As Nana Turns 65.......

....I face the "elderly" life with tons of hope and joy....

....I believe in hope....because really, what is life without it?

...I'm thankful that my Charleston has a Mama Bear...

....I absolutely love that we live in a world where things can be adapted for him to enjoy life...

....I'm happy that he's able to teach people things from his life....

....It makes my heart happy that he can go into his backyard like any other kid....

....SO freaking thankful that I finally was able to touch him last month....

....I was thrilled to be able to be silly with my daughter after a year of "hibernation"!!!

...the LOVE between these two boys is immense....how lucky are they to have each other?????

Fireman Charleston!!!

Just call him Chief Charleston!!!

Charleston had a visit from Santa Claus, and LOOK WHAT SANTA BROUGHT HIM!!!!! Yes, he brought him his own FIRE TRUCK!!!! And he brought little brother Cole (2 years old) his own ATV!

Charleston continues to reap benefits from the treatment he's getting, Spinraza. So Santa knew that he could drive his own fire truck! Santa dropped by Daddy's fire station, just to make sure that everything would be set up correctly & customized for our Charleston.

SO EXCITING!!!! Santa knew just what to get him!

Here you can see how Daddy helped Santa. Together, they attached a sled so he could lay flat on it.

Posing in front of the Christmas tree, anxiously awaiting Santa's visit.

LOOK!!!! Charleston is giving his little brother, Cole, a ride in his fire truck!!!! That's what big brothers are supposed to be able to do, right???!!!!

NOW, for the best part!!!!

Miracle League truly is a miracle!

HE PLAYS BASEBALL!!!!

Charleston has been playing baseball with Miracle League. It's an organization that makes it possible for kids like him to be "normal." He's a great player. Daddy (Cameron) assists him by helping him swing the bat......and at the last game, he got a home run!!!!

If any of you want to experience a wonderful, heartwarming thing........find a Miracle Field near you. Or better yet, volunteer! It truly is amazing.

Here are some pictures from his 1st season.

His two biggest fans (besides mom & dad):

Nana

Little Brother Cole

His name is Cole, and he has the BEST big brother on the planet!!!!!

My Charleston is a BIG BROTHER!!! And let me tell you, he takes it very seriously. He is crazy about baby Cole. Here is a picture of the first time he met him (at the hospital).

Cole is a VERY happy little boy. Who wouldn't be with the big brother he's been blessed with? 

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.