Looking back and seeing all the blessings

Lilyann and Dakota--January 2008--right before her diagnosis
Lilyann and Dakota--January 2009

My sweet Lilyann..all heart healthy

Thinking about a year ago tomorrow..... Lilyann was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. January 22ND is the day that we thought our lives had changed forever, and indeed it did. Lilyann was 7 weeks old when her VSD was found. And now she is 13 months and 3 weeks old (1 yr old..he he) It is amazing to see all the improvements in Lilyann; the milestones she reaches; and to see her and Dakota playing together. They are quite the pair of buddies now....except when they find that one specific toy, then the real fun begins--who can squeal louder!!

Lilyann is now a heart healthy little girl. It's been almost a year since her diagnosis, and 9 months since her open heart surgery....Looking at the last picture, you would never be able to tell all that she has been through....just don't lift her shirt, then you will see her little "zipper".

It is amazing to see God work!!

Gotta love it!!

Messy Lily Lu
It was in her hair and everywhere

She loved her bath...even though, we had to pry her from the highchair

Just a quick post to share my Lilyann...She loves anything with noodles. Well, for lunch one day, I gave her baked ziti. And she decided to enjoy them no matter what or where they ended up. She painted her body with the sauce. She had tomato stained hair and eyebrows. It was so funny. But she loved it.

Happy New Year

Lily Lu standing up--Kota ready to take her hand
On Kota's jump...I thought she was too quiet, then I walked into their room to see this..Kota is actually sleeping in his bed while Lily was doing this.

Lily~New Year's Eve..trying to work the Wii remote

Lily with Uncle Jerry and Brooke wanted to be in the picture, too.

Happy Birthday, Jed

Happy 2009 to all!!

The beginning of the year has me thinking of New Year resolutions. I am constantly reminded of new year resolutions as soon as I walk into the gym. Last night, we all went to the gym and it was packed...There were people waiting for a machine to work out on and lots of people walking the track. I overheard a couple of older men talking while waiting for a machine about how busy it was tonight. The other guy quickly tells his friend..."give it 2 weeks, and it won't be so busy."

We are creatures of habit. Making a decision to better ourselves and then not sticking with it. I can't judge anyone, because I am the same way. This year, My decision is to GO to the gym. I have the availability of it, and the free childcare while there...so, in other words, NO EXCUSE!!

This month is Dakota's 3rd birthday. Which means, that as of January 28Th, Dakota will be sitting in big church with mommy, daddy, and Grandma. We did a trial run this past Sunday, and Dakota lasted almost the whole service with only 3 exits. I say that was pretty good for Dakota. He did better than I expected. Pray for patience for Mommy and Daddy, and stillness for Dakota.

The New Year was started out at Aunt Samantha and Uncle Jerry's house. We played Wii games, had dinner, and celebrated Jed's 25Th birthday (he is a new years baby~ Jan 1st) It was a fun night.

Miss Lilyann has learned to climb! I thought she would be walking before climbing, but no, Lily has other plans. She can climb onto Dakota's jump (trampoline) and then she stands up and shakes her bottom like she is jumping. Lily is getting more independant, but also more clingy...is that possible? At night, she thinks that she can only sleep if mommy and daddy are holding her. And if we put her in her bed, she is quite vocal letting us know that she is not happy.