New Update...yeah!

Family Time at the Bocce Invite


Petska and Slager Families


Braden being Mr. Silly in his car seat

Auntie Marci gently telling B, "no stairs"

Who me?

Food Scavenger in action!

~Sorry if we stressed anyone out with not blogging last week....with school starting and trying to get back into routine (I think by May we'll have it down), it's been a little hairy around here :) We've been really busy and have lots to update....hmmm, where do we begin?

~First of all, we ventured to the U.P. last weekend for some Labor Day festivities. We got to spend lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa LaCombe, Auntie Marci and the gang. Braden impressed them with his crazy dance moves and new words. He has this fascination with trucks now....no influence by mom and dad....just something he picked up on his own. He even makes the noise and goes, "brrmmm truck, brrrmmmm truck" while pushing his little trucks and cars around. He now says car and we think he says, "That's a car" every time he sees a car. When asked what a doggy says, he pants like a dog. He's so darn funny and lets us know something knew he has learned each day. No walking yet, but he bravely stands alone.

~This weekend we had the honor of being apart of the 4th Annual Slager Bocce Ball Invitational. This was all put together by Sam's mom and dad. Every year they give the money they raise to a charity. Heart of Gold Charity was the 2007 recipient of this year's tournament. We were very honored to receive this generous donation and very proud of our friends who put together this great event. We were able to catch up with the Slagers (well Erika and I gabbed while the guys played mostly). Every time we get together, it confirms why our paths were meant to cross. The irony of it all was that just a year ago this weekend, we met the Slagers at CHW.

~This Saturday, September 15th, is the Brigg's and Al Run. I'm so excited and I start to cry every time I think about it as I think of all of the families we will be running/walking with. Every person we will share that road with has a story, whether it's a miraculous or difficult story to share....we are all there for one purpose....for the children! Our donation page is still open if you would still like to contribute. 100% of all money raised goes directly to the hospital. The pledge page is: www.firstgiving.com/bradenp Thank you to those who have generously donated. I will be running with Rich's cousin Katie. Rich will be walking with Braden and Grandma Lois. Go Team Braden's Heart of Gold!!!

~Upcoming events: Braden goes up to CHW on October 1st for a sedated echo. He will then return on the 2nd for a full scale developmental testing. This is something they do around 1 year for HLHS kiddos to see how they're doing (mobility, growth, learning, etc). We also have an appointment on Oct 1st with a social worker to help us with our charity mission. She seems really excited to work with us.....we can't wait!

~I believe that's all for now. We'll try REALLY hard next Sunday to update on how the Brigg's and Al Run/Walk went. Before I sign off, I'd like to send some shout outs for birthday wishes. Happy Belated Birthday to Super Sam....he turned 1 last Friday. Happy Birthday to Grandma Patsy who turned ? TODAY, and Happy Birthday to Grandma Lois who also turns ? tomorrow!

Have a great week,

Love Steph, Rich, and Braden