Monday, August 25, 2008

The Steed Family

Friday night, while we were at the fair, we ran into Dave's sister, Karen. She was holding Abi & the next thing we knew we lost them. When we found Karen, we didn't find Abi in her arms like before, but to the side of her was a man that neither Dave nor I recognized, & he was holding our Abi. Watching him with Abi was one of the sweetest moments I have ever seen. He was so gentle & so tender with her. Come to find out this man was Jardee Steed. His name you might not know, but his name... along with his sweet wife, Bobbie, are the names that we have learned about through Abi's "former" Physical Therapist. Jardee & Bobbie were blessed with a sweet & very special little boy named, Tagg. We learned about this family due to the same issues that Abi has been facing...seizures & developmental delays. Dave has talked to Bobbie on the phone concerning some past medications we were deciding on for Abi, & it was her that helped us make an important decision. Tagg not only suffers from seizures, but he also is delayed in his development, just like Abi! This little boy has what is called Heterotopia, <--(click to learn more) which makes him have seizures. My heart is so full with gratitude to this family! I have never in my life felt so close to someone as I do with this family! Abi meeting this family was priceless. She beamed! It was like she was reunited with some of her best friends. She was so happy & it didn't take any warming up for her to the Steeds. She was absolutely content with Jardee & Bobbie. Full of smiles & noises!!! We didn't get to meet Tagg Friday night. But Saturday, while I was there with the girls, Jardee, Bobbie, their girls, & Tagg were all there. I was so excited to FINALLY meet this sweet & handsome little boy! I immediately fell in love with him!!! He is absolutely adorable!!! I also was excited for Abi & Tagg to meet too! They were so cute with each other! They have some of the same similarities. The crooked smile, their eyes look the same, the way they move their hands, and so on. My heart is so full with love for my Heavenly Father & for him sending this sweet angel to our home! And also for us finally meeting the Steeds. These people will be forever friends, and hold a very special place in my heart.  I know Tagg & Abi don't have the same disorder, but there is a connection. I am so grateful for The Steeds! We are looking forward to getting together with them & getting to know their family even better!!! Thank you Karen for introducing us to the family we've been waiting to meet.
Jardee & Abi, Me & Tag

Grandpa Richards

I thought this picture was so stinkin' cute!
I Love You Papa Richards!
You mean the world to me!!! 

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

HaPPY 1st BiRTHDaY!

I cannot believe it's already been a year since our little Abigayle was born. What a year!!! I was pretty emotional the night before & day of Abi's birthday. I even set my alarm on my phone for 2:26 AM to wish Abi a Happy 1st Birthday! It has been a "bitter-sweet" experience for me & I am so grateful for Abigayle and all that she has brought into our lives in the past year. Yes, we have had a lot of challenges & experiences that I would wish that no one will ever have to experience as a parent with their child. But, we also have had a year that has been very rewarding and very humbling that I would never ask to be taken back. We are looking forward to many, Many, MANY more birthdays with her! Here are some fun pictures on her special day!
We Love You Abba-Dabba, & we are so proud of all that you have accomplished in your first year!



Saturday, August 2, 2008

Haircutting Time!


BEFORE
AFTER
It was finally time to cut Abi's hair. This is not the first time I have cut her hair, but the THIRD time! When I cut it, I couldn't believe how curly her hair went. She has a bit of natural curl to it, but who knew this much!!!

The THREE Amigos!

BEST BUDS!!!
Abi, Emi, & Hunter

Abi Update

Just a quick update on Abi. She is doing FANTASTIC! We had a visit with her Neurologist last week & he couldn't stop telling us what an amazing little girl we have! She is doing incredibly well! She is vocalizing more. She says: "Dada" & "Hi", & also waves!!! She also is doing great developmentally. She regressed a little after I posted the videos of her saying Dada & rolling, but she is back to doing those things & also doing more. She is so vocal. She wakes us up very early in the morning by just jabbering away. I think she has found her voice!!! She also is scooting around on her back by pushing off with her feet. She went a whopping 5 days seizure FREE!!! But now is down to 1 every other day. Hopefully this last increase of her Vigabatrin will stop her seizures all together. She is doing well in her Physical Therapy & we couldn't thank the Up-To-3 Program enough. We also had a Swallow Study done to see if Abi is aspirating. The news: She's not!!!! Whew!!! She has a really bad case of acid reflux. But we're not out of the woods yet. We still need to watch her & if there are any suspicions of her aspirating, then to let them know. We go in for a follow up in 6 months.
We are so grateful for all the positive feedback we have received from the Doctors. I know that our prayers & your prayers have helped tremendously!!!