Made You Smile!

A Prayer

Ive been cleaning and organizing the entire house these past few weeks. It seems that every few months or so I have to do this ... since this year has been so crazy, it needs it more than ever! While I was sorting through a basket I found this little silver cross.
Close to this time last year, our family was attending Chelsea's 4th grade Christmas play at the PAC. After somewhat surviving the program with a 2 month old and a very wiggly 20 month old we headed home. An older gentleman approached me, while I was waiting for Tom to pull the car to the front. He grabbed my hand and said "You look like you need a prayer", then he placed this small cross in my hand. I guess he and his family had been sitting behind us during the play. I felt touched by his gesture and thanked him. It was the following day that Claira's heart defects were discovered and we ventured into the long next few months.
I've since put it on my bathroom mirror so I can always remember this sweet man's prayer for our family.

Maddy's Memories

Today I had the rare opportunity to spend some "alone time" while she and I drove home from church. She started telling me about 1st grade and how her teacher, Ms. Pruitt, had a football bean bag chair in her room. She said that it was special for kids that were feeling sad. Whenever Claira was in the hospital, she would sit there alot, usually with her 2 best friends and they would read a book together. Then she went on to talk about several other memories she had. I can't recall what those memories were because my mind was set on the visual of a broken-hearted little girl being comforted by her friends and teacher. Tom and I were affected deeply by Claira's experiences, but let us not forget how greatly our other children struggled as well.
Our whole family continues to heal ... including Claira!

A Celebration for an "Extra-Ordinary" Girl

Let's just say ... we know how to party! With a little help from Mimi and Aunt Piki and my good friend Dawn, Claira's party was beautiful. Our friends Barry and Tracy Reynolds went out of their way to make our friends and family feel welcome. Claira's sisters and cousins were thrilled with the pony rides. Maybe it was a little over the top for a 1st birthday party ... but Claira's 1st year was a little over the top as well! She's growing and happy. She's become "Her Royal Roundness" to all of us.
Many families have suffered far greater hardships (and continue to do so). We remain grateful for her health and the wonderful medical care, support and prayers she received. Many of you know that I'm studying to be a registered nurse ... with hopes that I can give back to other families in the future.

Happy Birthday Claira!

1 year old today! It's truly an amazing milestone ... we've all felt such a mix of emotions today. She's a different baby, a different person. It's hard not to reflect on where we were and what we were doing a year ago.
Last night we all discussed how Tom, T.J. and Kaylee took me to the hospital at midnight to prepare for a possible induction the next morning. The doctor broke my water at 7:30 am and Claira came at 8:30 am. One hour ... she knows how to make an entrance! There was considerable meconium in the womb so she was watched closely for 24 hours due to concerns with her lungs, but other than that she was a healthy 9 lb baby! I remember recognizing her the moment I saw her, she looked like her big sister Kaylee. (Of course, now she mostly resembles her brother T.J.)
I remember the two months before her diagnosis feeling so completely overwhelmed with 6 children and a little depressed (okay ... alot depressed). Now I am overwhelmed with the feelings of gratitude that she's shown me and a deeper appreciation of life.

Claira's place in our hearts wasn't planned but she was definetly part of a greater plan.

We will be celebrating Claira's milestone with our extended family and friends later this month. (Pictures coming soon!)

Humble Reminder

This evening our family went to a pool party for T.J.'s jazz band. A good friend of mine, Robin Chase, lived up a few houses from the party and so I walked over to say hello as I hadn't seen her for a few months ... especially since Claira's surgery. She introduced Claira and me to her husband and family. As she introduced Claira she pointed out that she was the baby who been in the hospital several times. I gave an update and a brief description of how she's progressed (I always welcome a chance to brag about her).
Her mother-in-law approached me and, in passing, mentioned "when we were praying for Claira". I had chills. I have never met these people and yet they knew us. They knew Claira ... and prayed for her. I was reminded of how the heavens were opened in behalf of our family by more people than I think we'll ever know.
Thank you ... again ... to all who prayed for our little Claira. Those prayers were answered.

Movin' right along

We recently purchased a rubbery-top sippy cup for Claira. I cut part of the spout out so that she wouldn't have to suck to drink. Amazingly ... she's drinking water! That's all she'll drink (for some reason she doesn't take anything else from a cup) but who cares?!? She's drinking! Combine that with the fact that she's eating everything a healthy 10 month old should be eating ... we're almost there ... free of the tube feedings that is!
At her last cardiology appointment she got a huge welcome as everyone was thrilled to see how much weight she'd gained. Dr. Kimberling wants to do another echo in 6 months. If the scar tissue on her aorta is still the same we'll go to yearly visits. When she turns five they'll do another cathyter procedure to open the aorta more. If that doesn't work she will have to go through another surgery. But ... that's a long way away and who knows what could happen in 4 years! She's already an ongoing miracle.