Sunday, December 11, 2011

One Year...

Today we celebrated Lydia's One Year Heart Birthday. I can't believe that it has been a whole year already... On this day in 2010 Lydia was in the PICU having just received her brand new heart. Looking back I am so so grateful for that amazing miracle. Knowing how the infection was about to take her life and seeing God's prefect timing makes me so full of joy! Yesterday was a day of such mixed emotions as we remembered the family who gave Lydia the Gift of Life but today we truly celebrated her life. I can't think of those long hard days in the hospital without a shudder. I am so happy that today we were able to go to church as a family, listen to Michael share our story and then go out and watch a movie and have pizza in the evening, together. No tubes, to pokes, no Berlin pump, just healthy and happy Lydia dancing around in her bright pink and red tutu. Happy Heart Birthday little girl, you are a hero to many.

Monday, February 28, 2011

"Long, long away?"

There are some moments that you just have to document for posterity.

Before Lydia's hospital adventures started this last time in the Fall of 2009 I had gone on Etsy (etsy.com) and got some hospital gowns made for Lydia. It was so nice to have something comfortable and even stylish for her to wear during her frequent hospital visits. She called them her hospital dresses.





A few days ago I started talking with the lady that made these about getting one more made as she is growing so fast and hospital stays are likely again in the future. So I excitedly told Lydia that we were getting another hospital dress made with princesses on it for the next time she had to go to the hospital. I'll never forget the look she gave me. Pure and utter terror with a hint of defeat. Those big eyes of hers looked old and wise and weary. Realizing her fear I quickly said "not now! Not today!" She smiled a bit uncertainly. "Long, long away?" Her hands stretched out the distance between them as far as her one crooked arm would let her. "Yes, a long time from now." I pray it is true.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

PINK!!!

We felt so blessed and excited to see our church in a decidedly feminine shade today as people had dressed up in Lydia's favorite color, pink! What an amazing thing community is. Today we could see, touch and feel it. It was beautiful... :) Here are a few photos of our day of pink:





Sunday, February 6, 2011

Wear Pink for Lydia!

In the midst of moving home and unpacking and getting everything in order for our life to run somewhat smooth again I have neglected this blog again. I'm going to try and be more faithful!

Short update: We arrived home on Friday January 28th. For the first time in almost four months we were all under the same roof. It was wonderful! :) Lydia is adapting to life at home and walking, eating, playing and sleeping really well. She is still going for Physio, OT and speech a few times a week but has done really well.

On to the purpose of this post: We Wear Pink for Lydia!
February is HEART month and we want to spread some awareness about congenital heart defects and heart transplant. So we are inviting all our family and friends to Wear Pink for Lydia on February 13th to celebrate her gift of life and remember the very dear family who lost their child and gave life to ours. Pink is Lydia's favorite color.We are taking lots of pictures and family and friends far away are sending us their pictures and it will surely make her smile.:)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Sarah - a Chubby Cherub.

This girl just brings joy wherever she goes. Just a gummy smile or a squeeze of those cheeks and you're lost! I am so grateful that God knew we'd need a Sarah during this hard and challenging time. Our little surprise baby sure has filled us and many more with so much happiness. A year ago I was struggling with the fear of the future and the unknown and worrying how I was going to cope with a baby in the midst of all of this and today I can truly say God is Faithful, He has brought us through. And now I will share some chubbiness with you all. Enjoy!










Sunday, January 9, 2011

Lydia's life and heart in pictures.

I made this video this evening and wanted to share it with all of you. This is Lydia.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

If you need a smile or even a belly-laugh

I just have to share my two cuties being very funny together. This just goes to show that even in the midst of heartache and struggles there is still some laughter left in all of us.