Dad

Rarely do I venture off on my own and leave Brady under the sole supervision of his father. From exhibit A you can see why. Today I went to a dear friend's baby shower and left Jeff in charge. Apparently I needed to clarify exactly what a "sippy cup" is. Jeff is grounded.

Looking back

Brady at 12 months

Brady at 13 months

Brady at 3 months

Before the surgery 1 year ago

Brady at 4 weeks

Brady in the oven- I'm 7 months pregnant.

Lately I have been thinking about the past year or so. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I see our little guy growing up so fast or maybe it's because I can see how far we have come. He continues to make us smile every single day. This morning Jeff looked at him and asked "why do I love him so much?" Brady has the incredible capacity to ignite happiness. His smile warms people to the core.

Maybe his super power is an excessively charming personality. I'm sure this is what he would have you all believe. Later we could find out that he's really a master manipulator and we are all just puppets in his show! He'll use that killer smile and pouty lip to finagle later bedtimes and girl/boy overnights. Only time will tell!

OMG

Look how cute our kid is! I guess when we have a blog dedicated to our child it's safe to assume we think he's pretty swell. It's also obvious he comes from incredibly good stock. I think the Shannon ego has been appropriately stroked!

Moving on...

Saturday morning we woke to an usual site for October.....SNOW! Real accumulation! The teethy weather girl called for a light dusting of the white stuff. Wrong! We got 4". My Halloween decorations are sagging under the weight of this fall surprise. On the upside I got to pull out Brady's Ugg's and cable knit sweater. With the cozy threads and uber cute kicks, Brady was style'n (and probably sweating). As much as I enjoy Brady's winter gear, I hope the snow is not a preview of a long and cold winter.

The Report

Yesterday Brady, Grammie Lou and I spent most of the morning and afternoon at the hospital. We began our morning with an ultrasound of Mr. B's privates. The tech was on the search for the elusive dudes, which I was kindly informed by the nurse that they are testes. I stand corrected. It turns out that "the right dude" has set up ship in the abdomen and the "left dude" is hovering above home base with a bit of a hernia around it. The good news is that both look healthy and have a nice shape. They just prefer the warmer climate of Brady's mid section. The bad news is that Brady will have a 3 stage operation to bring'em home. The first procedure will be on Oct. 27th and we will stay the night in the hospital to make sure Brady handles everything okay. They are being extra cautious because of Brady's history and sensitive airway. The next 2 procedures will follow within the next 9 months. So in the next year Brady's basket should be filled. I say should because there is a 50/50 chance that after all this the testes might not make it. UGH!!!!

After the ultrasound we went over to pathology where Brady had 4 pitchers of blood drawn (not really pitchers, but it felt like a lot). This was normal blood work that must be done on a yearly basis to monitor Brady's thyroid levels, iron and calcium. The results were pretty darn good! His iron levels were a bit low, so he gets to take a yummy iron supplement. I'm kidding when I say yummy. The supplement smells like poop and judging from Brady's reaction it tastes like poop too.

Finally, we met with the surgeon, Dr. Azarow, and he explained the ins and outs of the surgical procedure. By this point in the day Brady not longer trusted anyone in a lab coat so he wasn't the most friendly.

So back to the OR! Of course we aren't thrilled about having to put Brady through all this, but we really don't have another option. If we just let the little guys rest where they are now there is a huge risk of developing cancer. Brady is a trooper and he will do great, but we could all do without the stress!

DS awareness month

October is Down Syndrome awareness month. WOW a whole month! So I asked Brady what we should be aware of. His abridged version follows:

1. Be aware that his looks can kill

2. Be aware that he is accepting gifts (always)

3. Be aware that he is a lover not a fighter

4. Be aware that a little something called Down Syndrome is NEVER going to limit his potential

5. Be aware that his extra chromosome gives him super powers (he will not reveal the depths of these powers)

6. Be aware that he gets an entire month celebrating him and all that makes him uniquely Brady!

With that I would like to rename October as "Down Syndrome Celebration Month."

p.s. The video is another sample of Brady making us smile!

E.T. Phone Home

Please enjoy Brady's latest trick. We think it's pretty cool. Of course Brady thinks its a game, but I use it as more of a drill to increase fine motor skills. With Brady I do a lot of "purposeful play." It involves a series of games and movements that help him develop and build strength. Notice the focus and accuracy he applies when using his finger. His talents are endless!

The Buddy Walk

The 2009 Buddy Walk was a SUCCESS!! We are humbled and overwhelmed by the support from family and friends. Brady's Brigade made an impressive showing and finished 4th in the fundraising race (out of 117 teams). So if you were one of these impressive donors, give yourself a BIG pat on the back.

Brady enjoyed the morning and all the extra attention. He was revving his engines and drooling over the idea of a competitive event for weeks. I explained to him that it was a charitable, non-competitive WALK, but the boy has a taste for sport. He slammed a protein shake in the morning and made sure I packed the Gatorade. In addition, he insisted I trick out his stroller with a steering wheel and accelerator (no brake mentioned). His days of sitting idly by while I push him are over.

A huge THANK YOU to all who made the Buddy Walk such a grand event. We had a wonderful time and we greatly appreciate your support.

Buddy Walk 2010......Brady's Tidal Wave.....