Cruising with Paige's Peeps at the CHOC Walk

Paige's palate surgery has been scheduled at CHOC November 18th...but in the mean time... 

So far my mother, a friend and I will be doing the CHOC Walk through the Park this Sunday.  It is a 5K walk that raises money for the Children's Hospital where Paige has her surgeries and works with their Craniofacial Team.  Our team is called Paige's Peeps to represent all those who have supported us through this time.  We are walking for Paige's biggest fans who have prayed, offered emotional and even financial support for Paige's surgeries.  I am very excited to participate in such a special event to bring awareness to the awesome work CHOC provides to so many little ones.  It's just a bonus that we get to troll through Disneyland with characters encouraging us along the route. 


In our time visiting and staying in the hospital I have seen other children who are sick or have severe medical issues and have been grateful often that what Paige needs medical care for is something that can be fixed and she will be able to live a very normal life.  I once sat in the hospital lobby when they called a code and requested med staff to the helicopter pad and all I could do is sit and pray for whatever child was coming their way.  This is the hospital in our region where children are rushed to for anything major.  We were told that if Paige was born with any other serious issues she would have been air lifted here. 
 
Here are the links for anyone who wants to join our team or give a donation:


Team Paige's Peeps support page


My personal CHOC Walk page

Wow...that's a lot of hair!

It's true, Paige was born with quite a head full of dark hair.  We're pretty sure she got it from me, because I had just as much, if not more.  It is fun to put bows, hats and flowers on her head....but sometimes I just like to show off the "do" that God gave her.  Here are some of our favorite hairy moments.


          Paige at birth...                                              Me at birth....

  

The nurse was so excited to wash a baby with hair....Paige loved the water....

Yes, we get it....she's got more than her daddy...

       

First Bath at home....gunna wash that hair since everyone kept petting it until is was slick and flat.

 All Nat-tur-ral and damp....

 A little help from a brush....

Some hair accessories...

Waiting for Baby Jesus and our own baby Paige....

What does it mean to be "ready" for the baby?  I have a place for her to sleep, little baby clothes washed and put away....at least up to 3 months, diapers and wipes and the room is pretty much done.  I even had a stocking knit and few other things....just in case this year is her first Christmas.

It is an interesting time to be "with Child." Though I am no "Mother Mary,"  I can relate to anticipating the birth of a child during a very special time of year.  It is exciting...and makes me wonder whether Paige will choose to come before Christmas...or on it....or possibly my 31st birthday (12/27) or maybe New years...or maybe her daddy's Priestly Ordination, January 8th.  I was due on Christmas and my mom always talked about waiting for me to come....she had my cradle by the tree and hoped a little that I would wait my turn, so my older siblings could have a "normal" Christmas.  Well like I have always done...I followed directions and came two days after. 

Growing up with a Christmas birthday is interesting....People always ask if it sucked or if I always got one gift instead of two.  Sometimes I did, but some people would combine them and get me something much cooler than I would have got for one or the other.  A few years back I also realized that I get to see a lot more of my family around my birthday and many of them actually know when mine is versus many of my cousins born in more obscure months.  So...so what if I have had a birthday cake shaped like a tree or my present is wrapped in the only paper laying around that has Santa on it.  It makes the Christmas season that much more warm and bright in my eyes.    It never hurt that my mom always worked to make me feel special anyway...I even got a treat and small present for my half birthday, just so something cool happened half way through the year.  Hey, who better to share your birthday with than Jesus?

In many ways...I never wished the same fate upon my own child. It kinda just happened.  One thing I am realizing though is, it again makes this season even more special.  Even the air feels "pregnant" with hope and anticipation of something special to come.  My child's birth will always be instilled with yummy smells and beautiful lights.  I am excited to spend my early birthing time before going to the hospital in my living room with the lit Christmas tree and candles.  It is one of the most tranquil feelings in the world.  

We are having a baby...whether she has a cleft or not.  She is a little person already. Knit in my womb by God 99.9% and the doctors will stitch up the rest with God's guidance.  She is so greatly anticipated and already loved.  I can't imagine her coming at a more special time of year. It really is a blessing and a very special gift to bring her into this world.