Fun Times

Parker with Scruffy and Buddy

Tessa tackling her brother...he better watch out ;)

They love being at eye level - new experiences in Tessa's stander


I just love her smiles in her stander ~ she is such a trooper!

We were realizing tonight just how strong she is getting and the improvement in her head control. It's amazing how a piece of equipment can give Tessa such confidence and opportunity to work so hard. We're proud, very proud!

Let's see...

Tessa recovering nicely from her second round of RSV - check!

Parker recovering from Bronchitis - check!

Monday/Wednesday nanny - check! (start date 2/28/11)

Discussion with builder on ADA modifications to our new home - check!

Storage unit rented to 'unload' our house for showing - check!

Friends scheduled to help us get storage unit loaded this Friday - check!

Cleaning process underway to get house on the market by 3/1 - check!


Things are moving right along. We are exhausted, but excited for the upcoming changes in our lives. God has provided for us once again, but the fact that this is Grandma's last week with us, is bittersweet. On Friday evening we interviewed a precious woman named Kris and are excited about having her join our 'nanny-team'! She will be observing with Ms. Victoria this Thursday morning, and if all goes well, her first day will be Monday the 28th!

~Whitney

Special Moments on Video

Her World is Changing

Tessa's new bath chair (well, demo until she gets her own~we're hoping for pink) ~ I think she felt pretty special ;)

It's plenty big and will grow with her for as long as she might need it ~ as much as she loves bath time...we're really excited about it!

One big giggle at the end of her playtime on her new bath chair!

The beginning of Tessa's first experience in her new stander (well, the trial-stander until we get her own personal one ordered)

Still getting her situated and fastened securely

Almost ready to get vertical....

And she's up!



Her serious face, focusing on her zebra toy

And finally ~ up, up, up and vertical ~ and the smile tells it all!

We got some videos that are super speical too....I will post shortly!

A Sweet Story

This brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes:

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/12/chase-britton-boy-without-a-cerebellum-baffles-doctors/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl2sec1_lnk3200962&a_dgi=aolshare_email

~Whitney

Prayers for Tessa

I took Tessa to the doctor this morning and she has tested positive for RSV again. She could use your prayers for a speedy recovery. The doctor said a second round of RSV typically isn't near as severe as the first, but it will still take some time to recover. We will be doing extra breathing treatments and she will also be starting on an antibiotic and a steriod today. She started not feeling well this last Friday and then we never saw any improvement over the weekend. The doctor said he detected a little pneumonia in her right lung, so hopefully the antibiotic will begin to knock that out asap.

All the highs and lows are a bit of a balancing act....thanks for all the love and support.

~Whitney

Monday/Wednesday Search

We are still searching for a Monday/Wednesday caregiver. I posted a job on Care.com on 1/13/11 called "A Gift From God In Need of Care" and have read through profiles and sent messages a couple different times, but haven't heard anything back. Darin and I have both put the word out at work too, but so far we haven't had any leads. We are praying for patience as God continues to work this piece out for us.

We have a fabulous young lady helping us on Thursdays and Fridays, that will take over Tuesdays as well, once we find someone to cover Mondays and Wednesdays. For now, Darin's mom is continuing to drive in on Sunday evenings and back home again each Thursday. The repetitive exhaustion of that 6 hour trip can only go on for so long! We have enjoyed every minute of Grandma being with us, but acknowledge that getting all of our lives back to a 'normal' would be more ideal.

We are so grateful that Karen has been able to help us as much as she has over the last month. We were talking last night about how hard it is to believe it's already been a month. I think it has made the transition much easier on Parker...to him it's probably just felt like an extended holiday!! Grandma fits right in with us and it has made for such a sweet experience having her around. Sometimes the most joyful moments come during difficult times ~ the memories we are creating will be ones that we will never forget.

Thank you Karen, for your love, your sacrifices, your support and your encouragement. We could not have made it through this last month without you ~ you are a treasure to us!

~Whitney