Abby Vs. Sleep

Abby has officially waged war with the act of sleeping. She's going through a phase right now of feeling like she's "missing out" by going to sleep by 8PM every night. I'm pretty sure she thinks Jill and I eat candy, watch Barbie movies or Spongebob and play with Sammy when she goes to bed. At any rate, she's fighting it big time. Two nights ago she feel asleep at the top of the stairs (pics below). I wonder when she'll realize that sleep is good for her and makes her feel better the following day? Probably after she's a teenager and sleeps until 1PM everyday.

A Day to Remember

Dear Abby,

Four years ago today, you had surgery to correct bilateral hip dysplacia. Your father and I agree that it was the worst day of our lives.

The surgery was supposed to take an hour or two, but you were in the operating room for five hours. When I was finally allowed to come see you in the recovery room, you were an absolute mess. Your body was hidden beneath a hideous, humongous cast that went from your upper chest down to your toes. Only your shoulders and arms were visible, and your little face was so swollen from the anesthesia I could barely see your eyes. You didn't react well to the morphine, and your vitals dropped more times than I care to count. I still feel physically sick when I think about it.

That night as I slept in your hospital room, I woke up to the sound of someone crying. It was your dad, standing over you as you slept. And your Mama Jo and Grandma both earned a few extra gray hairs that day. The experience was awful, but you were surrounded by people who loved you and nursed you back to good health.

I started this post with the sad side of the story, but there was a lot of good news too. You were born with a problem, but it was FIXABLE. We are so lucky for that. We have access to excellent medical care here, and we brought you to the best doctor we could find. And your Dad and I were so grateful to have such a strong support system -- Grandma and Pop, Mama Jo, Papa Sonny and Deb -- everyone pitched in to help watch you so we could keep you out of daycare the long two months you were in that cast. And Pop rigged baby seats, swings and car seats to find ways for you to be comfortable, which wasn't easy given the odd shape and positioning of your cast.

About two weeks ago we returned to UNC Hospital and Dr. Campion's office for your check-up. They performed X-rays, and of course the news was wonderful -- your hips are "perfect" according to the doctor. In fact, he said there is no longer reason to see you since "there's nothing else we need to do for her."

We are so grateful, and we never take it for granted. To this day, your dad and I love watching you run, skip, jump and dance (and you do all of those things constantly!) This weekend on the beach you just ran your heart out, and I sat there thinking how grateful I am that you can run at all -- let alone without so much as a limp.

So, here's a few pictures to commemorate what you went through. Now, take good care of yourself -- eat your veggies, exercise, and stay healthy. Your beautiful little body earned it!

We love you sweetie.

XOXOX,

Mommy

July 4th Fun

Just thought I would post a couple of photos from the weekend at Grandma and Pop’s. We had a great time at Shannon’s backyard cookout on Friday and then spent all day Saturday on the beach. Highlights from Saturday were “surfing” (consisted of me pulling Abby and Mikey on the boogie board), Abby and Mikey inadvertently killing a tiny sand crab by playing with him to death and then being attacked be a real crab. And how could we go to Cherry Grove without eating lunch at Basil’s pizza? It’s always fun to sit outside after a long day on the beach, eat great pizza and watch Mikey as he yells “MOTORCYLE!!” anytime he sees one. This trip was memorable because a grizzled biker got off his motorcycle and came into Basil’s while we were eating outside. I guess his headband threw the kids off because both Abby and Mikey yelled “Pirate!” as soon as they saw him. I’m not sure he appreciated it but we all got a laugh. It was a perfect weekend.