Thank you!

To my lieve Opa's, Oma's, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends

First of all, I'd like to give tante Bou a big hug and an even bigger thank you for putting so much effort, time and love into keeping everyone updated. I really like it that you did that! Also for me to see when I'm big like daddy. I'm sure you were quite busy with those....can I say monkeys....of yours! (that is what they call me) Yet whenever there was news, even no news, just pictures, you would take the time to post it all. Thanks so much, tante Bou!

Hey everyone else! I didn't forget you! You all get a big thanks too for supporting my daddy and momma so much. I could just tell that they appreciated every visit, meal, phone call, card, hug and prayer very much. And the clothes and toys I got! I love em! Thanks!!

psst...At night when they thought I was sleeping (please don't tell...) well...I'd just have my eyes closed and I'd hear them say things like..."It's amazing how giving and caring people are. Even ones we don't know very well."

It's been a month since my operation and I'm slowly starting to become myself again. I sit in my lay-z-boy most of the time. It keeps me that calmest cuz I'm not allowed to move much for six l-o-n-g weeks. When momma puts me in the playpen I roll almost right away, and then momma rolls me back before I start crying and with that even more pressure would be on my chest. My scar looks great, but it's the bone inside we're worried about. It has to heal 6 weeks for sure, otherwise it could burst open. I can't be lifted under my arms, either. So always I need to be picked up like a little baby, under the bum and behind my neck.

After a night of keeping momma awake (not on purpose, I promise!) by coughing and wanting my soother, daddy gets out for work, and gets me and puts me on his spot, beside momma! I absolutely love it!

During the day I keep my momma on her toes cuz I like being able to see her. She says she doesn't have to worry about going on a diet with me around! =) (she still tells me she loves me very very much, so I am not worried at all. Should I be?)

Anyways, when daddy gets home I'm usually already in my high chair waiting for supper. When I hear his voice, I stop playing and listen with big eyes 'till I see him and then...and then...I hoot and holler and kick and kick and laugh and smile from ear to ear. Me and him, we love each other! LOTS!

K, thanks again everyone! Tante Bou will update now only once in a while, like on my birthday and next operation. Also thanks to those who touched me gently with love in the hospital. I love you all! Expecially my Opa's and Oma's.

From Gerad Neels

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I, tante Bou, have started a blog about our blessed home life! Come visit us at http://melodiesofourhome.blogspot.com/ where we look forward to sharing with you the joys and blessings of family life, be it in harmony, or sometimes out of tune!