There is so much I want to share with you about the last few weeks, I couldn't possibly share it all in one update. Rest assured it is all good news!!! I'll just tell you a few things tonight, then muster up another update in a few days. Today I have significant praise reports on both of my kids, and on my bonus kid. I might as well tell you about Champ first, since after all this is her site.
Champ has taken to pulling up on things A LOT since she discovered this skill a few weeks ago. Just like every other challenge this little miracle has faced- she looked it dead on- and tackled the mess out of it. She has been pulling up on EVERYTHING. Getting into everything, spilling stuff, knocking stuff over, making huge messes of every room. IT IS WONDERFUL!!!! Some of you understand how long I have waited to see these developments in Stephi. She will be four in about 6 weeks, and still doesn't stand independently, walk, talk or eat. To see my baby girl pull up to my legs (she almost comes up to my hips) and stand there- holding on to my hands and laughing in delight and smiling up at me is something I feared I may never see. Today, as she was doing that- she lifted her hands away from mine and stood. It lasted a full two seconds. She clapped in delight, fell to the floor - then she did it again. She was so proud- I was too!!
I must admit to you that watching her struggle to master these skills is bittersweet for me. Stephen is overwhelmed with joy. I admire that about him. I am.... cautiously optimistic. I am still apprehensive about her big appointment August 3rd. If she has to endure two more major operations and 6 months in a body cast- I think it will be easier for her to handle that if she never had known the joy of walking, climbing and dancing before that. I hope that doesn't sound horrible... it's just that she has worked SO SO long to gain this milestone and she is so independent- I worry what will happen to her spirit if she is casted from armpit to ankle and "laid" there for 6 months. Ugh. I can barely stand it. It is truly hard to walk in faith and not have a spirit of fear. Just a hard thing for me.
Anyway- other news real quick. Champs blood levels and weight levels have been OK the past two weeks. She has a few therapies that have been added. We now have 9 appointments a week with her- but it all "gels" together very well.
Sammy wrapped up his Tee-Ball season today- and I am one proud mommy!!! His skills have greatly improved- but that is not what I am the proudest of. I am more proud of the spirit of dedication, maturity, and teamwork he has displayed. At least one person came up to me at every game commenting on him. He hustled, listened, and rolled with the punches. He did an excellent job, and he knows his Mommy is very proud.
Lastly, my bonus daughter. Those of you who are new to Stephis site may not know this but we don't like the term "STEP"in our family because it sounds too cold. We use the term "BONUS" in it's place. So, Rachel (Stephen's daughter) is my bonus daughter and I am her Bonus Mom, etc. ANYWAY- my bonus daughter Rachel has been here for the last ten days. She was awesome. She got along great with both of the kids, helped out a bit, and kept us laughing all week. I am so blessed to have such a great bonus daughter. She is a good kid, and I am very proud of her too!! We have some pictures taken of our whole family- hope to share them with you soon.
That's enough for now, just know I am feeling your prayers over our family. Please keep them coming. I appreciate them just as much on the hilltops as I do the valleys!!!
-Angie
