Friday, December 26, 2008

Wow.... Time has flown by!

I cannot believe that so much has happened since my last post on December 3rd. It is amazing that since then I have had no time to update my dear readers.
I will spare you the long winded run down and just hit the highlights of our December!!!

1. Brooklyn had her first eye surgery to tighten the muscles.

2. 1 week later Brooklyn was under the knife AGAIN to tighten the muscles more in her left eye. The kid is 3 1/2 and she has had 5 surgeries all ready!!!

3. Kennedy has RSV (almost exactly 1 yr ago we were in the hospital with her for a week thanks to this nasty virus... looks much better this time). We go back to the doctor Monday!

4. Mommy had her second round of biposies done- things looked much better. Results at the beginning of next week, fingers crossed!!! : )

5. We celebrated a fantastic Christmas with family!

Things to look forward to in the next week:

1. January 1st we celebrate 4 yrs of marriage!

2. January 7th Justin turns 28!

As soon as I get a chance I will upload some pictures of the girls on Christmas!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Dear Mother...

A few days ago I found a site that offered letters from Mothers to Mothers. The letters all offered some sort of hope and direction. In my search I found a letter from a woman (Lee) who herself has Albinism but who also has two children with Albinism. Her "Dear Mother" letter had me in tears. Every word on every line was so true to how I felt with Kennedy's diagnosis. I felt the need to write a "Dear Mother" letter myself in the hopes to make just one other mother feel the way I did after reading Lee's letter.

Here is what I submitted for the book. Simple but hopefully will touch one mother and offer her strength in knowing that she is not alone in all her thoughts, fears and feelings.

Dear Mother,

As the tears run down your cheeks you question, “Why my child?” You waited anxiously for nine long months to have in your arms your “perfect” child. As you stare into the hospital nursery your baby is the only child with sheet white hair. You know that something is wrong yet you are too scared to face it. The words you will never forget, “Your child has Albinism.”

These words send your world spinning. It is okay to feel out of control. It is okay to feel as though a small part of your dreams and hopes have died. Grieve! Cry like you have never cried. Take time for yourself and then you must get over it. Each day will be a struggle but one that you learn from. Each day will make you stronger for the next. Each day you will become more knowledgeable and secure in what is best for your child. You must be strong because you are that little angels only advocate.

As a mother your heart will break as you watch your child struggle. Each struggle faced will make your child stronger just as it did you. Rejoice in the small day to day triumphs. Smile often and breathe slowly.

You will want to harbor over your child and be the security blanket you so desperately feel they need. The best thing you can do is to let your child experience all that you did. On their own your child will find and define their personal limits. Your undying love and support will be there should you need to catch them when they fall. They will fall.

You are strong and with your strength you may offer hope to other mothers who are struggling as you once did.

Grieve, Love, Learn and Remember that no two children are the same. They are much like snowflakes, individual and unique!

Snowflakes
by Anna MacPherson
Each one comes in a different light
A different reason a different night
The brightest thing you'll ever know
Love for them will forever growEvery one has a different face
Each of them their own special grace
It's in our lives they frolic and sing
Just to see them alive is a beautiful thing
They bring us joy they give us love
they're a beautiful creation from God above
They laugh they play, make us smile and gleam
Let's walk amongst them and share their dream
A sparkling snowflake is truly unique
Its your understanding they wish to seek
Open your hands and soon you'll see
What beautiful people these snowflakes can be
Summer
~ Proud Mommy to Brooklyn Leigh & Kennedy Brynn (Type OCA4)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Kennedy's 1yr old Pictures!!

Tonight we took Kennedy for her 1 yr old pictures. She did better than we expected but boy is it ever tiring to get little ones to sit and cooperate. I still can't believe that our baby is going to be 1 in just 16 days!!!!

Tricker Treat

I have not posted forever so you guys are getting tons of new stuff tonight. Here sre some pics from Halloween night!!!! A huge thanks to Michelle for helping out. I think we were going on almost a week and 1/2 of Kennedy being sick! Can't you tell how thrilled she was that it was Halloween?!

Yee-Haw

I just had to share a few adorable pictures of Brooklyn having fun this past October playing in Aunt Kara's cowboy boots while Kennedy cuddled up with Lady on the couch!

Pumpkin Carving

Coach & Mimi had all the grandkids over for some pumpkin carving! Somehow Mimi ended up getting messy with Brooklyn and I got to take pictures! Please look closely at Brooklyn's pumpkin- it was imperative to her that her pumpkin NOT have a mad or sad face... how did I do??? Ken Ken hung out with Coach!

Fall Festival

Here are some pics of the girls all done up in their Halloween outfits. The week prior to Halloween (October 24th) Brooklyn, Kennedy, Sarah and I all went to Frisco Fire Safety Town for their Fall Festival. Brooklyn just loved it! Sarah took Brooklyn in and out of the many tiny houses to collect candy while Kennedy patiently waited in her stroller (crusty nose and all.) Thanks for helping me with the girls Sarah!!!!