Santa's Coming to Town!!!!

In the town that we live in (Turlock, CA), Santa Claus arrives on a fire truck. The firefighters drive him around every evening and stop at certain spots so children can see him. When Santa found out about Turlock's new resident, Charleston, he decided to make a special stop just to meet him, so other people wouldn't be around, and Charleston could have his own time with Santa. I love this town!!!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy

Two years ago today, I woke up early and headed for Tahoe Forest Hospital, knowing that I was going to meet my grandson for the first time. Two years ago today, I fell in love with a little boy named Charleston.

Today, I am thankful...

• for the people that have helped us on our journey
• for the doctors who are spending their lives trying to find a cure
• for our friends that have attended and sponsored fundraisers so that we are able to get the things we need for this precious baby
• for the strangers that have learned about Charleston, and truly care about him
• for the other SMA families that share our journey in their own homes
• for the State of California, and the wonderful benefits they provide
• for God choosing us to love an angel on earth
• for Ashley & Cameron both being in the medical field
• for Charleston's sense of humor
• for Mickey Mouse & Barney....and balloons
• for my daughter's devotion to him
• for my son holding me up when I need it

When I dreamed about being a nana, I never thought it would be this good. Today we celebrate my Charleston's 2nd birthday. He is in the 10% of children born with SMA that survive until they are two. WE MADE IT. 

I am in love with a little boy named Charleston. Happy birthday, baby boy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for my family. Not just relatives, but our friends that have become our family over this journey with our Charleston. Life long friends, new friends, and our SMA family that help us get through our day to day life.

I am thankful that doctors can be idiots sometimes!!!! Because that way, we get to prove them wrong....by having my Charleston at another Thanksgiving dinner.

I'm thankful that he has the power to get a 200 pound man to dress up in public as Buzz Lightyear.

Today we will celebrate, like everyone else in our country. But our celebration is a little bit different. Instead of taking our turkey dinner for granted........we are grateful for a little 23 3/4 month little 19 pound boy......that is the strongest person I've ever met, and what he is bringing to our lives.

Charleston, you have brought me more love than I've ever received.........I treasure your butterfly kisses............and I treasure what you are teaching my little family. I love how your parents love you and protect you; I love how your Unkie B & Auntie Catie love you; I love that Great Nana is putting up with a 10 day visit so she can get to know you. You are the love of my life, in a way that I never knew I'd feel. I love you, little boy.