Thankful A to Z ~S~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.

Mom I am thankful for the best word ever! Today I got home after a long day of work to be greeted by Gabe with Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel got a HUGE smile on his face and said "MAMA" then raised his hands to be picked up. My heart melted!

Naughty Boys I am thankful for my naughty boys. Gabe and Gabriel are my most favorite boys ever. They share secrets and wont let me in. Gabriel is completely a daddy's boy. It is okay most of the time because they are so darn cute together. They are always playing games. No mama's allowed of course. Just watching melts my heart! I have the best husband and son ever!

Occupational Therapy I am thankful that Michigan is so good with their children with special needs. Gabriel had all of his therapies set up by the time he got home from the hospital after being born. Of course he spent his first 18 days in the hospital. Early On is an amazing program. We all know that early intervention is very important. Michigan is there to support our children from birth to 25 years old. I hope the funding stays in place to keep the programs!

Purdy I am thankful to be a Purdy. Gabe was the youngest Purdy until our little Gabriel came. I love having such a fun last name. My students get a kick out of it ;)

Quality time I am thankful for my quality time with my family. Everyone should be as lucky to have such an amazing family. I love my family! Gabe is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. Gabriel is so loving and happy, who wouldn't love him. I cant wait until Isabella joins our family. She will be the spice in the mix. ;)

Relatives I am so very thankful for our relatives. Mimi and Papa step up to the plate each morning to watch Gabriel until Gabe is out of work. They even watch Gabriel while Gabe gets a little sleep. Grandma and Grandpa help us when we need a little respite. Aunt Brett helps put Gabriel to sleep when we are visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Great Aunt Billi is always a call away. She has also been able to help us with so many things. Great Grandma is amazing. I wish we got to see her more! I cant wait until thanksgiving to get to see her! Uncle Nick may be in Denver but he is always with us in spirit! Aunt Andrea and Uncle Anthony are always here for us. With four little ones of their own we do not get to see them that often. We have an amazing family and support group!

Siblings I am thankful for siblings. I was blessed with amazing siblings. My little brother and I are best friends. I love my little sister with all of my heart. I hope my children realize how lucky they are to be siblings. Gabriel and Isabella will be close in age just like Nick and I.

Thankful A to Z ~P,Q,R~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.

Mom I am thankful for the best word ever! Today I got home after a long day of work to be greeted by Gabe with Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel got a HUGE smile on his face and said "MAMA" then raised his hands to be picked up. My heart melted!

Naughty Boys I am thankful for my naughty boys. Gabe and Gabriel are my most favorite boys ever. They share secrets and wont let me in. Gabriel is completely a daddy's boy. It is okay most of the time because they are so darn cute together. They are always playing games. No mama's allowed of course. Just watching melts my heart! I have the best husband and son ever!

Occupational Therapy I am thankful that Michigan is so good with their children with special needs. Gabriel had all of his therapies set up by the time he got home from the hospital after being born. Of course he spent his first 18 days in the hospital. Early On is an amazing program. We all know that early intervention is very important. Michigan is there to support our children from birth to 25 years old. I hope the funding stays in place to keep the programs!

Purdy I am thankful to be a Purdy. Gabe was the youngest Purdy until our little Gabriel came. I love having such a fun last name. My students get a kick out of it ;)

Quality time I am thankful for my quality time with my family. Everyone should be as lucky to have such an amazing family. I love my family! Gabe is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. Gabriel is so loving and happy, who wouldn't love him. I cant wait until Isabella joins our family. She will be the spice in the mix. ;)

Relatives I am so very thankful for our relatives. Mimi and Papa step up to the plate each morning to watch Gabriel until Gabe is out of work. They even watch Gabriel while Gabe gets a little sleep. Grandma and Grandpa help us when we need a little respite. Aunt Brett helps put Gabriel to sleep when we are visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Great Aunt Billi is always a call away. She has also been able to help us with so many things. Great Grandma is amazing. I wish we got to see her more! I cant wait until thanksgiving to get to see her! Uncle Nick may be in Denver but he is always with us in spirit! Aunt Andrea and Uncle Anthony are always here for us. With four little ones of their own we do not get to see them that often. We have an amazing family and support group!

bigger and bigger

Lots of things to catch up on:

Gabriel is getting bigger and bigger each day. He is taking steps on his own now. I am happy that he is too afraid right now to take too many on his own. He is off as long as he has mama's or dada's finger to hold onto.

Gabriel is eating more and more every day. We are hoping to get him eating 'real' food shortly. He is still on 1st and 2nds. he does not like chunks in his food. We are slowly thickening his food in hope to get him switched over.

Gabriel is starting to crawl. He has been happy doing his army crawl up until this point. He is VERY fast at the army crawl.

Gabriel believes that the word NO means that he should just do whatever he wants to as long as he doesn't think you are looking. For example: he knows that he is not to be standing up at his Mimi's table. (He likes to clear it off for her). Any time he sees that her back is turned he is right there up at her table. What a little stinker.

Grandpa had shoulder surgery yesterday. He is at home doing good. It is close to the same surgery that Gabe will be having on March 5th. Yes, you read that right. Gabe is having surgery three weeks after Isabella's due date. But, that is the only time I have coming up that I will be able to take care of him. WOW, I will have three kids soon, two little ones and a big one.

Gabriel has yet to pop a tooth out. His gums will get white in spots and he gets grouchy but still no teeth. That is okay because he likes to bite. I am trying to break him of that BEFORE he has teeth.

Gabriel's vocabulary is getting larger and larger. He of course says mama and dada. He has emo (elmo) down. He will mimic a lot of things that we say. So cute!

I need to go back to work :)

Thankful A to Z ~O~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.

Mom I am thankful for the best word ever! Today I got home after a long day of work to be greeted by Gabe with Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel got a HUGE smile on his face and said "MAMA" then raised his hands to be picked up. My heart melted!

Naughty Boys I am thankful for my naughty boys. Gabe and Gabriel are my most favorite boys ever. They share secrets and wont let me in. Gabriel is completely a daddy's boy. It is okay most of the time because they are so darn cute together. They are always playing games. No mama's allowed of course. Just watching melts my heart! I have the best husband and son ever!

Occupational Therapy I am thankful that Michigan is so good with their children with special needs. Gabriel had all of his therapies set up by the time he got home from the hospital after being born. Of course he spent his first 18 days in the hospital. Early On is an amazing program. We all know that early intervention is very important. Michigan is there to support our children from birth to 25 years old. I hope the funding stays in place to keep the programs!

Thankful A to Z ~N~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.

Mom I am thankful for the best word ever! Today I got home after a long day of work to be greeted by Gabe with Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel got a HUGE smile on his face and said "MAMA" then raised his hands to be picked up. My heart melted!

Naughty Boys I am thankful for my naughty boys. Gabe and Gabriel are my most favorite boys ever. They share secrets and wont let me in. Gabriel is completely a daddy's boy. It is okay most of the time because they are so darn cute together. They are always playing games. No mama's allowed of course. Just watching melts my heart! I have the best husband and son ever!

Thankful A to Z ~M~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.

Mom I am thankful for the best word ever! Today I got home after a long day of work to be greeted by Gabe with Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel got a HUGE smile on his face and said "MOM" then raised his hands to be picked up. My heart melted!

Thankful A to Z ~L~

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) I am thankful that Gabriel's heart surgery for his AVSD is over an that things are looking very good for him. We are off medication for his heart as of Wednesday! I am thankful that we went thought the heart surgery process and came out of it stronger!

BoogaBoo I am thankful for Gabriel's nickname BoogaBoo (Booga). Gabriel's Daddy gave him this nickname. He will most likely not know that his name is Gabriel. In fact, when Gabe calls Gabriel by his real name, Gabriel has no idea he is being called. It is a sign of the special bond between daddy and son!

Cats I am thankful for our cats. Many of you have seen Gabriel's relationship with BigFoot. Biggie and Gabriel are best friends. Even though Kitten is the owner of the house, she allows Gabriel to run the living room. Of course when Gabriel is not in the living room she makes sure everyone knows she really owns it. I was worried about how the cats would receive Gabriel but they have allowed him in our home without any trouble.

Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.

Education I am thankful for free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Every child has the right to be educated no matter what. I went to Western to major in Education because of my deep belief that every child has the right to learn and that not every child learns the same way. I am glad that our government is now supporting education for students with disabilities and has created legislation accordingly. IDEA '97 really opened the door for students with disabilities by allowing for children with disabilities to have the same free and appropriate education as everyone in the least restrictive environment. Having a mixture of students in the classroom teaches all children that there are people in this world who are different but that different does not mean bad.

Friends and Family I am so thankful for our friends and family. With out each and every one of you we would be lost. THANK YOU for being there for us. We have cherished having you each and every step of the way. Words can not express how much you all mean to us. Gabriel is the luckiest young man in the world. He has so many people backing him up, so many people ready and willing to assist our little family whenever we need it. THANK YOU!

Gabriel I am so thankful for Gabriel. He is an amazing little man. He has surprises for us each and every day. He is almost walking on his own. He has learned to wave goodbye to me each morning when I drop him off at Mimi and Papa's. He is a breath of fresh air each morning and each evening when I get home from work. His smile breaks hearts already.

Hospitals I am thankful for all of the hospitals that Gabriel has been admitted to. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. They did an amazing job with him for the 4 days he spent there before being transferred to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. The hospital staff and doctors were so helpful at Devos. They were able to diagnose what was wrong and have a plan of treatment. We also had a great experience with the doctors and staff at Devos when Gabriel was admitted there for a week in April . Mott Children's Hospital was amazing when we were there for Gabriel's surgery. With out these amazing hospitals and their amazing staff we would not be where we are today!

Ice Cream I am SO, SO thankful for ice cream. Where would the world be without the special powers of ice cream? In high school I ran for ice cream, now I waddle to the fridge for ice cream. I can’t wait for Gabriel to enjoy ice cream as much as I do. I know Isabella LOVES her ice cream, she asks for it ALL of the time! Right now he isn’t too sure about it. Give him some time.

Joy I am thankful for all of the joy I have in my life. I am reminded how lucky I am each morning when I am greeted with a Gabriel smile. I am reminded each evening when I get my good night kiss from Gabe as he heads to work. Through every trial and tribulation my family is able to bring joy into the situation.

Kisses I am thankful for my kisses! Gabriel and Gabe shower me with kisses. I LOVE MY KISSES! I will be excited when Gabriel learns that he is not a puppy and he does not need to lick me in order to give me a kiss.

Love I am thankful for all of the love we have. Love for our little family, Love for and from our extended family, love from friends... Our world is full of love.