Yay! A milestone.

I'm silly I know, but since the doctors determined that Gage has this "left torticollis" issue, I have been anxious to see progress. I faithfully work with him every day on this, so I was excited when Gage was successful with the Bumbo seat (which my sweet sis in law, Kim is letting me borrow). I've pulled it out a couple times before to try it, and he wasn't quite strong enough to support himself, even with the help of the seat. This time, however, he was intrigued! He won't stay in it long--he gets tired, I suppose, but this will be a great tool for me to use to strengthen those neck muscles!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

This year's Thanksgiving was so much fun. We had beautiful weather (64 degrees), so we were able to spend time playing outside, the food was great, and we had a total of 18 at dinner, including Gage. While he didn't eat any turkey, he WAS there, and he counts as a whole person! Josh's oldest brother and his two kids came to stay with us for most of the week, which was lots of fun! Thanksgiving evening, Theresa (my sis in law), Mom G, and I took all of the kids (excluding Gage--he stayed back with the guys) to a Festival of Lights Hayride about an hour away. It was so much fun. The kids loved it!

Here are a few pictures of our fun week, surrounded by family. Let me add that my heart was of course overflowing with thankfulness this year for our precious son, who brings new joy to us daily! Gage is truly one of God's greatest miracles.

Left Torticollis...heard of it?!?!

We went to our appointment with the physical therapist on Wednesday morning, and she determined (after playing with Gage for a while, testing different movements and motions) that he has left torticollis, which basically means "tight neck." Spending so much time on his right side has caused his head to be slightly misshapen. He looks perfect to me, but I guess an impartial opinion was needed here:). This is not a HUGE concern, but we were assigned exercises (which are somewhat time-consuming) and changes, like lying him on the changing table the opposite direction, feeding him on the opposite arm, etc... Basically, we have to train him to use his left side as much as his right. You don't realize how much you depend on your side of strength (mine being my right side), until you have to switch gears. However, we are thankful that it is not more serious. We have an appointment to go back in two weeks to make sure that the changes made have proven productive, and then once a month to make sure this is not affecting him developmentally. I am very grateful we caught this early, so that we can (hopefully) correct it before it slows his development.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our precious Gage and strength and patience for his mommy and daddy, as we work hard at correcting this!

Laughter, the best medicine.

I have been organizing my photos/ video clips, and I came across this one I took of LG as a baby. She was nine months old. I just HAD to share it! Now, if you could just guess what I was DOING to make her laugh like that...

Recipe Tag...

I have thoroughly enjoying snagging all of the new recipes from this game of tag (thanks Kelly!-I think you started it), so in playing fair, I will post a couple of my seasonal favorites. (since I was tagged by Karen).

Spiced Fall Cider
4 c. water
5 apple-spiced cinnamon tea bags
4 c. cranberry juice
4 c. apple juice
2 c. orange juice
1/2 c. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. sugar (I actually use only 1 c.)
3 cinnamon sticks
12 cloves (whole)

Combine all ingredients. Simmer at least 1 hr.
(I love making this for fall parties; makes the house smell great!)


Caramel Fruit Dip
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. caramel ice cream topping
Assorted fresh fruit

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add caramel topping; beat until blended. Serve with apple slices (or fruit of your choice). Gala apples are my favorite. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 3 cups

Neither of these is a very "healthy" recipe, but they are both yummy staples for our fall parties. We seem to have the most parties this time of year, so they are well-used. I think they work well all the way through the winter season though really! Enjoy!

Hmmm, I will tag Kim, Jenni, Ruth, Erin, and Steph!

"Gauging Gage..."

This morning, I took Gage to his four month doctor's appointment with a list of concerns (just in my head--I didn't actually write them down). He is now four months, and he favors his right side quite significantly. He will look to his left, but only if I really make a "scene" on his left side, of which I am perfectly capable:). He also still crosses his eyes some, not a lot. He doesn't roll over, or hold him self up well enough for an exersaucer or Bumbo seat yet. So, anyway I just had a few "not SO scary" concerns.
The doctor agreed that he favors his right side, and she is referring him to a physical therapist for an assessment and possible treatment. No biggie-that is likely a very correctable issue, though of course, I would appreciate your prayers. Gage was much more cooperative with the little flashlight this time, although his right eye was a little lazy. (a problem about which they would be concerned if he had not been premature--it usually fixes itself anywhere between two-four months). Although he is four months, he is only two months past his due date, so they are not too concerned with that yet. If the problem continues, he will see an ophthalmologist. His weight, length, and head circumference were perfect. He weighs 15 lbs 10oz, which confirmed what we already knew--he's a chub! He had two shots, for which he cried all of five seconds. However, he projectile vomited all over the lobby on our departure, expressing his irritation at the "shot policy!"
I will conclude by sharing that my heart is SO FULL of gratefulness. While I am concerned (as any mother would be) about these issues and covet your prayers, they are so VERY small in comparison to what "could have been." We have been truly blessed by this miracle, and every time he smiles, laughs, or coos, I am again reminded of this undeserved blessing.

My Little Handsome

I know I'm partial, but this little man has stolen my heart! He was laughing during this photo shoot, but with my camera, you have to have a still picture with no flash or you can have motion but need the flash. I am anti-flash (just typically don't like the picture as well with flash), so I had to settle for this sweet "still" face:)

Halloween/ Harvest Fest

Well, we dressed our little monkey for a few pictures, but we did not "trick or treat" this year. We relaxed at home with some homeade chicken & veggie soup and passed out candy to the precious little neighbors. We actually ran out of candy--we had quite a few this year. As much as I hate to be non-traditional, Gage cannot have candy, we do not need candy, and as you can see, his chubby little neck kept his costume from being the most comfortable outfit:) We thought we should take advantage of the last time (at least for many years) we have the "option" of staying home. Laura Grace enjoyed the holiday thoroughly as a lady bug. Anyway, he did get good use of his costume at Harvest Fest at Greenville Christian last week (which is why Grandma Golden is dressed up--she teaches 6th grade at GCA), so all in all, it turned out to be a wonderful "holiday." (not sure it is really a holiday, hence the quotation marks...) I should add that the "loving" LG is the recipient of in this picture is from Cade, my precious nephew (would you look at those lashes!! What a doll!).