Genetics Update

What a great Christmas present we got today! Benjamin went to the geneticist and we got some pretty good news. Dr. McDonald didn't seem to observe anything that would lead her to think he has a genetic disorder. We are scheduled to get an MRI on January 7 to further rule out any neural tube defects, a tethered cord, or anything going on with his kidneys. He will have to be put to sleep for it, but that can't be helped. We will be going through Duke for the MRI instead of Wake Med, just because we feel more comfortable having everything going on at the same place. We are so thankful for this good news. Thank you for praying with us.

Genetics

Our original geneticist appointment was May 31. Since that just wasn't ok with me, I asked to be put on the cancellation list. Late last week, I got a call! We are going today at 11 and meeting with a Dr. McDonald at Duke. Please pray that we will remember that Benjamin was created in God's image. He is exactly how God planned him to be. We know that God has HUGE plans for our Ben. No matter what we find out or don't find out this is part of Ben's story that will bring honor and glory to our God. We pray that this will make God famous for everyone we know.

Random cuteness

Here are just a bunch of pictures that have been floating around in a folder waiting to be blogged. Although, I think this first one may have already been done, oh well who can resist that face!

After a much appreciated dinner

Zeke's pizza face

1st ever cup of hot chocolate (anyone else hear the Polar Express song?)

Our new favorite activity. We wrestle, we make trains, we play king of the pillow, and so much more with our couch cusions and pillows.

Chai's Story Through Video

Keva and Trevor were able to be a part of a video, along with another couple, for our church. I wanted to share it with everyone who has followed their story so that some of you who haven't met them can hear them speak their hearts. Just click on the hyperlink to get to their personal blog and then watch through the videos. It will take less than 15 minutes to watch all three that are posted.

MRI postponed

I wanted to give everyone an update on Ben. For those of you that don't know, Ben caught a cold that turned into RSV and an ear infection late last week. Because of it being a respiratory thing, we have decided to postpone the MRI. We will keep you up to date on when it will be as soon as we know. It may have to be pushed pretty far back because Wake Med is changing their anesthia for MRIs to a more in depth putting out than I am comfortable with right now. If anyone has any input, it woudl be greatly appreciated. Please be praying for us as we decide what to go forward with. Thank you guys so much for praying for us. It really has been a huge comfort for us. We love ya'll.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We are fully decorated inside. Spence still has the outside to do and I need to get out my Christmas dishes, but we have been fully Christmased since the Saturday after Thanskgiving. I love having everythign decorated already. it's so fun! The boys got to help choose their first real tree. That's right I convinced Spence to leave that fake sucker in the attic this year! AND I think that I have him convinced to crash some friends who go up to the mountains every year and cut theirs down. YEA, baby!
Anyway, the boys had fun running around a tree lot that was in a gas station parking lot on Glenwood. They have also enjoyed the decorations and being able to play with their very own nativity. They have actually gotten a little creative with that, but you will see that below

Ben checking out the little trees

Zeke loved the "Zeke size trees"

Our family with our tree!

This is where we found baby Jesus one day...

Ben looking for trouble

Doc Hudson joins the nativity

Or if you checked out Spence's blog, this is where idolatry begins

And this is where idolatry takes over

Our sweet little idolator

Diagnosis

After going to the orthopedic surgeon today, we have an official diagnosis. Benjamin has congenital scoliosis. This means that he has a curve in his spine and vertabrae that are a little messed up. It also means he was born this way. The doctor said it was very minor. There is a 50/50 chance it will stay the same forever. He has to go back in 6 months to have the curve measured for changes.
We are currently praying about whether we need to move forward with the MRI or not. With it being scheduled for a week away, we have to make the decision quickly. Please pray for God to give us wisdom and discernment in this. We really don't want to put Ben through any unnecessary testing, but we also don't want to skip something and miss something that could be potentially harmful for our sweet boy.
Oh and something that's just cute. He stood from the middle of the room for the first time while waiting for the doctor. Way to go little man!

And just in case you are wondering, he has continued to be his wild self:

Climbing into the window seal/back of boys chairs

WOW, look what I can do!

This is FUN!