Monday, August 30, 2010

The Verdict is in

But before you hear (ie read) the verdict, here are some pictures for your visual enjoyment of Gabriel at the park:)


Cute Gaby feet


And the verdict says: it's time to fix Gabriel's eye lid.


This decision of course comes with mixed emotions.
  • We're happy that Gabe was able to wait until after he was 1 to have this surgery.
  • We're sad that he has to have another eye surgery. 2 surgery's in less than 6 months for such a little boy seems like too much but we know there are others who have had it much harder.
  • We're grateful for a doctor and hospital that always help us make the best decision possible for our little boy. I once asked Dr. R what he would do if it was his son and every time we've met with him since I feel like he's still answering along those lines
  • We're scared that he'll be scared again after surgery like he was last time.
  • We're relieved that we're moving forward before Gabe's vision is more affected.
  • We're nervous that this could possibly be a series of surgeries for Gabriel.

Along with all of those feelings comes the fact that his surgery isn't scheduled yet because insurance considers this a 'non-necessary surgery.' If you can properly explain to me how a surgery that is going to help preserve Gabriel's eye sight is 'non-necessary' please do. If I laugh in your face as you try to explain how my sons eye sight isn't necessary, don't be offended.

I mean, come on!! Surgery to ensure Gabe can see is NOT necessary. Give me a break!

Thankfully we have been approved for secondary insurance through the Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps, so Gabe's surgery should be covered regardless. What a blessing BCMH has become to us!

So I suppose I should end this post by asking for your prayers; that Gabriel's surgery will go well, his recovery quick and his vision saved.

Hugs to you - from us and Gabe!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Beach Party

Saturday August 21, 2010 dawned bright and early as our household finished up the preparations for Gabe's first birthday party! The sky looked gloomy which was a far cry from the beautiful weather that we had a year ago on August 21, 2009.

See, as much as we celebrate August 18 2009 for being Gabriel's birthday, August 21, 2009 is Gabriel's homecoming day. The day we brought him home from the hospital knowing he was ours... so having his first birthday on his homecoming day was especially sweet for us.

After getting everything ready we headed to the Koionina Lake for Gabe's party. And still the sky looked gloomy and of course shortly before the start of the party the rain began. It just drizzled on and off for the entire party but it didn't slow anyone down. Since it was a beach party, those who were going to go swim, became a little wetter on their way down to the lake.

And the rain taught me something, which is always good. But more on that later. For now... it's party time!

So many people came out to celebrate Gabriel's birthday with us and we couldn't have felt more blessed by all the love and happiness bestowed on us that day. If ever a baby was more celebrated, loved, cherished and adored... I'm not sure I would believe it. Gabriel is so loved and we are so grateful to all of you, near and far, party go-ers and birthday-well wishers alike.

Now, onto the pictures as I'm sure most of you come to see Gabe and not hear (read) me ramble!

Gabe was excited for his party!







His cake! Yummy!





Gabe's Smash Cake


My brother Mike and his BBQ pulled pork!


The tables!










Beach Party Go-ers! Some of Gabe's family and friends that came to the party!
'Auntie' Sondra and Nicole


Some people made it in the water......

Dan, Waverly and London


Gabe and Daddy


Kim & Georgia




Sarah, Daddy and Uncle Tony



Cody and his umbrella. See the rain did not stop any of us!


Buddy Wyatt and Charlie



Clara!




Gabe's good friend Noah and his Mommy Anna




Lunch... no pulled pork for Gabe!




Waiting for his cake....




Smash Cake Time!!! And Gabe was totally uninterested...







Gabe and Daddy




Gabe and Mama


Some of his presents... boy was he blessed!





All in all a perfectly wonderful 1st birthday for our perfectly wonderful Gabe.


And if you want to see even more pictures, check out the August album on my facebook profile :) Yes, there are lots more.. thanks Lyndee!!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Gabe's Birthday!

While Gabe's birthday party wasn't scheduled until Saturday, Matt and I knew that we needed to do a little something on his actual birthday to commemorate the day! Fortunately (I think!) Matt had to study for a final that day and had taken the day off work.

After Gabe woke up....

we decided to go out to breakfast for Gabe's birthday and of course we went to First Watch. Going to First Watch is always exciting because they have the BEST breakfast food ever but today we added a little more excitement by ordering Gabe his first Belgium waffle. He shared it with me but Gabe did not disappoint and ate 3/4 of it himself!




He is so like his carb-loving Mama... hopefully it doesn't all go to his hips too though ;)
After a delicious breakfast Daddy went back home to study and Gabe and I went to The Great Lakes Science and Nature Center with his Nonny and cousin Ethan.

Gabe and Ethan in front Ethan's favorite fish

Scorpion
Gabe's as big as what type of fish?
a bald eagle


Ethan and Gabe sitting in a BIG tree

After the nature center, we headed home to see Daddy and go on a birthday walk around the neighborhood.
A pretty good birthday if I do say so myself!