Another Daddy Update

Reading our favorite book - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Anyone who knows Daddy, knows he is quite unique. Now we have scientific proof of it! As you know, over the past couple of months, he hasn't quite been himself. It started with muscle weakness and progressed to numbness and tingling in his hands, trouble with one of his eyes, loss of balance...The initial probable diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis, but after an MRI of his brain showed no spots, the mystery continued. More tests ensued including one that showed a spinal condition (most people with this have severe pain, but not Daddy) that needed immediate surgery. The doctors explained that the spinal condition could explain some of his symptoms, but not all of them, so the mystery continued. Now, we have received the results of the spinal tap, which shows...Multiple Sclerosis markers. It's great that he doesn't have the characteristic spots on his brain, but very atypical. Leave it to Daddy to do things differently! Now, we are exploring medication options to help minimize his current symptoms and keep new ones from developing. This has been/will continue to be a process, and Daddy has shown great patience...although he does have one hand ready to rip off the neck brace and the other hand holding his car keys...

Binky Bliss

I have mentioned before that I still like my binkies, and that hasn't changed. They are supposed to stay in my bed, but occassionally they find their way out of the bed and back into my mouth. I can sneeze, cough, etc...without losing it, but on this day, I showed particular talent, don't you think?

New Sippy Cup

Thanks, Daddy, for going under the knife so I could get this really cool sippy cup!

My Friends are in Town

Mommy and April

An Embrace with Vaughan

Nash and His Silly Face

Three months ago, our good friends, the Segers, moved all the way to Portland, Oregon! Mommy and I were scheduled to go visit them a couple of weeks ago, but we had business here that needed our attention (our favorite guy-Daddy). We have missed them greatly and are soooooo glad they are here for a visit. We met for a quick visit at Starbucks this morning and plan to see them lots while they are here. I am always game for spending time with handsome boys!

Two Years and Four Months!

Dearest Victoria Pearl,

This month has been tough. Your daddy has been ill, which meant lots of doctors' appointments and even a hospital stay, which meant time away from you. 99% of the time, I am the one who is there when you wake up in the morning or after a nap. Lately, though, you have had your share of other, although familiar, faces there. I have felt very torn, knowing your daddy needs me but also filled with concerns that you need me. Luckily, you have handled the changes to your routine with great stride and have shown genuine compassion for your daddy. When you walk by him, you pat him on the back lovingly. You understand he can't pick you up, so you hug his legs or snuggle next to him in bed to get your affection. You are the best medicine he could possible have and his greatest motivator to get healthy. My sweet daughter, may your heart always be filled with compassion for others. It's one of the best qualities to have!

I love you more with each passing month...day...moment,

Mommy

Funny Faces

Extra Fun Day

Don't get me wrong - I have plenty of fun on any given day, but today was EXTRA fun!

I played at Central Market.
I got a balloon.
I blew bubbles.
I chased bubbles.
I played in the sandbox.
I slid.
I swam.
I had a picnic.
I cut play-doh with my safety scissors.
I ate some Whoopie Pie (the best thing ever!)

The list could go on and on...

I *HEART* Chocolate Milk

I am officially obsessed with/addicted to chocolate milk. Mommy bought me these nifty organic milk boxes at Costco to have on those days when convenience comes in handy. They are delicious, and if Mommy let me, I would drink them all day. When I wake up, after saying, "Hi, Mommy!", I say, "MILK!" During the day, I go to the cabinet and plead for it. Mommy says a girl can't live on chocolate milk alone...I say let's give it a try!

Thanks, Caroline!

Accessorizing my Doll

Check out the earrings!

Nightgowns aren't only for nighttime when they are this pretty!

My friend Caroline passed along some of the clothes she has outgrown. We were thrilled to receive such a generous gift...and as fast as we grow, passing along clothes is the way to go! She even sent some dress-up clothes! If you see me soon, expect to see me in a Disney princess nightgown and "glass" slippers, carrying a pink purse full of jewelry.

Update on Daddy

My daddy is recovering well from his surgery. He was back at work for a little while on Wednesday and by yesterday, had a full day there. He doesn't "slow down" well at all! This morning we played ball in the yard, with some slight accomodations! Mommy and I thank everyone who has been so supportive of us during these last few tough weeks.