Monday, December 7, 2015

CRANBERRY KISSES...............( Port Wine Stain )

Or Berry Kisses
Or as the world generally calls it - Port Wine Stains.


Which is an awful name - you'd think with all the politically correct nonsense out there someone would call that one out.

I've probably never uttered the word in my life - now I simply call it Cranberry Kisses which I kind of - sort of stole from my daughter Ashley who calls them berry kisses.

This post took awhile.

First because Ashley wasn't ready to share..............and then because I didn't quite know how to write it up.
It's a sensitive subject and slightly awkward because the last thing I want to do is give the wrong impression here.........or insult anyone else who was born with this and perhaps still has it.


It's a birthmark............nothing more - nothing less - just a birthmark.
But's a birthmark that can have serious repercussions such as Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Upon first seeing Evan's little face I fell apart - to my eternal shame - I fell apart and started sobbing.
I had no idea what it was and was terrified that it meant something serious..
Ashley was still in the recovery room ( she had an emergency c-section ) and my heart ached because she hadn't even seen this beautiful little creature yet and I didn't want her to be upset or scared.


Is he the cutest little thing or what?
I look at him now and I don't even see those " kisses "
Or rather I DO see them but I see them through different eyes.
All I see is this uniquely beautiful little face -
This uniquely little body of perfection..................
with a birth mark.


I'm writing this post up because Ashley and Chris have opted for laser treatment to have it removed and the best results come when you start it as early as possible.
They didn't want him to start school with anything that could cause ridicule from other children and cause self esteem issues.............and because these " stains " can change over the years - become a purplish color with an actual " texture " to them - the pediatrician highly recommended they take this route.


He's already had 2 treatments - with the third one scheduled for next week.
We are so blessed in that one of the most highly renowned doctors in this field is right here in Montreal.
We are doubly blessed in that it's covered by Medicare.
And so I wanted to start some kind of journal on the progress..........
Ashley's been taking as many pics as she possibly can because as she says - " this is Evan's beautiful face - the one he was born with "
And there's some guilt involved with changing that.




Evan's is considered a " stubborn " one............in that it's on the darker side so we have no idea how many treatments it will take.
Some take a year - some take several years and some take many years


But the end results are quite amazing.
In a lot of cases it disappears completely or at the very least so faded that you wouldn't know it was there unless you looked very very closely.  There's some examples here
LASER AND SKIN SURGERY CENTER OF NEW YORK

My little hunk - a hunk.........of burning love


He has an army standing behind him who feel so thankful and grateful for him -
Every Thanksgiving should have cranberry kisses ......................

And pumpkin pie.


I'll keep you all updated on the progress -
Ok Evan - now you've met a lot of Lolly's friends - say bye-bye sweetheart !


Could you just about melt to pieces?
Ashley and Evan - 1st Christmas !
Papa's taking the picture :)


Much love to all of you
Hugs,
Me
Lolly !
A.K.A


SHARING WITH

IVY & ELEPHANTS

72 comments:

  1. Aww, Suzan, he's so precious, cranberry kisses and all. My youngest daughter was born with a very faint ones on one eye and between the two. We didn't opt for treatments, and it did fade with time. It became pronounced for several years only when she was sick or very, very tired & crying. No matter how Evan's turns out, he will be as adaptable as those of you who surround him. I also had a manager who never had his treated, and he carried it off as if it were his own personal crest! Thanks for sharing, I'm sure many will relate to this.
    Rita

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    1. The lighter ones can apparently fade over time - but they don't think Evan's would - actually the opposite would probably occur ! It's just part of his face now - I see it but I don't see it if that makes sense :)
      Thanks so much Rita !
      xox

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  2. He is the cutest thing ever! Congratulations!

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  3. Ooooooh! Suzan, he is scrumptious! Our sweet angel is three months old so I totally get it! It's a love like no other. What your daughter is doing for him comes straight from a mothers heart - future medical concerns and not wanting him teased! I would do the same thing! Get lots of cranberry kisses! Before we know it these boys of ours will not want grandmother kisses!! Lol I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas! I love your porch decor and red door btw!!

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    1. Thanks so much Lynn - I'm hooked ( you are too I know ! ) Last night we babysat and he did nothing but laugh and eat and sleep ! I gave him a bath and the flood of memories that came back nearly knocked me off my feet - such an incredible feeling
      Hope you and BJ have nothing but joy this Christmas with your newest addition !
      Much love to all of you
      Oh and thanks for the door love
      xxx

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  4. Suzan, he is so handsome! I didn't know that they were able to remove these birth marks and I see no reason to feel guilty. He will be even more handsome! :) Congratulations on this perfect addition to your family! I am speaking blessings and grace over him and all your family!
    love,
    Lynda @ Gates of Crystal

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    1. Isn't it amazing Lynda what they can do today?
      Apparently a lot of adults opt for this treatment too ( because it wasn't around when they were younger )
      and all of them say they they wished it had been.
      Thanks So much for your kind words and blessings Lynda !
      xoxo

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  5. I get it. My son was born with a cleft lip/pallete, we completely understand doing what is available to make the transition to school easier. He just started Kindergarten this year and God was good, he found a sweet buddy to be his BFF. Lots of love at home, open conversation on his appearance and what caused it, has helped prep him. Looks like Evan is already surrounded by lots of love! He's off to a strong start in this world.

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  6. OMG he is so precious! I could squeeze him till he popped! I will be praying for each and every treatment and that it will not take as many as they thought.

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  7. First, Evan is gorgeous. Such a sweet and lovely boy. Second, I am glad that Ashley decided to share this. Only by being exposed to things can we understand them and accept them. Knowledge is power. Like you say, you don;t even notice any more. I know it can be very hard on a new mum to discover everything isn't perfect. It takes a lot of research and information gathering to make decisions that will affect the rest of his life. Personally I would do the same thing, seeking treatment while he is young to ensure he grows strong in his confidence as he matures. My babies were both born with club feet, and my son also had a dislocated hip and tibia torsion. When he was born the doctor came in on day 2 and told me my boy had a congenital defect and then proceeded very un-gently to tell me all the treatments he would need. Being post partum, I wailed and cried like it was the end of the world and then the cleaning lady sat and held my hand and told me that her child had Down Syndrome and all of his challenges, and all of a sudden I felt like the luckiest mum on earth to have such small worries. We got through all the splinted, serial casting and boots with bars and when my daughter was born with "just" club feet, I felt doubly blessed.

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  8. PS, I just looked at the web site. Modern medicine is so amazing. Bless those doctors and scientists and this Country that enable us to have the very best medicine in the world. The results of the laser are incredible.

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  9. He's adorable! My granddaughter developed a rather prominent hemangioma soon after her birth. The doctors recommended not doing surgery because it was growing around her facial nerve and the risk of facial paralysis was high. She's now 11 years old and it has shrunk tremendously and moved almost into her hairline near her ear. I truly don't think anyone would even notice it if they didn't already know it was there. God's good and I'm praying Evan's outcome will be just as wonderful!

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    1. Thank you SO much !
      I know people who have had it and it's faded to almost nothing - unfortunately Evan's is very large and could possibly get darker - it was really highly recommended that it be treated.
      Thanks so much for sharing ♥
      xox

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  10. Oh, my word! What a little doll! I bet he has completely stolen your heart! Congratulations! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  11. Sending courage and strength and comfort to you all ~

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  12. He's a beautiful baby and so lucky that laser treatment is now available. I had a high school teacher who had one on the side of her face. She was a very pretty woman and no doubt she wore make-up but it was still visible. Laser treatment is used for so many things today that it seems like a miraculous invention- I had all my spider veins done-what a difference! I'm sure you will be pleased with the long term results.

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    1. Thanks so much Cathy - we've come such a long way with cosmetic corrective procedures - we're feeling so fortunate that this can be taken care of relatively easy.
      XOXO

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  13. Oh, little Evan is beautiful! What a sweet baby!!!

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  14. Suzane he is absolutely adorable, bless him! I also have these stains on my thigh and they have faded to the point where I don't notice them. Enjoy your little Hunky angel !!

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    1. Thanks SO much Mary !
      His are the type that wouldn't fade much apparently - God love him
      XOXO

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  15. Suzan, he's adorable. Your daughter is doing the right thing by thinking of his future first. He will thank her for hit later in life. We have to make tough decisions while their small sometimes. My sister was born with a lazy eye. My parents opted not to do the surgery. She is almost 40 now and sometimes brings it up that she wishes they would have taken the chance. Now it's been so long that if she opted to have it the doctors tell her she could possibly lose her eyesight and it probably wouldn't stay anyway. Our family barely notices it now except when she's tired. Praying that the treatments will be successful.

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    1. Thanks so much Debbie !
      I have a couple of friends with " lazy " eyes - I also only notice it when they're tired.
      Those operations probably seemed very scary 40 years ago.............today they're almost standard.
      Hugs,
      XOX

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  16. Suzan, Ashley... Evan is adorably perfect with or without berry kisses. Parenting comes with so many things no one prepares you for... a myriad of things yet to come and we all do our best with love. That is it... love. Period. Oh, and let yourself off the hook too. :) Everything is okay... really. Huge hugs to all!
    ~ Christina

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  17. Strawberry kissed! And yes he is adorable. The guilt trip, my God, I road that train many times, I think all parents have. It is the right choice to deal with it now. School is cruel, I had a classmate with one and he was a great guy but constantly self conscience of it. Evan is certainly adorable, love his picture with Mom and the tree, sporting their red noses. He is probably wondering what the hell is going on?! 😃. xo Patty

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    1. He's constantly got goofy adults directly in front of his face - we babysat last night and were on the floor the whole time making him laugh................you know after Soda this little guy is like balm for my soul.
      Thanks so much Patty xox

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  18. Evan is a beautiful little baby right now but I understand the desire of a parent to take any and all steps to make his future the best it can be. Our oldest son had this mark between his eyebrows. The nurse called it "angel kisses". Our son's did fade. Since then he has had a rare eye condition that God chose to heal and also melenoma caught very early. With the blessing of children comes the opportunity for a parents prayer life to grow. God's blessings to Evan and his parents.

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    1. Thanks SO much Gwen - yes we are certainly given " challenges " but look at what we're given in exchange for them........blessings indeed - and recycled and sent right back to you.
      Hugs,
      XOX

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  19. So pleased to know that this can be treated and make life easier for the sweet child.
    When I go grocery shopping i sometimes see an older women whose cranberry kisses did get darker and larger and i wonder what kind of life she has had .......she doesn't smile much and I feel sad for for what I think she has borne and irritated w/ myself that i notice.....but it's how we operate, isn't it.....Wishing you all the best of all worlds.....

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    1. Thanks so much Marje -
      " she doesn't smile much " has struck such a chord with me - Evan's at the stage where he does nothing but smile - to think of that being diminished just about breaks my heart in half.
      They have definitely made the right decision for him - in this particular case - modern medicine is a marvel
      XOXO

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  20. He is just so gorgeous, I want to give him a huge hug. Ashley is definitely doing the right thing, it's not as though the doctors are in any doubt, and while we are all able to see how beautiful he is, some children can be quite thoughtless or even cruel. We only want the best for our children and grandchildren and to protect them from being hurt wherever possible. It breaks your heart the first time someone is mean to them and they are so confused because all they have ever known until then is your love and encouragement...You'll have to give him a big cuddle for me ;) Gerry xxx

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    1. Oh thanks so much Gerry !
      Yes children can be cruel ( although I think they're educated against it far more than they were 50 years ago ) but still - the thought of anyone hurting his feelings...........
      ASHLEY: If you're reading this - hug Evan for Aunty Gerry ( from across the pond ) or I will tomorrow when I get there !
      Thanks again Gerry.........xoxoxo

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  21. He is beautiful! He also has an angel kiss. The indentation between his lip and nose where right before he was born the Angel pressed a kiss. Enjoy your Evan as he enriches your lives with love.

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    1. Well he's just covered in kisses this little angel !!!
      Thanks so much Jann - he melts my heart
      XOXO

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  22. Suzan, Evan is beautiful...just beautiful. I especially love the photo of him with the quirky little smile. He seems already to be developing a strong personality. Ashley is generous to let your tell his story - am sure that others will learn from it and perhaps then make life better for other children born with such kisses. Blessings to you all.

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    1. He DOES have a quirky little smile LOL !
      Thanks so much for your kind words - I know Ashley is reading these as well.
      Much love,
      xoxo

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  23. What a Precious little guy he is. Absolutely Adorable. Just want to snuggle and cuddle up to that little guy and kiss them cute little cheeks. That little grin....so, so sweet.
    My brother had birthmarks like that only he had them on his inside upper legs
    Ashley, you have one adorable little son there.

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  24. I have to be honest, I read the words but this gorgeous little face was a distraction. The words sounded like Charlie Brown's parents in my head, wha, wha, wha, LOL. You need to five him a million kisses. I'd be kissing him so may Ashley would say , Step Away From the Baby.

    Cindy

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  25. A relative of a family member has a little baby girl with this. They were trying some kind of medication. Some tragic reaction occurred. She is okay but she scared them silly. I think lazer would be a better way to treat it. He is adorable. I'm sure you were worried at first. Will say some prayers for your sweetie.

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  26. He is darling and I agree with trying to remove it only because as you know kids WILL tease him and he will have to battle that! So. I hope all goes well and hang in there! No matter what! The outcome! I guess it's Gods plan! He is precious !

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    1. Thanks so much Cindy.......
      And not only would he have to battle it - it's the self esteem issues that are so heartbreaking.
      Some people can sail through that - some really can't.
      Much love
      XOX

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  27. He is most handsome! And I don't see the cranberry kiss, when I look at him. I see those beautiful eyes and blonde hair. Although, I do love the one with him smiling in his sleep the best. Best wishes to Ashley and Evan. I hope all goes well. You do have a precious hunk-a-hunk of love there, Suzan.

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  28. A sweetheart! xx oo I am sending a hug to all and keep us posted. I love the photo with mom and her sweet baby boy.
    Merry Christmas!

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  29. He is adorable, a precious little boy. It is nice that you can start the treatment so young. It is incredible what can be done with later treatment today. xo

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    1. Thanks so much Thel !
      Yes - I'm amazed by what can be done and how quickly it starts !
      XOXO

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  30. Oh Suzan he is just PERFECTION!!! An ANGEL straight from HEAVEN, and I wouldn't change him. But if he might have problems medically or from kids at school, then by all means do what the doctors recommend. (I know I suffered plenty when I had zits as an adolescent!) We don't want our children to suffer in ANY way. The skilled doctors you have know what they're doing, and you all have researched it. With all of the love and great care you're giving him, he will be just fine! Gosh he is PRECIOUS! I wish I lived close enough to babysit! Your daughter is beautiful, by the way!!!
    God Bless your beautiful family, sweet Suzan!!
    Love
    Laura

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    1. Oh Laura - thanks SO much - he IS an angel sent from heaven !
      Do you remember how a zit felt? That's the first thing I thought of how difficult a regular old pimple can be when you're a teenager - I would imagine this would be far more difficult.
      You're so sweet girlfriend - thanks again
      xoxo

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  31. Oh Suzan, he is a beautiful little boy. I hope that the treatments are gong well. I think your right in getting them removed. because children can be very mean and say terrible things. Give him a big hug and kiss for me.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  32. Oh Suzan, he's beautiful! I understand treating it to get rid of it...who wants your sweet baby to be teased later in life? Kids can be so cruel (hm, adults too come to think of it). Why chance the issues? Anyway, we call them angel kisses. So he's been kissed by an angel. :-)
    Hugs,
    Cecilia

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  33. I think Evan is adorable with or without the birthmark, but coming from someone who has two birthmarks (very faint now) on my face, I think removing them is the right thing to do to avoid those awkward questions from other kids at school. My youngest daughter was also born with 2 large haemangiomas, 1 on her eye and the other on her back. We honestly didn't see them after awhile, but others stared and asked very personal questions. We had them all fixed and gone by the time she went to school. I think as parents, we strive to do whatever we can to make our children's lives as simple and carefree as possible. What a little treasue you have there Suzan xxx

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  34. Suzan, he is a SWEETY! What a doll ! I'm sure when you first saw him the fear kicked you in the gut and worry was all over you. When we learn a little more about things, it's much easier to move forward. Our friends had a baby with a rare condition which basically was a large hairy birthmark on her back. Over the years she has had many surgeries to fix this. Parents learn a lot when they have to go through any medical issues with their children. Much love to this lucky little boy and his family.

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  35. What a beautiful little boy and mommy. It's sounds as if you are making a lot of difficult, but sound decisions. My prayers go with you.

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  36. Oh, my! I'm jealous! He is the most adorable little elf!
    I gotta tell you though, I don't know how many pictures I went through.....I kept looking for the cranberry kiss cookies in the picture with the baby! Obviously I wasn't reading the text as I was totally engrossed with admiring the munchkin!
    Congratulations to the whole family!

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    1. Oh my gosh Kim - he IS my little elf LOL !
      I should have included a cookie recipe on this post LMHO !!!
      Thanks so much !
      xoxo

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    2. I tried to reply to your reply! I don't know where your message back to me went but anyway!i read it and TRY to NOT let it overwhelm you guys! He is a beautiful little boy ! And you are guys are new Grandparents which is a very special gift! It will all work out!!!

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    3. Thanks so much Cindy - we're not overwhelmed any more - it was the initial " seeing " it.
      I'm so in love with this little gift that I can't even put it into words
      XOXOXOXO

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  37. He is so adorable Suzan :o) My daughter (now 25) was born with two very small ones. One was on her temple area the other on her wrist. The one on her temple is gone now, the one on her wrist is still there. I understand wanting to make sure that when he gets to school age other kids don't have any reasons to make fun, kids are horribly cruel sometimes :o( I will tell you though that there are a LOT of ignorant adults too though. I got asked on more than one occasion (by adults) when she was a baby if I had burned her with a cigarette... I kid you not. Seriously?? Do you think if I had done that to her I would take her out in public!!

    Tania

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  38. I'll say a prayer for you all. Even though he is a perfect little angel, the last months have had to be stressful on all of you. No momma wants their child to be the object of stares, questions or teasing once this little darling reaches school age. Hopefully the treatments will be successful in a swift manner. Sending a hug to you!

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  39. Oh my gosh Evan has a fan club! He is as sweet as pie and the apple in his Grandmama's eye! Don't you just want to hold him press kisses on him all day long? He will be just fine you know and with all of us cheering and praying why he's a guarantee of a lovely result! Xxxxxxxxxx

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    1. I thought he had an army before but wow look at how it's grown !
      So grateful for all of you and your prayers you have no idea Mary Anne -
      Thanks SO much xoxoxoxo

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  40. Little angel...he's beautiful. Ashley, too. You must be in heaven.
    xoxo

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  41. When you're face is as cute as that there is nothing else to see!

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  42. Your grandson is a cutie!! And as a grandma myself...I know he is getting a lot of granny kisses!! Hope all goes well with removing his birthmark...will keep him in my prayers.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  43. Cranberry kisses! I've never heard that before. Of course, you already know I think he's just too perfect. Positively one of the most beautiful babies ever born.....right in line with my son and daughter, then my 4 Treasures (grandchildren) and my little Jewel in the Treasure Box (great granddaughter) Riley and her little brother or sister due in the spring! Little Evan has a loving, strong family behind him. Love ya...

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  44. He is absolutely adorable Suzan - such a little cutie!

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  45. I can imagine all the emotions Evan's mother and father are going through. My niece was born with similar marks on her hand about 35 years ago. Hers went away on its own, but probably was a different type. All mom can do is choose the best treatment offered. The main thing Evan is adorable (and yours) and you are one lucky grandmother.

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  46. What a precious little bundle of blessings God has sent to all of you. I am so thankful he is alive...healthy...and such a handsome little dude. Modern medical techs are so advanced, this will be nothing after treatments. I'm just thankful his little body is perfect and will not have life-long struggles.

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  47. Evan is a cutie, he's alive and well and that's what matters most. I hope he grows up to be a good guy, because that's what's important. Thus said, I work with teenagers and I know how mean they can be at this age. I understand your daughter's decision and also her worries -changing Nature is always worrying. Private mail follows for your daughter to read about a book she might want to read. Love,
    Magali

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  48. He is just beautiful!
    Merry Christmas to you all!
    m~

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo