prepared in my head on what to say...but before we went on, they played the video of Caleb.  Steven & I lost it.  So when we went up to speak, I just had to throw everything out the window and speak from the heart.  It was so hard because our hearts are still in a million pieces.....but we also knew we were surrounded by so many amazing people that were there to support us...and each other. I am especially proud of Steven for getting up and speaking....this I know was hard for him.  But he did a beautiful job....I am blessed to  be walking hand in hand with him in this journey.  We continue the healing process.  I will write more on our experiences on this trip...sharing more videos & pictures.  We are so incredibly blessed.

Saturday, November 12, 2011


I got his in the mail today from Caleb's buddy, Lane (35 months old, also has trisomy 18). I LOVE IT. The Caleb Bear is the same weight as when Caleb was born... 6lbs 5ozs. It came with a cape and blanket. I cried..it was like snuggling with Caleb again. I'm going to snuggle with him tonight. He is in the crib right now. Who knows I may just jump into the crib with him!!! The bear was made by another special mommy Katie Weaver. Thank you so much Alisha and Katie .....I love you

Saturday, October 8, 2011

My first dream of Caleb....

Last night I had a horrible nightmare...I kept screaming "no" & hugging Steven. I don't remember what it was about but Steven said it lasted a while. I do remember the feeling of panic. I fell back to sleep. Then in the morning I had another dream...this time I remember so vividly our sweet baby Caleb. He was smiling soooo big & sitting on daddy's lap...but he was breathing hard & could see his chest pulling with each breath. I felt like he was saying to me that he was alright. His big smiles always gave me so much hope that everything would be ok. He was absolutely perfect to me...I never focused on his ailments....always celebrated his achievements & milestones. But he did have some issues & he was reminding me of that....that he put up such a great fight. He did so well & overcame things that just amazed me. But now he can rest & I have to find comfort...peace in that somehow. We are so proud of him & love him so very much. I know satan is trying to steal my peace & fill me with doubts & saddness. I won't let him do it....I will fight, my son taught me how :)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Being Strong?

People often say that I am so strong.....I really am not. I wonder from moment to moment how life will go on. How do I find joy in my life. Will there be a day that I don't feel like this? I have so much to be grateful for. I had my son for 2 1/2 yrs. I knew his life would be short....but it is still not easy. I miss him more and more each day. It gets harder with each passing moment...not easier. I don't want sorrow or pity...I want a bandaid sent from Heaven...I want to not hurt so incredibly bad. My son brought us so much laughter, love & happiness...so what is it that I want? Would it have been easier if he had a hard life?? Of course not! So where are the answers...what am I trying to find? I look at this world so differently now. This isn't my home...just a rest stop. I want to feel like I use to. So abundantly Blessed. Selfish, I know. Grief is such a strange thing. I find myself missing things that just don't make a lot of sense: I haven't been to the grocery store since before Caleb went into the hospital. When I use to go to Publix after Steven got home, it would be my quiet time. I would go shop, call when on my way home, walk in, see Caleb sitting with daddy & just smile. It was my routine. I miss the hospital, the dr's & the nurses. I can't go toward Gainesville because I start having anxiety. I miss parking in handicap spaces...not because of conveniences...but it meant I had a really special baby on board. When I leave the house my anxiety level goes through the roof...I want to be at home...where I had been for 3 yrs. I don't know of any place more important to be than at home and caring for my son. I don't need fancy clothes, glamorous hair, or a night out on the town. But I guess I need to learn how to be a wife and mother again. Strange huh?? Eventhough, I know I feel like I'm the only one going through this, I know that I'm not..there have been those who walked this road before me, with me & will go through it after me. I pray for joy, laughter, love & life....not only for myself but for everyone around me who is also grieving. I miss my son...I miss his smile....there are just no answers...just time I guess, I pray.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Caleb's Life Story by Jacqui Janetzko

Thank you to the Ocala Star Banner for telling Caleb's story. Especially Jacqui Janetzko & Marian Rizzo, for telling about his journey. And that of his precious trisomy friends. It brought so much awareness about t18. Caleb is missed so much, because of your stories, we can continue to celebrate his beautiful life and show that our children are such a huge part of our families, friends & community. Much love and appreciation from our family.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Letter to my beautiful son..I read this at his Celebration



Dear Caleb,
I remember the day I was getting ready to head to the hospital to meet you for the first time & I was talking with God. I had prayed to have a couple of moments with you...to hold you. Then I got up the nerve to try & renegotiate with God, & asked Him for 2 hours. And if that was not to be His will, to please hold me and our family so tight to handle whatever may come. Never in my most wonderful dreams did I think I would have 2 1/2 years with you. I got to watch you grow into this amazing lil' boy. So full of life, never knowing your earthly body was broken...because your beautiful spirit shined brightly. Your smiles were infectious....no one was safe from them....they would instantly smile with you. I loved waking you up every morning with a "hello sunshine", laying you on your blanket, turning on your tree, then your cartoons...we had our routine. I loved our naps, I would lay my head right next to yours so I could feel your breath with mine...we were sharing one breath. I loved nibbling on those cute little toes...they were so perfect.... I loved taking care of you my son...I would've done it a lifetime...I am so honored that God chose us to be your parents...your big brothers will be looking for you everywhere...in the garden, in a rainbow, in a dream...so please watch over them. I wouldn't change one moment.... I would do it all over again. You have brought so many wonderful people into our lives. You've shown so many people how to love...how to live...."You've made God famous" I am so incredibly proud of you with all that you have done in the short life you have been here with us. I could go on and on, you have given us so many wonderful memories. I could sit and talk forever...I promise you that I will continue to tell your story to help others & just to make me smile. But there is one more thing I have to say...I want to thank you and God for giving me those last moments with you. When we knew it was close for you to be going home...as I layed next to you...I asked for one more nap with you...we wereso tired. All of a sudden as we layed there your sats went higher than they had been in days & as I held you in my arms I could feel you become warm again, you opened your eyes for the first time in so long...they looked beautiful and you rubbed your nose as you always did. We layed there for a while....until it was time for you to go from our arms into the arms of Jesus. I will never ever forget that moment & I am so incredibly grateful for that moment.I love you my beautiful son....

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Caleb's last week with us

I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WANTING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.  THESE ARE VERY PRIVATE & PERSONAL MOMENTS.  WE ASK THAT ANYONE WHO READS THIS, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OUR DECISIONS, WISHES & FEELINGS.  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE WALKED WITH US DURING CALEB'S AMAZING JOURNEY.  I NEEDED TO WRITE THIS SO I CAN ALSO MOVE FORWARD. 

Caleb went in on August 18th to have his tonsils and adenoids removed.  He was also going to have a bronchoscopy & endoscopy done.  We had to cancel this surgery several times over the past year because he wasn't at his best to have it....UTI, platelets, etc.  Finally the day came to have the surgery & he was starting to have more difficulty breathing at night.  Steven & I knew that going under anesthesia was a big risk, so we talked in great depths with all his dr's & anesthiologists on our concerns & to give him the best possible chance he could have.  Just a side note, Caleb did really well during the days and at night only needed blow by oxygen.  He had had approx 6 sleep studies to determine the severity of his obstructive apnea.  He would have approximately 49 episodes an hour.....extremely severe.  Rarely would the monitor ever go off.  An in depth sleep study is necessary to determine true apnea. 

The day of surgery, I snuggled with Caleb in the bed in pre-op while daddy sat by our side.  My parents and our other boys sat in the waiting room.  Doctors were in and out discussing & preparing for surgery.  We all felt it was time to do this surgery.  Without it, his body would continue to decline bc apnea at this level puts a strain on the heart, lungs, etc.  Shortly after 8:30 he went off to the OR.  We waited with family in the waiting room....impatiently.  Jacqui, with the Ocala Star Banner, was in the OR for the majority of the surgery, documenting this part of his journey.  The surgery took about an hour 1/2 & I got calls from each of the drs saying he did really well & was going to recover in the OR....someone by his side at all times.  They always took extra good care of him.   He was extubated fine...looking around, resting.   His endoscopy looked great & so did the bronchosocopy.  The main problem with his airway was the small jaw that sits back (like most of our babies)  At approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours later his heart rate went to 225, his blood pressure and o2 sats stayed fine. His EKG showed he was having a myocardial infarction (heart attack).  They had to reintubate him.  We were not told of the MI until after they brought him to the PICU.  The Dr's wanted to make sure that is in deed what he had before saying anything to us.  It just didn't present as what they "normally" see.  Two yr olds just don't have heart attacks...usually.  Our hearts just sank.  They told us the left side of his heart wasn't squeezing & that they decided not to do a heart cath bc he couldn't handle any more sedation/anesth.  I am SO glad that they didn't.  The treatment would've been the same anyway.  We also found out that they didn't remove the tonsils bc they were hardly even there??  That was a surprise & a blessing.  It meant an easier time reintubating & less source of pain & infection.  We were prepared to be there at least a month.  They brought in so many pumps for meds...rows and rows of them.  We knew this was going to be a long process, a huge fight for our lil' man.  We fought right along with him.  Sleeping together on a small chair bed...waiting for him to wake up.  He was having s t depressions on his ekg which meant that there was damage to the heart.  They monitored those closely & we waited for each result to show they were going down.  PTL, they were improving, his blood gases were great, they were weaning him off meds, his platelets were fabulous...we all celebrated cautiously, we didn't even share this with anyone bc we knew we were still in a critical situation.  We talked about getting a trache to help him get off of some of the meds bc he was blowing through them like tic tacs. And he needed to not work so hard so his heart could heal.  Steven & I felt comfortable with that.  We were now waiting for him to get to a point where he could undergo this surgery.  One evening when Dale, the night nurse came in & asked "where's his s t depressions?"  Steven & I were confused.  Dale hurriedly changed the probes & went back to look at the paper tapes of his heart rhythms for the last 24 hours.  Sometime around noon that day, there was about a 3 second gap where the s t depressions just disappeared.  Dale said he had never seen that happen before and Steven said " write GOD in that time period".  We were over joyed...cautiously. 

There was a brief period that Caleb opened his eyes and daddy got to read him a book...Caleb watched & listened...this was the last time we got to see our baby boy interact with us.  He started having trouble keeping his o2 sats up and they had to keep bagging him.  His sats would come up briefly...the time inbetween started to become shorter.  That sunday he had a seizure.  I suggested that maybe he was having seizures & that's why he couldn't keep his sats up.  The medical staff was just as baffled...they were willing to look at anything and was going to have him hooked to a 24 eeg the next day.  Monday morning the 29th of August, he just couldn't keep his sats up.  Christina his day nurse tried so hard to help him through his discomfort.  She had to call a code bc his o2 sats went down to the 20's.  They bagged him yet once again & gave him some meds to get him back up.  I knew it was time to call the family.  I couldn't breathe.  Our Pastor, friends, family, Pediatrician, all came to be with us.  The cardiologists, other dr's told us he was having pulmonary hypertensive crisis' and they were going to start nitrous oxide to help open things up.  He shortly after went into another crisis where his o2 sats were at 0.  I about fell to the floor & the air was knocked out of me.  We asked them to silence the alarms and give us our time. 

I crawled into the crib with him we were surrounded by everyone & his pediatrician started us in singing You are my sunshine....I just couldn't let him go.  I wanted my baby back.  But I knew he was tired.  His o2 sats couldn't stay up. They were dangerously low..the machines were keeping him alive. He was cold so I snuggled into him even more. I talked to him and told him how much we loved him & how proud I was of him.  That it was ok to go Home.  For him to please watch over us, to keep mommy going..to keep our fight up.  We were so tired.  I asked God to let us have one more nap together.  All of a sudden his o2 sats went to 91, the highest they had been in days.  His eyes opened briefly and they were as beautiful as I knew them to be..not the red, dazed look he had had.  He rubbed his nose, his usual quirks...and we napped briefly.  After a while he closed his eyes, his sats went back down and stayed at 20 for a long time.  My baby was gone.  It was time to say goodbye bc Jesus was already holding him tightly in His arms. 
Dale, our nurse was so wonderful.  He handled everything.  He had them come in to make molds of our son's hands, the foot was done prior to him passing.  He put it in a beautiful box.  He helped Steven bathe Caleb one last time and even held him & cried.  Caleb touched his heart, even in the short amount of time he knew him.  Caleb was so very loved.

I see God's hands guiding us through this whole experience.  People have often asked me if maybe we shouldn't have done the surgery.  He would've struggled without it...we believe the episodes he was having the last couple of months prior to surgery were ph crisis'.  I think God once again placed us where we needed to be, together with our son to be with him as he was called Home.  If this had happened at home by myself or with the kids, it would've been devastating.  We don't have all the answers...but I guess that is what walking by Faith means.  We have to make the best decisions we can with the information we have.  We knew Caleb's ph wasn't good and something had to be done.  Heart surgery wasn't an option bc of the obstructive apnea and ph.  If we had done nothing I think we would've been filled with regret.."what if only". 

Pulmonary hypertension is something that many of our children have but isn't discussed much in info about t18/t13.  I want to bring more awareness to the issues of obstructive airway issues (determined by sleep studies) and pulmonary hypertension. I think that Caleb had a good life bc we had such proactive and compassionate drs.  Sometimes the best that we can give is comfort care bc there is nothing more that we can do.  That doesn't mean we don't fight for our children.  It just means that we understand that there are some things that are out of our hands & we have to feel blessed by what we are given.  It is hard.  I miss him more than you could possibly imagine.  A part of me is forever gone...but I am so grateful that God held us through this.  I pray for each and everyone of my friends that are walking this same journey.  I am here for you if you have any questions.  I will answer anything you would like.  There are several things I have left out bc of the details...but will talk in private.  I love you my son...you have changed my life....I will see you again one day.

Monday, September 26, 2011

M.O.M.S grand opening

Memories of Missing Smiles had their grand opening today. It was amazing...a beautiful place for us to remember our lil' ones. We bought a Caleb tree by the water fall so we can go and picnic and share special moments.  I can't wait to decorate his tree with some pretty flowers. 

Friday, September 23, 2011

This video was done by a dear friend of ours, Michael Robinson.  Thank you Michael..it is beautiful...perfect.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

...we'll always celebrate you

The 20th of each month won't be celebrated by birthdays anymore. God is holding you now. But we will forever celebrate this special day by remembering the amazing life you lived and all the joy you brought us. You even brought us the rain.......

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Celebration of Life

We wanted to be able to share Caleb's Celebration of Life with all our friends and family who were not able to attend in person. It was an amazing service, we truly felt like it spoke of Caleb's life perfectly. I want to thank Pastor Mike Austin and our CenterPoint family for making Caleb's day so incredible...indescribable. And for everyone involved in making this download possible so we can share. Thank you Dr. Kern's (Caleb's Pediatrician) for giving such a beautiful eulogoy for Caleb, he truly loved you...he had no doubt of the depths you would go to for him. Susan, your words spoke volumes for our T18 family...for Caleb....thank you. Thank you to everyone who made Caleb's Memorial so special...a day fit for the Mightiest of Mouses....we love you all. We love you son. You are missed more each and every day.

We also have a copy of the slide show that was playing on the back screens...I will try and get that up soon.


Friday, September 16, 2011

Our Special Necklaces

We bought necklace urns so we can always have a small part of our son with us wherever we are....close to us.  Our boys wanted to get a way this weekend & it's breaking my heart that Caleb cannot be here laughing  with us.  But I know he will be watching and playing right along with his brothers from Heaven.  And I have a lil' part of him to hold when the tears just don't want to stop falling.  Pastor Mike also said a Blessing over our necklaces last night.  Oh, I almost forgot...when we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel tonight it started to sprinkle..it has been clear and dry all week.  My lil' one must've been saying hi :)  Goodnight sweetness....I'll meet you in my dreams....love you.

Caleb has come home

Caleb finally got to come home. We thought it would be really hard, but there was actually an overwhelming feeling of peace. We had never been apart from him that long and it was so comforting to have him with us again. I was able to hold him close...to love on him. Then Pastor Mike came over and prayed over Caleb & our family, as Caleb's earthly body was to be put to rest in our home. We had family around us, it was a beautiful moment. We shared memories, we cried, and we laughed. Thank you Pastor Mike for all that you do to help our family find peace in such a difficult time.  A dear friend of mine, Chontee, will be helping me sometime next week to decorate Caleb's Memorial Cabinet...I can't wait to make it look as beautiful as he was...always will be.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

My Caleb's work isn't done.....as he showed me today


During Caleb's last moments I layed next to him & told him that he needs to make sure to come down & give me a swift kick in the bum every now and then. That we still had work to do & I can't be laying around crying....(eventhough I could probably fill an ocean with all the tears I've cried lately). We've been working so hard at advocating for special needs children on the medical & financial aspects of life. So we chatted a while & I know he was listening....eventhough there was no sign of him being a part of this earth anymore. Well, this morning I got a call from a gentleman with the FL House Health & Human Services Access Committee in Tallahassee. He said that one of our Representatives that we have been talking with contacted him about Caleb's story & what we have done these past 2 years in trying to make changes. We talked for quite some time about the lack of services there are for children & families like ours, etc. He said that he would like to talk more & I asked if I could call in a couple of weeks...need to try & pull it together. He also asked if I would be interested in going to Tallahassee to tell our story & talk about what changes we think are needed. Of course!!! I was so glad to get this call today. That's my Caleb giving me a swift kick...telling me to get moving. I so miss & love him...I pray that I can continue to do his work and make him proud.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sent from Above

I've been having a really hard time these last couple of days. Just can't stop crying. Steven goes back to work tomorrow & I think that has lead to some of my tears....I'm going to miss having him here with me. He has been right by my side crying with me...and sharing moments of laughter, remembering our precious lil' boy.

This morning we went outside to have our coffee. I sat next to one of our penta plants. It was beautiful out. Tears just kept falling. Suddenly a beautiful monarch butterfly landed on one of the flowers. He hopped around from flower to flower for about 15 mins...never leaving my side. We chatted for a while...I was telling him how beautiful & perfect he was. Then he started flying in circles around me then flew off as I stopped crying. I had my hand laying flat on my chair & a small butterfly landed on the palm of my hand. It stayed there for about 5 mins & we chatted too. I wondered who had come to visit. Was it one of Caleb's friends or family members coming to let me know he is ok? I'm going to believe that it was :) Then I started crying again as it flew away. Suddenly the monarch appeared again next to me in the penta plant. We sat a lil' longer ...now daddy & I were both crying....but tears filled with some joy. We believe Caleb is around us always.....our hearts still hurt to not be able to hold him..but God sends us lil' gifts that bring us a touch of happiness. Love you so much Caleb...can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.


These pictures are from his Celebration flowers I took today...wish I could keep them forever...they were so beautifully done.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Just a hard day.....

Today has been a really hard day. Steven & I got up & started working in the butterfly garden. It was full of butterflies, the wind was blowing & the sky was blue. I knew Caleb was with us...bringing us all of these beautiful things. I just wished I could be holding him watching the trees sway & the butterflies buzzing by us. Steven & I ran a couple of errands and I just couldn't stop crying. He just held me. He is such a wonderful husband...I thank God for bringing him into my life. It's nice that we can be standing in the middle of Walmart just holding each other & crying...like there's no one else in the world :) I need to write about Caleb's final days...but right now is too hard. I will soon...

Sunday, August 7, 2011

I'm a big boy now, I'm learning to stand :)

Caleb got his new stander and is doing really well in it. He seems to enjoy it and is interactive with what is going on around him. It brought me to tears just watching how well he was doing...achieving things that we never that he would. God you have blessed us beyond words...

















Monday, August 1, 2011

Lovin' the rain

Caleb loves to listen to the rain. When we are in the car he laughs as the rain starts hitting the window. He loves listening to it fall on the skylight...but most of all...he loves feeling it fall against his face. He reminds us to take a moment, put on our comfy pj's & dance in the rain.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Caleb goes to the movies!

I haven't updated in a while. There has been so much going on. I will fill in the spaces later...but for now I wanted to share a special time we had taking Caleb to the movies. It's the lil' Blessings that mean so much......And Caleb certainly loves his movies....something we never thought we would be able to do with him. Caleb continues to amaze us...each and every day.



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Very Special People

Angela & Ashley (t21 - Down's Syndrome), Chontee & Brianna (deletion of the 7th chromosome - so rare there is no other name for it), Lisa & Joey (t18 - Edward's Syndrome), Julie & Taylor (t18 - Edward's Syndrome), Susan & Rebekah (t18 - Edward's Syndrome), Me & Caleb (t18 - Edward's Syndrome), Gilianny & Noah (t13 - Patau Syndrome - Noah was right next to Caleb in the NICU when they were born. Noah is one day older than Caleb)
We were so incredibly blessed to have these beautiful families there to celebrate in Caleb's special day. God has brought such amazing & loving mommies & daddies into our life. I thank God for them everyday.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Remembering Caleb's Angel Friends

We had a balloon release at Caleb's birthday party to remember all of his friends that have been called Home too soon. We know that they were all looking down and celebrating right along with us. It was a beautiful day. Always with us.....always loved.



Thursday, March 3, 2011

Caleb & Rebekah



My friend Susan and her daughter Rebekah came to visit us for Caleb's birthday party from SC. They arrived on Thursday night and was able to stay until Sunday....wish they could've stayed longer. It was so nice to have them here. We had fun chatting, playing & taking lots of pictures. Rebekah is 1 month younger than Caleb and has t18. She is just beautiful & she was mighty "friendly" with Caleb. I don't think he minded though.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Sleep Study 5



Having another sleep study since Caleb suddenly got off o2. We will decide if we need to reschedule his surgery for the removal of his adenoids. He had a lot of sleep apnea and we will see what it is like now. Caleb is being pretty sassy :) He is 21 months old and has full trisomy18