Photo update . . .

Dave sent me more pictures of his growing family. Grandpa even got to stop by and visit for a day . . .

Eli - he has changed so much!

The mold the boys were cut from - otherwise known as Nannette . . .

Alex - it looks like preschool is paying off . . .

Ben and a "California rake".

Alex


Grandpa raking up the grandkids . . .

I think Ben's view of Grandpa is slowly warping . . .
He looks a bit concerned.

Grandpa and the boys

Now that is cute, Eli . . .

Ben is contemplating his move . . . .

And he's moving in . . .

Does he act as cute as he looks?

Ben's such a chick magnet . . .
I would like to know what he's thinking!

One Year Later

Sunday marked one year since the car accident.

Now being able to look back, it’s awesome to see how God protected us from what could have been fatal injuries and to see how He has taken care of Ben.

The first picture is of Ben (taken 10-20-07) the day after the accident. At the time that picture was taken his brain was still swelling and the seizures were just beginning.


Now we can look back and see what God has done.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

Psalm 34:3

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

More California boys . . .

Here are the rest of the pictures Dave sent . . .

Growing up

Alex's first day of pre-school . . .

Wow, they grow up so fast!

(Just as a note: Tina is writing the captions for Dave. He e-mailed me the pictures so I could post them. Just thought it might explain some of the captions . . .)

All dressed up and ready to go . . . look out girls - he's looking sharp!
(Tina's side note: "Wow, he looks grown up. Wow, he looks nothing like a Hawk.
Wow, he looks like Nannette!")

It is very important on the first day of school to get a picture with the new teacher,
Mr. Potato Head.

Stick bugs??

Speaking of growing up so fast. This is the pre-requisite course for driver's ed.

The rumors confirmed . . .

We have all heard that there was a new member of the family . . .

and now we have pictures to prove it!

Introducing . . . .

Eli Christopher

So happy to be here . . .

Alex kisses

Ben kisses

(oops . . . he missed!)

Alex and Ben kisses
(Getting closer, Ben!)

The big brother

One more kiss
Ben's aim is getting better . . .
(This child is not going to be lacking love!)

The happy big brother!

Cali Summer Cont......Swim Lessons and Camping with Dad

We've enjoyed the summer postings from everyone else, so we thought we'd share some of our California Summer.

Looking Cool

Camping at the Coast.

Happy Birthday, Nannette!

Happy Birthday from very far away, Nannette!

Have a truly special day!

We are all wondering, though... do you have to wear green every year on your birthday?

What in the world???

This is one of those pictures where you have to look past the intended subject to get the whole affect of what is really going on.

Sure Alex is cute - but I am a little concerned about his dad in the background . . . .

This could be one of those "You write the end to this story . . . "


So, Dave, any explanations? (I mean one that we will actually believe!)

Benjamin Update

On Feb. 20, our little Benjamin celebrated his first birthday. He is climbing the stairs lickity split and is acting very normal, is nearly walking, and his neurologist is pleased. We are praising God for these milestones in this young life.

His last MRI revealed there is still fluid in the stroke area. His neurologist is not concerned because he can see the child and knows he is acting very normal, except of course for his vision loss. However, the neurosurgeons (who have never seen the child) reviewed the scan and were alarmed and wanted him to have a shunt immediately due to the amount of the fluid present. They have an appointment with the neurosurgeons in Oakland on the 17th of March to put in the shunt. He will have a repeat CAT scan on the 5th of March and if the fluid level is decreased, his neurologist will cancel the appointment with the surgeons on the 17th. Our desire is that the fluid level will be decreased to spare him having a shunt put in. Pray for grace to handle whatever the Lord desires in this situation.

Also, Nannette had a severe contusion on her leg from the accident. The bruising has healed but she still has pain. He doctor was very alarmed about her having a blood clot and ordered a stat test to determine if there was a clot. We praise God that the test came back negative as she is pregnant and a clot would put her and the baby a great risk. He now testing is for a possible muscle tear.

Continue to pray also for Nannette and Dave as they have many appointments with their lawyer as he continues to deal with the insurance company.

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, DAVE!!!!!

P.S. This also doubles as your birthday card . . .
I didn't forget - I just didn't remember in time to mail a card.
Hey, I may not be thoughtful, but at least I'm consistent!!!

Oh, and its official - you need to come visit (or we need to come visit you) because I have no current pictures of you!

Hint, Hint

Love You,

Tina

Update on Benjamin

Benjamin is almost 11 months old now and we are praising God for sparing his life.

His MRI results from 12/28 reveal he did have a stroke (quite large) as it does show scarring with permanent damage. The stroke was not from the impact but from the jolting from the impact. His peripheral vision is the only thing that was affected. This loss of vision will not return but he will learn to compensate. It would have been worse if his acuity vision (sharpness or depth perception) would have been damaged. The brain bleed on the front of his brain is completely healed. The neurologist is amazed and says Ben looks perfectly fine. He is doing everything appropriately and will walk soon. He is scheduled to see a pediatric opthamologist within a few weeks to begin to determine vision loss and appropriate therapy to help him compensate. He has been seeing an occupational therapist already since the accident.

The pictures are recent Christmas photos of Benjamin and Alex. Very cute if I do say so myself.

Big brother Alex will be 4 next month.

Thank you everyone who has prayed and kept him in mind.

Marty (a.k.a. "The Mom")