Trisomy 18 Donations

Anyone wishing to make donations to Trisomy 18 in Aiden's honor can do so by choosing 1 of 3 ways:
1. Go to www.trisomy18.org, Search for legacy page for Aiden Mathew Bray
2. Go to www.trisomy18.org and printing the mail-in form
3. Calling 1-810-867-4211

Thank you so much to everyone who makes a donation to this great organization. These children are very special to their parents and all who have the pleasure of knowing them. My life has forever been changed for knowing, loving, and having Aiden in my life even if for a short time.

Ashley

My Sweet Angel

It has been one week since my little man became an angel with wings larger and more beautiful than I can ever imagine. In his short time he has shown me so much - how to love someone so deeply and truly, how to love someone that I never really had a chance to get to know. He will always be perfect and now he has a perfect playground in heaven. I miss him everyday and I know that people say it will get easier but now I don't see how it is possible. I prayed for so long to just be able to bring him home but now I would give anything to be back at the hospital with him.
Yesterday, Shane & I went to the funeral of a very special lady who we came to love the moment we started FBC Lake Providence. Mrs. Audrey Batton was 93 years old and went to be with the Lord on Friday. She taught in the children's ministry for 60 years and she was sharp as a tack. She always had a smile on her face and knew everyone by name. Our church lost the youngest and oldest in one week but at least I know that Ms. Audrey is taking care of my baby in heaven.
Many people have sent us letters, notes, and e-mails, and I do apologize for not getting back sooner but we are trying to spend as much time as possible with our older two boys right now. Hunter has realized what has happened and asking a lot of questions.
Please continue to leave comments andsend notes, e-mails and I promise I will try to do better.

Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:32

AIDEN RECEIVED HIS WINGS

Aiden Mathew Bray received his Angel Wings on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 2:22 pm in the arms of his mother and surrounded by friends and family. His life brought many people closer to God in prayer and made several new friendships that we will always cherish. His life on earth may have ended but his name will never be forgotten.

Following are the arrangements:
Visitation - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lake Providence, LA
Memorial Service - 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lake Providence, LA

In lieu of flowers, an account is being set up in Aiden's Memory for the Trisomy 18 Organization. Please check back for further details.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts to all that had an impact in our journey with our little angel. Because of you we had enjoyment with Aiden that allowed our hearts to be opened more than ever before. Our hearts are broken, but we know we shall see him in a perfect body one day soon.

Thank you and God Bless

Aiden came Home - December 2, 2009

Because of complications, Aiden is now under comfort care and because he is stable and we have such a great doctor (THANKS DR. PAYNE!!!), we were allowed to bring Aiden home. It was such a surprise to Shane & I, Dr. Payne had approached Shane earlier on Wednesday and asked if she could have it arranged if we would want to take Aiden home. His response "Of course" but they did not approach me until everything had been arranged and once they told me I was up packing the bags and getting ready. This has been my dream all along to have my son at home with his family in his room. I can never say enough THANKS to St. Francis NICU doctors, nurses, and staff, they have become such a big part of our family and though I am so glad to have Aiden here I do miss them all. They were and are such a comfort to us.

The first night home with hospice was a little difficult, all patients go through a "transition period" after that much time in a hospital and for Aiden all his life. Our home is much calmer, quieter, and not as bright as the hospital so everything is a major adjustment but since then he is doing great. Shane & I have the greatest supportive friends whom we did not have to ask but volunteered time from their family, friends, and work to stay with us. We take shifts, 2 at night and 2 during the day and according to Shane the Superman he does not have to sleep. Thank you to all our friends and family for all the love and support, visits, notes, food, and most of all your loving friendship and faith in God.

ALL YOUR PRAYERS HAVE WORKED - AIDEN IS HOME!

That my heart might sing to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever.
Psalms 30:12

Aiden is 21 days old

Greetings from the 4th floor of St. Francis Medical Hospital via the NICU. Aiden turned 21 days old today. This is a miracle! What a blessing he is. He is still breathing on his own, no respirator. He is receiving oxygen from a canula, nose piece. Aiden is still residing in the isolette and doing ok in there. Its hard to take good pictures while he is in there, but I try often. We have had a couple hiccups this week that we have had to overcome and have been something we have to battle everyday. First was Aidens stomach and digestive system filled up and far lack of better terms: just stopped. So we had to stop feeding for a couple of days, we are back on schedule now with reduced amounts but increasing almost every feeding. We have also changed from a continuous feeding to a bolus (spelling???) method: they put the amount in his stomach over 30 minutes for the 3 hour feeding schedule, we are up to 14cc/hr. They are increasing the amount about every two feedings. Second part of the hiccup is apnea. This showed up Tuesday afternoon. He has had several episodes, some very minor: only showed on the monitors for a few seconds, some severe: they have had to put the bag on him to make him breath. With the minor ones they are just watching him to make sure he comes out of it himself, which he does on his own. When there is a severe episode, they have to massage his chest and lightly tap his chest, twice they have had to put the bag on him and pump air into his lungs. The staff does not have an answer to what is causing this to happen. Its either caused by the lungs of being a premie, the brain stopping sending the order, or by the feedings causing reflux. They are working on him diligently!!


The staff is going above and beyond for our little angel, we would like to thank them for all they are doing for him. They are working with him withthe goal of us being able to take him home. They have given us a little hope as to our goals of what we need to have in place so we can take our little man home. We want to be able to watch him sleep in his crib, swing in his swing, take a bottle with the family at the dinner table, hang out with the boys as they play. This is a big goal but one that we know is possible.


We would like to take this time to say thank you to all of our friends and family that has gone out of their comfort zones to help, visit and pray for our little miracle. We would like to thank you for the visits, phone calls, text, food, snacks, gifts for Aiden, and anything I have missed. Thank you B.H. for the wonderful food for Thanksgiving. Thank you S.S. for the visit to our house with all the stuff for us. That is going out of your comfort zone for someone else. That is a blessing! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Shane

Pictures of the NICU Visit

Finally figured out the picture post thing, these are the pictures from the boys: Hunter & Mason's visit back into the NICU on Wed Nov 12th. As stated in the last blog, the boys were allowed to visit Aiden in the NICU. These pictures were taken by Stephanie Thornton of SRT Photography, if you need excellent pictures taken, I can only tell you and show you she is awesome! She has documented this adventure for us in a way that no words can express. Thank you Stephanie, you rock!!!!!!!!!

This rates as one of the greatest moments in my life, it was wonderful to have my family together for the first time. Thank you to the Drs., nurses and SRT. What a blessing it was. God is working through Aiden everyday.

Hunter & Mason visit the NICU

Last Wednesday Hunter and Mason were allowed back into the NICU from an order written by our NICU Dr. This was a suggestion from one of the nurses, thank you J.P. The boys had to put on the gowns, gloves, mask and they added the dr. cap last. They were excited to see their little brother for the first time since he was born, so far all they had seen of him was about 10 seconds when they moved him from the surgery to the NICU. Hunter tried to follow us but we had to stop him. The boys were also excited to dress up and put on all the dr stuff. We got suited up and then went on back. We had a great visit with the boys acting like perfect angels, well as perfect as a 5 year old and a 2 year old can act. They were good. Hunter kept wanting to touch baby Aiden, Ashley helped him to touch his feet then the top of his head. Mason then wanted to touch him as well. They did enjoy seeing their baby brother for the first time and ask now when they can go back to see him again. We shall see, Aiden is doing great. They have increased his feeding rates again, he has gained weight, all seems to be coming along fine now. All the problems that we have faced are from him being a premie and none really so far from the Trisomy 18. What a blessing he has been to us and others. Thank you for the continuing prayers, thoughts and visits. This has shown many people how friends can affect others. We have had so many comments of how many people have come to visit and are allowed to visit with baby Aiden. We love for our friends and family to go back and visit with him. God is great! Enjoy the pictures and thank you!

Shane, Ashley, Hunter, Mason and Aiden

Greetings from the 4th Floor of St. Francis Hospital

All is well tonight, Aiden is stable with the breathing tube removed. He has been off of the respirator for 36 hours and doing great. He is looking better each time we go back and see him.


He enjoys the touch of his parents, friends and family.

We now have this thing removed out of his mouth. They started the feeding this afternoon. So far all looks well. They had started some medication for the anticipation of feeding for 2 days now.

Ashley was able to hold him for a while this week, she was so excited. Thank you A.C. for the help and support for that. I did get to hold him today as well. Sarah took my camera card before I could copy the pictures, so they are coming soon. Also pics of the boys coming in to see Aiden are coming soon too. The boys were very excited to be able to see their little brother. They had to put on the gown, gloves, the dr hat and a mask. They looked so cute, the nursing staff gave them stethescopes, tongue depressors, and all the other stuff that would make them think they were doctors. They were saying, " Look we are doctors". It was so cute.

Aiden has been moved from his little bed to an incubator. Its a change to see him inside a clear box, but the nurses all say that it is best for him and also its an improvement for him.

Thanks to all of our family and friends that have called, texted, or came by. It goes to show a person how much others think about others. It truly shows compassion. Its a blessing to give and recieve. I hope all have enjoyed seeing Aiden as much as we like to show him to our friends and family. We are so proud of our little miracle. He truly is a miracle!

5 Day and Counting

Aiden is doing good right now, We have made it 5 1/2 days now. Aiden is improving his breathing, this is due to the surgery he had yesterday that closed a valve in his heart. This should improve his fluid retention in his lungs. He is better today. He is our little fighter. We are so proud of him.

We would like to thank Dr. deSolar and nurse Jennifer for the written order that allowed our two boys to be able to go back into NICU to see their little brother. That was the first time we have had our family together since last Thursday. Thanks to Stephanie for coming back down to Monroe to take pictures that we will post when we get them, also thanks to Tisha for bringing Hunter and my parents for bringing Mason. We thank all of our nursing staff, nurse practicioners, and Drs. that have taken excellent care of our little man. They are being so wonderful. Thank you to all of our friends that have visited us and the ones that ask to see Aiden. Thanks to all of the people that have brought by snack food, coffee for me, and food for us! For some that is a small detail but for us it is great. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also Ashley was surprised when yesterday before the surgery, the nurses and nurse practitioner asked her if she wanted to hold Aiden: the answer was a resounding YES! She held him for about 45 minutes, wonderful, wonderful!!!
How happy does she look?

Thank you to all,

Shane

Aiden Mathew Bray is here and is almost 60 hours old!!!!

Aiden Mathew Bray was born at 8:57 am on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. He weighed in at 2 lbs. 10 oz. and 14 inches long. He is truly our little miracle.
It is Sunday evening and we are awaiting time to go back and see him again. He is almost 60 hours old (2 1/2 days) and beating the odds. We are amazed at him everytime we see him and our love for him grows stronger and faith in God never stumbles. God is great and we have living proof. Just to give everyone an update - his heart has a slight murmur and small hole that most babies have at birth and heals over time (doctor said this is not a problem or concern), his kidneys and stomach are normal, eyes look good, he is breathing mostly (75%) on his own, and shows signs of sucking. Everytime we go back to see him, he opens his eyes and looks around to see who is talking and listens. He has quite a grip for such a little guy. I love to hold his little feet and rub those adorable toes. He is prooving he is a little fighter. Aiden has a buddy in NICU already, our neighbor's little baby is Aiden's neighbor. The nurses get a kick out of the "neighborhood boys". Granted Deacon has a little weight on him but Aiden has more hair, which is surprising since neither Hunter nor Mason really had hair until they were 2. Lake Providence has been well represented here at St. Francis, with the Brays, Howards, and Thorntons all delivering little boys within a spam of 27 hours. Everytime the nurses walk the hall they see groups of friends and family floating from 1 room to the next. There must have been something in the water!!

Shane and I want to thank everyone that has been praying, come to visit, called/texted/e-mailed sweet messages of love, prayer and faith. We love hearing from everyone and it shows there is power in numbers and through Him and Prayer all things are possible!

Friday November 6th

Today we went to our last doctor appointment & ultrasound before meeting the newest addition to our family. Of course I tried to talk the doctor into going one more week without any luck. We will be delivering baby Aiden at St. Francis Hospital on Friday, Nov. 6. We arrive at 6:00 am with the c-section to start at 8:00 am. We went to the hospital today to get all the labwork done so we will be ready to go. I have been hesitate about having a c-section but I know that this will put less stress on Aiden and that is the important thing and Dr. Wilson has assured me that he has not had a problem yet.

At the ultrasound, Aiden was proving he is definitely one of our little boys, he was very stubborn and would not show us a good profile no matter what Tina tried, but we did get some good pictures. Tina has been our ultrasound tech from the beginning with the exception of one time when we saw Tracey, both have been great and tried to answer all questions and show us everything - We want to thank them very much!!!

In less than 2 days we will meet Aiden, not knowing what to expect or what the future holds, we are both joyful and saddened that the long pregnancy is over.

Stephanie Thornton will be at the hospital to record all the memories of the day, as this is very important to us and we are greatful to have a good friend/photographer to do this for us. Many people have asked about coming to the hospital and we would love the visitors. We want Aiden to know and if possible see everyone that has been praying for him. With that being said, this journey has led us down a road with many unknowns and questions, this part of the journey is over with another behind it. We pray for wisdom on ours and the doctors part. Please pray for baby Aiden and myself Friday morning and Godspeed.

Not much longer

I said I would try to post quicker this time so here we go. We went to the doctor today and also saw Aiden. He continues to grow and has not fallen any further behind but is not gaining weight like he should so with the guidance from our doctors we have scheduled a c-section for Friday, Nov. 6 @ 8:00 am. One week and we meet our precious baby boy. He has proven to be a stubborn little boy already in that he has not moved into a different position and he is not giving us a good profile shot but we do see that he has his daddy's nose and his mommy's cheeks - good combination I think!!! We go on Wednesday, Nov. 4 for the last doctor visit and ultrasound before his birth, so the next time we see him it will be in person.

Of course, we are excited and scared like any parents would be but the excitement of meeting this little guy overpowers all fear and anxiety. This has been a long and hard journey for all of us. Last night our church gathered with other members of the community to show their love, support, and prayers for us and it was to say the least very overwhelming. I have said that if the c-section was the best thing for Aiden that it would be done but I have always been very fearful of it. The other boys were natural so I always assumed Aiden would be but God has different plans for him and we are following those plans. After last night and having everyone pray for us, I feel calmer and more at ease about this. No, that does not mean I'm not a little worried about surgery but it does mean that I'm at peace with it. I know some might think I'm ok with this by saying I'm at peace but that is far from fact but I'm not angry and don't think I ever was. I'm hurt not because of me but because of my sweet son and him having to go through this and never wanting him to suffer.

We know that decisions are still ahead about Aiden's care but we continue to have faith that we will bring Aiden home with us no matter the length of time and will enjoy every moment. We have seen how Aiden has already made an impact in peoples' lives and know that we will continue to see it. It has brought a community together praying for this little boy and we realize more than ever how many special friends we have. May God bless you in your own way as he has us.

Weekly Appointments - October 21, 2009

We have started weekly doctor and ultrasound appointments to monitor Aiden's growth/progress. As of now, he is not gaining weight like he should and my fluid is getting low so that is not helping. So my doctor with the guidance of the perinatologist has decided that we should deliver Aiden via c-section in 1.5 -2 weeks to give him the best chance. He is breech so this is the reason for the c-section plus it will be less stress on him not having to go through a regular labor/birth.

During all pregnancies, they look for signs of how the baby is doing i.e. lung development/breathing, heart beating regularly, movement, etc. They are 8 things that are looked at regularly during ultrasounds and so far he has 8 positives out of 8 - so this is good thing.

I really wanted to wait as long as possible for his birth to give him every opportunity to gain weight and get stronger but I have come to realize that I have done what I can and need to hand it over to the NICU pediatricians to take over. I have full faith in them and know they will support my wishes and take care of my little boy.

We have 2 more visits before we set the date, it could be Nov. 5 or the week after, so it's time to get everything ready and in a hurry. We can't wait to meet him and love him. Please continue to pray for this special little boy, he means the world to his parents and his brothers.

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Continue to pray for Aiden's healing.
2. Pray for HIS guidance in our decisions for Aiden.
3. Pray for the doctors and nurses that will be in contact with Aiden.
4. Pray for Aiden to gain weight before his birth.

I want to thank everyone for reading, commenting, loving, and praying for our little Aiden.

Doctor's Visit - 10/07/2009

I know I'm a week behind posting but it's been a busy week - I'll get to that later.

First we had the ultrasound, this time with Tracy, who we have not seen before but liked very much. Tina had already discussed Aiden with her so she would know everything and this made it a lot easier on us. She took her time and looked at everything and patiently and honestly answered our questions along the way. Aiden continues to grow at a slow but consistent pace from week to week and he continues to amaze us with how active and difficult he can be during our appointments. We continue to see no problems with his organs and he looks great. He is being a little difficult in that he is not letting us get a good profile shot of his adorable face but I know he will in his own time. He is breech as of right now and from doctor's perspective they don't think he will change into a good position for a natural birth so we may be looking at a c-section. This concerns me b/c it is surgery and that scares me but I have already told the doctors that anytime during labor if he went into distress that we would do a c-section but knowing that before hand is different. But whatever works for Aiden works for me!!

Next we met with Dr. Payne, one of the NICU doctors at St. Francis, she was very nice and answered questions and talked about her concerns. One praise that we definitely had was about his organs developing as they should, she confirmed that if they did not show any signs of problems then they would not develop later, she then inserted- but that ultrasound don't/can't always show everything. I continue to have faith that his organs are perfect and developing. She was very informative and requested that we continue with a written birthing plan to at least give the doctors, nurses, and hospital a starting point but that nothing would be set in stone.

Next we saw my doctor, I have started having Braxton Hicks contractions that wake me up at night and some swelling which luckily did not really concern my doctor at this point in the pregnancy. He did change me from biweekly to weekly appointments and continue biweekly ultrasounds to monitor Aiden's growth/progress. He suggested that we possibly do a c-section somewhere between 35 - 37 weeks because of Aiden's position. I'm opposed to this because I want to let Aiden grow as much as possible before his birth.

So as of right now, we are continue to work on a birthing plan and seek HIS guidance in this process. We also celebrate everyday that we have with Aiden, now and after his birth.

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Continue to pray for Aiden's healing.
2. Pray for HIS guidance in our decisions for Aiden.
3. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and hospital that will be in contact with Aiden.
4. Pray for our family.
5. Pray that Aiden is able to move into position for his birth and if not for comfort during the c-section.

I should also say that I have the BEST FRIENDS in the world, they surprised me and took me to a day spa and shopping this past Saturday - THANK YOU SO MUCH! Since I didn't know what was going on I didn't take a camera, so as soon as I highjack some pics from them I will blog it. Plus it got me out of the house while my dear hubby and his dad redid our back patio, which they did a excellent job on.

I promise I will try to be quicker about updating everyone on Aiden and our family.

Thank you and God Bless.

Doctor's Appt & Big Brother's Prayers

We have started our biweekly checkups that includes ultrasounds to monitor Aiden's growth. With my other 2 pregnancies toward the end of each pregnancy I loved hearing the boys' heartbeats but hated to make that 1 1/2 hour drive each way every week to 2 weeks, especially since I would only be in the doctor's office for 10 - 20 minutes each time. This time is different, Shane & I listen to the heartbeat almost every night but this time when we go to the doctor we have the ultrasound and get to see what progress Aiden is making and see that adorable face. I think he kind of looks like Mason but who knows. Last week we had also planned on visiting with the NICU doctors to get ourselves and the hospital prepared but after calling and waiting that did not happen.

Anyway on to the good stuff, I have to say I love Tina, our ultrasound tech, she takes time to look at everything and explains things that she sees that, of course, we do not see. During this visit, we were looking at his organs and growth, he is still down about 2 weeks in size but that has stayed consistent from the initial diagnosis so that is a good thing. A very positive note, even with the chromosonal abnormality he has not shown many of the developmental issues that are attributable to Trisomy 18. He is still progressing each and every day. That is not to say that the diagnosis has changed but it is a good sign for his birth and life ( at least in my opinion).

We continue to pray for his healing, that will not change but now as we get closer to his birth, Shane & I have a lot of decisions to make that no parent should ever have to think about. At the next doctor's appointment we have scheduled to meet with the NICU doctors to discuss everything. We seek His guidance in our decisions and the decisions of the doctors from this point on. A very important decision that has to be made is whether to induce early or let me go naturally. A little history, Hunter came naturally 3 weeks early and I was induced 2 weeks early with Mason because of how quickly I progress. The longer he is inside the better for him but if I am not in the hospital from the onset of labor the doctors cannot monitor him. Remember this birth is not about my health but about Aiden's so I want everything done possible.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. Continue to pray for Aiden's healing.
2. Pray for His guidance in our decisions for Aiden.
3. Pray for doctor, nurses, and hospital that will be in contact with us and Aiden.
4. Pray for our family

I wanted to share with you the best prayer of all, every night after reading the boys a bedtime book we say prayers and Hunter's prayer like most children is "I lay me down to sleep . . ." but at the end we add "God Bless . . ." and the boys add who they want. Hunter's has been "God Bless baby Aiden and please let me come and meet his mommy & daddy and play with his big brothers." A big brother's love before he has even met his little brother exceeds all!!!

Last Week's Ultrasound - Aug 19, 2009

A week behind - We had an ultrasound and doctor's visit on Wednesday, August 19. We arrived at the doctor's office, I signed in and told the receptionist I had my ultrasound scheduled first. She looked at her records and looked at me and said you don't have an appointment today for ultrasound or doctor, she said let me check with your nurse. Of course, my nurse Amy remembered she had scheduled this and my next appointment at the same time and we were told that Tina, the ultrasound tech would fit us in but we would have to wait a little bit. They went ahead and did the yucky stuff, weighing in, blood pressure and stick test then back to the waiting room. Sitting there, I began to look at all the expectant mothers coming in with their husbands and realized this would probably be a long wait, but after approx 45 minutes or so, Tina called us back. Tina is the one who originally looked at Aiden, so she knew everything about our situation.

We told her his name and she began the ultrasound. For those of you who know me pretty well you know my love of the internet, so I had already done my research about Trisomy 18 and knew what I wanted to look at. She looked at Aiden's heart which showed all 4 chambers and no signs of distress, holes, etc. She then looked at his kidneys, lungs, an stomach, which showed no signs of abnormalities. She then went to the good stuff - his sweet little face and his arms and his legs.
She tried desperately to get a good profile shot for me but my little Aiden would not cooperate, every time she would rest her hand/arm to take a picture he would kick where her hand was. I should tell you on the way to the doctor I had been praying that Aiden would "be a little show-off" and kick and move as much as he wanted! T18 babies have decreased fetal movement/activity and until this point I would feel him but not as consistently as my other 2 boys. So for him to be doing this was very exciting for me and every day since then I have felt him move more and more! He is definitely my little fighter and show-off, he might show Mason up a little!

Tina spent more time with us than she really had but I am so greatful she did, every picture I have of him is very special. That is why for now, I'm keeping these personal - Sorry!
We saw Dr. Wilson after that and with the diagnosis Aiden has everything looks positive. My prayers for the day had been answered.

Please understand I know the diagnosis but I also know that God is the Healer! and through Him and prayer all things are possible. Remember this diagnosis is not about me and my health but about Aiden!

Our continued request is to pray for Aiden's healing and giving Shane & I peace knowing the decisions we make are the right ones for Aiden.

Father, the Lord Jesus has taught me to ask, seek, and knock. I ask you to grant healing to Aiden. I seek you for the release of your power into him life. I am knocking for the blessing of physical and spiritual wholeness in Aiden's life. Matthew 7:7

Father I ask in the name of Jesus for You to heal Aiden so that you might be glorified. Grant healing to Aiden so that people might praise You and honor You for your love, compassion, and power. John 11:4, Acts 4:21

Our Creative Life: A BIG GIVEAWAY!!!

Our Creative Life: A BIG GIVEAWAY!!!

Hunter's 1st Day of Kindergarten

I cannot believe my baby is starting kindergarten this year. Really where does time go? At first he was a little scared of having homework but he is so excited when I pick him up in the afternoon and he goes home to his little table and chair and pulls out his folder and starts his homework. This has to be done before snacks and playing. His teachers are Ms. Cherie and Ms. Corey. He only went 1/2 day on Friday so he was really excited plus his best friend, Noah, was riding to Ms. Debra's on the bus with him. He was a little upset when he walked into his room and realized that he and Noah were on the same row but on different ends - good idea, Ms. Cherie!!! Otherwise, his apple would be on the trunk or in the bucket everyday for talking or something. The Saturday before school started, Hunter & I went to Monroe for his shopping day, he helped me pick out his clothes and school supplies and we went to lunch together and did what he wanted to do - this was his day! We did not find a backpack that he liked so we ordered one and of course it had to have his name on it, so needless to say it did not get here until the 2nd full day of school.Hunter Bray - Happy 1st Day of Kindergarten 2009!!

On our way to school

At his desk (& yes it is in front of the teacher's - another smart move, Ms. Cherie!)

Vacation - Gulf Shores 2009

I have been meaning to post this for awhile but just getting around to it. We took the boys to Gulf Shores this year (or as Shane would say every year). To Shane - I promise we will go somewhere else next year but it will still have a beach!!! Hunter decided this year he really liked the gulf, he would have stayed all day/night if we let him. For someone who did not like swimming lessons, he loves the water, he had his boogie board and was ready to go. Mason was not so fond of the waves but loved the sand and the swimming pool, so every afternoon we would leave the beach a little early and go to the pool and swim. He has no fear, he will jump in even if you are not close enough. His "no fear" attitude scares me a little but I'm glad he will try most anything. This was a very bittersweet vacation for Shane & I, we had found out the morning we left that there was a great chance that Aiden (our unborn sweet angel) had Trisomy 18 and it was confirmed while we were on our trip. But we had promised the boys we would go to the beach and that is where we went, tears and laughter following. (ignore dates - OF COURSE - I never noticed it was not set)


My little surfer boy - yes that was supposed to be daddy's board but Hunter took it.

The He-Man (he can do everything on his own)

Riding the ferry