One year old today

There were no guarantees that he would make it this far ("Infant mortality is high in individuals with CHARGE syndrome. However, life expectancy has improved for those surviving their first year.") and still no guarantee that he will survive to be an adult ("There is a lower life expectancy in children with CHARGE syndrome because of the high risk for hospitalization and the severe involvements. The highest mortality is in the first three years of life. Studies have shown a 70% survival rate to 5 years.") but we are very happy that our bundle of joy has made it to his first birthday.

He had lots of fun with his new toys. He pulled the bees off the music box, chewed on the xylophone, tipped over the mini play centre, slobbered over the train whistle, pulled the rods out of the hammer toy and hit his brother in the face with the hammer. Now I think about it, it was like a normal day for him really.

We bought a soft continental cheesecake for his birthday so that he could eat some too but unfortunately it still made him choke so he only had a few mouthfuls. This of course means more for the other kids (including me).