Caleb's birthday Part 2

Caleb had a wonderful birthday evening!  We had Grandma and Grandpa over for birthday dinner, and we all took a turn to share what we loved about Caleb.  It was so tender to hear such sweet words about our little  boy. 

Grandma took a moment to read the letters she wrote us from Caleb.  They were such a sweet gift for all us.  After dinner the rest of my family joined us to celebrate and we each took a turn to share what we love about my mom because it was her birthday too!  Caleb loves sharing his birthday with such a special grandma.

I didn't get pictures of everyone who stopped by that night, but we had a wonderful time together as a family!

Grandma and Grandpa Baadsgaard

The best brothers ever!

Pretty proud parents (please excuse my teary eyes :)

Hailey- one of Caleb's night nurses. We love each of our nurses dearly, and we loved that Hailey was able to share the evening with us.  (We think Caleb has a crush on her, can you blame him?)

Joseph Martha and Isabella.  Isabella is my newest niece!  She was recently adopted and sealed to this sweet family!

My brother Joseph loves rocks and he brought Caleb a special Geode to have as a reminder of what a treasure he is inside.

My wonderful little brother and sister-John and Alisa

Since Caleb can't eat food, Alisa crocheted him a hamburger.  She also made him a cute little mouse!

My handsome nephew Bradley

Some of Caleb's other favorite gifts included: fruity chap stick, a cozy blanket, nice warm socks, some new clothes to wear and sweet birthday cards and messages! 

  Thank for you for celebrating with us!

Caleb's Birthday Book

Caleb's friends, Anita and Linda, wrote a special book for his birthday.

In it they wrote some of their favorite things about Caleb, and I just had to share...

 The Most Wonderful Things About Caleb

* He reminds us to appreciate all of Heavenly Father's blessings- big and small.

* His pudgy little feet.

* His magnificent brothers.

* His bright blue eye.

* His smile.

* His shows his thanks at even the smallest gesture.

* His wonderful sticking up hair!

* He reminds us to treasure every day as a gift.

* He loves red.

* He helps us to feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

* His complete trust in you.

* He's so snuggly.

* His incredible patience.

* He helps us enter a peaceful heavenly world when we're with him.

* His submissiveness to Heavenly Father's plan for him.

* His powerful missionary spirit.

* He gives us all lots to HOPE for.

* His ability to bring peace and harmony wherever he is.

* He lets his brothers put their hilarious costumes and accessories on him.

* Hi cheeks that are perfect for kissing.

* He makes us want to be better.

* He's filled with light.

* He helps us feel Heavenly Father and Jesus' love in a way nothing else does.

* He reminds us what is important.

* His little teeth.

* He never complains.

* His far reaching influence.

* His delight in "tasting" yummy food.

* Those Moody eyebrows!

* He reminds us we can do hard things patiently and gracefully.

* He teaches us things without saying a word.

* He loves us no matter what.

Thank you to each of you who left a sweet birthday comment or sent me a personal note with your favorite things about Caleb.  We treasure each and every one.   

Caleb's birthday Part 1: A Hero Story

Once upon a time, a few years ago, there was a 3 year old little boy who was in the hospital over Christmas. He finally started to feel better and on January 5th he was told he could go home the next day! He was so happy because the next day was his birthday, and he would be able to celebrate with his family! That night a big snow storm rolled into the valley. He couldn't even see out the window because the snow was coming down so heavily. His mom's heart was sad because he had already missed being home for Christmas, and she didn't want him to miss being with his family for his birthday. Caleb wasn't sure how they would ever make it home in such a big storm. His Dad wouldn't be able to come up to the hospital until the evening and by then it would be too late.

As his mom worried about what to do, two ladies in shining armor walked into his hospital room! "We're here to get you home for your birthday!" they said. They had braved the blazing storm in their trusty minivan so they could guide him home in safety. One drove her van and led the way, and the other drove Caleb's van so his mom could sit with him, suction him and monitor his oxygen levels. Through the wind and snow, and one missed exit, the little caravan made it safely home. There was dinner waiting complete with birthday plates and napkins, a cake and even a party game to play provided by other sweet neighbors in the kingdom. Caleb's family was so happy and there was great celebrating in the land!

Caleb's heroes, Anita and Linda have been a special part of Caleb's birthdays from the very beginning. And even though we don't live in the same neighborhood anymore, they still come over to celebrate with us.

When we lived closer, Anita and Linda had me train them in Caleb's cares so I could run to the grocery store or attend school programs for my other boys. 

They would sing to him, rub his feet and rock him in his rocking chair.

And now when they come to visit, they still snuggle him, sing him songs, and rub his little feet. 

They are his true and trusted friends.

For his birthday this year, they arrived with balloons to tie on his wheel chair, and a Winnie the Pooh pillow case that says, 

 "Are we going to be friends forever?" asked Piglet. 

 "Even longer." Pooh answered.

The also put together a book of the things they love about Caleb.  The first page says:

The most wonderful thing about Caleb

Is that Caleb's a wonderful thing.

He makes every body feel happy.

He makes us all want to sing.

He's

Winky

Lovely

Happy

Snuggly

Fun- Fun- Fun-Fun- Fun!

But the most wonderful thing about Caleb

is he's the only one~

Yes, Heeeeeee's

the only one!

Thank you my dear friends, for being Caleb's hereos.

Thank you for always being there to celebrate in snowy or fair weather.

Piglet, "How do you spell Love?"

Pooh, "You don't spell it, you feel it."

Letters from Caleb

As you know my mom has a special birthday tradition for all of her Grandchildren.  On their birthday she writes a special story or poem just for them!  For Caleb's birthday this year, she felt prompted to write each of us a letter from Caleb.  These letters will be a keepsake for our little family.    If you'd like to read them you can see them here.

Thank you, mom for touching our hearts more than you will ever know.

Seven

As many of you know, after Caleb was born we were given very little hope. After spending 8 days in the NICU we were sent home on Hospice care and told to purchase a burial plot. Those first few days at home were so tender. I remember browsing a website that told the stories of children with conditions similar to Caleb. Sadly, I noticed many passed away before their first birthday. However,as I read story after story including those who did outlive their prognosis, the thought came to me if Caleb can make it to his first birthday- I bet he could make it to his seventh.

Seven. That number gave me hope and permission to breathe. Seven years seemed like such a long time when compared to what we'd been told to expect.  

We began by celebrating Caleb with a birthday party every week. We had a big birthday party with our whole family to celebrate the miracle of 6 whole months! When Caleb's first birthday arrived we celebrated with a service party where over 100 people gathered with us to create sensory kits for other children with special needs.

And now suddenly seven is here.

Caleb turns seven years old this week.  It turns out seven years isn't such a long time at all. Oh my heart is full as I reflect on that little number that put a glimmer of hope into my heart.    I am overflowing with gratitude for the gift of seven whole years, and I hope we will continue to celebrate birthdays for many years to come!

I come from a family where birthdays were always special.  When I was growing up my mom would often tell us we shouldn't wait until someone is gone to share the things we love about them. As a result, she started a special birthday tradition.  For each birthday we gather together and family members each share what they love about the birthday person.  We laugh as funny memories are shared, cry when we reflect on tender things, and our family is strengthened as we share our love for each other. We've learned to celebrate the gift of the present.  

As so this year on this special seventh birthday, I want to invite each of you to join us in this special tradition because Caleb's family extends far beyond the walls of our home.   You might know Caleb personally, and you might know him through others or this blog. Each of you who have taken time to care about  Caleb are a special part of our family. 

We would love you to share something you love about Caleb, a memory you might have, or something he's taught you and join with us as we celebrate the miracle of seven. You can leave it in a comment or message me privately if you'd like at aprilmoody1@gmail.com. It doesn't have to be lengthy or profound to be meaningful to us. 

As you celebrate with us, I also invite you to do the same for someone else in your life. Tell someone you love them. Share a special memory, or tell them what they've taught you because there is strength to be found as we share our love for one another- and there's no time like the present.

"wink!"

Christmas for Caleb

On Christmas morning Caleb had a cozy place by the fire where his brothers could help him open his gifts and he could stay toasty and  warm.  It was sweet to see his brothers pile his gifts on his lap and be excited for him.  I love seeing my boys help Caleb experience the magic of Christmas, and I love the way Caleb shines with a Christmas spirit all year long.

I know if Caleb could speak he would want to thank his Dad for a gift he gives him every night.  We stay up late with Caleb every in order for his medication to take effect and to have some special snuggle time with him.  We usually tuck him into bed around midnight, but it usually isn't long until his alarms start beeping, he needs suctioning, he needs a diaper change or more medicine.  A few nights a week we have been blessed with night  nurses who sit with Caleb from 12-6 so we can get some sleep.  On the other nights Caleb is blessed with his sweet father. Dallan selflessly gets up with Caleb numerous times each night to turn, change, suction and love him.  He never complains, and quite often I'll hear him visiting with Caleb while tending to his needs.   I know that there will be a day when Caleb can wrap his arms around his father and thank him for the service he renders in those quiet hours of the night.  But in my heart, I think Dallan already knows.

Nativity Angel

Every year on Christmas Eve one of our favorite traditions is acting out the nativity. Caleb and his cousin Emma were the Angels this year...fitting don't you think?

Heaven

I think a little bit of Heaven shines down on this little boy of mine.

Light

Caleb's eye really responds to light so we have a light box we use  to help him with vision. 

It touched my heart to see Mitchell pull it out so he could teach Caleb.

It melts me to see Mitchell so eager to share the light with Caleb

While at the same time Caleb teaches him what true light really is.

I hope my boys will never forget the light and love they feel when they spend time with Caleb.

For the way he shares his light is divine indeed.

Pink Cheeks

Pink Cheeks how we love thee, let us count the ways...
1. We love seeing you are getting enough oxygen
2. We love smooching them.
3. We love squishing them
Now we just need Caleb could stop wheezing so we could turn that oxygen down a bit... but hey, we'll take pink cheeks any way we can get them!

Christmas Tree Sleeping

My sweet husband is a Christmas boy!  He was born on Christmas Eve and loves Christmas time as much as I do. When he was a little boy he would always beg his mom to sleep under the Christmas tree, and I think Caleb has inherited that same jolly gene.

What a gift these boy are to me...

Sweet words...

A few weeks ago I asked my Sister Arianne if she would take some pictures of our family to help ease that uneasy feeling I always have as the season changes. I worry about how Caleb will weather the Winter, and having some current images helped soothe the tug in my heart. Thank you Arianne, for snatching the last few minutes of day light to capture our little family.  She wrote a bit about our little family on her beautiful blog.  

My mom and I were also visiting recently about the most important lessons Caleb teaches us.  We reflected on the physical limitations of Caleb's body and how he teaches us it's who we are not what we do that matters most... She  gave the right words to the feelings in my heart that day.  You can read them here.  

Sleepy Time

As Caleb has grown, he's had a harder time sleeping on his own. We now give him Tarazadone at night time to help him fall asleep. I love watching his little body start to relax then finally doze off. There's nothing sweeter than a sleeping little boy...

Thankful

Caleb's primary class made him a special Turkey for Thanksgiving!  I was so touched by the things they thought of...

Caleb also has a vision specialist that comes to our home once a week.  For Thanksgiving she traced my hand with Caleb's and made feathers out of textured paper for him to feel.  I am so thankful for the sweet people who go out of their way to love and teach our sweet boy.

HUGS

Caleb's face doesn't always show it, but he is the best HUG soaker-inner I know. I love watching my boys snuggle and squish him. Even though Caleb can't hug us back with his arms, his little spirit hugs us from the inside.

I know that there will be a day when his arms will return every little hug we give him- and I think it will feel just the same as it does now.

 

 

A visit from Becky

Several weeks ago Caleb had a special visit from Ben's mom, Becky. We had a wonderful time chatting, eating and sharing tender tears. Emily and her sweet children were also able to stop by and we loved sharing the afternoon together.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful kindred friends.   

Dear Becky, thank you for the special snuggle time. I love you.

Love, Caleb

A Thanksgiving bug

Caleb has been a bit off for the past several weeks, and my heart has been really tender.  After his last few hospital stays, it has been hard to see how fast he can become seriously sick.  I've been watching him closely and have been praying that his little body will have the strength it needs to weather the illnesses that come with Winter time.  For the past two days Caleb went from being "off" to being sick.  He has needed more oxygen and his breathing has been much more labored.  I took him to the doctor yesterday and we had blood work and chest x rays done.  It looks like he is fighting a virus, so we are doing our best to keep him out of the hospital and treat him at home.  Yesterday he needed more oxygen and breathing treatments, and we kept him on his ventilator for a longer period of time last night and this morning. After we took him off his ventilator it was only a half hour before he made it apparent that he needed the extra support it was giving him so he has been on his ventilator all day.  We're hoping we can use the tools we have to get him through this illness at home and avoid the hospital during Thanksgiving break.  He is such a sweet heart and is being so patient with us as we try to keep him comfortable. We hope this Thanksgiving bug will be on it's way very soon!

Automatic Swish

This week for Family Home Evening Matthew taught the lesson.  He talked about what happens after we die and how we all want to make it to the highest degree in Heaven- the Celestial Kingdom.  Then he set up a basket ball hoop with the word Terrestrial taped to the backboard.  The word Telestial was taped to the rim, and he told us a Celestial shot was a "swish."  He explained we all wanted to make it to the Celestial kingdom, and we would take turns shooting until everyone made it.  When it came to Caleb's turn, he told us he was an "automatic swish" because we already know where he's going.  It touches my heart to see how my boys recognize what a special spirit Caleb has.  They know he has already made it.  The rest of us had to shoot for a lot longer but by the end of the game we celebrated that we all made it to the Celestial Kingdom with Caleb. 

What a sweet glimpse into Matthew's heart. 

Happy Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween!

From our baseball player Dad

Farmer Mom

"Link" Josh (from the Lend of Zelda)

"Link" Matthew

Wolverine Mitchell

And Captain America Caleb!

Our shortest stay at Primary Children's Hospital

This past week Caleb spent a day at PCMC to have a few minor procedures done.

He got tubes put back in his ears, and he also had some dental work done. He was supposed to have an ultra sound through his trachea to get a better look at his heart, but that was canceled at the last minute. The cardiologist didn't want to risk disturbing his nissin. So we decided to revisit his heart issues in another year unless they get worse.

Because Caleb has a history of not tolerating anesthesia well, we were a bit worried about how he would wake up, but he was a champion!  His oxygen levels were weaned down with no problem! His cheeks stayed nice and pink, and he was able to come home by dinner time! Now Caleb has pressure free ears, nice clean teeth, and a tooth to put out for the tooth fairy!

Hooray!