Caleb's Journey: March 2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Caleb's Birthday Vacation

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Trisomy 18 Awareness by the Ocala Star Banner

Monday, March 14, 2011

Caleb's 2nd Birthday Celebration!

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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.

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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.

Definition of Trisomy 18 (Edward's Syndrome)

Edwards Syndrome : Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a chromosomal abnormality where there is an extra chromosome present in every cell of the body. This is an example of where “the more the merrier” is not true. This extra chromosome means that every cell has extra information encoded into it. The extra information causes confusion in the way that the cells are formed and results in the potential malformation of all of the body systems. Sadly, this condition is considered "not compatible with life". Just like with Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21), there is a wide range of how this condition will play out (what the doctor's will refer to as your child's phenotype). Unfortunately because there is more information encoded on the 18th chromosome, the severity of this condition is greater than that of Down's Syndrome. Current studies show that while 1:1500 children will be diagnosed prenatally with trisomy 18, only half that number (or 1:3000) will be born alive at full term. Of those who survive to birth, only half will make it to two months of age, and only 10% will survive to their first birthday. Children who live can be an important part of their family and community, but are profoundly developmentally delayed.

Caleb's Journey