Friday, November 28, 2008

Thankful.

This should have posted yesterday, but things have been a bit hectic.

I'm thankful for my sister. She is such an amazing person. I've never met anyone that still has such an innocent way of looking at things. She never has anything bad to say about anyone, she always laughs, and never has a hard time finding something to say. She can become friends with the grumpy lady down the street that never talks to anyone. Kelli is just that type of person, and that is what makes her so special.

Aubrey loves her Aunt Kelli. She would talk to Kelli on the phone for hours if we'd allow it, and I think Kelli would talk to her that long too. She also gets so excited when Kelli visits. That means she gets to go to the "hairport" to pick Kelli up and she also gets to see "hairplanes".

So, even though we spent many years as children fighting, I could never imagine fighting with her over such petty things now. I also couldn't imagine my life without her.



















Trish

Monday, November 24, 2008

Thankful.

I am thankful for my in-laws. I know, most of you are probably laughing. Who'd be thankful for in-laws, right? Well, Keith and I are very fortunate that his mom lives next door. So, during the week she shares childcare duties with my parents. She usually gets the girls when appointments aren't a part of the day. She spends time teaching Aubrey her ABC's and 123's. She even teaches Aubrey how to cook! How lucky are we? She's very interested in learning about Bailey's therapies and what she can do to help with progress. Plus, she's been known to cook dinner a time or two for Keith and the girls while I'm in class.














I am also thankful for Keith's dad and Molly. They have both been there for us during some of the most difficult times. They were with us the day Bailey had her heart surgery, saying prayers, showing their support, and listening when I needed to talk. Molly helped me remain strong when I felt I lost control of everything, and she listened to me during those late night calls to give updates on Bailey's progress. Frank has helped Keith with projects around the house, and Molly is always just an e-mail away to answer my questions, and provide guidance.














I am very thankful they have made me feel like such a welcomed part of their family. It truly means so much to me.

Trish

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Thankful.

I'm thankful for my parents. Growing up, I never imagined I'd feel the way I feel about them. I always thought they wanted to know too much about my life. What I was doing, who I was with, when I'd be home, and who's driving. I guess all kids go through that phase. I loved them, I just never understood why they wanted to know all that stuff. Now, I understand.

I remember being in high school and 2 classmates where killed in an accident. This happened during school hours, while they were skipping class. The news passed through school quickly. The two girls were in one of my classes... I remember our assignment was to care for an egg as if it were a baby. Anyways, when I heard the news I ended up taking the rest of the day off from school. I remember eating lunch with my mom and she was so upset about these girls. She didn't even know them. I, of course, didn't get it. I couldn't figure out why she cared.

Then, I ended up having children. I ended up knowing mothers who have lost their children, and now, I understand what she was feeling. I understand that fear of losing a child. I understand that reality she faced. You sometimes feel you'll never be that family, you'll never be that person facing a loss. Then, it hits so close to home. Now, I get it. I understand that love a parent has for a child.

Now, my parents take on the task of keeping our children while Keith and I are at work. They take on the task of therapies, doctor appointments, school, dance class, and so much more. They drive across town, to another city, anywhere they are needed to help make my life easier. They take on this extra work, without complaining or expecting anything in return.

I'm so happy to have them nearby. I enjoy talking to them on the phone each day, and seeing them whenever I'd like.

Dad has a memory disorder. Tests are showing that his memory is rapidly declining. He isn't even 60 yet. Scary. We've been told there will probably be a time when he won't remember us. That he won't even know our name. I think he's realizing that now, he's becoming more and more reserved. I'm thankful for the time I've had with him, and the time I have left with him. I'm thankful for the many years we worked with each other. The years we shared an office, worked together to solve problems, and worked to keep our customers happy. I miss those days. I'm so lucky to have him as a dad.

Mom is great. She works so hard to keep their schedule straight, not forget appointments, and fit in the girls busy schedules. I don't think she realizes how much she really does. I appreciate all she does. She is having some medical problems of her own. I know she's in pain, only because we've talked about it. But, she never lets anyone see that pain. She always listens when I have problems. She never tells me I'm wrong or says I told you so when I've made a horrible mistake. And yes, I've made a few too many of those in my life. When Bailey was born she was the first person to say, "Down syndrome? So what, we'll love her anyway". She didn't care, and she let me know that it wasn't a big deal. I didn't believe her. I thought my life was over. Thankfully mom was right, it really isn't a big deal.



















Trish

Thankful.

I'm thankful for so much more, but right now there are two people I want to mention. My little girls.

I hoped there would be a day when someone would say mommy and be talking to me. I just never realized how much I would love hearing it. I never realized how much mumu(that's what Bailey calls me) would mean, or that I'd even know what mumu meant. But I do!

I love when I walk in a room and Aubrey yells "Mommy!" then comes running into my arms. I love when I walk in a room and Bailey looks at me and smiles with the biggest smile I've ever seen.

These two little girls amaze me every day. But, they do so much more. Because of them, I've become a better person. I think about other people before I speak. Bailey has taught me just how strong I can be, and when I need help to ask for it. I was always the person that could handle anything, or at least I thought I could. I always wanted to be the strong one. I now accept that there are times when you need help. There are times when you need someone to be strong for you. Aubrey has taught me what unconditional love is. No matter how upset I get with her, she'll always snuggle with me at night and tell me she loves me before bed. How lucky am I?














Trish

Friday, November 21, 2008

Thankful.

Well I mentioned the other day things Aubrey is thankful for... Disney and Mickey Mouse. Well I have many things I'm thankful for.

I'll start with Keith. Keith is someone who respects me and the decisions I make. Keith has been so supportive this past year. When everything seemed to be falling apart, he's been there to show his support, help pick up the pieces, and listen to me when I'm crying and making little sense. He accepts the fact that I can't make a decision, that I can't walk a straight line without falling, and that I don't always pick up after myself. He's an amazing father. The girls are lucky to have a dad that spends time with them, is here to tuck them in at night, and sings, dances, and reads with them whenever they'd like. He shows his support while I'm in school by picking the girls up from our parents house, feeding them, entertaining them, and putting them in bed each night. He takes on this challenge so I can work toward completing school and starting a career I've been dreaming of. I'm so fortunate to have Keith in my life.

I'll share more of what I'm thankful for later!














Trish

Friday, November 14, 2008

What Are You Thankful For

So at dinner last night Aubrey shared what she's thankful for. Disney and Mickey Mouse. Hmm... I guess coming from a 3 year old that's okay. I'm happy she's thankful for something. I was just thinking it might have been a little something else.

We also talked about watching the shuttle launch tonight. She got excited about watching it launch. Then she said she would like a telescope. I was so happy she was showing so much interest. Then, she said her telescope had to have the princess's on it. Cinalella, Snow White, Sweeping Booty, Jasmine, and Belle. She's so silly!

Here are a few pics from the past few weeks. Enjoy!














TaDa!















Clap! Clap! Clap!














Bailey loves this drum. She's an amazing dancer when it's playing!














So serious.














Our little basketball player in a dress and lei. Hmm!?!















We don't always let her run around in just a diaper. This was a rare occasion, but I really think she was enjoying it.















Just thought I'd gross you guys out with her infected button. It's much better now!















Look at those beautiful blue eyes!















Looking good! She's gonna make contact with the ball!
















Look! She made contact!















Oops! Her tee fell! Poor Aubrey.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Disney

Living in Florida has a few perks. Disney is one of them! We live only 30 minutes from Disney and are fortunate to have passes so we can go anytime we want! Lucky us. So, we woke up Sunday morning and decided it would be a good day to go. We'll have to plan next time so we can invite a few people to join us.

So here are more pictures!
















The 3 pictures above were taken during our boat ride to the gate.
















This is the first show we saw after arriving. This show is about dreams and I get teary eyed every time I see it and every time I see the excitement on Aubrey's face. Shhh.. don't tell Keith. Oh, and this probably won't be the last time you see Aubrey's rear/crack! Sorry!
















Then, we rode the carousel.


















Then Dumbo.


















Waiting for the parade.



















The parade.

















Exhaused.

Circle B Bar Reserve/Nature Discovery Center/Naturefest, Backyard Adventures

November 1st was a busy day for us. It started with everyone getting showered and dressed and heading to Circle B Bar Reserve for Nature Fest and the opening of the Nature Discovery Center. This is a project Keith has been working on for over a year, and it was well worth all the hard work. The property is beautiful and the educational buildings and activities even kept Aubrey's attention. She loved everything... except the reptiles. I even think she wants granddaddy and grandmolly to take her to the Audubon center near their house. Here are a few pictures.














This is Aubrey playing in the field while we wait for the shuttle.














Beautiful. I think this was one of Aubrey's favorite parts of our visit.















All that hard work to climb to the top, and she gets upset!















Bailey liked the reptiles.














Aubrey was a participant in a presentation on the history of Florida.















So sleepy.





After that visit the girls and I took Keith home so he could watch the Florida/Georgia game. Go Gators! During the game, the girls and I went to Backyard Adventures for a little indoor fun.
















This is Bailey's way of playing with the bounce house.















She made it to the bottom! Way to go Aubrey!















I remember the days when I was that active... 30 years ago!






























So sweet!