Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Planting Flowers

Hello Ava followers! Just a bit of news… Ava was tested by our local AEA and we were thrilled to learn that she is testing within the normal ranges for her age. I’m just blown away by the progress she is making. Her speech teacher thinks Ava is doing “leaps and bounds” of what she was doing just one year ago. Drum roll… Brian and I are really thinking strongly about sending her to preschool in the fall. She actually could go to kindergarten but we have no interest in sending her. She is just not ready for that yet. So since she has never been with children her own age we thought a year of preschool will be just what she needs. I promised her that if she kept her weight up and stayed healthy that I’d let her go to preschool. She is SO excited. I spoke with the preschool administrator and told her about Ava’s health history. She seems to think Ava will be just fine. I will always worry about germs. I will always be overly concerned for her safety and well being. However I know it is time for her to spread her wing and fly! AND as I say this I must take a big sigh knowing all she’s been through. When the other two girls went to preschool they learned this song called, “Oh what a Miracle!” It is about knowing they are a Miracle and loving life. Can you imagine the tears I’ll have if Ava learns this song? God is SO good!

SO Ava is doing SUPER and I thought we’d share with you one of Ava’s favorite things. We found out she LOVES to plant. Yesterday she helped my Dad with his garden. They planted onions and cucumbers. She was not afraid to dig right in and help. So this morning we decided to plant some Petunias in my flower box. Ava was in Heaven planting and watering her flowers!

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Oh what a happy Girl Ava is… she loves life and we never forget just how lucky we are to have her with us. Another one of her loves is bike riding! She has a bike that is attached to mine so we can all enjoy family bike time. We go almost every night. Ava’s all time favorite thing… going to the “Ice-cream shop”. She never tires of good ole’ Dairy Queen!

Well thanks again for dropping by. We appreciate your love, support and all the wonderful prayers we get from our AMAZING Blog friends!

~Terri

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A Day at the Park.

Hello Ava friends! Ava is continuing to do extremely well. I dolled Ava up the other day and for a good “five” minutes. She was ALL mine for some Gorgeous photos.

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This is one of my favorite gifts ever given to me. My friend (We met through Ava, over the internet) Teresa gave me this bracelet. Each time Ava had a procedure or test I wore this. Each day they told us bad new…. then good news I wore this. It says, “Expect Miracles”. I seriously think God sent this to me for added Peace and Protection over Ava. So I grabbed it and got a few pictures with Ava and my bracelet. (Thanks again Teresa!)

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She is into everything these days. She asks me almost everyday if we can go to the park. Most times my answer is, “Ava it is still too cold.” Well not a few days ago. I did have to take advantage of the PERFECT day and get some really good photos as well.

I just have to warn you she looks SO grown up and SO tall in these pictures.

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Oh how she LOVES to smell the flowers!

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Okay done with “gorgeous had to have” photos. Here is serious fun at the park pictures! She is a huge fan of the slides!

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And we met some friends… Ava loves to meet new children. I was chatting with this little boys grandfather. This is little guy is adopted. He has seizures every so often. Ava was just intrigued!

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Can she do it? Yes she can!

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She tried to come down and kind-a got stuck.

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AND with Ava it is “All about the Climb”!

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“I sought he LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” ~Psalms 34:4
For all you Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Parents that follow our blog or care page, Here is an awesome blog I started called “Raising Diaphragmatic Hernia Children”. It explains all the problems our children face. There will be a “featured” child once a week. Our very first child is Claire. If you have not read her journey please do. I want people to “Be Inspired” by these wonderful example of God’s Greatest Blessings and Miracles!

Thanks for dropping by. Oh before I forget… Little Isaiah is now HOME. He is doing So well. Thanks for all your prayers for this family and for Ava. We truly appreciate all your love!

~Terri”