On our WAY.

Ava this morning. The eyes never lie….. see how beautiful her eyes look?

Well all is going fabulous here at the Helmick house. We are finally getting into a path of normalcy. I can’t explain how wonderful it is not to worry quite so much about Ava health. Yes she is still on TPN (IV nutrition) for 12 hours a day. We start it about 9 pm and runs until 9 am. At night we also feed her through the button in her stomach. We are up to 2 cans which total 500 calories!! THIS guys is a huge accomplishment for Ava! Last night I had her rate set at 50 ml’s an hour. That is the highest I’ve ever gone and she tolerated it so well!

She is gaining weight and feels heavier for sure! She weighed 27 pounds yesterday. I was so happy we did a weight dance! Huh that is a new one…;)

Her tummy well see for yourself. It is so small. It measures 49 cm! Remember in the hospital before surgery it measured 59 cm’s? The scar is healing so good. Her last scab came off a few days ago.

AND standing up so you can see that too.

SO she is doing so well I thought we might as well get out of here. The girls are already at my sister Amanda’s in St. Louis so the decision was made that it is time for us to bust out. I’d like to take her to the Zoo for sure. Then to my other sister Tina’s house nearby on the 4th. We really need to celebrate. She has overcome so much in her little body. We still tend to wonder but for now we want to just live this up! She needs to be TWO and not a sick girl. We must be careful but I think we can have both worlds for a few days at least.

I can’t believe next month she turns THREE! How truly AMAZING is that? I am so proud of her. She just goes with whatever is thrown at her. As I said we are thrilled at how super she is doing and knows God is blessing us beyond measure.  Please say a prayer for us as we travel today to Missouri. I am so excited to see my family and have Ava experience normal things!