Caleb's National!!!

A few months ago Caleb got a call to be the National MDA Ambassador for Staples.  So we did a photo shoot, and hadn't really heard much.  Then Angel from the MDA sent me this and informed me that he was also selected to represent in all the Vons/Safeways nationally!!!  This was a huge surprise.  So, when you are grocery shopping, you can say you know that kid.  Also, look for him in Staples as you do some back to school shopping :-)

Caleb's ad.

Caleb in action at the photo shoot.

Caleb's Surgery

Caleb had surgery a couple of weeks ago to correct both of his feet.  Basically they were both set to be in a flat position to be much more conducive for standing, walking, and weight-bearing in general.  He still won't be able to walk independently, but he will be able to weight bear and assist with transfers for a much longer period of time.  Caleb is now in double casts and will be until early September, and is not allowed to stand at all until they come off.  After that, we'll have to build up his strength again - Swimming will definitely be helping us in that process.  Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery!

Caleb's feet before surgery.

A visit in the hospital from his best buddy, Collin (who is sporting a rad new haircut!)

Caleb's x-ray after the surgery... Yes, he has to get all those pins out :-/

The casts Caleb picked out.

Showing how incredibly adaptable he is, even in his sleep :-)

MDA Tailgate and Chili Cookoff

Back in June we got to attend the annual MDA Tailgate party and Firefighter Chili Cook-off.  Such a fun event!  Not to mention great food and drinks, too :)

YEE HAW!!!

Photo bombed!

Hanging with one of the Firefighters, who also happens to be an MDA Dad.

No day would be complete without a battle of some sort.  I think Caleb is attacking this poor cowboy with a whip :)

Helping to hand out the awards.

A Couple of Belts Later

 Caleb has passed 2 belt tests for karate and is now a yellow belt with a black stripe.  His next test he's supposed to break a board!!!  I've already learned to never underestimate him... If he's taught me anything it's that what I might think is impossible for him, he makes it possible.  He's out of commission right now for karate as he just had surgery on both his feet (post to follow).  Congratulations to my karate kiddo!

I did NOT fall off the face of the Earth...

But I did go into a bit of an emotional hole for a while.  

It is with regret that I must tell Caleb's followers that his Mommy and Daddy are getting a divorce.  Ultimately there were some significant issues in our marriage that could not be resolved.  Jeff and I are doing this very amicably and are finding that we can actually be good friends to each other through the process.  Caleb is handling all the changes really well, and continues to prove how adaptable and resilient he truly is.

Check Out the Latest White Belt!!!

Caleb's best friend, Collin, has been doing karate for a while.  Of course this meant that Caleb has been begging me to do karate as well - anything that has to do with fighting is SO COOL in his opinion.  One day last week Caleb's swimming lesson got cancelled, so we decided to go watch Collin's class.  The whole time there was a voice inside my head telling me we HAD to find a way to get Caleb involved, but I just couldn't figure out how this could work.  

Through most of the class I was disheartened as I watched the kids do so many things that there was no way for Caleb to do, even with adaptations.  Then, for the last activity the instructor would hold a pad in front of the kids' faces and they needed to hit it away with a particular punch.  He brought the class to the edge of the mat so Caleb could be involved, too.  In the middle of it, Caleb looked up at me with such bright eyes and the biggest smile, and said, "Mom, I'm doing REAL karate!"  That sealed the deal.  We would make it work.  

The owners/instructors have been so accommodating and willing to work with us!  They see how valuable it will be for everyone.  We are all so excited for Caleb, but he is definitely the most ecstatic out of everyone.

Happy Valentines Day!

Last weekend we got to celebrate Valentines Day a little early at Grammie Mumu & Papa Mickey's house.  We had so much fun hanging out with the family, making little pizzas, and decorating cookies/cupcakes.  Hope you all have a great Valentines Day!

You've Got a Friend in Caleb

I took this video of Caleb dancing the other day.  He was just so happy and joyful I had to share it.  The funny thing is that when he did the dance there was no music to dance to.  The song I picked was the first try; it fit so perfectly I didn't even try any others.  Enjoy!

Remember to pause the music on the right to hear the video better.

Firefighter Bootcamp

A couple of weeks ago Caleb was asked to be one of the Ambassadors for the MDA Bootcamp for the Firefighters - this is a meeting where a bunch of firefighters come together to learn how to "Fill the Boot" for the MDA.  This year Caleb wanted to be very "stylish" and where a tie :)  He helped by taking pictures with people, handing out awards, and was part of the entertainment - this year he told them 5 Firefighter jokes!  It was pretty cool to see my 6 year old standing up in front of about 150 people, telling jokes and loving life!

 Just a little reading before going off to work.

 Making a muscle; making a difference.

 Caleb posing with two other adorable Ambassadors.

Handing out awards.

Here he is telling his jokes!  

Make sure to pause the music on the right to hear the video better.

Disneyland

We decided to go to Disneyland over the holidays.  It was so much fun taking Caleb at this age - when he can understand that it's all pretend and not be scared by everything.  Of course we spent most of the day in the area of Star Tours - we rode that ride 4 times (thank goodness for wheelchair access!).  It was interesting trying to stabilize Caleb during the ride.  It was a 3-D ride where the entire cabin is moving around as if we're in a spaceship.  All he was given was a lap belt, so I was on one side of him strapping his body to the seat with my arm, and Jeff was on the other side of him holding Caleb's head with his hands.  Caleb absolutely loved it.

However, the highlight was DEFINITELY the Jedi training!  Caleb got chosen, along with about 25 kids, to train to be an honorary Jedi.  Caleb took his training VERY seriously, imitating the instructor's every move.  Then up from the floor rise Darth Vader and Darth Maul!  The kids then got to battle them - Caleb got to take down Darth Maul.  Then the Darth's left, but there were still 2 Stormtroopers left on the stage.  The Stormtroopers quickly realized they should get out of there because they were totally outnumbered.  So they start running out of the area, and who's the ONE KID brave enough to chase them down?  That's right, Caleb was the only kid who chased down the Stormtroopers!!!  One of the Jedi Masters had to step in front of his wheelchair to stop him.  I just about died laughing at the irony.

 So excited on the tram!

 Disney Holiday tree.

 Daddy and Caleb in front of It's a Small World.

Jedi training.  Caleb didn't miss a single second of his directions.

 Learning some of the moves.

 Taking on Darth Maul. 

We loved our family day at Disneyland!

Here's Caleb talking about his Jedi training.