Bath Time

Gage is FINALLY able to sit up on his own! He has had 2 baths in the tub without the aid of his baby tub! Needles to say, he LOVES bath time! I can't believe how fast he is growing! It is nice to be able to put him in it and blow dry my hair, pick up the bathroom, or even go to the bathroom! I know I should be keeping my eye on him at all times... (I don't leave the bathroom for anything) I am just able to multi-task while his is PLAYING in the tub! SOOO NICE!!!

Christmas 2008

Christmas this year was AWESOME! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, baby, and family! Christmas Eve was spent at Todd's parents house. We had a wonderful time opening gifts and catching up with that side of the family!

Christmas morning we opened presents at our house as a little family! Gage had a great time opening his gifts! He actually did pretty well at opening them as long as we started it for him! It was cute to watch his face light up when he opened one of his toys!! SUPER FUN!!

After we opened presents at our house we headed to my parent's house to spend the day with my side of the family! It was really cute to watch Gage and Ava play with each other! Ava got a princess crown in her stocking and Gage just had to have it! They are too cute! We had a GREAT Christmas!

Tooth number 4

WOW! Boo got his 4th tooth this weekend! This one seems to be the worst so far. He is very cranky and upset! I feel really bad for him! I can't imagine what it would be like to be a baby and not be able to tell me exactly how he is feeling or exactly what hurts! The whole top of his mouth is swollen! I think he is going to get his 2 front teeth next!! Poor Boo Boo! Hang in there buddy! I need to get some more Tylenol!!

TEETHING!!

Gage is a trooper! He is teething AGAIN! His "snaggle" tooth came in last weekish... his only tooth on the top... which is an eye tooth! That is why I call it his SNAGGLE tooth because he only has that one lonely tooth on top! Anyway, yesterday I was at my mom's house making Christmas candy and Gage's right side of his face and eye were swollen and ALL red... and it was only the right side. His face usually gets pretty red when he is teething but not this red! I felt in his mouth and he is cutting his two front teeth and his other eye tooth!! The whole top front of his mouth is swollen and you can see the eye tooth that is about to come in! OUCHIE!! Gage was cranky but not really that bad! He is tough like his MOMMY! (I guess like his DADDY too!) Poor baby! He is my little super baby.. and deserves all of the presents he is going to open on Christmas!

TOOFERS!!!

On Monday we noticed that Gage had another tooth!!! Oddly enough it is one of his eye teeth on the top!! He hasn't gotten his top front teeth... but he did pop out an eye tooth on the left side!! I call it his snaggle tooth! HA!!! What a cute baby! Gotta love it!

DADA

Yes, Gage said his first word yesterday! We went to my sister's house for a Christmas party and didn't leave until 1 in the morning. We had to wake Gage up to put him in his car seat... the whole ride home he was saying.... Da Da, Da, Da, DA DEEEEE! It was really cute. We weren't sure if he was just rambling so we got him to say DADA again this morning. Todd freaked out and was soooo excited! He also said it a few times for my family at my mom's house today! I don't think he realizes he is saying it but he will repeat it if you say it to him! It takes him a while of you being in his face saying DADA over and over again but he says it!!!


Gage is too cute!! I have to chalk this one all up to Todd because since Gage was about 2 months old he has been in his face trying to get him to say DADA!! So, good job DADA you got him to say his first word!

We left on Wednesday around 5ish. Gage spent the day with his Grandma and Grandpa McCann and they only let him sleep for an hour so he would sleep on our drive down! He was a trooper. He slept for four hours on the way down and only got fussy when we were about 20 minutes away from the hotel! We got into Chicago around 9:30 Illinois time. We ordered pizza from the restaurant in the hotel and relaxed with the baby. He had a hard time falling asleep because of the new environment! After 3 bottles he finally fell asleep with us in our bed! Luckily it was a kind size bed!! The hotel was beautiful and we got our room really cheap because of the Shriner's discount!!!

This is Gage relaxing with Daddy!

Thursday Morning we woke up bright and early. We ordered room service again, it was very convenient because of the baby!! Not having to get him all ready and take him out in the cold was really nice... and the food was amazing!!!

This is Gage playing in his Pack-N-Play! I was trying to help him sit up!!! He had a blast!

After the Doc. apt we were crazy enough to drive straight into DOWNTOWN!! We were nuts! It was a lot of fun because Todd had never been in the city! It only look him about 2 minutes driving into town for him to realize he could never live in a big city!!! HA!!

After we got done driving through the city we ordered dinner again from the hotel! I am telling you the food was AMAZING!! YEAH!!! Then we decided to take the baby swimming! He had so much fun! Gage had been in our pool when he was about a month old but didn't like it because it was too cold! This pool was as warm as bath water!! He had so much fun and looked so relaxed in his floaty! He was so cute!

This is Mommy and Gage splashing in the pool!!

Then we took him into the hot tub! The water was only a little warmer than the pool water so we let him float around on his own and splish splash all over the place in the hot tub because it was smaller than the pool! He had so much fun and didn't even flinch when we slowly put him into the water to make sure it wasn't too warm for him!

Gage and Daddy playing in the hot tub!

On Friday we woke up, packed our stuff, and went downstairs to eat some breakfast! After more yummy food we started our trek home!! Little did we know it would take A LOT longer than we thought to get home! We were in the middle of I-90 E and the fuel pump went out in the car! With pumper to pumper traffic it was only by the Grace of God that we were able to pull our Jimmy to the side of the road! We had to then call a tow truck and he took us to a little hole in the wall auto shop!!! When I say hole in the wall I mean exactly that!! The office to this place was smaller than my closet!!! So, we got the privilege of keeping a baby entertained in this tiny little room for 3 hours and $690 dollars later we started our journey home again!! AHHHH!!!! We finally made it home around 9ish on Friday!!! I am glad to be home!! Overall we had a really great time!

Gage's Doctor Apt.

I will first post about Gage's Doc. apt at Shriner's hospital and then I will post about our EXCITING mini vacation in Chicago!

When we arrived at the hospital we had to register Gage and then we waited in a fun little waiting room. It didn't take long for the nurse to come in and take us back to the room. She weighed Gage and got all of his measurements.

After a few minutes the resident doctor came in and asked us all about Gage. He basically got all of our background information. He then looked Gage over and sent us to get X-rays.

Gage was a great little baby until we got his X-rays! The girls were very nice and gentle when they were doing them but they had to make his hands flat against the table and then hold them there... I think it was pretty uncomfortable for him! He screamed his almost bald little head off!! I felt so bad but knew it was going to benefit him so I just spoke softly in his ear and told him everything was going to be ok!!

After the traumatizing X-rays it took Boo about 20 minutes to calm down! We walked back to our room where we were greeted by the hospital social worker. She too asked us lots of questions about Gage and how we came to find out about the hospital and such! Then a nurse came in and pretty much asked us the same questions! They are VERY complete with there check ups!!

So, finally the doctor in charge of Gage's case came in! He gave us lots of information about Amniotic Band Syndrome. He also checked out the baby! He stripped him down to his diaper and looked him over really well!

Much of the information he gave us information that we already knew!! But we also have an apt. to see the hand specialist in March. He will be able to tell us exactly what they will do for his hands!

THINGS WE ALREADY KNEW:
Gage will grow up to be normal and be able to do most of what everyone else can do.
His feet are fine and he will be able to walk normally.
His will be able to use his hands.

THINGS WE DID NOT ALREADY KNOW:
All of Gage's fingers will grow proportionally to what they are now. (Meaning: his small fingers will always be small but they will grow just like the other fingers)

Gage's nub will most-likely need to be removed because the skin around it is so tight.

He has bands around the bottom of his legs... we thought they were just FAT Rolls because he is so big but really they are from the ABS! The doc said that Gage is very fortunate because the bands do not go all the way around his legs! If they would have done that they could have cut off his feet completely!! PRAISE GOD!! We had no idea that the bands on his legs were part of the ABS we really just thought they were fat rolls! I will post pictures later so you can see what I am talking about!

The doctor we saw Thursday reassured us that he was not the expert on ABS or on hands so we should have a lot more information when we go back in March!

Overall I feel like Gage was well taken care of there. Everyone was very nice and kind to all of us. They were able to give us a TON of information. They even set us up with a Geneticist to see if they can figure out "why" this happened, if it will happen again, and if Gage could pass this on to his children! I am really excited about this apt. as well because it will be nice to finally have some answers to all of the questions I have had for so long!!

Earlier Post

The post I posted a few days ago about the girl who said horrible things about Gage... that was not my sister! I just wanted to make everyone aware that it sounded like it could be her because she has a daughter but I didn't want anyone to think that it was about her!!! SORRY BROOKE!! Love you!

Happy Anniversary to US!! The big 3!

Three years ago today I married Todd Charles McCann! Without hesitation and not knowing exactly what the future would hold, we said I DO. I can still remember how nervous I was to walk down the isle in front of 360 people! The church was packed, but when I saw Todd and his Dad (who was his best man) standing at the end of that isle I knew everything was going to be OK!

We are both very fortunate to have found each other, thanks to my sister! I never would have thought I would have ever met and married a man within a year and a half! WOW! A lot of people thought we were moving a little fast... but as the saying goes, "When you know, you know!" That is exactly what happened to us, although it took me a little longer to "know" than it did Todd!

Here is the story of US!!

It was the summer going into my junior year in college. My boyfriend of 3 years had broken up with me just before my sophomore year and I was not really interested in a serious relationship! I really just enjoyed getting attention from different boys, since I never really got that type of attention in High School because I was so tall! Anyway, it was in August that this boy that I really liked and spent all of my time with at Spring Arbor decided to start dating another girl. I was devastated. I considered this boy to be my best friend! We did everything together, like a couple would do; he payed for my dinners, we talked everyday, we saw each other everyday, and flirted with each other to no end!!! So, when he started dating a girl I was DEVASTATED!! So, I changed my weekend plans to come home early to hang out with my sister and her friends on Friday!

Now, at this point in my life I had to drive my dad's 89 blazer because my sunfire got ran over by a dump truck. (that is another story!) So, I drove to Brooke's house right after I got done cleaning the house I cleaned on Friday's with only the 4 windows in the HOOPTY for any type of AC!! I pulled into my sister's driveway and saw a TALL handsome man standing in her garage drinking a beer! I, mind you, had blue and white polka-dot men's boxers on, with a big baggy OLD t-shirt, and my hair was a mess from the 4 window AC!!! I quickly ran into the house without even saying hi to anyone to get changed! My sister came into the bathroom where I was getting ready and asked her who that HOT guy was in her driveway! She said, "Who, Todd?" You know Todd right? I replied, "If I knew him I wouldn't have asked who he was, dork." (This is exactly what we said to each other!! I remember it like it was yesterday!) She told me that it was Todd McCann, he graduated with our brother from HS and they were friends and had been friends since HS!! So, as the evening went on Todd and I talked a little but I was really kind of annoyed by him because he was really hyper and seemed like he needed attention, plus I had just had my heart broken and had sworn off men for a really long time!

When the evening was over Todd asked for my phone number and I told him. "If you want it bad enough you will find a way to get it!" (I sound mean!!) All he really had to do though was call my sister, which he did first thing Saturday morning!!!

TRYING TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT!!!

He ended up calling me on Sunday and I called into work for Monday so we could hang out Sunday evening. He drove over to my house and picked me up and we went on a drive! WEIRD!! We just drove around... and we talked... and that is when he told me he knew I was a virgin and he didn't want me to be scared because he would never try or pressure me into anything I didn't want to do! In which I replied, "I know, I would probably kick your ass!!" (WOW, I can be a real bitch sometimes!) That night he dropped me off and my mom was waiting for me at the door! I walked into the house and she asked how it went, I told her he was weird and he wasn't really my type! Then I went to bed and headed back to Spring Arbor the next day!

Todd kept calling me and we would hang out on the weekends but I never really liked him a whole lot! We ended up becoming an official "couple" at the end of August, but I still didn't really "LIKE" him as much as he liked me! I even told him once on the phone that I thought he liked me a lot more than I liked him, he replied, "That is OK because I am just thankful for the time I have gotten to spend with you!!!" (HOW SWEET!!)

Shortly after we started dating he told me he loved me, which totally freaked me out!! YIKES!! I told him Thank You!! Then, sometime in October I broke up with him! I thought I still had feelings for the other boy, the one who was a jerk and started dating another girl!! Needless to say, Todd was devastated! He called my sister almost crying as soon as I hung up the phone with him! After a few weeks of him not answering any of my phone calls I got mad and went to his house to talk to him. (I think deep down inside I knew I really did love him but I was soooo scared of how much I did... and I didn't want to be hurt again! Plus he was totally the opposite of me!)

On Halloween we were at the same party at my Sister's house. That is where I whispered in his ear that I loved him... but he was sleeping!!!

The week after Halloween I went to his house, we were snuggling on his couch, YES I WAS STILL A VIRGIN, and I told him I had something to tell him! He asked what, and I told him, I LOVE YOU! One tear ran down his face and he said, "REALLY, can you say that again, it is so nice to hear!"

From that moment on we were never apart! He asked me to marry him January 31st in front of my whole family! He got down on one knee and said, "Ashley Elizabeth McCann, you are my princess, and I want to know if you will have me to be your prince for the rest of your life." We were married the following December 10th 2005!

I am soooo lucky to have Todd as a husband. He is the best man I have ever met! He treats me like EVERY woman in the world deserves to be treated by their husband. He puts my needs and wants before his own ALWAYS!! He is the worlds greatest dad, always helping with the baby, feeding, changing, and waking up with him at least once a weekend so I can sleep in even though he works so early everyday! I can not say enough how much I love him! Our love had grown so much in the last 3 years! I love him more than the day I married him! He is my soul mate and I am so fortunate to have found him!!! I LOVE YOU TODD!!!

Shriners Hospital

Tomorrow we are driving to Chicago to take Gage to the Shriner's Hospital there. We are really excited and are very hopeful that they will be able to help Gage and his hands! I am very excited to talk with the doctors and weigh the options that we may have! I hope and pray that they will be able to help us and most of all help Gage! We are truly blessed to have been accepted to Shriner's because they will do EVERYTHING for free! We would not have to pay for anything... which is a TOTAL blessing since I am unemployed and Todd's insurance isn't the best!

Keep us in your prayers! Pray that the weather is GREAT and we don't run into any crazy snow storms! Also pray that God gives the doctors knowledge to know what to do for Gage!

We will keep you posted!

Hurtful Words

I have recently had to encounter a horrible horrible person who seemed to think that I am a bad person for calling her out on the way she is raising, or lack there of, her child! This person will remain anonymous because I refuse to get involved in her drama and personally I know she doesn't even have a leg to stand on... so whatever.. I just needed to post so I didn't go to her house, pull her out of her bed, and punch her in her face!!! So, this is just me blowing off some steam.
The words she spoke to me were sharper than any 2 edged sword! I could not believe she could even say that WE deserved what happened to Gage, as far as his hands and feet go, and she had a perfect little girl because she deserved to have one! Which we all know, I guess you know if you know who I am talking about, that she does not deserve her little girl because she doesn't take care of her!
I would never wish what Gage has on anyone but sometimes I wonder why God chose me and Todd to carry this burden! I LOVE my baby to pieces and he is so sweet and so cute... and it is just like the DEVIL to tear down the confidence I have acquired and the acceptance I have for what happened to Gage! I just pray that God touches this individual! I also pray that he gives me the strength and self-control to not punch this person in the face!! I don't want to hate her and I don't want to be involved in her drama! I just want to go back to living my sweet little life with out her and her CRAZY drama in it! I pray that GOD touches her and her family because they need it! She is allowing herself to be used of the devil and doesn't even know it! God forgive her for she knows not what she does... God forgive me for allowing my flesh to take over for a split second!! (It is hard when your child is involved!)!!!

AHH I feel better!!!


Matthew 12:35-37.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Green Beans!

Gage ate green beans for the first time tonight!! He didn't mind them that much but he wasn't as excited to eat them like he is all of his other food. He got it all over his face because he has learned how to spit... he likes to do that and make noises when he eats!! I mixed them with some bananas and they weren't too bad!! What a goofy kiddo! I love him!

Friend Christmas Party

Me, Lori, and Manders laughing it up!

Todd and J Brown

Our UGLY sweaters

On Saturday we went to the annual Friend Christmas Party at our friend Jonny and Michelle's house! This year was the first year we were able to attend because they usually have it the weekend of our anniversary so we are busy! Needless to say we were really excited! My mom offered to watch the baby which made us EVEN MORE EXCITED about the evening! It was a great time. They had an ugly sweater contest and a gift exchange! It was a blast and we had a really great time spent with friends!

Friday Night

Last night we went to Brooke and Wayne's house for dinner. It was a lot of fun. We haven't done anything together on a Friday night in a long time because Todd has been working overtime and Saturday mornings, and when he works Sat. he gets there at 5 in the morning so it is really hard for Todd to do anything on a Friday night. But, he sacrificed a few hours of sleep to spend time with the family. We had a great dinner, Brooke made chicken alfredo. DELICIOUS! Then we played with the babies for a little while and then we watched Fred Clause. It was nice to just get out of the house and go somewhere. It was also nice to let the babies have some time to play with each other. They truly love each other and smile when they see one another!

This is Ava's version of a black baby! HA! You know how they put all of those bows in their hair!! Too funny! She loved it!

And another

I put one in Gage's hair but Daddy quickly pulled it out!

YUCK!!!

Wednesday night Gage tried eating some sweet peas for the very first time! YUCK!! That was his initial reaction. He did not like them at all. He wouldn't even open his mouth half the time. I had to get him to laugh and then sneak the spoon in his mouth. This method didn't really work anyway because he would get one taste of them and spit em right back out! He was even gaging. It was actually kind of comical. We were able to video tape him too! What a goof! We did try them again the very next day and he didn't seem to HATE them as much as the day before but he still didn't love them like he does his carrots! OHH well... we will just keep trying!!

6 Month Doc Apt

I took Gage in for his 6 month check up!!

He weighs 23 pounds 6 ounces! -90th percentile (Mommy is getting some pretty BIG muscles!!0
His Head is 44cm around- 91st percentile
He is 27.5 inches long -75th percentile

Needless to say I have a BIG baby boy!

We got the go ahead for baby food and I am really excited to start him on it! I have been cheating for a little while but I have mainly been putting bananas and applesauce in his cereal at night! So, I am excited to see what he does with the veggies and such! YEAH!!

I am sure I will be posting many pics of Gage eating his Big Boy food!! Gotta love it!!

6 months old!

I can't believe Gage is celebrating his half birthday today! I know I say it EVERY month but HOLY COW... where does the time go? We are so lucky to have suck a sweet boy. I mean it... he is a great baby. We can take him anywhere and he is good. He is hardly ever fussy, he will let anyone hold him, and he is so snuggly all the time!

There really isn't anything new going on with him. He does like the sound of his own voice! He makes funny noises all the time and talks to himself. He is also grabbing everything in sight! You have to watch him because he will grab at everything. He loves to play with my necklace when I have one on.... and his Aunt Brooke really spoils him with the LONG necklaces she wears and lets him chew on. He does roll over but not very often. Gage is finally starting to grow LONG instead of out!! Which is good! He is still a BIG baby and I think he will always be a big kid but Todd and I are both BIG people so that is OK! He also loves to play with other babies, especially Ava. He likes to talk to her and they smile at each other!

He also loves to talk to his Daddy. They play and talk to each other just about every night! It is really cute to see them interact with each other.

I am a bad mommy and haven't made his 6 month check up apt with the doc. yet but they are really easy to get into so I can make that for later this week! So, after that I can update you with his weight and height.

The last six months have been the most fulfilling 6 months of my life! I am really grateful to have such a beautiful family!