New Toys & Peek-a-boo

Caleb got a new toy for Christmas. We aren't waiting to give him all of his presents until Christmas. We want him to enjoy them little by little....make Christmas last a little longer. It is hard to find things that are appropriate for his special abilities. But he loves his new colorful ring. He brought it up to his mouth once. Then he started playing peek a boo with daddy. He would bury his head, look out the corner of his eye and then turn his head back up to look at him. It was so cute. Devin had also given him a stuffed monkey the other day. It is perfect for his little hands.

Meeting Taylor

We went to St. Augustine to meet up with another family whose son, Taylor, also has trisomy 18. Taylor is 19 months old and is amazing. Julie, his mother, and I have become very good friends. We are so blessed to have been able to meet them in person. It is so nice to know that we aren't alone and have each other to lean on. They also have two other boys who got along so well with our boys. It was so funny to see Caleb and Taylor feed off of each other. They are truly connected. Friends forever. I hope that the medical profession can see all of our stories and realize that these children ARE compatible with life. They laugh, smile, love and feel. Taylor can even give hugs!! That was the most touching moment when I saw him give his mommy a hug. Caleb & Taylor acknowledged each other...they get it. I love them both so much. I love all our precious t18 babies. Their life matters, no matter how much time they have with us...they have a huge impact on our lives. They are "compatible with life".

First Christmas Lights

We went down to the downtown square to see all the Christmas lights. Caleb loves bright lights so he was just so excited. It was really nice to get out for a bit to enjoy the beautiful lights, wonderful weather and great music. There were christian bands playing..it was a perfect evening.

Facing our own Giants

Watched "Facing The Giants"...again. I love this movie because it reminds me of how much God loves us. It is a testimony to His faithfulness to us and a reality check on our faithfulness to Him. I was reminded of how it took many many years for me to have our son Devin. I had given up when I was told that I would probably never be able to have children. But God had a different plan. How tremendously blessed we are to have our beautiful son Devin. Then once again we were faced with not being able to conceive. And once again after several years God surprised us again. Our precious son, Caleb. We still feel so blessed that we were chosen to be Caleb's parents...even if that meant for only a short while. Every moment with our children is more than we had ever expected. Things can seem unbearable at times but I know God is there to carry us. I have learned to love my children more than I ever thought possible, to hug them even harder and more often. We will love God in good times and in difficult times. He constantly shows us He is with us. Today while eating lunch, I looked over at Caleb who was sitting in his swing. He was watching his animals go round and round. Then I saw him reach for one of them. I yelled for everyone to look, then the tears just started pouring down my face. My mom was overwhelmed with happiness. Steven started snapping pictures and the boys got to see their brother acheive something we never thought would be possible. It was another milestone showing with God.... anything is possible.

Thanksgivng

There is so much to be thankful for this year. I just can't believe that we got to celebrate Thanksgiving with our precious Caleb. We had a small celebration with just us and my father and mother. We also got a surprise by my sister in law who came down from NY. She hadn't seen Caleb since he was born.

I saw this saying on a friends post and I think is says it all. "With you in my life, the music plays longer, the stars twinkle brighter, and Heaven doesn't seem so far away." I see a little piece of Heaven whenever I look into Caleb's beautful blue eyes. Thank you God for my wonderful family. Without them this would be unbearable. And thank you God for the amazing friends you have brought into our lives. But most of all, Thank you God for walking with me, with us, on this journey.

"Daddy"

Caleb was having such a good night laughing and cooing. During one of his vocal moments...he said "daddy". Whether he meant to say it or not isn't important...the look on daddy's face was priceless. He was beaming. My dad was here as well to witness it. Confirmed...it was "daddy". Now Steven is relentless to get him to say it again :) I love it.

Cpap/bipap study

Caleb went in for his titration study. He tolerated his mask for about 2 hours then he started screaming. The rest of the night was really difficult. He didn't breathe well at all. We were up with him all night. Monday we will get the results.