What is a Brosis?

Whether it be Smudge, Squirt, Grub, Peanut, or Bean, I think it's pretty common that we Americans like to give everything a name, this includes our unborn children!  Since we have decided we are not going to find out the sex of this baby, Jesse has decided to call our new addition Brosis (combination of brother/sister for those of you who couldn't quite figure it out).  I know most of you are asking, "why on earth would you not want to know what your having"?  The truth be told is that I will be having a scheduled c-section on or around August 1st and we'd like to have something else to focus our attention on besides being sliced open (sorry for the graphic thought) because our last delivery experience was a little traumatic!


Today was the first time Jesse and I had stepped back into the maternity unit where I delivered Gwen.  My anxiety got the best of me and my wonderful husband had to console me as I began crying in the waiting room.  As I lay down on the bed to get my first ultrasound, the nurse and I had a little pow-wow.  I explained to her that during Gwen's first ultrasound they told us her measurements were showing signs that she would have Down Syndrome and that now would be an opportune time to consider terminating the pregnancy.  That was never an option for us and I left that appointment with a hole in my heart.  Needless to say, Gwen does not have Down Syndrome.  Unfortunately she did sustain a brain injury within hours of labor and delivery which is why we are where we are today.  


Our nurse was wonderful and assured Jesse and I that the baby was measuring perfect and for the first time, I think I could breathe a sigh of relief! 


Please give a big round of applause for...........Brosis!

A Chair Fit For A Princess!

We officially celebrated Gwen’s 3rd birthday this past Sunday with family and some of Gwen's bestest friends!  Grandma Becky made Gwen a delicious adorable duck cake (but I forgot to take a picture of it before it was cut into pieces :( )! 

Bella to the rescue to help Princess Gwen blow out her birthday candles!

Vincenzo, Bella, and Caroline making cookies!

  

This year we did something a little “untraditional”.  In lieu of presents, we asked for donations.  The donations are to help get Gwen a chair (called a Special Tomato) that will help assist with all of her therapies as well as partake in daily activities like eating at the dinner table and playing  with toys while positioned upright instead of lying on the floor.

I think people find it hard to fathom that this chair will cost +/- $1000!  Eventhough we have private insurance, items like this are not deemed “medically necessary” so they are not covered.  However, since Gwen qualifies under the state’s long term care insurance program, items like this normally are covered.  But due to the economy and budget cuts, we are not so fortunate and this is will be a big out of pocket expense for us. 

The handsome Mr. Alex!

Gwen's newest buddy, Kyler!

Gwen's beautiful BFF Kaylee!

A little background story........we began the process of ordering the chair back in October/ November and we were initially denied by the state.  I sent in an appeal stating medical necessity and cost comparison to other chairs we were looking at and just learned that we were officially denied the chair.  Bummer!  


According to “Mr. Insurance”, the reason for the denial is because Gwen will be getting a wheelchair soon and the wheelchair will provide all the positioning and developmental assistance that she needs.  Tell me this “Mr. Insurance”, how many different chairs do you sit in everyday?  I'm frustrated because as Gwen's advocate, it's our job to get her the things she needs. 

None the less, we are marching forward and Jesse and I would like to thank EVERYONE near and far for your donations, love, and support.   

I'm A Big Kid Now!

January 17^th marked a very big day for our family.  Not only do we have a 3 year old, but we also have a preschooler!   Thank the Lord the school district we are in agreed the best placement for Gwen was to attend The Foundation for Blind Children! Being that Gwen is already familiar with the building, some of the teachers, aids, and therapists, today was a little less traumatic.........for me! 


Gwen must have known today was a special day because she was wide awake at 6am (she normally sleeps in til 8:30) and so I don't think I've ever seen her this excited!            

     
Like the Star she is, Gwen’s entourage (grandma’s and grandpa) were awaiting her arrival in the preschool parking lot.  As we entered the building Gwen was greeted with banners, cheers, and flashing lights!  After Gwen was introduced to her new classmates, we couldn’t leave until Gwen had the final say.  Gwen had to activate a touch switch which had 5 voice recordings on it reassuring us that she was going to be just fine at preschool and that she loved us very much….and that’s when the floodgates opened!

 

Gwen, no matter how big you get you’ll always be our baby girl.  

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and we love you very much!  

      

Not to be forgotten, but Sunday, January 15^th, Jesse and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary.  Due to "pregnancy symptoms”, this year we celebrated at home with pizza….and a football game (not exactly romantic but probably Jesse's favorite anniversary)! 

For 52 years, my grandfather gave my grandmother a long stem red rose for every year they were married.  My wonderful husband has adopted this tradition and every year my bouquet gets bigger and bigger!