36...37...38!

Today is Clinton's 38th birthday. We spent yesterday together and going out and doing things together since he had the day off and had to work today. We didn't do anything majorly exciting, but we did go shopping and get him some new clothes. This year he asked for a plain cheesecake so that's what he got.

Happy birthday my love!

Heart Baby

As many know, my sister Laura is pregnant with their 4th child, 3rd boy.This little boy is special as he has a congenital heart defect, he is our heart baby. To tell some about it, let me back up to December 21st.
My sister went to to a maternal fetal specialist and received some life shattering news. Her little boy was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which means the left side of his heart has not developed the way it should, and if not treated within the first days of life, he will die. This will require 3 open heart surgeries to fix.
Now fast forward to January 1st, when they found out an entire new diagnosis. I'll share my sisters explanation;
"He has what is called, Severe Coarctation of the Aorta with aortic arch hypoplasia. So, his aorta is too narrow, which is a problem, because it is the main blood vessel carrying oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to all of the organs of the body. The doctor feels that once the aorta is fixed, the left side of his heart will be strengthened in time. There are also some other abnormalities. The mitral valve and aortic valve are mildly smaller than normal, but he can see that there is blood flowing through them that seems enough. There is also a small hole between the left ventricle and right ventricle in the lower ventricular septum of the heart. Dr. Cnota feels that the heart muscle will heal the hole on it's own."

 Needless to say we all feel better even though it will still be a challenge and things will be rough with the unknowns. So today we had a baby shower for them since they have special needs and items that will help lighten their load when he arrives. I must say they were blessed beyond compare. I am grateful for everyone who pitched in from all over the country even if they could not be there.
I am so excited to meet this little guy to watch him thrive and grow and overcome all that he is given.

Myself, Grandma Beaver, Mom, Laura, and Amy
(We missed you Heather)

Such an overflow of love, and this doesn't include the stroller someone order for her!

Most everyone who came to the baby shower.
Some had to leave before we got a group picture.

Valentine Flowers

Clint had Valentine flowers delivered today for me so I could enjoy them leading up to Sunday (Valentine's Day). When Gavin saw them he went running and brought me some fake roses and insisted I put them in a vase next to Daddy's. It was too cute I had to capture his excitement. I love all 5 of my boys, and I'm lucky to have them as my Valentines.
(Please ignore the fact he is in his underwear, we're still working on potty training)

Snow Helper

It snowed just a little last night and Gavin was so excited because that meant he finally got to use his new snow shovel. He picked the shovel out about 2 weeks ago at the store as his "treat/toy" and had been wanting to use it but had no reason to until today. I think he's a cute little snow helper.