Just us - there’s a little of the before, but mostly it’s the after...: May 2012

and...Yet Another Train

I fully realize this is tremendously boring to everyone except our little family.

Any opportunity that we have to be stopped by a train is a good moment for us because it makes Addie so very happy!

On the way back out to the car - when we finally decided to call it a day - because we had to pick Chris up from his getaway - we got stopped by another train.

Notice the sign by the tracks?

Like I always tell Julien, although it might seem stupid, it wouldn't be there if someone, somewhere hadn't done it before.

Despite the lack of a smile, Addie was taking it all in!

This Little Monkey was so proud of her duck and duck shirt!

When I took them from her to put her into the car, you would have thought the world was falling apart at the edges.

Life was only restored once the items were once again placed in her hands.

Sweet Girl!

Buck Creek Festival 2012 - That's a wrap!

Taking a Break

We had an amazing parking spot and took full advantage by going to the car to take a break for a few minutes.

On the way back, we heard the train coming and had to stop to watch - considering Addie is still in love with all things trains.

To say we had priority seating was an understatement.

Her eyes were glued to the train!

We have our Canadian friends representin'...and I can only assume the rust is from the train cars entrance into the humidity-laden force field known as Alabama.

When the train passed, Addie was thrilled - yet again - to see the giant duck looming in front of us!

It couldn't have gotten any better, one train clears and not only does Addie see the duck, but she also sees another choo-choo.

This time it's red and I have to remind her that it is a firetruck, not a choo-choo.

I Was So Impressed!

I was walking around with the Little Monkey all cozied in her stroller when the Bungy Jump caught her attention.

I stopped so that Addie could watch.

We must have stood there for a good fifteen minutes before I told her that we were going for a walk.

Addie waved her hand in an effort to get me to stay, so I knew she was very interested in what was going on!

I asked her if she wanted a turn and she replied, "Yes Ma'am".

I got into the obnoxiously long line, all the while expecting Addie to change her mind when her turn came.

When it was time to get Addie all suited up, she just stood there.

I told the girl not to let go of the rope and to bounce Addie just a little bit.

There was one moment when Addie went a little higher than my initial instructions, she clearly lost her stomach and I could see the panic on her face.

I reassured Addie that she was fine and the girl was much more attentive to the height that Addie was bouncing...

and Addie had so much fun!!!

I was very impressed with Addie's bravery (and very impressed that the girl was so helpful and sweet to Addie)!!!!!

~~~

May 12, 2012

Buck Creek Festival

It has been a couple of years since we attended the Buck Creek Festival.

Chris was out of town, the weather was mild and...I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take the Little Monkey to see the largest duck to descend on our little town.

Despite the crowds, we managed to get seats with a birds eye view of the duck race.

(If the truth be known, there were two guys sitting at a table for four and I just kind of weaseled my way into their afternoon lunch, but it had to be done.)

Sweet Addie and E.R. Baby were thrilled with all the activity.

We watched in anticipation as the race began.

It took a little longer for the ducks to get moving.

In fact, they had to be coerced over the falls.

Almost there...

almost...

finally!

Addie trying to figure out just what all those ducks are doing!

~~~

May 12, 2011

Julien had his spring scrimmage game to showcase the weeks of hard work.

I absolutely love to watch him having a great time!

This definitely helped me set my sights on fall ball (and cooler temperatures)!

Chris was out of town, so Julien's fan club consisted of just Addie, ER Baby and me.

~~~

May 10, 2012

Julien and I have not been feeling well this week.
There has been whining about sore throats and headaches.
Being the good patient that I am, I dug through the cabinet for a long lost antibiotic and started taking it last night, while Julien refused my offer of a doctors appointment today.
I was pretty worthless, and Addie was sitting sweetly on my lap, being such a good girl when she put her head on my shoulder and patted me and said,
"It's OK Baby".

:)

My sweet girl pays very close attention, but what made me so happy was to hear her say THREE WHOLE WORDS!!!!
In case you have purged all memories of those dreadful English classes you once took....that's a sentence!

WOW!
Sweet Little Monkey absolutely made my night...and it also helped that she was fast asleep by 8:30.
Whew...

Bittersweet

I'm not a crier.

Crying is for sissies.

That's exactly why I couldn't figure out why in the world I burst into tears when Laura sent me this picture today.

Today

is the last day

that the team of therapists and special educator(s) who have worked with Addie since her third birthday

will see her.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Angela, Katherine, Laura and Mandy.

It is impossible not to get attached to someone who has been a part of our lives for the last 869 days - give or take a few.

I had cards for everyone and when I sat down to start writing, the words seemed pointless and borderline cheesy.

How believable would it be to read:

"We wouldn't be where we are without you."

"You changed or lives."

"God placed you in our lives...."

"You have a permanent place in our hearts."

"My gratitude is limitless."

I mean really, it all seemed so cliche.

...but if they only knew how very true it is...

Today was so bittersweet.

It was the end of a very long, sometimes very painful, but always very joyful journey.

It was a journey that was preparing us for the next step.

The journey of taking my little miracle - my "problem" - and showing this world her value, determination and beautiful soul.

I couldn't have done it without the team that God placed in our lives.

How do I ever thank them?

There is no way.

In August, we start back with a new team of therapists and special educators and I pray that they are as willing and determined to push Addie to be everything that she can be

and

are as full of love and compassion as

Angela,

Katherine,

Laura

and

Mandy

have been.

Spring Soccer - Game Number Five

Game Number Five - Buddy Number Five

Addie was ready to get out there and show the ball exactly who was boss

but the evil ball had other ideas!

She composed herself and got back on track.

All the while confirming the plan of action.

Her Daddy stepped in to offer a temporary helping hand.

Then Addie moved right along with her friends.

At the end of the day, this is what made her the happiest!

It's The Little Things

It doesn't take much to make Addie happy.

We are in the process of (slowly) repainting our deck and getting our outside area ready for summer.

This year, we added a swing to the deck and Addie is in love!

I had to make slight modifications by adding weights to the other side of the swing to keep it even for Addie.
Anything to keep her happy through this long hot spring/summer season!