A post for my mom

My parents are in Africa and are demanding some updated pics of the girls. Here are some from this last week.

Avery saw a pic of grandma balancing a bucket on her head while in Africa. Avery decided she had to try something similar.

Please Pray

This story of Liam was sent to us by Jaron's mom. She works with Liam's Dad in Colorado Springs. Liam is 16 months old and is fighting for his life as he was recently diagnosed with HLH. He is suffering through chemo and is waiting for a bone marrow transplant. You can view his website here:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/LiamsLighthouse

I continue to hear so many stories of families in need of miracles. I know Jesus is the ultimate healer and He continues to work miracles today, but more importantly He is a comforter, protector, and cares deeply for his creation. Pray specifically for Liam and his family to feel the love and comfort of Jesus through hospital staff, family, and friends.

MRI results

Riley's MRI looks good. There was a little residual dye in the area of the resection, but that is to be expected in the healing process. There was no sign of tumor growth so that really is the best we can hope for. Her next scan will be in August.

FYI, May is brain tumor awareness month. I have actively been searching out stories of children, especially ones with a similar story as Riley to pray for this month. Join me! This is one story in particular that has touched my heart as her diagnosis story is very similar to Riley's. Every time I read it, I get chills because I feel as if I could have written the same thing. She was diagnosed with the exact same type of tumor but unfortunately her tumor is inopperable and she has had to endure chemotherapy. Here is a link to her story:

http://www.teamhailey.org/mystory.php

An old friend

Last night I cried my eyes out as we watched Marley and Me. I could not stop! I do not know why I was so incredibly emotional. It really is a good portrayal of how the kids win out over your treasured and beloved dog once they come along, but it was also such a good reminder of how faithful our old friend is. Roger has been with us for 9 years. We adopted him when he was 8 months old. He has been the best dog and last night I was reminded of how important he is in our family. I just wanted to cuddle up next to him and shower him with attention. He definitely does not get as much attention now as he used to, but we still adore him.

Beauty

On Saturday, my beautiful friend got married. Jaron and I flew down to Calabasas in the morning and then returned home on Sunday afternoon. Sarah and I met our first year at Biola and were instant friends. She is unique in the best sense of the word. As we arrived I saw Sarah in all of the details of the wedding. From the bumpy desolate road we traveled on to get to the open space preserve, the burlap squares across the tables adorned with a tub of old fashioned sodas, the empty brown bottles hanging with gorgeous orange flowers all around, big paper lanterns and tea lights illuminating the space, to many other small details she and others carefully planned out. When I saw Sarah (before the wedding) we just cried as we hugged. I don't know why I had this reaction, but I think it was a culmination of so many things...a celebration of 13 years of friendship, her amazing beauty in a dress that was obviously created just for her, excitement that we were now going to share marriage as another thing in common, but mainly I think it was pure happiness to be in that beautiful place sharing this perfect day with a woman I have treasured for many years.

Beach day

Today after MOPS, we headed out with some friends to Capitola for a day at the beach. The weather was perfect. Avery has been wanting to go for a while now and this spur of the moment trip was so much fun. My friend Charlie and her two beautiful kiddos drove us over the hill for some fun in the sun. Avery absolutely loves her dear friend Cricket and they had a ball playing together. Riley was a bit unsure of the sand at first, but quickly changed her mind and created a huge pile of sand in front of her on the towel. We ended our beach time with mini icecream cones. Perfect!

Pigtails

I was finally able to put pigtails in Riley's hair because her hair is just long enough and she did not continually try to pull them out. They lasted all day until bath time. She looked adorable.

MRI follow up

Today, Riley had her first follow up MRI. She will have these every three months for the first year and then I think they will be spaced further apart. It is always nerve wracking as she has to be put under each time for the 1 hour brain scan. Because of where the tumor was, the doctors were not able to remove all of it. So, they are looking to see if the tumor goes away (best case scenario!), stays the same, or starts growing again.
Riley did fabulous today. She cried a little bit when the nurses were prepping her, but she was happy while we waited in the waiting room and especially happy after her pre-drug. She looked like a drunk.
When she woke up, we were there and there was minimal crying and not more than 5 minutes after waking up she was smiling and ready to go home. She got a grape popsicle after, but only wanted to hold it.
We do not know the results of the scan yet. I put a call in and we are waiting to hear back. I will update once we know the results. Thanks for your continued prayers for Riley.

On the way to LPCH.

In the waiting room.

Watching some t.v. with dad

All done!


I got my hair cut and colored recently and here is a pic of the result. I am in the growing out process.

Some cute pics of the girls:

Two more from today...

Scene: Driving on Hwy 280 and stopped completely. An accident had just happened and I am telling her that we need to be safe when we drive.

Avery: Yeah, because we wouldn't want to lose our bottom!

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Scene: Chatting about friends coming over to play

Avery: I am going to be on my swing!

Me: No, we will let Timmy choose what swing he wants to go on because he is our guest.

Avery: Oh yeah, just like Belle in the castle!

Avery-isms

The Scene: Driving through Gilroy on First street. We pass a huge cemetery on the right.

Avery: Mom, is that where God rose from the dead?

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Avery: Mom, Can I please have a baby sister??

Me: No.

Avery: I am going to find those pills and throw them away! (in reference to the birth control)

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Scene: In the backyard, playing on the swing set

Avery: (As she tries to get up on the swing) Mom, I need a hand over here!!

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Scene: Avery playing with her baby

Me: Avery, why does your baby not have any clothes on?

Avery: She threw up all over them

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Letting Go

It's time.
I have been reluctant to try and make Riley sleep in her crib over the past few months. She has been in our bed. At first, she was sick. Then she was in the hospital and recovering from surgery. Then, it just became habit. I have not left her with her anyone besides my parents since surgery. I have not put her in the nursery at church or at the YMCA. I am just nervous. She still has breath holding spells and I do not want anyone else to have to go through watching her have one. They are scary. But, the time has come to start having her do things toddlers her age are doing.
Last night, we started with sleep.
I was geared up for a long night of crying. She was not happy when we put her down. but about 10 minutes later, she was snoring. She woke up 2-3 times and we just went in and soothed her for a second and she drifted right back to sleep and did not wake up until 7:30 am this morning. What a fabulous night of sleep. Today, while I was at yoga she told Jaron she wanted her bed and he layed her down and she took an hour nap...no fussing.
Alot of times, the second night is the hardest. We read our stories, prayed, kissed goodnight, and to sleep she went. No fussing.
I am enjoying a margarita and some dutch-oven made cobbler. Later, I will have an night of uninterrupted sleep on my tempurpedic bed.
What a lovely life I lead.

Busy

Life is busy lately. I have not found the time nor the motivation to keep up with the blog very well. I guess that can be viewed as a good thing; not much to report. Riley did have her 18 month checkup yesterday and she weighed in at 24 pounds. Awesome! This puts her in about the 40th percentile, I think. She had one shot and I think she is suffering from a reaction to it today. She is super tired and cranky. I think she may also be running a slight fever. It is a total bummer since we were going to head over to the beach today with some friends. It has been beyond hot here the past few days and we are melting. Thankfully it is supposed to start cooling down tomorrow otherwise I was going to hang out all day at Yogurtland and eat enormous amounts of toasted coconut frozen yogurt.

Here are some pics from the last couple of days...

Playgroup Friends

Beyond Grateful

There are certain days when I am overwhelmed with an intense feeling of gratitude. Today is one of those days that I stare at my miracle baby and am so thankful she is well. I am thankful that an MRI was ordered before an unnecessary surgery, that she was transferred to an amazing hospital the very day we found out she had a brain tumor, that we were given an amazing neurosurgeon, as well as his fabulous team, to perform her surgery, her surgery was a success, the tumor was low-grade, no further treatment was needed, all of her symptoms in regards to the tumor disappeared after she recovered, and she is now happy and medication-free. Wow! I am so aware of how Jesus took care of us through this process.

I am also well aware of how my lovely Avery took on the burden of a sick sissy so beautifully. She had some rough times, but considering she was away from mommy and daddy for 17 days I do not blame her one bit. She is such a trooper and has such a strong spirit. She is a protector and feels so deeply for others.

As I have been hearing and reading more sad stories of families who are in situations that do not produce a good outcome, I am even more thankful Riley is growing and doing well.

I will always have a special place in my heart for the patients and staff at LPCH.

Thank you to all those who prayed and gave to our family during our time in the hospital. We love and appreciate each of you.

Easter

On Saturday we went to one of many local parks where our church was hosting Hunt, a large Easter egg hunt for the community. The girls had a ton of fun. Avery was very selective about what she wanted to pick up and searched out 2 golden eggs (to be redeemed for prizes). Riley did great at picking up eggs and placing them in her basket. It was a beautiful day.

My dear friends Molly and Heidi


After Hunt, we went back home and had our own search for eggs in the backyard. Avery especially had fun searching high and low for eggs Jaron, my dad, and uncle had hidden for her. The girls got fun baskets from my parents filled with lots of fun items. We enjoyed a fun afternoon together and then dinner out. Yum!

On Easter Sunday we headed up to Pittsburg for some time with Jaron's family. His dad's company put together 2 great baskets for the girls. It was filled with so many fun things, clothes, bubbles, coloring books, stickers, candy, books, etc.. We had lunch together and then had a wonderful visit.

Ballet

Avery started ballet class last week. The class was a gift from my uncle Scott for her birthday. I found a class at a community center and signed her up for he 8 week session. She made it through about 10 minutes before crying and saying she was too tired. I was able to convince her to go back and try some more. She lasted another 15 minutes or so and then was in meltdown mode. I should have been more prepared for this as this is how she typically reacts to new situations. She takes a long time to warm up and feel comfortable. We got a ballet dvd from the library so she can practice some of the techniques and I have been talking with her about it a lot so hopefully she will feel more comfortable at the next class. But, after we got home from class, it was all she could talk about so I know she is interested and excited about it, just a little frightened because it is something new.

Cereal

Avery with her cereal bowl (almost 2 years old)

Riley with her cereal bowl (18 months)