urology update

Today was Grey's annual urodynamics/VCUG/renal ultrasound day. Not really something that we look forward to around here. (My SB friends will surely agree). Basically, this is a big 'ol test to check on Grey's bladder and kidneys. Last year, the results of this test were awful. His bladder was thick, super bumpy, and and the weirdest shape ever. (your bladder should look like a balloon...smooth, round, and thin) He had grade 4, out of 5, reflux (reflux=bad and should be at 0). This is the test that proved that we needed to start Grey on a cathing schedule, and the test that left me with one of my biggest worries. Since we started cathing Grey, he has been UTI free and doing pretty great in this department...or so we thought. 4 months ago Grey had another renal ultrasound that showed that his bladder wall was still crazy thick and his bladder looked like a piece of popcorn. Not good. So...we started on ditropan. Ditropan is a medication used to relax the bladder. To me, this was terrible news. I have heard terrible things about ditropan and this is the last thing that I wanted to be giving my little guy. But, I knew that it was what was best for his kidneys so we started it. The only side effect that he seems to be having is the overhearting (but it has also been a pretty hot summer) and we can totally deal with this.

Back to today...today, Grey's bladder was SMOOTH, THIN, and kinda ROUND (still looks more like an oval) AND HIS REFLUX IS TOTALLY GONE! Yes, you heard me right...he no longer has reflux...AT ALL!! Last year I cried because I was so sad about the news we had heard and this year I cried because I was so so grateful.

I know that Grey's bladder and kidneys may not always look this way, but for now they do. :) As the parent of a child with spina bifida, I tend to always expect something. If it's an orthopedic appointment, I know that she is going to tell me what areas need to be stretched more, what muscles are lacking, and what more we need to be doing to help strengthen what he does have. If it's a neurosurgery appointment I know that he is going to give me the run down of what symptoms to keep an eye on for tethered cord. And, if it's urology, I know that I am going to hear all about reflux, and how thick his bladder wall is. and that it may be time to up his dose of ditropan. But today, today was so so different. We left with not just "ok" news...we left with amazing news. News that I can't stop smiling about and news that I can't stop giving thanks for. I couldn't wait to come and give you all, Grey's prayer warriors and biggest cheerleaders, this amazing news too! God is so good!

Love to all,
Leigh, Andy, and Grey

PS don't forget. :)

Outside Fun

So this summer was our first attempt at gardening, and all three of us have really gotten into it.
Sure, we planted WAY too many tomato plants, but what did we know.
Here's Grey helping pick some grape tomatoes.

He quickly asked if he could eat one...We looked at each other and were like "yes, of course." And sure enough, not even half way through the bite , he spit it out. hahaha.
He loves picking em, but we have to watch out or we'll find tomato guts all over the place, as he likes to squeeze them in his hands.

Here's Leigh with the harvest.
We've had about 20 bowls of tomatoes like this so far...and they are still growing like crazy! I guess the Gibbs' have a green thumb.



This past weekend grey and i did some yard work in the front yard, ok Leigh helped to, but she took a break to take a few pictures of grey and i cutting down some branches. It was great to have grey feel confident enough to get around (with lots of help and patience) with his walker on the grass. He's made some big strides with his walker recently so we are trying to get him to use it more and more everyday.

Grey helping me cut down a branch.

He had a great time and especially liked being under the tree in his "little house" as he called it.

Here he is playing and bouncing.

After the hard work we had time to do a little fishing. The fish weren't bitin' so Grey spent some time with his cousin Mallory.

Finally it was time to cool off and hit the pool with mommy.

So speaking of outside fun the stroll n' roll is coming up! Support Grey, by supporting Grey's Gibblets. More news to come about the Stroll n' Roll as we Leigh and Emily plan it.

Love to All,

The Gibbs'

First Annual Stroll N Roll!

Yep, you read that right...the West Michigan Spina Bifida Association is holding it's first ever Stroll N Roll event! And Emily and I are in charge!! EEK! :) Some of you may be wondering..."what is a stroll n roll?" Well, check out our website to find out! Emily and I have been working so hard at trying to get things organized and things are finally starting to come together! Big thanks to Andy for helping with the website! Emily and I, basically had no idea what we were doing and Andy swooped in and saved the day! :)

So, if you want to support Grey's Gibblet's (that's our team name, is it dumb?) click here to go to our donation page. There is also a donation button on the top right of our blog.

Who knew that three years ago, when we were meeting Nate and Emily for the first time, and I was praying "please let them be normal, please let us get along, please let us like each other" that we would be here today! Greyson and Carson have changed us...and in doing that, we are hoping to help change others. To spread awareness about spina bifida and to CELEBRATE those living with it.

Here is Grey practicing for the event...he looks ready. :)

Mid summer Vacation

A couple weeks ago we headed up north to Elk Rapids, MI to spend a few days with my side of the family. To sum up, it was Great! Naturally we took a ton of pictures so i thought I'd post several to highlight the trip. From the top.

This is where we spent a lot of time...the East arm of the Grand Traverse Bay, some of the nicest water in the State. (in my opinion)

Grey hit the beach with his bucket and shovel and was happy all afternoon!
Here he is concentrating on his sand sculpture...Apparently i used to (still do) stick my toungue out like that when im in focus. weird. sorry grey, you go that from me.

Gibbs men relaxing.

Grey given us sas at dinner. those eyes!

Later that night Grandpa gave Grey a boat ride. Grey was into it!


Then he took the wheel...and naturally turned the wheel all the way to one side. My dad was a good sport and let him drive us in circles for a while, Grey loved it.
The seas were calm that day.

later that evening...these 2 little rugrats became best buds, (not that they weren't already) We'll mainly Grey was obsessed with his cousin Evan, but it sure was entertaining seeing the 2 of them "play" Love em both so much!

Grey and Evan playing on the beach.

Here's my Dad giving Grey a ride on the "little yellow boat" Looks like a fun time...
...Oh wait, maybe not...

This was a horrible idea and a short lived trip. Maybe another time Greyson.

The boys taking naps after a long afternoon of playing.

This one's just silly.


There was great park right down the road, Grey hit the swing and turtle.

But the weekend was not all play, here's Grey walking on the sidewalk!

The last day the whole family rented a pontoon and hit Torch Lake. Now this is the most beautiful lake i've ever seen.

Yes, thats the color of the water, no photoshop, its that blue.

So yes, we had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back next summer.

love to all,

Andy, Leigh, Grey.

4th of July Weekend

So yeah, the 4th was almost 2 weeks ago, but things have been busy around here, so posting some pictures has been delayed...until now!

So here ya go, a recap of the Holiday events starting with an impromptu photo session in the backyard, followed by bubbles.


Cutest crooked smile i've ever seen!
love this kid, look at that grin :)

"oh wait Dad, let me adjust my shades."

"oh no Dad, the bubbles are all gone"

On Monday we went over to Aunt Pat's for brunch. Grey and cousin Evan were being quite Patriotic...until Grey's pinwheel thingy stopped spinning.

Here's Grey hugging Ev, Any chance he gets to hug him, he does. Im not sure Evan likes it as much as Grey, Lets say he tolerates it... most of the time.

After brunch we headed over to the local "carnival" where Grey quickly spotted the swing thingy, and pointed us in the right direction. Although it was a really nice family event for the community, I swear it seemed like every ride was a "jumpy thing", not exactly ideal for Grey. So Grey rode the swing...like 7 times, and he loved it!
Superman indeed!

And of course because the sun was out, we had to hit grandma and pop's pool! Here's Grey and I exploring the "waterfall"

And Finally to cap off the eveing we decided to give fireworks a try this year. We weren't sure if the noise would be too much for Grey, but it turns out he loves fireworks! Here he is before the show, getting excited!



The family enjoying the show.

Grey watching the Grand Finale with Grandma and Grandpa Gibbs.

So i'll end this post with a little video montage recapping the day.




Hope everyone's having a wonderful summer! it's been great here in Michigan.

love to all,

Andy, Leigh, Grey.