Date Night

We tucked Stella in her bed, turned down the lights, and she was out. So we headed out for our date night. I mean, we do have the highest paid babysitter's ever, right? We went down to McDonald's got some ice cream and hung out in the lounge while we watched some basketball.....so relaxing and romantic :) I say time and time again that our journey with our Stella has made us stronger and stronger as a couple....maybe that was another purpose of putting Stella into our lives....

Blowing Kisses

It is amazing how much one day can do. Friday was much better than Thursday. She was much more content and peaceful. She opened her eyes and actually looked at us. It was great! In the evening she actually opened her eyes, looked at Brian and I, raised her only open (nothing hooked to it) foot over to me to kiss, smiled, and then with her splinted and taped IV hand blew me kisses!! Instant tears!!

Waking Up is Hard to Do

Hey Bug,
We got to see your little eyes! You opened them up and looked up at us as if to say, "help me". You even babbled a little bit and said mmmoooommm! It melted my heart. You have been making more and more progress every time I see you. You have eaten some jello and applesauce and have drank apple juice and some milk. I think it has helped you rest now that you have some food in your tummy. You hadn't eaten in a long time! I know you really want those things off your arms and foot....and soon they will be. They were able to free up one foot and you haven't stopped wiggling your toes since. It must really feel good to be free! They are thinking about moving you upstairs to the heart center and out of the ICU. They are impressed with your progress. Love you baby girl!

Mom and Dad

May 20th

Hey Baby Girl,
Your big day has finally arrived. All day yesterday we had to be at this hospital and you were WONDERFUL. You only slept for about 30 minutes, and nobody would have guessed it the way you were crawling and walking around. You wore us out. It was a very long day. We spent about 8 hours at the hospital and crashed at the hotel. We arrived back at the hospital at 5:30 am where we let you play in the waiting room for a bit before registering. Then we registered and headed back. You hated every nurse and doctor that came your way. Refused the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and so much more. Nurse Kim was great. Uncle Jerome was also there....I don't know if we could have done it without him. They have you some "happy medicine" that relaxed you pretty quickly. Then it was time. Time to walk back and hand you off. Uncle Jerome offered to take you back. It was very nice of him because I know it wasn't easy for him to leave you behind on the table either....but it helped mommy and daddy. We cried and turned around. Nurse Kim let me cry with her until I was ready. I knew you were in good hands.....the nurses, the doctors, and most importantly God's hands. Mommy and Daddy cried in the waiting area for awhile until family started arriving....Grandparents and aunts....it was so nice of them. It took forever. We finally got to talk to your doctor at 12:30 pm and got to see you around 2:30ish. It was very scary. You were out and tubes were everywhere. You were a fighter. You didn't like being hooked up. I didn't like to hear you cry knowing I could do nothing to help you. But the nurses took such good care of you. Each time I went back you were getting a little better and calmer. I love you baby girl....be strong!!

Letter to Stella

I hope to continue to add to this letter throughout our journey.....

Dear Stella,

Well this week has finally arrived. It has been on our mind and calendar for some time now. I've talked and thought about it for so long. We have been preparing for the unknown by making lists, phone calls, and piles. To say the least we have been staying busy! But then it actually got here and all the preparing actually turned into getting things ready. The lists came to life as the suitcases filled up and things started going into the Jeep. My insides began to tremble as I quickly realized we would be leaving our home for who knows how long and prayed so hard that God's plan is the same one as I had been praying for.

You have no idea what is going on around you. You stay happy, laughing, and smiling and to you it is just another trip away from home for awhile. I am scared for you and us, Stella. We will be with you every moment we can, I promise. You will always have mommy or daddy close by. I know we say it a million times a day, but we love you more than anything. I can't begin to tell you what to expect. I wish I could, but I have no idea. I can tell you that God is with you every moment of every day. We just have to trust Him. We have a lot of people praying for us....friends, family, and people we don't even know! It is truly amazing to be supported by so many people.

Love you baby girl!

One Way to Get Around...

Stella is the speediest crawler you will meet. She crawls on all fours, however when she really needs to go she lunges herself across the room. Too funny. She is starting to walk....video to come soon!!

Not This Weekend....

Well it obviously wasn't this weekend, but earlier we did have some great weather. We got a chance to get outside in the evenings....how fun! Stella loves playing on the slide. I love the static electricity you can see in her hair! She attempts to climb up and then slides down...

CHD Video

Alright, well the the above video of CHD kids no doubt made me cry and cry as I pictured my baby girl laying in those pictures....but listen to the words of the song. I love it. It reminds me that He has a plan and is by our side every minute of every day. God has no doubt been my rock as I prepare for this journey. I listened to the song over and over again. And as crazy as it sounds....the pictures help me prepare for what I am going to walk into the recovery room and see. Knowing that I have God on my side and Brian by my side is comforting as well. Thank you all for your prayers!!

Blogger Prompt

If money didn't matter, what job or career would you go for?

Catch Up Time!

We have been so busy lately, that I haven't had time to post some pictures! March flew by....I really can't believe it is April already. Stella's birthday has come and gone in the blink of an eye! We had so much fun celebrating. It seems like each day we have more and more fun with her, especially since the weather has been nice and we have been able to get outside in the evenings.

So anyway.....some pictures and updates....

We got to bring Stella home on St. Patrick's Day....it will forever be a day to celebrate! The picture above is on St. Patty's day morning as is the family photo below.






Stella and Londyn couldn't wait for their guests (and presents) arrive to their birthday party....they had their noses pressed to the door waiting....

Stella just acting silly with a bowl on her head :)


Daddy teaching his little girl to play some catch at our weekend in Indy.

Not quite sure what is going on or where to look.....but I do like these Easter eggs!

Enjoying a ride in my new red wagon!!

Brian was sitting on the floor and she crawled all the way across the room and plopped in his lap to play the piano :)

Stella suddenly got quiet so I went into the living room to check on her....this is what I found.