Thursday, September 29

Card Drive for Kids " Meet Tanner"

Hello my friends! Today we are meeting Tanner!!

Here it's what his mommy has to say about him:

“Our family consists of Ray-Dad-35 years old, (Myself) Star - 34 yrs old, Tanner - almost 3, and a new baby boy due 11/22/11!  We reside in Phoenix, Arizona.  I'm currently a stay at home mom to Tanner, but plan on going back to school after the new baby makes his debut.

Tanner is our first child, born on December 15th, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ.  He was born with Spina Bifida: Myelomeningocele, Chiari II Malformation, and Bi-lateral club feet.  He has a VP shunt.  He has endured 6 surgeries since birth. At 14 hours old he had his SB opening closed, at 9 days old he had his shunt put in. At nearly 3 months old he had a shunt revision, followed by another revision at almost 4 months old. He has also had 2 surgeries on his feet due to the club feet, and has had casts on many times (18 weeks total so far). We are currently working to see if he is potty trainable, only time will tell. :)
Even though it may seem that he has been through a lot, you would never know it unless told about it!  Tanner is all smiles, a big tease, and the all around jokester of the family!  Always saying the funniest things, and pulling the cutest expressions!  Tanner is by far the happiest almost 3 year old boy ever!  He has his moments like any little boy would have, but they are few and far between. Tanner never ceases to amaze me with his strength and courage. He will try everything at least once, and if he really wants to do it.... He will keep trying until he accomplishes it!  Stubborn to the core (just like his mom), he doesn't let anything stop him. He wears AFO's (ankle foot orthodics) on both feet for support in standing and walking.  He has been 4-point crawling since the age of 1 and is learning to take steps in his reverse walker.  He also recently started cruising along the furniture.  When it comes to Tanner, I always say "When there is a will, there is a way."  And he has a strong will!  Tanner is obsessed with Buzz Light year and  Lightning McQueen !  He also loves Woody & Rex from Toy Story, Mickey Mouse, Elmo, and Thomas the Train.
Tanner is our sunshine and miracle from God.  I wouldn't change the way he is for anything!  Things aren't always easy, but are always worth it in the end!


Thanks so much!!

3 comments:

  1. amazing project..love all the glittery pink...

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  2. What a special boy you have there.
    So very precious. We have some dear friends, missionaries to Brazil, whose daughter was born with spinal bifida. Something that was so heart touching was her singing, "I'm special". A few of the words are...I'm special to Jesus,there is no one else like me. I wouldn't trade places with anyone else,I'm special you see. God has prepared a task he wants me to do,I'm special i'm special you see.

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