Happy Birthday Makoa!
17 Jan
I know, I know, it’s a few days late, but I thought it would be good to reflect a little on the past year before posting on Makoa’s progress. First off, my apologies for not posting more often. Both Tiffany and I have been extremely busy the last few months, which is no excuse, and we will do our best to post more frequently throughout the year.
As for Makoa, what can I say… he continues to amaze us everyday and he is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with. Makoa has really begun to develop his own sweet and wonderful personality, he lights up the world with his smile and warms up our hearts. From a medical standpoint, he is right on par with the average one-year-old. He hasn’t started walking yet, but he is crawling and standing up holding on to things, it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be cruising around the house.
We have a pretty solid routine going now. He has Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy twice a week and we continue to give him his HGH shot each night along with a B12 shot every three days to help boost stamina. His food regiment consists of mostly organic foods with a heavy focus on things like avocado and beans. Everyone in the house has started to eat healthier because of Makoa which is just another reason why we are so blessed to have him in our life.
We’ve had our share of travels this past year. Two trips to Hawaii, one in April and the other in December. In April, he was gifted his Hawaiian name by our dear friend and Kapuna Cathy Ostrem who presented him with: Kealaohiamaikalani which means “bringing forth the strength amidst adversity”. He truly lives up to his Hawaiian name every single day.
We also made a trip to Gainseville FL in October to see one of the leading experts in PWS who, as an endocrinologist, treats a large number of PWS patients from around the country. We met with Dr. Miller and her staff to evaluate Makoa’s progress. We also had the opportunity to meet a few other families with PWS and talk about our experiences. I wasn’t sure about how I would feel meeting and seeing other children with PWS, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience meeting the other families. Dr. Miller was so impressed with Makoa and his progress, she at one point stated: “I am absolutely shocked at how well he is doing, what a little rock star!” Words any parent would want to hear.
There are of course still many challenges that we must face with Makoa, but we are optimistic for the future. It’s really the only thing you can be; optimistic. One look into Makoa’s eyes, one glimpse of that big grin on his face, and it absolutely melts your heart. At the same time, it brings us peace knowing that God has a wonderful plan in store for him and for our family.
We are truly blessed, not only to have Makoa as our son, but also to have the friends and family who support us. The outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received in the last year have been overwhelming, but I want you to know how much Tiffany and I appreciate it. This experience has been nothing short of a life-changer in the most positive way. It puts everything in perspective and really makes you understand what life is really about.
Here are some photos of the family from our latest trip to Hawaii. May all of you have a healthy and prosperous 2011!
Great summary of an inspirational first year. You have done a great job with your family
Baby Makoa, no more baby! Little man you are amazing and a wonder. God has sent you to this family and you have blessed us all! Your hugs and kisses are a treasure. The smile you get when you see family melts our hearts. God sends babies as the gift of hope. We all need hope in our lives and we need to remember the many blessings we have been given.
We are so happy for the update.. He is often in our thoughts and prayers.. You are an amazing family from your parents to your children…. We have been blessed to share this journey with you and will continue to do so.. It would be wonderful to actually meet this little rock star when we are down sometime… God be with you each day, strengthen you all and give you His peace that passes all understanding..all our love to you, Bob and Mikie
Baby Makoa, no more baby…Little man you are amazing and a wonder to us all. God has sent you to this family and you have blessed us all! Your hugs and kisses are a treasure. The smile you get when you see family melts our hearts. God sends babies as the gift of hope We all need hope in our lives and we need to remember the many blessings we have been given.
I just happened upon your site and I have to comment on how adorable your makoa is! I have a 2 1/2 year old with PWS and its so nice to see others out there going through the same experiences! What a great site!
Thanks for sharing…love the pics of the family in Hawaii…God’s ways are perfect…He knows exactly what He is doing…Love you all, The Kalama’s