Mon Nov 9, 2009

Botox went so well today! We took Blake in at 10. They gave him a topical numbing cream and a tylenol 3. Once the cream had been on for an hour they came in to do the Botox. I asked the nurse if it would be okay to distract Blake with a sucker while they were injecting him. They said we could try. Let me just say-it worked out really well! He would stop and look at me while they were injecting him, but he didn't cry. Well, not until they did his thumb. Then he did cry-but that was it. They did his leg next and then we were all done. We ate lunch in the cafeteria, then headed home for a nap. Blake crashed out. Then tonight I took him to Build-A-Bear workshop and he picked out a dog. We stuffed him and he named him Bo Ruff Ruff. lol. My sister Megan and niece Kirsten came with us too. We were all laughing because Blake kept picking up pink bears and pink stuffed animals. I was relieved when he finally decided on his dog. I think Bo will go with us to all of Blake's upcoming doctor apts for comforting. He hasn't put him down all night! We will be back at therapy on Wed. We are just going to relax tomorrow in case Blake is sore. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts!!

Thur Nov 6, 2009

This week has been so busy! Monday was Blakes first day at TLC. He did pretty good. We dropped him off at school, he went running down the hallway with his teachers, and then realized we weren't coming with him. He cried for a little while, until his teacher found a police car-then he was happy. They have an observation room, its behind a mirror-so the kids cant see us. Phil and I sat and watched for about 30 min, then decided to go. He was doing art work when I went back to observe again before I picked him up. I think he will like it once he gets to know everyone.

Circle C Cafe in Paola, KS

Tues we had Rehab Institute-he is doing really well. We are all looking forward to the botox on Monday. He loves going to Rehab Institute, and he really loves all the therapists there. He talks about going to see them a lot. I know they all enjoy him too. That makes things so easy on me. Hard drop offs are the worst! Plus going to the Rehab Institute I get a chance to talk to other mom's and dad's going through similar experiences.

The amazing crew to whom we are so grateful!

Wed we went to Rehab, then that night we were invited to a Benefit Dinner/Auction for Blake in Paola, KS at the Circle C Restaurant. Man-that was such a heart warming experience. This town of people we dont know-all came together to help us out. The restaurant held a spaghetti dinner from 4-8, and the auction started at 6pm. The restaurant dontated all the money made during that time to us, along with all the money raised from the auction. It was amazing to me watching perfect strangers show up to help us. The Paola newspaper also wrote an article about Blake, it was on the front cover!! Everyone in Paola has been so generous! I am still amazed at how much support and love we continue to receive. I seriously dont know how to thank everyone enough. Thank you just doesn't seem to be a strong enough word. :) I love you all!!

Sun Nov 1, 2009



My little Pirate-1st costume



Pirate Blake trick-or-treating at rehab



This weekend was SO much fun!! Friday day Blake had therapy at Rehab, they had a parade through the whole building and handed out candy. Friday night we went to 'All Hallow's Eve'. OMG it was SO much fun. We had a blast. The maze turned out really cool, and the Mad Scientist(my dad) was hilarious. Everyone seemed to love the pumpkin painting booth! The fortune teller and tattoo booth's were a hit as well. There was a lot of candy, yummy cupcakes, cookies, and punch! I seriously haven't had that much fun in years. I felt like a kid again! It was great. Blake was Blakenstein, of course within the first 5 min he ate a cupcake removing the make up off his chin, lol. So I didnt get a chance to take his pic before the make up came off. lol. I did take a lot more photos. If you want to see ALL the photos I have them posted on my Facebook. Look me up-Mandy Blake-Danforth. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us-we seriously had SO much fun.
Sat we spent the majority of the day sleeping/napping lol. Then we went to my parents house for trick-or-treating and snacks. Blake's 2 costumes were pretty dirty after all the festivities, so we ended up buying a 3rd costume lol. Buzz Lightyear. It was actually pretty cute! We went around the block with all 3 cousins. They were all so freakin cute! Then back to Nana & Papa's for dinner/snacks. It was so much fun. I love Halloween, it has always been my favorite holiday. Something about dressing up as whatever you want, and getting a bunch of candy-its the closest thing to bein a kid again. :)
Today I tried to clean house and do laundry, I got most of it done. There is alway this week to finish up I guess. lol. Im excited for Blake's first day at TLC tomorrow. I know he will enjoy it. Also, this Wed Paola is having a dinner for Blake-it's going to be at the Circle C Restaurant in Paola, KS from 4-8. A reporter from Paola is also doing a story on Blake and it's going to be on the cover of the Wed Paola newspaper. Im excited to see it. Im looking forward to this week. Hope everyone has a good one as well!!



I love my little monster! He made a great Frankenstein!



Blakenstein and Christian at All Hallows Eve





Buzz Lightyear for Halloween night at Nana & Papas
his 3rd costume