The Henderson Family - blessed with miracles!

Well, That Explains It.

2012-01-31T22:46:00.000-06:00

We attended one very important birthday party this past weekend and for the first hour after we arrived, Addie was glued to me.

When I tried to put her down or take one step away from her, she started screaming and crying.

It was great.

I had a feeling the little Monkey was getting sick, but it usually takes a couple of days before the visible signs are present.

Addie has an ear infection and what appears to be one very nasty sinus infection.

(I am thrilled about an early morning trip to the doctor.)

The party started off with Addie alternating between wanting to see what everyone was doing,

to so fearful that I was going to leave her that she put me in a choke hold,

to releasing her grip just enough so that I could take in oxygen, but not enough that I might actually be able to resume any resemblance of personal space.

Poor little Monkey is just so uneasy in new places, especially when she is around people that she doesn't see very often.

By the end of the party, she didn't want to leave...pictures coming soon!

Spoiled?

2012-01-30T23:10:00.000-06:00

That is a possibility...

Mom Update

2012-01-29T17:43:00.000-06:00

Round and round we go, where we stop, nobody knows!

I will try to make this story as short as possible.

Mom finally had her Cardiac Rehab eval and is trying to coordinator the EECP.
Her new/current/former Cardiologist was doing her best(?) to regulate Mom's meds and set her up for rehab...because if you remember when she had her last heart cath in December, they (meaning some of the country's best)said that surgery was not an option for Mom. That's when I went through contacting Atlanta, sending medical records, blah, blah, blah...and the physician there saying that she was not a candidate because of scar tissue, etc...

Well, that didn't sit well with any of us and so the next step was for my aunt to call in a favor. We do so try to go through the proper channels but it doesn't always work out that way.

Medical records were sent, reviewed, an appt set up and the new set of physicians see a blockage that no other physician saw. Mom is having surgery on Thursday to determine the extent of the blockage and what - if anything - can be done.

Once again, we are all incredibly hopeful.

All About Cats

2012-01-29T13:23:00.000-06:00

It really has been all about cats at our house lately.

Rudy seems to be starting to settle in a little bit and is continuing to find himself in all kinds of predicaments.

Our little Monkey sticks right by him.

Never giving him a moments rest.

Rudy has such bad manners that even Chunkus has started trying to train him.

Before I know it, she will have him jumping through rings of fire and riding horseback.

Addie and Alley

2012-01-29T13:11:00.003-06:00

Addie adores Alley

Giving kisses

I feel certain that Alley adores Addie and if she ever regains any blood flow, I'm sure she will confirm my belief.

Our New Family Member

2012-01-26T22:40:00.062-06:00

Welcome to the Land of Misfit Toys...

That's all I kept thinking as our newest family member was getting somewhat acclimated to his new home.

The journey that we started on back in November didn't end quite like we had planned.

I don't know which one of us made the comment a few months back that we should get another kitty.

Our immediate first reaction was that we didn't need another cat - good grief, one more thing to worry about is the last thing we wanted.

Somehow, we found ourselves on Petfinder.com.

We casually browsed the website for well over a month before we decided that maybe we were at the point where we could offer a home to a kitty in need.

We narrowed down the cats based on criteria we all agreed upon and the numbers dropped from over 14,000 to around 500 and then we narrowed it down to the top five.

That is when we started visiting local shelters, I started sending emails and making telephone calls.

All in an effort to find a kitty that would be gentle enough for Addie.

As I worked through our list, it happened that the kitty on the very bottom of our list somehow seemed to have the personality that might work for our crazy household.

We set up a meeting and went to meet him...

all the while with a heavy heart.

After all, he was at the bottom of our list and the one who we thought would be our least favorite of them all.

My heart just dropped when I saw him.

He was by far the skinniest, sickest and craziest cat of them all.

On the way back out to the car, Julien said that we had to get him because he needed a home so badly.

The cat had no manners, he was in serious need of a large vet bill, his little back bone was pressed against his skin, he was hungry...and he wanted nothing more than to put his head on my shoulder and let me pet him.

My heart overtook all sensible logic and against my better judgement, Addie and I went to get him...and took him straight to the vet.
He was a sick little kitty and was quarantined from our kitties for the first week before we took him to our new vet.

Our new vet suggested we either find him a new home or keep him away from our kitties - forever.

We left the kitty at the vet for four days and when we came back to get him this past Monday, the vet seemed a little more encouraging.

He sent kitty home on Amoxicillin and with a Rx for Zithromax in hopes that a large dose of antibiotics would clear up his terrible infection.

I have refused to bond with kitty. He has been living on our sun porch since we brought him home.

He sleeps on the sun porch or in the hall bathroom at night, enjoys the view on the porch during the day and while we are home in the evening, he spends his time curled up on whoever has an available lap.

He is making good progress with his health, which means he is breaking through the stone cold wall of my heart.

This was day two when we brought him home.

Julien convinced me to go to the craft store and buy supplies for them to make the kitties new toys.

They did a fabulous job and Addie loved playing with the new kitty.

He is 9 1/2 months old and there is no telling what he has been through since birth.

I can tell you that he wants nothing more than to spend time with our kitties and he wants nothing more than to be next to us.

He is gentle and is going to be a giant - his paws are the size of a lions.

He should be well enough to start spending all of his time in the house within the next few days.

We decided on a name.

Since the odds were against him and he has spent his life as the underdog, we decided to name him Rudy.

The odds may have been against him, but he is overcoming the odds and winning over the heart of everyone who meets him.

He may not be the kitty we set out to bring into our home, but he is the kitty that God sent to us and we are growing to love him more each day...

despite his lack of manners...

So far, Rudy has made several odd choices...

Julien stepped into the shower and before the door was closed, Rudy stepped into the shower with Julien...and stood there, pawing at Julien's leg while the water poured down.

Rudy stuck his head in my coffee this morning. I have to say that I was more perturbed than he was.

Then tonight, he jumped on the table and curled up next to Addie's plate during dinner. She was less than happy about it and I can't quite describe to you the emotions that it brought about in me.

Chris took him in the living room and had a little chat with him and told him that in some parts of the world, he would have been dinner for pulling a stunt like that.

Whew....poor kitty has some learning to do.

Happy Birthday C'Jay and M.K.

2012-01-25T23:58:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, we attended our cousins birthday party.

C'Jay and M.K. had a skating birthday party and Julien and Addie were all about it!

Addie was really excited about getting to skate like everyone else.

She was such a sweet girl and we went around the rink probably a dozen times before she was absolutely worn out!

Watching Julien!

I absolutely have a death grip on her little hand.

I was so afraid she was going to fall, but she did so good "skating" all around!

She was so happy to be right in the middle of all the fun and I love having the opportunity to have her participate in activities just like every other child.

After the first few trips around, my niece came out to help us.

Once Gabi started holding Addie's other hand, Addie's confidence went through the roof and she tried her best to "skate" faster and faster.

Thank you Gabi for your help

and

thank you C'Jay and M.K. for inviting us to your party!

Not Bad...

2012-01-24T04:17:00.000-06:00

It was from this view...

That he got this deer.

My dad was an amazing outdoors man. He spent his time hunting, fishing, camping and boating. He died the year before Julien was born, so Julien missed out on having all those experiences.

Thanks to Chris having great friends, Julien (and Chris) were invited down to Selma to go hunting.

On Julien's very first hunting trip and his very first time to aim at a deer, he got this guy with one clean shot straight through the heart.

I was incredibly impressed.

I told him he gets his good aim from me...

Keep in mind that in our house, we are constantly playing pranks on each other, so we have gotten to the point where we don't know when to believe each other and when not to.

The text conversation went like this:

Earlier in the day...

Julien: So...are you going to get him?

Me: Who?

Julien: The Cat

Me: Maybe

Julien: Did you get him?

Me: Who?

Julien: The Cat

Later in the day....

Julien: I just shot one!

Me: A Cat?!?!?!?!

Julien: No! A Deer!

Me: What? NO way!

Me: Did you really?

Me: Prove it! I want a picture.

That's when I started texting Chris who was already texting me....the texts went back and forth and when it came down to the final text, I just didn't believe either one of them...

until Julien showed up at home with a deer head in the back of the truck and a spent shell casing in his pocket.

A snot nosed little punk, otherwise known as one of Julien's "friends" told him that there is no way he would have shot a deer if it wasn't at least an eight point.

I told Julien that the deer population can become remarkably overcrowded in Alabama leading to deer disease and starvation and that he did the human and deer residents of Alabama a favor.

(That's not what I really wanted to say, but that was the right thing to say.)

Regardless of if it was a massive buck or not, that was one darn good shot and I'm very proud of Julien!

An Amazing Caregiver

2012-01-23T03:56:00.001-06:00

Addie has a very soft heart for animals.

She is very sweet and loving and enjoys hugging, kissing and brushing our kitties.

Addie would brush our kitties for hours if we would let her.

The kitties don't mind, but I have a feeling one day they are going to end up with bald spots where Addie has brushed all of their fur away.

Alley - the fat brat - just sits and takes it.

Our poor kitties are getting old and starting to really slow down.

It works in Addie's favor because they don't mind sitting with her.

They just don't realize how lucky they are to have Addie as one of their caregivers.

The Best Birthday Present Ever

2012-01-22T08:56:00.000-06:00

Addie doesn't ask for anything and 98% of her toys, she never plays with.

If it involves a baby doll, a book or markers, then it immediately has her attention.

Otherwise, she doesn't pay it too much attention.

In my quest to find her a gift from us, I ran across a nursery center.

It has a "washer", "sink", changing station and high chair...all for her baby doll's.

I thought she would love it.

She was incredibly interested, but what really caught her attention...

was the box it came in.

I can't tell you how many hours we have spent coloring it, putting stickers on it and allowing her and the kitties to play in it.

Once again, I tried...and failed.

Wrapping up the Night

2012-01-19T21:53:00.001-06:00

On the way back to the condo, my niece rode with us so that she could help out with Addie.

She was so sleepy,

but found the silliest things very amusing!

My niece tried her best to teach Addie how to hold her breath and then smush in her cheeks to make funny noises....so much better than listening to Addie cry!

Despite me being sick and despite not everything being absolutely perfect, Addie had a wonderful 5th Birthday!

Thank you all again for your continued support for our family.

Your prayers mean so much to us and your support and love for Addie gets us through each day.

December 31, 2011

Addie's Happy Birthday Presents

2012-01-19T21:43:00.003-06:00

I love how she enjoys opening her presents!

She was very patient when she needed help.

My sister got Addie a new pillow for the car.

What a perfect fit!

She got a new therapy game - all about ducks!

My Mom got Addie a new baby that sings ABC's and 123's and teaches her about buttons, belts and zippers.

Birthday Lovin's

We hurried through opening presents because we were heading to Addie's birthday dinner.

We chose the Dixie Stampede because we knew Addie would love it!

She had such a wonderful time, clapping and yelling right along with everyone else!

It was a Christmas theme, so there were so many really neat scenes including acrobatic dancing toys and Addie was enthralled.

She wouldn't take her eyes off of them for anything!

At the very end, out came Santa and as soon as Addie saw him she went from clapping and smiling to tense and worried.

She watched Santa as he went all around the arena and she wasn't content until Santa was well out of sight and we reassured her that Santa had in fact gone, "bye-bye".

Addie had a wonderful time and it made me happy to see her smiling and enjoying her big day!

December 31, 2011

Happy Birthday Cupcake Cake!

2012-01-18T22:40:00.001-06:00

Sweet little Monkey was so excited about her cake!

She waited so patiently for everyone to arrive.

Still waiting patiently...

and then it was time!

She didn't mind everyone singing to her.

I love her sweet little face!

Such a simple celebration, but yet, she was so happy!

She knows you clap when the "Happy Birthday Song" is over!

She tried to blow out her candle...

and she tried...

and tried some more...

I finally picked her up so that she could get a better angle!

...and finally!

Sweet Baby Girl's wait for her cupcake cake was over!

What a Relief

2012-01-17T23:06:00.000-06:00

I'm way too tired to post the next set of pictures - sitting in a high school gym for four hours watching stinky, sweaty boys wrestle will do that to you - so instead, here is a little tidbit.

Most of you might remember that Addie has issues with shower curtains. We hate staying at hotels and traveling just because of how difficult the change is on our little Monkey and how we never know what will frighten her.

When I booked our accommodations, I completely forgot to check and see if we had to worry about the shower curtain drama.

I was hoping that one of the two bathrooms would be shower curtain free and my wish came true!

I was so relieved when I walked in and saw a nice, clear shower door!

Our lives are absolutely crazy, so any little bit of drama-free times - are good times.

Terrible camera angle...the shower really wasn't as small as a breadbox.

Not My First Choice

2012-01-16T23:28:00.000-06:00

I never thought in a million years that I would have a problem finding Addie a birthday cake in one of the biggest tourist traps in the south.

Every bakery that I called was either permanently closed or wasn't taking cake orders because of the holidays (that is just stupid).

We finally managed to locate a bakery at a local grocery store.

I decided that although it wasn't what I had in mind for Addie, that all that really mattered was that she was happy and she had C-A-K-E!

My sister and I took Addie to the bakery and looked through the book and narrowed the choices down to three.

I then asked the lady in the bakery to please go and get the cake decorating kits of the final three choices.

She was super helpful and didn't have a problem accommodating the request.

When she brought them out, I showed them all to Addie and let her pick her favorite.

Addie turned away horses and a cat and dog theme for the Backyardigans.

Since Addie isn't able to tell me what kind of cake she wants, I just make the decisions for her.

This time, I wanted Addie to have as much say in her cupcake cake day as possible!

When I walked away from placing the order, I felt good knowing that Addie would be happy.

The grocery store where we ordered the cake didn't sell balloons so we had to drive to the next nearest store to find Addie balloons.

As my luck would have it, I found the perfect balloon - it couldn't have been any more perfect for Addie!

Addie loves the Backyardigans!

That little section of messed up frosting at the front is where my sweet girl just couldn't help herself!

The wait was just too much for her!

Monkey See Monkey Do

2012-01-16T22:55:00.001-06:00

My sister was sitting with Addie and trying desperately to keep her occupied.

One of my sisters tricks is to show Addie pictures of Carli that she has on her cell phone.

Addie took control of her phone and when I looked back, I caught Addie trying to take a picture of herself!

She kept holding the phone up and saying, "Cheese!".

Oh my goodness, she is a mess, but paying such close attention to every little detail!

December 31, 2011

Yee Haw

2012-01-16T22:53:00.006-06:00

Since poor Addie isn't able to tell us what she wants to do, she just basically tags along for whatever it is that we are doing.

Most of the attractions - everywhere we went - were either too big for her or they wouldn't allow an adult with her, which meant that she couldn't go on the ride or on the playground.

Addie didn't really seem to mind much because she loves watching people. It really bothers me more than it does her.

After breakfast, we headed over to the Nascar Speed Park (Yes. I typed that correctly). It is a mega tourist trap and absolutely perfect for Julien, Chris and my brother. I was actually really excited about it because they had several different Go-Kart Tracks and my plan was to find one where Addie could ride with me.

She was technically too small, but since the guy at the gate didn't bother to check her height, we didn't have any problems getting our turn. If I'm going to pay $14.99 + tax just to get Addie through the doors, by golly, she is going to ride something.

The Go-Kart track was nice in the world of tourist Go-Kart tracks.I was mindful of the fellow participants and I stayed over to the right and went slower so that Addie didn't become too overwhelmed (and so that no one would bump the car and scare Addie). Addie didn't say a word the entire time. She didn't cry, smile or laugh. She just sat there. All I can assume is that she had no idea what to think of the situation!

After our turn, the guys decided to head over to the bigger and much faster Go-Karts and I took Addie over to the kiddie rides. Against my better judgement, I put Addie on one of the little self-propelled rides and watched as she sat - terrified - through the entire thing. She didn't cry, but her bottom lip was just about touching the floor when I finally got her off the ride.

From there, it was all down hill.

She hit the point of no return.

She started shaking and crying and nothing I could do would console her.

After trying everything within my power, I finally took her back inside and let her look around at all the arcade games until the boys had enough.

Addie's birthday morning didn't end quite like I had planned, but once Addie heard the word "cake", she knew good things were yet to come!
~~~
December 31 ,2011

Birthday Breakfast for Baby Girl

2012-01-16T00:04:00.003-06:00

After our first round of pictures, we headed out for breakfast.

I decided that the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant would be a nice fit for Addie.

It is a small, comfortable atmosphere and we shared part of one room with another party only part of the time.

That meant that we could be annoying and cut up as much as we saw fit and not really interfere with anyone else.

Our server was a super sweet lady who was more than willing to talk to Addie and wish her a big "Happy Birthday".

After Addie finished her breakfast, the server brought Addie out a piece of chocolate cake.

Addie was so happy to be spending her morning with everyone and to have so much attention brought her way!

My sweet Baby Girl!

After breakfast, we walked over to the store to browse around.

Addie is all about apples and was looking at everything!

While we were checking out, a lady approached me and asked if I had a blog.

She recognized us!

She was so kind and had so many nice things to say and I was so caught off guard, but so incredibly thankful for the moment!

I shared with her that it was Addie's Birthday and how very much she made my day because it was such a hard day for me.

God puts people in our paths and I know that she was placed there for me.

There is no other explanation.

We were hundreds of miles from home and crossed paths with someone who follows Addie's journey - it was pretty amazing!

It was probably a good thing that I had lost my voice or I could have held up the line at check-out talking to her for a very long time.

***I just want you to know that your sweet words truly mean the world to me and I am so thankful that you took time out of your day to stop and talk to us.

You made us feel very special and your actions are very much appreciated!***

December 31, 2011

My Baby Girl's Big Day!

2012-01-11T23:03:00.000-06:00

Yes.

We look rough.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing.

Somehow, they wear us out!

I woke up as sick as could be.
I had completely lost my voice and my chest felt like an enormous elephant had parked at least its lower three quarters upon me.

It was absolute misery!

Despite that, I made sure that when the clock turned to 6:00 a.m., that I was awake and laying next to Addie so that I could wish her a Happy Birthday and so that I could tell her how much she is loved and how we would not trade the world for her.
I thanked God for my sweet baby.

My Mom gave Addie her birthday outfit the night before and Addie was so thrilled!

She is all about cupcakes!

She was so excited that she "demanded" to sleep with her dress.
She cuddled it in her arms like a baby and when she awoke the next morning, the first thing she said was "cupcake?".

I know Addie felt special in her birthday outfit and nothing could have pleased us more!

Addie wanted everybody to know that it was her "Happy Birthday Cupcake Cake Day"!

It's Only A Small Technicality

2012-01-11T22:49:00.000-06:00

I have to say that Bubba Gump Gatlinburg did not feel quite the same as Bubba Gump Orlando - extremely different atmosphere!

Regardless, the food was good and the people were friendly.

Since this was the eve of Addie's Birthday, we felt it more than appropriate to find every single opportunity to celebrate.

My brother came dressed for the occasion.

We were -EXHAUSTED!

We had been out all day long and by the time we finally made it to dinner, we were ready to eat so that we could get back to our temporary house.

We had absolutely no shame mentioning that it was Addie's Birthday - we just left out the part where it was technically still about five hours away.

Addie wasn't real sure what to think...

and let me tell you, it was not a quiet celebration either...

They were all so sweet to Addie!

Addie had just finished a chicken finger, ranch dressing, blue jello cocktail and was taken off guard that she was now presented with the option of downing an ice cream sundae.

We still couldn't figure out if she was about to burst into tears

or just continue the deer in the headlights gaze.

This was one night that I didn't have to try to get Addie to sleep.

She slept awesome!

Deja Vu ....?

2012-01-10T22:48:00.002-06:00

One entire year has passed and I still manage to get the same pictures of the same non-compliant people.

More Waiting

2012-01-10T22:47:00.000-06:00

Addie was too small to do anything else at Ober Gatlinburg, so while Chris and my brother stood in line for the lift for the alpine slide, we walked down to get a better view.

The winds shifted suddenly and once tolerable temperatures turned frigid.

The winds became so bad that as soon as Chris and my brother got on the lift, they closed it.

I told them that it wouldn't be my fault if they relived a scene from Frozen...I tried to warn them.

Addie was more than ready to get back inside!

Passing the Time

2012-01-10T22:37:00.001-06:00

I finally convinced Addie to leave the spectator area and go to the little Merry-Go-Round.

I was very unsure about how she was going to do since we have had issues in the past with the motion on Merry-Go-Round's.

This one was small and didn't go very fast and Addie loved it!

We bought an unlimited pass and I can't tell you how many times we went on that thing.

Thankfully, my niece was all about going with Addie each and every time.

It was a very inexpensive and an easy way to pass the time while everyone else continued to ice skate.

It kept the three of us very busy!

Addie even got brave enough to reach over and try to hold Gabi's hand!

Morning One in Gatlinburg

2012-01-08T21:53:00.001-06:00

Since we are still somewhat traumatized from our car trip last year, we decided to stay a little closer to home this year.

We turned down a cruise and a trip to Lake Tahoe.

I can't tell you how much that hurt.

Regardless, we are seeing progress with Addie and I know that one day we will have the opportunities to travel more.

For Addie's 5th Birthday trip, we went seven hours north of home.

We were ready to hit the slopes, but there was just one small problem.

The temperatures were hovering in the upper 30's, so the only snow we saw was covering the slopes under the stagnant ski lifts.

We resorted to Plan B and took to the ice.

Well...most everyone took to the ice.

My mother (yes, she made the trip!), niece, Addie and I took to the spectator zone.

Addie was a little on edge and started out a little upset.

Once she saw that everybody was OK and having a good time, she calmed down.

She never stopped watching!

She loved watching her Daddy

and Julien.

She had a blast watching everyone and as usual, was the best cheerleader in the entire building!

Julien was one of the best skaters out there.

He is a natural!

My sisters on the other hand....

not so much.

Every few minutes, everybody would gather at the windows where we were watching so they could wave to Addie

and if they didn't wave, she tried her best to get their attention.

Addie watched

and watched.

Not even my niece could get Addie's attention away from the ice.

There was only a very, very small part of me that felt bad for not taking Addie on the ice.

It really wasn't a good idea and she honestly didn't seem to mind just watching.

She is such a good little cheerleader!

Day One

2012-01-06T04:07:00.005-06:00

My sweet Addie on morning one of our little vacation.

This started the last official day of her as a four-year-old.

She had an incredibly difficult night.

When we arrived for our stay, Addie became very upset and nothing could calm her down.

New places are always hard for her.

Thankfully, she did finally go to sleep and when she woke the next morning, there were no tears, but she was still a little on edge about her surroundings.

Christmas Day At My Aunt's

2012-01-05T21:46:00.000-06:00

Everybody was beyond exhausted!

We all had a very late night, going to bed before the break of dawn and then back up not too much later after that.

We were happy for the opportunity to sit around, enjoy the conversation and of course - the food.

Addie loved her new monkey dress from my sister and enjoyed the festive decorations at my aunt's...

and there was something about the Santa Pez Dispenser that kept Addie's attention.

Of all the gifts Addie received, it was the Santa Pez Dispenser that she wanted to take with her in the car Christmas Day.

Once again, had I known that all it would have taken to make her happy was a sugar filled piece of $2 plastic, it would have cut down on a bit of hassle and worry on my part.

MK and Addie - see....there are other members of my family with blue eyes and blond hair!

I told you Addie is my biological child!

My cousin made Addie an adorable blue tutu - Addie was thrilled!

Julien and my sister were more than happy to help Addie put it on...while I sat on the couch with my feet propped up and taking pictures! (yay for me!)

It was nice to spend time with family and enjoy some down-time.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas 2011 - that's a wrap!

Me and My Babies

2012-01-04T21:45:00.000-06:00

Check out the height difference...and I am wearing three inch heels.
~~~

This is about as far as I can make it on posting tonight.
Thanks to my fabulous physician, I am now on hour 36 of antibiotics, but still feel like a ginormous elephant is sitting on my chest.
More rave reviews on my physician and more Christmas/Birthday pictures later, but for now, I have a crying child and an annoying bacterial infection that requires my attention.

Carli and Stephen King

2012-01-03T21:34:00.000-06:00

The Sunday before Christmas, Princess Carli had her afternoon at the spa and followed it up with her photo shoot with ~~Stephen King~~ Santa Claws.

The money was for charity, so we can somehow find a way to overlook the exquisitely dressed ~~Ted Bundy~~ Mr. Claws and the fact that it looks like he is trying to strangle her to death.

Yet again, I can completely understand why my child runs in fear when she sees this jolly old soul.

Heading out Christmas Day

2012-01-03T21:27:00.000-06:00

Just like last year, we started out Christmas Morning in dreary rain, except this year, we had no chance of snow.

It rained over the bridge

and through the woods

and even after we made it to my aunt's house.

The rain didn't put a damper on the day, but it sure would be nice to wake up to snow one Christmas Morning in Alabama.

...and before breakfast...

2012-01-03T21:26:00.000-06:00

Yikes!

Wow...talk about needing a nap.

I know for a fact it was just caffeine in his cup, although he needed quite a bit more than just that.

We had a long night and had a very busy day ahead of us!

...and a big huge Thank You to Santa for my beautiful gift!...

Just Dance 3 for the Wii.

That provided a ton of entertainment for us.

At one point I caught Julien videoing me - he is way braver than I thought he was.

After a few verbal threats, the video was deleted - he's a smart boy after all...

Addie was thrilled that Julien was helping her!

After breakfast the men folk headed out to hunt and gather.

There was only a short break in the rain, so really it was more of an aim, fire and get back home type of mission.

My house looked like a disaster.

I love how the holidays requires me to clean before, during and after and it still never looks the way it should.

I need a maid.

Christmas Morning...Continued

2012-01-02T21:48:00.001-06:00

Julien loved bringing Addie downstairs to see her presents.

We have no idea if she knew why we were all excited, but I know she could feel the excitement in the air and she was just tickled over it all!

...and Thomas just sat back and took it all in...

Addie with baby number three and four of the Christmas Season -

they were one of the gifts from my Mother and a big hit with Addie!

(Baby number two has not been properly introduced yet)

Addie was definitely ready to open some presents.

It wasn't even about what was inside, it was just the opening of the presents that made her happy!

She still needs help and Julien was more than happy to lend a hand...or two.

Julien was telling her to "rip open the paper" and she was paying close attention to his directions.

A book all about dogs, Addie was thrilled...and Julien was too!

A Chloe's Closet DVD for the car.

The is one of the rare cartoons that Addie cares to see.

Her attention span with anything on the television is a few minutes at the most, but we keep trying to find things that will interest her in order to keep her occupied in the car.

One of her favorite things...fruit snacks out of her stocking.

Go figure.

Aha!

She spotted one of the Calico Critter's!

E.T. Phone Home...

This picture actually cracked me up.

Addie spotted the girl puppy in the bathtub and picked her up and put her on the potty!

If she can get that puppy potty trained, I'm calling Oprah for an in home one on one interview.

Checking it all out.

Addie has always had a really hard time with imaginative play.

It has been only recently that we have seen these skills start to develop and it is sporadic at best.

I know the dollhouse will help her with this, it will come in time.

Until then, the dollhouse is here, waiting on Addie.

New Year Update

2012-01-01T13:15:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year to you all!

I don't have a 2011 synopsis to write. I am just looking forward to a great 2012. We know this year will be better and we have another busy year ahead of us.
Julien will start his last year of middle school and Addie will start her first year of school - both a big deal for us.

We are on our way home from four much needed days away. Just like last year, I managed to pick up some fungus that is leaving me worthless and ready for my own bed and a few shots of antibiotics.

Addie is being such a good girl in the car, my family has taken turns sitting with Addie and taking care of her, especially helpful for me right now.

Addie had a wonderful birthday! Or as she called it, her "happy cake cupcake day"! You will remember, it took Addie 4 1/2 years to learn how to tell someone her age and now we are working to teach her that she is 5 years old!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! I know I will have so much to journal this year and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Happy 2012!

Five Years Today

2011-12-31T06:00:00.103-06:00

It has been five years.

Five years since I heard, "6:00 a.m.", five years since I was told that there was "a problem", five years since the first time that I held my precious baby in my arms and promised to love her forever.

It has been five years since our lives were changed forever.

We have changed in every imaginable way - and all for the better.

Addison Ellis Henderson has taught us more in five years about love, acceptance,

patience, determination

and grace

than I could have learned on my own in my entire lifetime.

Each year that has passed has taught me more about myself, this world and the sweet Baby Girl I hold in my arms each day.

I will always believe that the first year was the hardest year of our lives and when we hit that one year mark, I allowed myself to breathe.
I knew then that we really would be ok.

...and with each passing year, our lives that were so full of fear, turned into lives of comfort.

As we celebrate today - Addie's 5th Birthday - my mind drifts back to those first few seconds of her life and I look to where we are today and realize that I wouldn't trade a moment of the experience and the honor.

I thank each one of you for standing by us through these last five years.

We need your continued support and love each day.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T01:21:00.001-06:00

Julien woke sometime after the break of dawn.

As with years past, Addie was still sleeping when Julien opened his presents.

I really like it that way because I get to pay full attention to Julien and enjoy watching him open his presents.

Just like with the Easter Bunny, we tell Santa that we will buy presents for our home so that he can focus on presents for all the other children who need him.

That way, Addie will always know that Daddy and Mommy bought her presents on Christmas morning and she will not be confused or afraid.

...and just like years past, we bought fairly for our children...

We try desperately to teach them that it is not about the number of presents under the tree...or in the vicinity of the tree...

A Steelers Mr. Potato Head.

I did good!

Well...we do live in Alabama.

It has to be expected.

Tell me about it...I could have used a five or six hour nap as well!

Julien said he had a really nice Christmas and he did receive some really nice gifts.

I realize that nothing will ever compensate for the four-wheeler that we will never buy for him, but I think these gifts somewhat dulled the pain of not having a four-wheeler (I said somewhat).

After much begging from Julien, it was time to wake Addie.

Unlike each year before, this year Julien insisted that he be the one to bring Addie downstairs.

He was thrilled to take all the credit!

Waiting on her was a present one year in the making.

This ended up in Jenn's home last year and was such a big hit with her girls, that I decided Addie needed one too.

Chris and I bought it way back in March and was able to hold off giving it to Addie until Christmas (we were quite proud of ourselves).

We opted for Calico Critters instead of Barbie's.

Addie is definitely not ready for Barbie's and we are perfectly fine with that!

New Baby Number One

2011-12-28T03:59:00.032-06:00

Chris' Nanny gave Addie money for Christmas, which in turn bought baby number one of the Christmas Season.

When we were at Chris' dad's house, Addie fell in love with a baby doll that belongs to Chris' sister and I decided then that Addie had to have her.

I took the money from Nanny and bought the Adora Baby straightaway.

She is such an adorable baby and imagine my surprise when she came with a note that she was "washable", but in this world where we always have to walk on egg shells and be careful of what we say so that we don't offend anyone or throw the world off its axis, I never would have thought I would have seen this on the box:

I'm sure somebody somewhere is going to take offense that the company would imply that a real baby was machine washable and will eventually modify the packaging.

Either that or I missed the "CAUTION" note in the box, explaining to me that I cannot put a REAL baby into my washing machine.

It's a good thing I have thoroughly thought this through and understand which baby is machine washable and which isn't.

Despite any potential confusion, this baby powder smelling, satin bodied baby is fitting in quite nicely in our little home.

Christmas Eve - Just Us

2011-12-28T03:43:00.001-06:00

Me and my stuffy nosed baby.

Addie knew from all of the activity at the house that we were having a party and she kept a close watch on the windows - anxiously waiting for people to arrive!

She took a picture with me and with Chris, gave him a quick kiss and back to watching the windows she went.

We are such dorks.

Here - a picture of me and ~~Jim Carrey~~ Julien.

Chris and I walked into a wrestling match a couple weeks back and found another mom cutting Julien's hair (and the hair of several other boys).

It was either cut their hair or they didn't get to participate in the match since their hair was touching their eyebrows.

Not really a lot of options when you are sitting on bleachers in a middle school gym...

A huge change from his hair this past summer and not a bad change at that!

Carli in a headlock - it doesn't look brutal at all.

I think Addie is watching to make sure nobody is going to try and sneak up and rip Carli from her hands.

That poor dog...

Merry Christmas Eve to you all!

This is where the camera got put down and in all of the commotion, I didn't get a chance to get many more pictures....

The kids got exactly what they wanted from my family.

Addie ended up with four new baby doll's this Christmas and she loves them all.

I think Chris will have to start building onto the house so that we can have a room for all of Addie's baby doll's.

Not that he would mind, considering books and babies are what makes Addie the happiest.

Carli

2011-12-27T04:17:00.042-06:00

My family came to our house Christmas Eve.

When I say "my family", that includes Carli.

That sweet little face caused a bi-polar kind of night.

She was sweet and sat and watched all the excitement for about 22 seconds before Addie got her little hands on her

and then for the rest of the night, Addie refused to let her go.

When we tried to take a picture, Addie thought my brother was going to take Carli from her and massive tears emerged.

The tears started to dry up and Addie's already stuffy nose made it impossible for her to breathe.

My poor baby was having a rough time!

Yes. That is her pouty bottom lip sticking out.

She dared anyone to try and touch Carli.

There came a point in the evening when Carli did escape Addie's grasp.

It was then that Carli spotted Alley.

She started barking and growling at Alley, but when Alley got fed up with it and decided she was going to come into the living room to set Carli straight, Carli ran and hid behind my mother's legs.

What a scaredy ~~cat~~ dog.

Carli is a lot of extra work, but she is such a sweet dog and loved by us all.

It was nice for her to be a part of the celebration this year.

A Day of Remembering

2011-12-26T01:05:00.012-06:00

December 26, 2009

Evan Ryan and Ethan Reed

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T23:17:00.000-06:00

Christmas Gathering Number Two

2011-12-23T23:23:00.016-06:00

Chris' mother and brother came over this morning for Christmas.

Addie did a really good job opening the presents.
She still needs assistance, but I can definitely see some progress since last year!

It was quite labor intensive at times.

Julien had a sleep over last night and was barely able to stay awake during the visit.

So excited about her present!

Julien let Addie have the honor of opening his presents.

Listening for further instructions...?

Chunk is such a mess!

(Christmas gathering number one was at Chris' dad's this past Sunday. We didn't have the camera with us.)

In Case You Were Wondering

2011-12-23T11:11:00.001-06:00

Yes.

Alley is still being tortured this Christmas Season.

She doesn't appear to mind...

Christmas Party at School

2011-12-22T23:04:00.003-06:00

Addie had her last preschool Christmas Party on December 16.

The kids sang songs for us and it was really sweet.

Addie was so thrilled to be in front of everyone and to see all of her friends singing, that she just stood there smiling and giggling.

Her teachers told me that she did well following along with some of the hand motions and singing parts of the songs during practice, but the excitement of it all prevented her participation at show time!

On another note, Addie is so in love with her tutu.

The entire way to school, she kept saying, "party"!

(because she knows that dress up time = party time)

She insisted on wearing her tutu the rest of the weekend as well.

I see no problem with it at all.

If I could get away with wearing a tutu, I would as well...I guess it's a little late to ask Santa for one now...

After the program, it was time for the book exchange.

Addie was thrilled to participate!

It took a little effort for the kids to catch on to the game,

but, they were very pleased with the results.

Addie loves her new book!

I seriously have no idea where the month of December has gone.

I am not ready for any of the events coming between now and the end of the month and I just need for time to slow down a little.

Birmingham Zoo

2011-12-21T04:41:00.003-06:00

December 1, we ventured out to the zoo to see all the lights.
We had a great time except for the fact that Addie refused to keep her gloves and hat on and tried her best to become hypothermic.
Other than that, and my family refusing to play along with my desire for some pictures, it was nice...
and over quickly.

Seriously, I wasn't asking for much, just one little photo.

I'm not exactly sure, but I think this lovely photo was a result of Addie realizing that the train ride was over and we were about to leave.

I think she thought Julien was getting ready to grab her and run.

We were definitely in the Christmas spirit.

Walking through the butterfly house in December...freezing like crazy and Chunk refused her gloves.

I think we picked them up off the ground at least 221 times.

At the point where her fingers starting turning red, we decided it was time to go!

Next year, I will just wrap her in a one piece snow suit where she is unable to remove a stitch of clothing - that will keep her warm and toasty!

They're Magically Delicious!

2011-12-21T04:39:00.000-06:00

Since sometime around December 8, Addie has been battling another ear/sinus infection.

This coincidentally coincided with our car ride home from work where Addie decided that leftover Lucky Charms were not only Magically Delicious when ingested orally, but by nasal route as well.

At this point, we don't know if Addie's continued sinus problems and poor little matted eyes have anything to do with one of Lucky's Charms being glued to the inside of her nasal cavity or if we are simply in December and this is Addie's typical M.O. for this time of year.

Twice now, I have had detailed conversations with Dr. Davis's nurse regarding this situation and twice it has been mentioned that we might want to send Addie to the O.R. to be scoped - just to make sure.

At this point, I'm waiting it out - right or wrong.

I can promise you one thing, my life is never boring.

Addie and Her New Bunkey

2011-12-20T04:31:00.025-06:00

Leeanna and Julia got Addie a new Bunkey for Christmas!

Julia has been one of my biggest supporters over the years and is one of those women in life who I am honored to know.

Addie was so happy when she opened her gift and pulled out a new Monkey...only in Addie translation, it came out as "Oooooohhhhh,Bunkey!".

I think Addie's new Bunkey is just absolutely adorable!

Thank you Leeanna and Julia for Addie's precious gift!

...that's lipstick on Addie's jaw, not a bruise...took me a minute to figure that out...

Bunkey has already made a trip to school with Addie and several trips to dinner, hence the dirty paws...

Giving Bunkey a kiss...on the leg.

Well,C**P

2011-12-20T04:13:00.004-06:00

It wasn't news I wanted to hear.

I talked to the Atlanta surgeons office twice yesterday - and I must say - I was pleased with them.
Very nice, very willing to answer my questions.

However, Mom is not a surgical candidate.

To sum it up, issues with her vascular system and scar tissue were the deciding factors.

Symptom management is never what anyone wants to hear. I personally think that answer just sucks, but as with Addie, I am staying positive and I know that Addie wouldn't be where she is today if we didn't fight for her - and the same approach for my Mother.

We will do whatever we can to help her improve as much as possible.

The only thing that is so hard to digest is knowing that we (as a nation), have the capability to put people on another planet...or well, we used to be able to...and we have the ability to clone people, but we can't figure out how to fix a heart that isn't working.

Yes. I say that knowing full well that I sit behind a desk each and every day and not in a research lab somewhere.

I am turning my attention to getting through this incredibly busy week and then enjoying Christmas with my family

and

with all hope that the other options sitting before us will allow a better quality of life for my Mother - because she deserves it.

More Pictures of my Baby Girl

2011-12-18T23:41:00.000-06:00

Pictures courtesy of Kim at Kim Sharit Photography.

Update on Mom

2011-12-18T23:38:00.000-06:00

I talked to Mom's Cardiologist again on Friday.
Once again, I didn't hear any news that I wanted to hear.
After getting a second opinion from her peers, Mom's doctor doesn't feel that surgery is an option. There are no viable vessels to reconnect the bypass.

This is a summary of the conversation:

- Surgery to repair/replace the collapsed bypass is not an option.
- New meds are being added for symptom management and to hopefully open up the vessels to create better blood flow.
- The nurse is calling me tomorrow to schedule Cardiac Rehab.
- The nurse is calling me tomorrow to schedule EECP. Every day for five straight weeks, Mom will have to travel to Kirklin Clinic for therapy. Wow.
- The Cardiologist humored me and agreed to fax Mom's records to Atlanta. I talked with the Atlanta office and they received the records. Now we just have to wait and see if the surgeon thinks that Mom is a candidate for surgery. This doctor is the Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Chair of Saint Joseph's Heart and Vascular Institute. My Mother's Cardiologist told me that some of the nations top Cardiologists had already reviewed Mom's records and were right here at UAB and they all agreed that surgery was not an option. I very politely told her that I did not doubt her professional knowledge or opinion, but that it was my duty to seek out all treatment options for my Mother. Otherwise, I would not be able to sleep at night. (Basically the exact same thing that I told doctor after doctor in the years since Addie's birth).

If after talking with the surgeon in Atlanta and it is determined that surgery is truly not an option, then it all comes down to prayer and symptom management.

Not So Shocking

2011-12-17T22:46:00.005-06:00

I do realize that my audience of people who truly care about this story is very, very limited....but, here it is anyway.

I got the train I the kids wanted.

We had some leftover polyfill from one of Julien's school projects and as is typical of me, I decided to put some crappy craft skills to work.

I thought I might as well stage the scene for Thomas and Santa and it only briefly crossed my mind that the massive amount of snow under the tree might be somewhat problematic for our cats.

Julien, Addie and I walked through the door from work/school/wrestling and as I was taking off my shoes, I heard Julien say, "Oh my god Mom, the cat threw up!".

I walked into the kitchen and noticed the obvious, there was vomit EVERYWHERE!

On the floor, kitchen chair(s) and all over three of the curtains on the windows.

I can't tell you how massive the clean-up was, not to mention the dry cleaning bill for the curtains.

I told my best friend that it looked like a grown man had broken into our house and vomited all over my kitchen.

So...one vet bill, one dry cleaning bill and one ruined manicure later, I vacuumed up all the snow from under the tree.

Lesson learned.

Each year, we always buy ornaments for the tree that represent how we feel about our lives at that moment.

We usually will also go to some crafty store and make ornaments for the tree, but that just didn't happen this year.

This year, we stuck to Hallmark.

Julien must know a lot more than he's telling, because this is the ornament he chose this year:

Addie just looked at ornament after ornament after ornament, so Julien and I decided that this was the best representation of Addie (at that moment).

I know it looks all cute and cuddly and all, but he's still a Gremlin.

Sweet one minute and wreaking havoc the next.

Chris and I chose this one without a second thought.

This couldn't be any more perfect for our family.

My Babies

2011-12-15T22:43:00.001-06:00

Photos courtesy of Kim.
Most of you know that Kim means the world to our family and holds a very special place in our hearts.
All of her contact information is available here.
.

Pictures of the Day!

2011-12-15T04:16:00.000-06:00

Photos courtesy of Kim!

Rotten Little Monkey

2011-12-14T06:44:00.001-06:00

There was a point when Addie decided that she wouldn't smile for nothing.

She stood there, refusing to look at the camera.

She's a pretty funny little Monkey.

We had to move out of the way of oncoming traffic, so the next go around she was slightly better.

She wasn't about to let go of my fingers and she was a little on edge the entire time - there's no telling what it could have been.

By the time we made it to this picture, she would look at the camera, but refused to like it.

Photos courtesy of Kim

In recovery

2011-12-13T10:34:00.001-06:00

One of the bypasses (done in february) is collapsed. Can't do a stent because the artery is too diseased. He will not recommend another open heart because of complications from the first one.now, we have to wait to see if my mothers primary cardiologist disagrees in any way.

There was nothing they could do once they got in and took a look. ..not what we had hoped

She'a a mess...

2011-12-11T23:09:00.000-06:00

Photo courtesy of Kim!

Extra Crazy/Busy Couple of Days

2011-12-11T23:02:00.001-06:00

Let me see how quickly I can sum this up:

1. Addie has a massive ear infection. Thank goodness that we have an ENT that actually thinks I'm smart enough to know what's going on with my child. Thanks to him, we now have Addie on two antibiotics to hopefully clear this mess. As you may remember, this time last year, we were going through the same thing and it resulted in a trip to the O.R. after Addie suffering for part of November, the entire month of December and part of January. She has been pure evil this weekend...and I have been too.

2. Julien is right smack in the middle of wrestling season. Wrestling is pretty much dominating our life right now. We had two tournaments this weekend - a total of about 15 hours - if you include driving time. We have two matches and two tournaments coming up this week.

3. We have managed to put up a tree, a couple really sad looking trees out front and few sprinkling of Christmas decor on our sun porch. Our neighbors down the street have their house decorated with a gazillion lights that are set to music that you can hear through an FM radio station. Seriously. Decorating our house is just not even worth the effort. No one can even compare. I can only assume that they have not been sitting for hours on end in Liberty Park, Vestavia or Homewood, watching hundreds of sweaty teenagers attack each other. Either that or we are subhuman losers who cannot manage to keep up with the rest of society.

4. I'm not close to being done with my Christmas shopping. I haven't even started on Christmas menu planning.

5. I don't know exactly what we are doing for Addie's Birthday. I'm trying not to think about it. I can't handle thinking that we are about to enter year five.

6. We have had our fall pictures back from Kim and I am just now finding the time to start posting them on the blog.

7. I'm invoking my sibling confidentiality rules for this one. The vast majority of you know that my Mom had a massive heart attack in February. She spent months in and out of the hospital and was never quite the same. We finally convinced her to change hospitals, she found a Cardiologist that would actually listen to her instead of thinking that she was delusional and wouldn't you know it...
The Cardiologist has found a blockage in my Mother's heart that is causing all of her awful symptoms that have been there since her open heart surgery - TEN MONTHS BACK!!!
So...here we go again. Mom is having surgery on Tuesday. We are praying that a stent will correct the problem. I can't imagine my Mom having to go through a second open heart surgery within ten months. I am enormously worried about Tuesday and I know that I can count on many of you to keep my Mom in your prayers. We have so many things going on this month and I want her well so that she can enjoy them.

7. I think that covers the stuff I feel like sharing.

Alley Goes To The Doctor

2011-12-08T22:27:00.002-06:00

Addie made her first trip to see Alley's doctor.

Addie was such a good helper and tried to calm Alley on the trip to the vet.

She kept telling Alley, "doctor" and Addie even pointed to her mouth and said, "aaahhhh" in an effort to tell Alley that the doctor would have to look in her mouth.

Once we arrived at the doctor, Addie was very nervous and very attentive to Alley.

When the doctor came in, Addie got really nervous and never took her eyes off what the doctor was doing.

We were all worried that our geriatric kitty was really sick, turns out, she's just getting old(er).

Addie insisted on "holding her".

...and when Alley decided to make herself comfortable in the chair, Addie had to stay right beside her.

Addie kept reaching for the bag.

That was her way of trying to figure out if it was time to go.

When I told her that we were still waiting on Alley's blood work to come back, Addie went back to just loving on the kitty.

It's sweet to see Addie trying to be such a big girl helper!

It's Really Not Abuse

2011-12-07T22:31:00.000-06:00

If you'll notice, Alley's airway is completely free from distress.

What you see below is nothing but pure love.

In fact, one of Addie's newest phrases is, "hold her"...that all started with Carli and has now progressed to Alley.

Addie loves "holding her"!

Lots of hugs

and kisses!

Another Very Special Birthday Party

2011-12-06T22:52:00.000-06:00

We had the honor of attending Olivia's Birthday Party this past Saturday.

Our camera battery died, so we missed out on photos of Olivia opening her presents.

She is such a sweet girl and we wish Olivia a very happy 5th Birthday!

The other part of the story brings me to tears every single time I try to tell it.

(and you guys know I'm not a crier)

The kindness of strangers continues to overwhelm us and the love of Addie's friends is so beautiful to witness.

When I told Addie that we were going to Olivia's Birthday Party, she was so excited and must have asked me a million times about the "party".

Once we arrived, Addie was so happy to see her friends!

When I read the invitation, I had no idea that it would require me to fully participate in the activities - otherwise, I would have showed up in sweats and a t-shirt.

Chris and I had a ton of other things going on before the party, so we came dressed - not in our play clothes.

When we walked in, I kicked off my boots, rolled up my jeans (yee-haw) and got to the business of helping Addie.

The activities started with the children running around the obstacle course.

Addie couldn't keep up - of course - so we took it at Addie's pace.

She got to try out the spring board and big tumbling mats

and stopped long enough to make sure that Jack made it too.

Addie's friends were running around like crazy, but it didn't bother either one of us that she was so far behind her friends.

It was great to see what Addie could do!

The inflatable castle tried to eat her, but she finally managed to find her way out.

Running like crazy through the maze.

...and this is when it all changed...

Addie was ecstatic to be with her friends and was not bothered one single bit because she couldn't keep up with her friends.

I was perfectly fine with it too.

Things like that don't upset me because I focus on all that Addie can do and more importantly, I see how Addie's friends include her and encourage her and somehow, everything really is OK.

The coaches at the party were very encouraging to Addie and at some point, it must have really clicked because one of them came over and started to help me with Addie.

The balance beam was pretty much impossible, but with help, we made it all the way!

Addie stayed in line with her friends and listened intently to everything the coaches were saying.

Up next was a slide that had to be at least ten feet down into a pit.

The kids slid down and ran up the other side and jumped into a huge foam pit.

Addie and I stood on the side watching them in amazement.

We were fine just to watch and Addie was so excited for her friends!

The other coach asked me if Addie wanted a turn and I told her that Addie was fine and was happy just to watch.

The coach must not have been content just to have Addie watch because she offered to go down the slide with Addie..

and she did...

and then both coaches helped Addie back up and into the foam pit.

Addie couldn't make it out, but Chris and I let her try and try until she started to sink and I had to grab her before she fell through the foam!

Next, everyone got a chance to jump down the first trampoline and back.

Addie did a great job "jumping"!!!

But her attention was focused on where the rest of her friends were...

The coach tied a knot in the enormous rope and the kids each hand a turn swinging - so incredibly high!

This had 100% of Addie's attention, so I took her over so that she could watch.

When the coach asked if Addie wanted a turn, I once again politely declined.

Addie knows how to hold on, but she doesn't understand the consequences of letting go when she is on a swing.

Once again, the coach wasn't content to let Addie just stand by and watch.

She told me that she would not take her hands off of Addie

and she didn't

not even for a second.

It was an opportunity that I was OK to let pass by Addie, but instead it was an opportunity placed in our path.

Such a little Monkey!

Next came the zip line!

Wow...these kids are so brave!

Addie was such a joy to watch as she watched her friends!

...and wouldn't you know it...

The coaches insisted that Addie have a turn too!

Next came the BIG trampolines!

Addie patiently waited - knowing she would have a turn too!

and she did!

When we attend a birthday party, we have no expectations for anyone to go out of their way to help Addie in any way.

We are there for Addie's friends and if Addie can't do something, we either find something she can do or we watch her friends and we are fine with it.

What these coaches did for Addie is beyond words.

They had no reason to go out of their way for her.

It slowed down the party and it took enormous effort on their part.

Addie's friends never complained and they were so helpful and encouraging!

As the party went on, it started to sink in.

Chris and I would look at each other, but couldn't say anything.

It was truly overwhelming.

I have no idea if the coaches even have a small inkling of what they did for us.

They created memories for us and gave us an opportunity of a lifetime for Addie.

From Corporation to Corporation

2011-12-05T22:47:00.000-06:00

We are incredibly blessed.

I know I say it all the time

and

that's because I truly mean it.

Addie received two more "just because" presents!

The mouse ears came from one of Chris's co-workers and the absolutely adorable pink sock monkey came from one of my sister's co-workers.

Saying "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough sometimes, but when I say it, I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Addie was so happy with her new gifts!

Despite the minor wardrobe malfunction!

A Perfect "Just Because" Gift!

2011-12-04T23:02:00.001-06:00

A friend/co-worker bought Addie a present and gave it to me to bring home to her.

Addie was all about taking a look inside....

and she was thrilled when she saw the monkeys!

She tried her best to open the box,

because who wouldn't want to eat Milk Chocolate Funky Monkeys?

Addie very begrudgingly put the chocolates down once I told her to look inside the bag again.

Talk about a huge surprise!

She was in heaven!

James has now been added to her train collection.

Chocolate and a train - there was absolutely no way to go wrong with the gift!

Thank you Carie - from the bottom of my heart - your generosity means so much to me!

Addie was so very happy with her gift!!!

Thomas Is Here For The Holidays!

2011-12-04T23:01:00.022-06:00

Before Julien left for Kansas City, we started unpacking our Christmas decorations.

Julien wanted to help set up the train and of course Addie had to be right in the middle of it all.

If Julien moved an inch, Addie did too.

She wasn't going to miss a thing!

Julien finally managed to get her to move to the other side of the track.

He would load the presents onto the train...

and it was Addie's job to unload the presents.

They worked very well together, thus minimizing the trantrums.
That always makes for an enjoyable day.

November 25, 2011

There Are Some Very Deranged People On This Planet

2011-12-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

The morning after all the festivities, we met my family for lunch and then made a trip to PetSmart.

Much to our surprise, they were having a really great sale and when the kids asked if they could buy the kitties some Christmas clothes, I just couldn't say no because the price was so right.

Addie's current addiction is dressing Alley each night when we get home.

Our poor geriatric cat just sits there and takes it.

I know the whole thing is a bit deranged, but it really does create some much needed laughter!

The Rest of Thanksgiving/Birthday Day

2011-12-01T22:46:00.000-06:00

Was great - We all had a wonderful time!

I still can't believe that I'm old enough to have a 13th year old child.

Regardless of my partial denial, I wouldn't change one single thing about it.

Julien is amazing and has the heart of gold!

He makes me so proud to be his Mother.

Lets Talk Cake

2011-11-30T23:08:00.001-06:00

Since Julien wasn't any help giving me ideas for his party, I went slightly overboard on the cake decorations.

When they were all placed on the cake, it looked fairly organized.

...but, with the multitude of obstacles in my way, I couldn't light the candles very quickly...

...and next thing I knew, the fire started up the goal post...

and Julien was quite amused at the fact that I was managing to demolish the entire Thanksgiving Day line-up.

Shall we take a closer look?

Oh well...

we managed to contain the blaze without having to involve the local fire department.

One of my New Favorite Things...

2011-11-30T22:48:00.000-06:00

There are many times when we are out and about running errands and either Chris or I will go into a store and the other will stay in the car with Addie and Julien.
You know what I mean - times when you just have to pick up a Rx or grab the dry cleaning, etc...
We are good about telling Addie that Mommy or Daddy will be "right back" and she is content with that.
This past weekend, we were pulling into the parking lot of Walgreens and Addie must have been paying attention when I told Chris that I would just run in real quick because as I turned to look at Addie, she had her hand raised.
She looked at me and said, "me?".
She wanted to go too...
Sweet girl.
It was the fact that she had her hand raised that got me.
She is learning so much at school and knew that she got to have a turn too!

Back To Thanksgiving and Birthday Parties

2011-11-29T22:56:00.002-06:00

Julien was happy to take a ton of pictures only because, according to him, "it's my 13th Birthday Mom".

I was at a complete loss for a theme, so it's really impossible to go wrong with football's and little plastic boxing guys.

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Pastry Art for supplying us with Julien's Birthday Cake.

Julien was ZERO help with giving me any ideas for his birthday.

He finally told me that he wanted a strawberry cake and with only 72 hours left before his birthday, Pastry Art (go Carol!) agreed to make it for me!

Holy cow...it was amazing!

Nothing actually beats their Baby Bites, but this came so close.

...more amazingly similar pictures coming soon!...

Thursday, November 24, 2011

I Knew It Was Pointless

2011-11-29T22:35:00.001-06:00

but I had to try it anyway.

Today was pictures with Santa at the little Monkey's school.

I dressed her and sent her with her money just in case she decided to visit with Santa.

Later on this evening, I decided to ask Addie about her visit with Santa and this was her response - I love it!

I wonder if she was looking past me to see if Santa was coming in her room!

(You can pause the music over to the right. Keep in mind that certain corporations block videos, so if you happen to work for one of them, you will not be able to see the video at work...not that you would try to view videos during business hours...)

A couple weeks back, Addie was looking through a magazine, when she pointed at a picture and said, "Santa".

I have no idea where she learned that from and it was a complete shock to hear her say "Santa"...especially since she is so very afraid of him!

~~~and, it is so rare to hear Addie say two or three word sentences - this video is so wonderful!!!~~~

Julien's Home!!!

2011-11-28T23:07:00.000-06:00

Now, I can get some rest tonight!
He had a wonderful time in Kansas City and I'm so glad to have him back home safe!
We reviewed the game footage and picked him out of the crowd - now it's time to call it a night!

Waiting Patiently

2011-11-28T23:05:00.000-06:00

Addie didn't know it was Thanksgiving Day and she didn't know that it was Julien's Birthday, although we told her time and again...

or maybe she did know, but we just didn't know that she knew.

Addie was very firmly aware of the cake sitting on the counter and the party decorations and knew, that if she waited patiently and long enough, that she would get a piece of the cake.

From the time the cake came into the house the night before, until the time Julien blew out the candles, all Addie talked about was "cake" and "Carli" because Carli came for the party too.

While waiting for everyone to arrive, Addie was so sweet and patient.

She was content to sit on the porch and read, but as soon as we announced that Carli had arrived,

she ran to the front door to wait for her!

(please don't pay attention to my front door. apparently Cujo spent the morning rubbing against the glass.)

Addie waited patiently for Carli to stretch her legs on the front lawn.

...and even smiled the biggest smile while saying, "cheeeese!"!

Kind of Hard to Tell From the Picture

2011-11-28T06:59:00.000-06:00

but this was Julien's 13th Birthday present (not from us).

Steelers vs. Kansas City

He is traveling home today, so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Indecisive

2011-11-27T21:58:00.000-06:00

I couldn't decide if I was going to start posting Thanksgiving/Birthday pictures in chronological order or in the order that I chose to post them.

Me being who I am, I decided that I needed to start with an after Thanksgiving Day story.

Everybody went out of town except us.
That meant that all the leftovers stayed at our house.

Some of those leftovers included green peas - yum!

As I'm sure I've mentioned on this blog before, as part of Addie's diagnosis, she is delayed in all areas of development...

...which means that some of the stages in toddlerhood that parents are so thankful to have made it through...are just now making it to our house.

One stage in particular is the desire for my child to place objects into her nasal cavity that frankly have no business being there.

I can promise you one thing - I will never, ever look at a green pea the same again.

I'm So Not Ready...

2011-11-27T21:29:00.001-06:00

to go back to work tomorrow.

My house isn't perfect, all the clothes aren't washed and I'm not entirely sure that I can fit into any of my work clothes.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I know we certainly did.

Julien is still away for the weekend - 12 hours away from home.
That little story to come soon.
I'm praying for his safe trip back home and I won't be at ease until he gets here.

Addie has missed him terribly while he has been away and has asked for him no less than three thousand times.

We have an unbelievably busy week this week.
I'm still trying to figure out how in the world I can manage to cram so many appointments and meetings into one day - I will have to cancel one of Addie's appointments scheduled for Tuesday...for the third time.
It is to the point where I'm embarrassed to call, although I'm sure they talk to so many parents in one day that they won't really remember that I'm the one that scheduled this appointment last Wednesday - and then remembered there was no way it would actually work for me us.

This is the time of year when everything gets even crazier and life is non-stop until sometime around the beginning of March.

We have so very much to be thankful for though, so there are no complaints on my part...we are so thankful for our family, our health, our jobs, our home - for everything in our lives.

....Julien did ask me before he left for the weekend if I planned to start coloring the gray in my hair anytime soon...

...right...like I have the time for another appointment.

On This Day

2011-11-24T09:45:00.000-06:00

On this Day of Thanksgiving, we also celebrate Julien's 13th Birthday.

I have so much to be thankful for today!

Always on the Go

2011-11-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

We ran from work, grabbed Julien from Wrestling practice, ran home, he showered in record time, we stopped for a picture and back out the door we went for Julien's football dinner.

I can't believe that he's only 3 1/2 inches taller than me!

He's going to be towering over Chris before we know it!

She Makes Me Smile...

2011-11-23T23:55:00.001-06:00

Pictures of the Day!

2011-11-23T23:20:00.000-06:00

Pure joy over those trains!

In the company of sweet friends!

Thank you Mary for inviting us to A.L.'s party!

There are no words to adequately express how very grateful we are for A.L. and her love for Addie!

In Absolute Heaven!

2011-11-23T23:17:00.000-06:00

I do believe I have mentioned Monkey's love of trains.

She loves trains - loves them...so imagine her delight when she discovered the massive train display at the McWane Center!!!

She seriously could have watched them all night long!

We live a few miles from two sets of train tracks and in the very early morning hours when the house is really quiet, we can hear the horns on the trains.

Not so long ago, the no sleeping little Monkey was in my bed when we heard the horn on the train.

She lay so very still just listening and I knew she was trying to figure out where in the world the noise was coming from.

When I told her that I heard the train too, she got so excited and sat up to try to see the train.

It was a very sweet moment - would have been a lot sweeter had it been around mid-day instead of long before dawn.

Funny Girls!

2011-11-21T23:30:00.000-06:00

We totally missed the Memo on birthday party attire.

sigh...

Check out these weather girls!

Playing Hard

2011-11-21T23:21:00.000-06:00

Addie tried her best to keep up with her friends.

She was rarely more than a few seconds behind them...partly because she was trying so hard to keep up and partly because her friends slowed down so that Addie could keep up.

She was SO PROUD of herself!

This surface was challenging for Addie.

I did my best to stand back and let her do it by herself.

Once she got her balance, she did well!

Yay Me

2011-11-21T23:14:00.000-06:00

I was actually well prepared for this outing.

I managed to remember to bring Addie a change of clothes...just in case she needed them.

...and she did.

I Am Not In Denial

2011-11-20T22:37:00.001-06:00

With regards to the issues that I harbor regarding my youngest child.

One of the issues that I have is the fear of her falling, in particular, the fear of her falling backwards off objects such as seats without a back.

Addie is so incredibly blessed with friends and I am so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by parents who accept Addie and approve of the friendship that their children have with her.

Another Mom asked her sweet daughter to put her arm around Addie to make sure that she didn't fall.

These are the same girls that will wrap their hands around Addie's when they are on the tire swing at school so that Addie will hold on and have the opportunity to participate just like her friends.

These children are amazing.

Liv sat with her arm around Addie the entire time.

She paid extra attention when Addie turned to pet the bunny.

Such precious little girls!

(You guys know my disclaimer on picture posting. Let me know if you want any pictures removed.)

A Bunny and a Birthday Party

2011-11-20T01:03:00.000-06:00

We had a great time at a birthday party today!

Addie's friends were so helpful and sweet to her and Addie even got to pet a bunny!

More pictures coming soon...

TMI but Who Would Have Thought...

2011-11-17T23:06:00.000-06:00

Just so you know, when you stick Nerds up your nose, the purple leaks right out..whereas the rest of the Nerd just disappears into oblivion.

Talk about a way to kick start the day.

Working Hard!

2011-11-16T22:48:00.000-06:00

As previously mentioned, Chunky Monkey is working on increasing her hand strength and coordination - and drawing lines.

The goal is to draw a straight line from the green dot to the red dot.

Addie's therapists and I will help her place her marker on the green dot and then tell her to "Go, Go, Go....and STOP!" when she gets to the red dot.

She doesn't mind the work...progress is slow...but her efforts are enormous.

I love my sweet girl and all of her hard work!

Fungusville,USA

2011-11-15T21:06:00.000-06:00

Julien managed to pick up a case of Fungus from school last week.
He was kind enough to pass it off to Addie and Chris.
Julien was awfully miserable and spent a great deal of time coughing so intensely that I was waiting for his left lung to emerge through his oral cavity.
Addie, being the sweet and concerned baby that she is, wanted to know if Julien was O.K.
I told her that Julien "was sick", but that he would get better soon.
When I woke Addie Monday morning for school...after her keeping me up the majority of the night, she sat on my bed, coughing like crazy.
She covered her little mouth and when I asked her if she was O.K., she said, "sick" and put her head over to the side in an effort to emphasise just how pitiful she was.

That is a new word - and absolute music to my ears!

They are all on their way to feeling better and I'm on my way to recovering some sort of sanity after functioning without sleep and desperately trying to find the miraculous cure to rid my home of the annoying cough that has settled amongst us.

When I grow up, I want to earn the salary of top level executives at pharmaceutical companies.
That would only be fair repayment for the amount of money that I donate to them.

Game Time Visitors

2011-11-14T21:44:00.001-06:00

Carli (and her people) came to visit for the big game.

Addie made it her mission in life to care for Carli the entire time she was at the house.

That poor puppy was absolutely exhausted by the time she left.

She never got one moment of rest, despite being cuddled and loved the entire time.

Addie didn't dare take her hands off of Carli - heaven forbid the puppy get to move one quarter inch without Addie scooting her back closer to her.

School Picture - Fall 2011

2011-11-10T23:11:00.000-06:00

Addie still had her knee pads on.

Oh well, atleast they blend in!

Oddly Enough

2011-11-10T23:00:00.000-06:00

It didn't bother me.
It's that time of year again when we have to revisit Addie's IEP.

One of Addie's goals involves increasing her hand strength, or more specifically -

learning to draw a straight line.

While Addie's friends are writing their full names and the entire alphabet, she is working on learning to draw a line...maybe then on to a circle...etc.

I'm OK with that.

I have my sweet girl and I'm so proud of any accomplishment she makes.

Although You Can't Tell...

2011-11-10T22:48:00.001-06:00

She was MAD!

Apparently, the planets were out of alignment and I somehow, for whatever reason, made her mad in an attempt to get her so that we could walk downstairs.

She refused.

I was tired and really didn't feel like fighting the battle, so I walked downstairs by myself.

That made her even more upset because - of course - she doesn't know how to open the gate (thank goodness), so she just stood at the top trying to figure out how to open the gate, while fussing at me.

After I documented the moment like any good Mother would do, I went upstairs to get her.

It was amazing how she suddenly was ready to restart her day in a better mood.

Feel free to count the safety violations.

I do on a daily basis.

Halloween 2011....That's a Wrap!

2011-11-09T23:12:00.001-06:00

There was a lot going on at our house and Addie was super excited about the activities!

She was more than willing to help me hand out candy and when we were all done, we headed out into the neighborhood for a while.

Addie didn't have much of anything to "say".

She didn't get upset, but she wasn't real sure what to make of it all.

She was just content to ride around and look at everything.

If you notice, we had a costume change....

Thanks again Aunt Sue!

I have absolutely no idea why kids are afraid of Halloween...

I tried.

I really, really did.

Unfortunately, the asking price was just way too much so I took him back home with me.

At the end of the night, Addie was exhausted from all the festivities!...

...and when it was time for Carli to leave, the little Monkey was not very happy - at all.

After we waved bye and stepped back inside, Addie tried her best to try to find Carli although she was already gone.

I can't believe that October is gone already

and that Thanksgiving is almost here....

and if I see one more Christmas Wreath, I seriously think I'm going to scream.

Just Us

2011-11-08T22:44:00.000-06:00

~~dorks~~

Could someone please email my husband and tell him that we need to paint our kitchen?

October 31, 2011

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T23:05:00.006-06:00

Addie was all about wearing her costume!

It took a good bit of effort to get her to agree to a few pictures

but we did manage some smiles

before the barking dogs across the street put an end to it.

Such a sweet girl!

...and then, there was Julien.

Addie didn't know what to think.

When Julien first started applying the blood, Addie became extremely concerned and demanded that everybody check on him.

She finally calmed down when I told her that Julien was painting himself.

....because red paint is so totally acceptable...

She still wasn't completely convinced with the whole thing...

I guess she figured that as long as Julien wasn't touching her, she was fine.

They're a mess.

Last Pumpkin Patch Visit of 2011

2011-11-07T02:38:00.008-06:00

We made our final Pumpkin Patch visit of the fall last Saturday.

It was very, very chilly, but perfect for fall activities!

Julien was incredibly helpful the entire time.

He didn't hesitate to take Addie on the "train"

or through the gift shop.

He didn't mind taking silly pictures with her

or taking her into the inflatables.

Addie tired really quickly and had to take several breaks...

and took advantage of the break times to be as silly as possible.

Addie had several instances where she had to wait on Julien while he had his turn to play, but she was more than happy to cheer for him!

....that thing is crazy high....

Aaahhhh, yes.

The ever perfect family picture.

We are so glamorous.

Chris tried taking a picture with his cell phone.

It was useless for timing, clarity and compliance.

I'm not sure what had Addie's attention, but apparently, Julien and I were missing out on something pretty interesting.

October 29, 2011

Halloween Party at School

2011-11-04T00:25:00.001-05:00

Addie had a really fun time at her Halloween Party at school!

The teachers came up with creative ideas for the party.

...once again, gummy worms came to the party.

Addie took her time looking through the prizes

...and she was super excited about her pumpkin!

Halloween Preschool Parties - That's a Wrap!

October 28, 2011