Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day: A day to pause and reflect on what gifts God has granted us. We thank him daily for our miracle, for giving Braden life, for giving others hope, and for inspiring us to live each day as a gift from above.

Braden is thriving at 20 months old, and he amazes us each day. He is our little sponge who absorbs everything around him. He loves to count (to eight), say his name (Banen Petka), point and say his letters, and repeat everything you say. He loves being outside and is teaching us to appreciate even the smallest things in nature. He's learning good manners as he tells us, "Bess you mama" after a sneeze and "Ecuse me" after he burps or toots (as he calls it). With all of the fun times a toddler brings, we also get the not-so-fun tantrums every now and then, but that is to be expected. Papa Greg and Grandma Patsy are down visiting us this weekend, and Braden has been quite the entertainer.

Last Monday we had a cardiologist appointment with Dr. Cava. We thought we were going to have a sedated echo, but Dr. Cava cancelled it. After listening to Braden's heart and pressures, he didn't feel the need for an echo. This all good news of course. We did schedule an appointment for early August when he is closer to being 2. At 2 years, they try to do an echo without sedation. Braden did awesome with Dr. Cava. Up until now, he has not been a fan of doctors and getting his pressures checked or even his heart and lungs listened to with a stethoscope. After our last appointment in January, we purchased a fisher-price doctor kit. Daddy practiced with Braden along with explaining to him that Dr. Joe will be listening to heart. He didn't make a peep when it was time for Dr. Cava to listen....we are so proud of this milestone he has made :) When he's asked, "Who listened to your heart?" He still responds with, "Dr. Joe."

Along with the doctor visit, we were able to deliver more gift bags to the hospital and make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House from the Heart of Gold Charity. It was definitely one of those extra special "feel good" days for the Petska's.

The Heart of Gold Charity Website has been updated. We have a quarterly newsletter attached to view and information regarding the 2nd annual charity golf outing set for August 16th, 2008.

Everyday is Mother's Day, but today is the day we get pampered :) Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers and moms-to-be.

With love, The Petska's
PS...we're having picture problems....we'll try to post as soon as the blogger cooperates :)