Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Remembering

I was reading a beautiful blog last week written by the wife of one of the members of the Christian music group Selah (which I love). She and her husband lost their daughter Audrey a few months ago and as I read her post it brought back memories of our own loss. I began to cry as I thought about how this same time eight years ago Rusty and I attended our own child’s funeral and then three years prior to that when I was pregnant I was given the due date of July 27th . So much sadness during that time. I remember the veil of darkness that I lived under and thought about the countless times I cried out to God. I had so many questions for Him and wondered how any good was going to come from our loss and grief. Then I walked into each of my daughter’s room and as they slept I kissed their almond shaped eyes and touched their black silky hair and I cried again but this time they were tears of thanksgiving. My girls are a constant reminder that God took the bad and turned it into good. Now these dates don’t hold sorrow anymore but bring me joy!!!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thankful Thursday

Okay, a long time coming. Thankful Thursday is back!!!! Well, at least for this week anyway.

I am thankful for the newest member of our family. Mollie Beth, born on Friday, July 18th at 10:33 a.m. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 15 oz and 19 inches long. My mother, sister and grandmother got to be in the room when she arrived. I was suppose to be there but Laurie Alice had a Dr.’s apt that morning and who knew her apt. would take so long and that Mollie Beth would come after only two pushes! I hate like anything I missed the birth but I did get to hold her as soon as I got there and I was the first one to dress her.

I am thankful that Laurie Alice doesn’t need any surgery on her palate. The Dr. was very pleased with the surgery done in China. What a blessing!!!!! Prior to bringing her home the Dr. had prepared us for the possibility of some palate work because he wasn’t sure how good of a job they did in China. She has some pretty major dental problems (no surprise there) but we don’t have to tackle that until she is a bit older.

I am thankful that Laurie Alice did so well going to her class at daycare today. Today is my first day back after being home with everyone for twelve weeks so I wasn’t sure how she would do. She walked right in sat down and started eating her breakfast. She did give me a hug and then waved goodbye. I also watched her on the monitor. She was having a good time and at nap time she laid right down on her mat and went to sleep. I’m curious to know how long she has slept.

I am thankful we are having a great vacation bible school at our church. It started Monday night and we have had great numbers. It will end Friday night and I pray those who have attended will have learned a lot.

That’s it for this week! Enjoy the pictures of our sweet little girl.





I love this picture. Those are my grandparents hands.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Pictures


I'm posting some pictures so you can see what we have been up to. Laurie Alice enjoyed her first Independance Day. She went to the Peach Festival (HOT) and PaPa joined us and then we came home and ate hotdogs and then she threw up!! I think it was a combination of heat, hotdogs and too much fun. Later that afternoon we headed to Laurie's for a 4th of July party with family and their friends. She seemed to enjoy her first celebration as a US Citizen.
We also went blueberry picking and took the girls to the Zoo on Monday. I can't beleive it but I forgot my camera. I'm so outdone with myself. Laurie Alice's first zoo trip and not a single photo. I will say this though for a child who is scared to death of dogs, cats and stuffed animals she sure doesn't seem to mind the animals at the zoo. She wasn't even afraid of the giraffe that came up to us so Gracie could feed it. If it had been my nieces VERY tiny puppy she would have lost her mind. Funny the things children are afraid of.
We took the girls for a check up and our Skinny Minny aka Gracie has lost 5 lbs. She now only weighs 35 lbs. The Dr. doesn't seem to be too concerned though. Gracie is healthy and she has gotten taller so it probably explains the weight loss. Laurie Alice weighs 25.6 lbs which is exactly what she weighed when we got home. I'm honestly surprised she doesn't weigh more. It seems like she is eating all the time and she even feels heavier to me.
July 18th is finally our apt. with Dr. Giles, the cleft doctor. I have a list of questions for him and am anxious to find out our course of action for LA. Also, if you are reading this post please remember Brinley in your prayers. She is cleft affected and her mother is the wonderful person who designed this blog and did a fund raiser for us. Brinley just had palate surgery 10 days ago and she already has a hole. Sharon discovered it over the weekend and will call the Dr. on Monday (same Dr. we will see). Please pray for healing!!!!! I would love for them to get to Dr. Giles office to only find out the hole has closed. Thank you in advance for remembering them.
On a much lighter note if Alice hasn't had Little Miss. Mollie Beth by this Thursday they plan to induce her Friday morning. I can't wait to see my new niece!!! We are getting so excited and Alice is getting so ready to have her. Remember them both in your prayers too!
Well without further tado her are pictures and I'll try to post after our apt and let everyone know what he says.


4th of July (Gracie actually took this picture)






Gracie on the swings at the Peach Festival












I love this picture. She's so cute!









We took the girls Blueberry picking Tuesday morning

they both had a really good time. We picked a little over 7 lbs.




One Happy Berry Picker


One VERY Tired Berry Picker



Gracie as she was getting ready to run away from home after watching a Little Bill episode where Little Bill decides to leave home. It wasn't much "running away" since her Daddy walked with her around the block and she got back in time to eat supper. She had fun packing for it though.



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