Aww man!

I tried posting this a few weeks ago, but ended up uploading the wrong video - so I'm trying again (finally). I guess I do say "aww man" an awful lot. This is his first phrase, or two words together he has said. He says it now with no problem, on command. It's pretty funny. One morning I was feeding him breakfast, he got a little too happy and knocked the bowl of oatmeal over. It splattered all over the place, including me. I said "Oh Gavin!", and he replied "Aww man!" I about died. It was the funniest thing... here is a snippet I caught a few days later. He says it towards the end.. I'm his mommy and of course I think it's the cutest thing.

I Know

This was written for me by my beautiful cousin, Mary. It took me a few reads to get through its entirety. It sums up exactly how I hope Gavin feels about me. Thank you Mary! I love it, and can't wait to write it up in braille and hang in his room.

I Know

Never think I don’t understand how beautiful you are
Sight is not important to recognize you
I am the one who knows you best by far

I know you are elated with joy
When I hear that melodic sound in your laugh
To hear you makes me the luckiest boy

When I taste the salt from your tears
I know you are scared and confused
But I will try to kiss away your fears

The wonderful scent of your perfume
Fills the air and smells so sweet
I know you have entered the room

I know you best by feeling and touch
Memorizing every curve of your face
You are the one I love so much

I am the blessed and grateful one
To have you to guide me along
God was right to choose me as your son.

Paradox of Time

I'm sure we have all read a version of the below, and many parts sound very cliche. However, there are some points that reflect my past year. I have grown, learned, and changed internally through my trials. I have a keen sense of the importance of life, the moments that my children will carry with them. The realization that "things" truly don't matter, regardless how nice they are. I hope you take a little bit from it.

Paradox of Time

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers,

wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine,

but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much , and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce,

fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

A time when technology can bring this to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or delete it.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Hands Down Monkey

I'm not God, nor am I a doctor or research scientist. I cannot fix my sons vision problems. All we can do as Gavin's parents are raise awareness, raise money and promote research.

This is another of our attempts to raise awareness. It's not finished, and is in its beginning stage. Take a peek, and check back for new items. Promoting braille literacy is another one of our areas we will be focusing in on. I believe it opens doors to having a visually impaired individual become more independent.

I will post when new items are updated.

Enjoy!

http://www.handsdownmonkey.com/

Must be my cooking

I knew I should have bought his first cake and not made it.

Back and forth

Part of Gavin's therapy is the swing. It provides vestibular stimulation, which is very important for visually impaired children. He loves it!

...and is a lot of hard work. ;)

Static clean

Just minding my very own business eating my snacks.

I'm not sure how it happened, but apparently, the laughter from winning a 5 foot cheetah at the Fair switched to me and my hair.