Music to My Ears

Yesterday Jeff and I heard two words that were music to our ears - "Sounds clear." On Monday Caleb's pneumonia got worse, and he had junk throughout his lungs. He got an injection of a more aggressive antibiotic, which seemed to do the trick. He's still has some gunk in his lungs, but things are loosening up and he has some spots in his lungs that sound clear. He also continues to have a gnarly sounding cough, but it's productive.

Throughout all of this, Caleb has remained in good spirits, although somewhat ornery. Not sure if that's just him going stir crazy, or my lack of patience for the same reason. I've had my share of diarrhea, vomit (both side effects of an upset tummy from the antibiotics), snot and doctor's visits to last me a while...oh the joys of parenthood. Luckily no hospital visits this time around, and looks like he'll be better in time to go Trick-or-Treating for Halloween!

Below is a video of Caleb "running" in his walker, which is just one example of the many ways we have passed the time these last few days cooped up in the house.

New Addition to the Family

Caleb got a new cousin today (2nd cousin actually, but whatever). David, Ania, and big sister Natalie are very excited to welcome Daniel Lowenthal (middle name is yet to be announced) into the family. Both mom and baby are doing well.Born 5:38am Wednesday October 15, 2008
8lbs 7oz
20.5 inches

His weight is pretty substantial, especially since he was born almost 2 weeks before Ania's due date...which was a revised due date-moved up two weeks from her original due date. Do I hear another football player in the family?

Welcome, little Daniel (I'm using the word "little" pretty loosely here). Caleb and the rest of us can't wait to meet you.

News Release from Stater Bros.

Below is the latest news release from Stater Bros. For those of you that don't know, Jeff's dad, Mickey, is the Vice President of the Bakery and Deli dept. for Stater Bros. Ironically, they have been major supporters of the MDA for years - Mickey and Marilyn went to MDA events way before Caleb was even thought up. We are very proud that they are part of the MDA family, and are astounded at their efforts. Thank you Stater Bros.!!!!!


SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA – Stater Bros. Markets is pleased to announce that a check for $1,143,000 was presented to the MDA during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over the recent Labor Day weekend. Stater Bros. has raised funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for 23 consecutive years.

Funds from this campaign will be used to send 1,000 children with Muscular Dystrophy to Camp. Additional funds will be used to support vital research for neuromuscular disease, medical equipment, free support groups, clinics and funding wheelchairs for those who suffer from neuromuscular disease.

All 165 Stater Bros. Supermarkets participated in the MDA Aisles of Smiles for Jerry’s Kids Campaign during the month of August. This campaign provided funds to MDA through the sale of participating products as well as through the sale of $1 and $5 Mobiles at the time of checkout. In addition, Stater Bros. has spearheaded the MDA Grocery Industry Alliance Program for the past three years. Stater Bros., its customers, and employees all helped in this fund raising effort.

To further assist, Stater Bros. also hosted an event this year for the families of the children who were going off to MDA Summer Camp.

“The Stater Bros. ‘Family’ of Employees is very pleased with the outcome of the MDA campaign,” stated Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Chairman and CEO. “This year’s fund raising efforts produced the largest amount ever raised by the Stater Bros. ‘Family’, and we are extremely proud to be able to assist the MDA in helping local families in the communities we are privileged to serve.”

In Honor of Baby Sayumi

First off, thank you for all your prayers and positive thoughts for my cousin's baby. For a while everything was moving in the right direction. Her liver counts were down, the dialysis she was on for her failing kidneys was starting to work, and she even woke up for a brief period of time. The doctors found out this shut-down of her tiny body was due to a viral infection, which had also gotten into her brain. Unfortunately, she lost her battle last night. There was just too much damage done to her little body.

Our hearts go out to Scott and Maiko in their time of loss. We commit to supporting them in any way they need.

This is a stark reminder of how frail we all are and how impermenent our time on this earth is.

I have one more request for you all. Please go hug your babies, no matter how big they are now, as well as all your loved ones, and please just appreciate today with them.

Sending you all a big hug and lots of love.

FINALLY!!!

We just got word today that our insurance company approved Caleb's wheelchair. It has been 6 months (or more) of jumping through hoops, working through red tape, and one snafu after another - and this isn't even for a power chair! We're happy that they're doing the right thing and have finally approved this request. We are also grateful for the loaner chair that we have had from the MDA. Don't know what we would've done without it for Caleb starting school.

One more hurdle jumped over. Whew!

The MDA Telethon: What an amazing experience!

I am happy to report that the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis Telethon was a huge success. Nationally, $65 million dollars was raised for MDA, which is $1.2 million more than last year. Quite a feat when you consider the economy!

We had a wonderful day at the San Diego telethon. Of course, Caleb was a hit and they had him on camera quite a bit, which meant that Jeff and I were on camera as well since we had to carry him.

In case you have not seen it, or if you want to watch it again, below is the vignette that KUSI aired. Make sure you have some tissues handy...people that don't even know Caleb were reported to have been moved to tears!

In order to hear the video better, make sure to pause the music (scroll down to "Tunes While You Visit: on the right-hand side).

At the end of our live interview John Soderman, the man telling Caleb's story, said he was humbled by our family. Truth be told, I am humbled every day by Caleb and his amazing ability to touch people's hearts. This little boy, who has a tenacious love for life (especially if that includes playing with cars) is such an inspirational reminder to appreciate right now, this very moment. When you are around him, it is impossible to feel sad about the idea that our time with him may be limited, because right now with him is so full of joy. We feel blessed each moment that we get to spend with him, and are grateful that we were trusted enough to help him on his journey.

Thank you, everyone, for all your wonderful support. Whether it was through donations, fundraising, showing up to the telethon at the last minute to answer phones, or being there for us through the good times and the not-so-good, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Our family is truly blessed to have such amazing support and love.

Caleb's TV Debut

The vignette aired earlier this week. John Soderman, the news team-member that covered the story, and the rest of the KUSI crew did an amazing job of capturing our family. They were able to balance showing how far Caleb has come since he was first born, while still showing the extent of his weakness. They also captured what a joy it is to be around him, and of course, got a great close-up shot of his winning smile. They also were able to accurately portray Jeff's and my deepest emotions about the challenges our family faces on a daily basis - that even though there is sadness around the idea of having a limited time with our wonderful little boy, we look at Caleb's disease as our teacher; that it has taught us to live in the moment and cherish each day with him.

A Calebism tied to this: Jeff and I had watched the piece a few times with Caleb. When we had some friends over for dinner we wanted to show them the story. Caleb was in his walker in the other room. As soon as he heard the news broadcaster say, "Caleb Gold," he came running in (as best as he can) and exclaimed, "It's Caleb TV!"

For those of you in the San Diego area, the piece will be airing at least one more time - on Monday (tomorrow) at 12 noon, with a live interview with Jeff, Caleb and me right afterwards. For those of you out of town, I am trying to get ahold of a copy to post on the blog. I haven't been able to find a link on KUSI's website, but I'm sure I can find out more information tomorrow at the studio.

Caleb's First Day of School

Yesterday was not only Caleb's birthday, but was also his first day of preschool. He had so much fun meeting new friends and loves his teachers. Since it was his birthday, he got to bring cupcakes for his new classmates, and got to wear a crown all day, which he was so proud of. He loved it again today, and rode the school bus home for the first time. This was another exciting adventure that he had a blast doing.

As for mommy...well, I almost held it together yesterday. Could it have been that I only had 4 hours of sleep due to the "incessant mental noise" in my head (Eckart Tolle-ism that fits me all too well)? Maybe it was seeing him being pushed in his wheelchair by a little boy and the classroom aid. What really sent me over the edge, though, was seeing one of my friends who happens to be one of the strongest women I know, crying as she was dropping off her girls (I'm a total sympathy cryer). Or maybe I'm actually just a cry baby. I dropped him off again this morning, and no tears, so it's quickly getting better.

HE DID IT!!!

Caleb actually pooped on the potty! For all you parents out there, you know what a momentous occasion this is. We had to catch him in the act, then sat him down, so I'm not sure this is a new trend. We'll have to wait and see :)

Caleb's Debut

Below is a flier and a link that have recently gone out from the San Diego chapter of the MDA. It's Caleb's debut as a "poster child" of sorts.

https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/14981/Default.aspx

Jeff warned me I shouldn't let this turn me into a "pagent mom". I'll try not to let it go to my head. But he certainly is cute for posters!

It's Official!

We are now officially running our own business! Last Friday Jeff took over the lease at the office in LA Fitness. Dr. Blanchard wanted to simplify things, and Jeff has been looking for something different for a little while now. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I will have the summer off to help Jeff settle into his new role in the office and make a few changes. We have lots of changes coming up in the next school year - I will be working more and Caleb will be starting preschool. So having the summer to get used to this big change works perfectly.

Caleb's First Steps on Film

This even amazed us. Caleb took 2 steps in a row totally independently...and we got it on film!

Below is how Caleb is walking more and more these days.

Caleb's First Steps

Well, he did it! Caleb was practicing standing today, then decided to take his first step independently! Since he started standing last week, Caleb has been holding onto our hands and taking shuffling steps, which was also incredible. But today he decided to up the anty AGAIN. While he was standing he just decided to take a step. He fell immediately, but then did it again. He amazes us every day.

There are so many sayings that seem so fitting for this: "Baby steps," "One step at a time," "One small step for man..." Caleb brings all of these sayings into the forefront of our lives. He teaches us to appreciate the little things, because each step he takes is a giant leap for him and for us. He teaches us to cherish every moment we have in this world. He is such a blessing in our lives.

Thank you for all your support. We'll post video as soon as we are able to capture it.

I PASSED MY TEST!!!

I just got word that I passed my comprehensive exam for graduate school. This means that after many years, a lot of hard work and patience from family and friends, I actually get to graduate!!! There are still a few loose ends to tie up, but this was the big obstacle.

Graduation is scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd at 8 am at Cal State Northridge. I know what you're thinking...it is such an ideal time for a graduation. But it is what it is and I'm just thrilled that I get to participate. I'll definitely post pics after the fact.

Thanks for all your support throughout this process,
Amy