Bubbles!

I love my sweet girls! I am so blessed to be their Mom.

Abbey's 1st Hand Surgery

Back at home after surgery and ready for a snack

Feeling "loopy" prior to surgery

Abbey had surgery yesterday, March 17.

For those of you who do not know, Abbey was born with Amniotic Banding Syndrome. Amniotic Banding Syndrome (ABS) occurs when fetal parts (usually a limb or digit) become entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb. Think of a rubber-band left on your wrist or finger too long and the indentation that it leaves when you remove it... and you'll get the idea! These bands restrict the growth of the body part it surrounds. In some cases, the band is so tightly wound that it causes amputation. In Abbey's case, the bands were wrapped around her right hand and right foot. The bands also affected several toes on her left foot.

When we received the referral for Abbey back in September 2010, we were able to see pictures of her right hand and foot. Mike and I looked at each other and said "OK, this is doable" We knew she was our daughter and knew we could manage this special need. Of course, we did lots of research and consulted doctors at UAB and a local doctor that specializes in hand surgery. We knew surgery would be required to correct her hand for cosmetic and functional reasons.

So fast forward to March 2011, we met with Dr. Jabaley, our local hand surgeon, to discuss our options. It was decided surgery would be performed to release the banding on all 5 fingers of her right hand and also correct several toes on both feet.

Abbey did GREAT with the surgery! Her right arm is now wrapped up with a soft cast-like material. She pulls at it and tries to get it off... no can do. We had a rough time last night. She could not get comfortable and I know she was hurting. Thank goodness for Tylenol with Codeine! Today has been better. She is so tough and has managed to do just fine using her left hand for everything!!

Including jabbing, pinching and hitting us with it! Oh.... now to get through the next 3 weeks without getting it wet. Yeah, right~

Spring has Sprung!

Well, it looks like spring is officially here. Everything is blooming and beautiful! I snapped these pictures before church yesterday of Madeline, Matthew and Abbey. Madeline is standing in front of our Japanese Magnolia. It is so pretty this time of year. Of course, the pollen is going to become intolerable in just a few weeks. So far, the rainshowers have kept it under control.

Enjoy the pics and Happy Spring!

18 Months Old

Abbey is 18 months old today. I really can't believe how fast time is going since we have been home. I have missed so many of her "1st's" up until now! But we definitely haven't missed out on her ever-expanding vocabulary! Here are a few of her 1st words:
Da-da
Ma-Ma (she said this and knew Ma-Ma on Feb. 11)
baaa (ball)
Maaaa (she yells this for Matt and Madeline, whoever is closest to answer her)
bye-bye
nigh-nigh (so sweet when she says this and gives me a kiss)
gone-gone (says this when she hands me her empty bottle)

I can't wait to hear her say "wuv uuu". My heart will melt... again.

Why God Made Moms

Why God Made Moms

Letter to Abbey

My sweet Abbey,

I am so in love with you. I find myself staring at your face after you have fallen asleep on my lap once again. I love it when you snuggle up and put your head on my shoulder and fall asleep, too. To me... that is one of the most wonderful things on this earth.... a little slice of heaven.

I study your face and notice the corners of your mouth turn down when you sleep. You are so peaceful and yes, even... still.

But not for long... during the day you are busy, busy, busy! You follow me around and watch everything I do with such interest. You even know which buttons to push on the washing machine and the microwave...ha! You are also what many would consider a "strong-willed child". You remind me a lot of Cody when he was little. You hate to be told "NO". But guess what, sweetie, you will hear it many times and many times you will not like it! Ma-Maw simply says you are a "pistol". I would have to agree.

I know your stubbornness and strong-will have served you well. You are a fighter... I can see that. I often think of your birth mother and wonder if you have her personality. Was she a woman of strong opinion and strength? Did she light up a room with her smile and determined personality? I can't help but think she did. I am so indebted to this woman for bringing you into the world.

I love you so much Abbey. You and I grow closer each day. I am so blessed that God made me your forever mommy.

1 month with Abbey

I can't believe Abbey has been with us for only a month. To me, it feels like she has always been here. It does feel like forever ago that we were in China. Life as we knew it (aka before Abbey) has changed in some ways, but in other ways it pretty much stayed the same. Our lives were somewhat hectic prior to bringing Abbey home and still are.. just throw in a 17-month old baby and it spices things up a bit!

She is so amazing. She is happy for the most part and smiles the sweetest, toothy smile. She follows me around the house "helping" me with chores. And yes, she does like to be held.. A LOT!

The nannies at Amazing Hands told me she was a snuggler and they were not kidding.

She misses the kids during the day and squeals when we go to pick them up at school. They of course love that! Madeline has been jealous and we are working through that day-to-day! Remember, she was the "baby" and the "only girl" before we brought Abbey home. She had my full attention all to herself most of the time. Madeline adores Abbey and loves to play with her, but as soon as she starts getting tired... the little green monster shows up to let me know that "Abbey gets you all to herself. It isnt' fair! I have to go to school and Abbey gets to stay home with you."Like I said... day by day and lots of prayer.

Abbey is full of fun "tricks" and loves to show-off. She winks at us, plants wet, sloppy kisses on our faces when we ask her for a kiss, waves hello and bye-bye, holds "1" finger up when you ask how old she is, and blows kisses and gives the best hugs. So far we haven't found anything that she doesn't like to eat. Mike was making a pasta salad for dinner the other night and he gave her a black olive to taste... and you guessed it ... she ate half the can. She is finally sleeping better and goes to bed around 7:30 and wakes up at 7 am. Those first two weeks home were exhausting. I was beginning to think she would never sleep!Oh and she takes medicine like a champ.... unlike any of our other kids. We would have to hold them down to give medicine. She just opens up that little mouth like a little bird and "all done".

The weather has been warm here lately so we have enjoyed playing outside and strolling on her bike. She isn't to fond of the swing yet, but we are working on that.

My days seem to go by way to fast and there are never enough hours to complete all I want/have to do. I do find myself up to my shoulders in laundry though! Everyday!! When I die I want this put on my headstone~~~~~ "The Last Load"

just kidding.sorta'.