Happy Birthday Gabriel!
17 years ago
Monday, August 6, 2007
More pictures
ok, so he didn't go to sleep as I thought he was. But I got some great smiling pics. Now you tell me if that looks like a baby getting ready to sleep anytime soon!..Yep, I'm going to need Starbucks tomorrow. Actually, the Coffee Beanery is much better. I am actually not a fan of straight Starbucks. I know, sacriledge!! I do like their flavored foo-foo drinks. Then you get the added bonus of a sugar buzz to go with your caffeine. Ok, I am typing one-handed while giving the breathing treatment - multitasking - but it is a pain, so I'm done again!
New pictures
Just posted a bunch of new pictures. They vary from pics taken around the house of Gabe to wedding pictures to the pics of Justin and Kendrick's pets from Build-A-Bear. Enjoy!
Today was a odds and ends kind of day. I think we are done with the school shopping, so it is nice to have that out of the way. Nothing new to report with Gabe. He is sitting next to me talking to his Snoopy doll blanket. It is pretty cute. Don't worry, I'm talking to him too, even as I type. What I would really love to see (as much as I love seeing him so alert and happy) is for his little eyes to close. It is hard to go to sleep when he is being so cute and alert. I had really planned to be asleep by now. Uh oh....ask and ye shall receive - he is doing the heavy eyes thing.
Just one more thing and I am signing off (especially since it looks like Gabe is signing off). My brother emailed me an update on Dot Mimms (remember a few days ago I asked for your prayers for her. She was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome - not a spelling error, that is the acronym. Consequently, HELLP is what Mom had when I was born, except they didn't have that name for it.). Anyway, she was discharged from the hospital!! Thanks for the prayers, I knew you all would come through. While you are at it, I need to ask for your help once again. When I went back to work one day last week I learned that one of the nurses had just been diagnosed with Leukemia the week before. Apparently she has had it for a while and it has just now been diagnosed. She is an incredible person with a beautiful family, who is going through hell right now. I don't know the prognosis, just that things aren't so good. Her name is June, and I know I can't count on you all to get to work on this. Thanks again.
ok, bedtime!
Today was a odds and ends kind of day. I think we are done with the school shopping, so it is nice to have that out of the way. Nothing new to report with Gabe. He is sitting next to me talking to his Snoopy doll blanket. It is pretty cute. Don't worry, I'm talking to him too, even as I type. What I would really love to see (as much as I love seeing him so alert and happy) is for his little eyes to close. It is hard to go to sleep when he is being so cute and alert. I had really planned to be asleep by now. Uh oh....ask and ye shall receive - he is doing the heavy eyes thing.
Just one more thing and I am signing off (especially since it looks like Gabe is signing off). My brother emailed me an update on Dot Mimms (remember a few days ago I asked for your prayers for her. She was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome - not a spelling error, that is the acronym. Consequently, HELLP is what Mom had when I was born, except they didn't have that name for it.). Anyway, she was discharged from the hospital!! Thanks for the prayers, I knew you all would come through. While you are at it, I need to ask for your help once again. When I went back to work one day last week I learned that one of the nurses had just been diagnosed with Leukemia the week before. Apparently she has had it for a while and it has just now been diagnosed. She is an incredible person with a beautiful family, who is going through hell right now. I don't know the prognosis, just that things aren't so good. Her name is June, and I know I can't count on you all to get to work on this. Thanks again.
ok, bedtime!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Wedding Day
The big day arrived and we were so glad we were able to be a part of it. Gabe wasn't there in person, but it was such a comfort to know he was home and in capable hands. Mom said while we were dancing at the reception, they were dancing at home!
The whole day was beautiful and came off without a hitch - well, except for the Bride and Groom. You know, getting hitched...ok, bad joke. Anyway, despite the heat and humidity, everyone had a wonderful time. You could really feel what a special day it was and how much it meant to everyone there. You just know when a couple is going to make it. We knew going into today that most of the guests know about Gabriel and our story - most of you are following us on a day to day basis, and we still appreciate how much you care. Anyway, we wanted for this day to be about Kaci and Justin and not us, but they surprised us. Their Uncle (Dave Knopsnyder) who has visited Gabe up at Riley, wrote a song from Gabe's perspective. It is absolutely beautiful and Kaci had the song played for us at the reception. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house - tears of joy. Joyful celebration of life, and what a day to celebrate. A very special thanks to Dave for capturing all of our hopes and fears so beautifully and eloquently - and thanks to Justin and Kaci for sharing their day with us. I've said it before, but it is always worth repeating, we've been so blessed to have the support of so many and we are so grateful. Keep praying for Gabriel, and pray for Kaci and Justin as they start out on their own journey.
The next post has the words to the song. We are trying to figure out a way to post the vocals.
The whole day was beautiful and came off without a hitch - well, except for the Bride and Groom. You know, getting hitched...ok, bad joke. Anyway, despite the heat and humidity, everyone had a wonderful time. You could really feel what a special day it was and how much it meant to everyone there. You just know when a couple is going to make it. We knew going into today that most of the guests know about Gabriel and our story - most of you are following us on a day to day basis, and we still appreciate how much you care. Anyway, we wanted for this day to be about Kaci and Justin and not us, but they surprised us. Their Uncle (Dave Knopsnyder) who has visited Gabe up at Riley, wrote a song from Gabe's perspective. It is absolutely beautiful and Kaci had the song played for us at the reception. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house - tears of joy. Joyful celebration of life, and what a day to celebrate. A very special thanks to Dave for capturing all of our hopes and fears so beautifully and eloquently - and thanks to Justin and Kaci for sharing their day with us. I've said it before, but it is always worth repeating, we've been so blessed to have the support of so many and we are so grateful. Keep praying for Gabriel, and pray for Kaci and Justin as they start out on their own journey.
The next post has the words to the song. We are trying to figure out a way to post the vocals.
Gabriel's Song
By Dave Knopsnyder
One day in late May, a child was born, Gabriel was my name,
Icame into this world on a wing and a prayer, not knowing how long I'd stay
It would take some time, to know for sure, if the problems would be too great,
Alhough the odds weren't good, I knew somehow I would fly above the storm.
I could feel the power of family and friends, and others I'll never know,
a feeling so strong, like a blinding light, giving me the spirit to fight.
If you believe in God, and miracles, sometimes it's hard to see,
that the prayers from people everywhere, will help others just like me.
This is a song of lasting hope, a song for all to believe,
about a chance to live, a chance to learn, a chance for all to see.
So give me my wings, I'm ready to fly, like an eagle in the wind.
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly above the sorm.
Now Mom, you may not think I could feel your touch, but I could feel the love pouring through,
and Mom, it won't be long before that very first hug, I need it as much as you.
And Dad, you know I could hear your words, and Dad, I love you too,
I could feel the strength within your voice, helping to guide me through.
This is a song of courage and strength, a song of lasting hope,
about a chance to live, a chance to learn, a chance for all to see.
So give me my wings, I'm ready to fly, like an eagle in the wind,
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly above he storm.
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly-------above the storm.
One day in late May, a child was born, Gabriel was my name,
Icame into this world on a wing and a prayer, not knowing how long I'd stay
It would take some time, to know for sure, if the problems would be too great,
Alhough the odds weren't good, I knew somehow I would fly above the storm.
I could feel the power of family and friends, and others I'll never know,
a feeling so strong, like a blinding light, giving me the spirit to fight.
If you believe in God, and miracles, sometimes it's hard to see,
that the prayers from people everywhere, will help others just like me.
This is a song of lasting hope, a song for all to believe,
about a chance to live, a chance to learn, a chance for all to see.
So give me my wings, I'm ready to fly, like an eagle in the wind.
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly above the sorm.
Now Mom, you may not think I could feel your touch, but I could feel the love pouring through,
and Mom, it won't be long before that very first hug, I need it as much as you.
And Dad, you know I could hear your words, and Dad, I love you too,
I could feel the strength within your voice, helping to guide me through.
This is a song of courage and strength, a song of lasting hope,
about a chance to live, a chance to learn, a chance for all to see.
So give me my wings, I'm ready to fly, like an eagle in the wind,
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly above he storm.
I'll use the prayers from people everywhere, to fly-------above the storm.
Still doing well with no changes really to tell about it (and that is a good thing!). I went back to work for just a few hours on Thursday and it really wasn't bad. Actually it was nice to see friends I had not seen in more than two months and to do something very normal - work!
Gabriel continues to smile more and more, which is such a joy! The boys love seeing him make these faces. The other night I was sitting with my feet propped and Gabe resting on the back of my legs, facing me. I was raising his arms up, doing the "so big" game, and he would open his mouth as wide as he could and raise his eyebrows each time. We were all thoroughly entertained, and Justin kept falling on the floor laughing. Ofcourse I sent Josh for the video camera and the little stinker wouldn't do it nearly so dramatically on camera, but we got a little bit recorded.
Justin and Kendrick are now pursuing nursing careers, as the learned so much up at Riley. Every day they diligently care for their charges, Leo and Riley (Kendrick's bear and Justin's Lion from Build-a-Bear). Justin says his baby is in module 1, bed 1 and Kendrick's is in module 3 bed 1, just in case you want to send a get-well card. The boys are very good at remembering their "babies" breathing treatments and also their tube feedings (I gave them each a 60 cc syringe and jerry-rigged some curling ribbon through the opening, which we taped to their noses). Ofcourse I have pictures, I just need to get them on the computer.
Ok, I have to get back to bed now!
Gabriel continues to smile more and more, which is such a joy! The boys love seeing him make these faces. The other night I was sitting with my feet propped and Gabe resting on the back of my legs, facing me. I was raising his arms up, doing the "so big" game, and he would open his mouth as wide as he could and raise his eyebrows each time. We were all thoroughly entertained, and Justin kept falling on the floor laughing. Ofcourse I sent Josh for the video camera and the little stinker wouldn't do it nearly so dramatically on camera, but we got a little bit recorded.
Justin and Kendrick are now pursuing nursing careers, as the learned so much up at Riley. Every day they diligently care for their charges, Leo and Riley (Kendrick's bear and Justin's Lion from Build-a-Bear). Justin says his baby is in module 1, bed 1 and Kendrick's is in module 3 bed 1, just in case you want to send a get-well card. The boys are very good at remembering their "babies" breathing treatments and also their tube feedings (I gave them each a 60 cc syringe and jerry-rigged some curling ribbon through the opening, which we taped to their noses). Ofcourse I have pictures, I just need to get them on the computer.
Ok, I have to get back to bed now!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Weight check
Gabriel is gaining weight well! Last Thursday when we took him to the pediatrician for the first time, he weighed in at 10 lbs 13 oz. Today, 6 days later, he weighs in at 11 lbs 7 oz! So even though he is spitting up, obviously it isn't too bad. The spitting up is still mainly with the phenobarb and vitamins, which don't smell very good, so they probably don't settle on the tummy too well either. That is it for now!
Others in need of prayer
I got up for the 6 AM feeding and while I was waiting to put the second half down the tube, I decided to check email. I got an email from my brother requesting prayers for a friend. He has a close group of friends from high school who still stay in touch and support each other through everything (they call themselves the elders). I've known most of these guys since I was in pigtails. Anyway, they have all been praying for Gabe and us from the beginning and now one of their own needs prayers. I don't know the whole story, but one of the elders has a brother who just had a baby. The baby is fine but his wife's kidneys are failing and she was life-flighted to IU med center. Their names are Dorothy and Brian Mimms. This blog has provided us with a safe haven and a huge network of support and prayers - please direct some of that energy to the Mimms family. On a side note, I graduated from high school with Greg and Brian's younger sister, Leslie. I know you will come through for them as you have for us.
I got another email from a mom in Justin's pre-k class. She has a friend with a child getting ready to go to Riley (I don't know why) and another terminally ill child at home. She asked us for information on the Ronald McDonald House -I'm asking you to pray for them as well. We went through some pretty scarey times, but were still aware of many struggles much greater than ours, especially our last month there. We've been blessed with two completely healthy children and a third that is writing his own medical miracle story as the days pass. We know how fortunate we are. Thanks for your help, once again.
I got another email from a mom in Justin's pre-k class. She has a friend with a child getting ready to go to Riley (I don't know why) and another terminally ill child at home. She asked us for information on the Ronald McDonald House -I'm asking you to pray for them as well. We went through some pretty scarey times, but were still aware of many struggles much greater than ours, especially our last month there. We've been blessed with two completely healthy children and a third that is writing his own medical miracle story as the days pass. We know how fortunate we are. Thanks for your help, once again.
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