tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76592549319736832872024-02-06T19:39:16.542-08:00Annabelle Grace Flower SummersSummers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09822724970445249877noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-25949096578564158332014-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:002014-04-11T08:50:57.860-07:00Facebook killed my blog!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, maybe it didn't kill it but it sure helped keep it quite for a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been so long! Where do even I begin?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sadly, it's just become way to easy to post to Facebook that I have stopped posting here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently slowed down enough to think about possibly blogging again and why I even started blogging in the first place. Blogging has been an important part of my life since I received Annabelle's Spina Bifida diagnosis when I was pregnant 5 years ago. Being able to share our challenges and celebrate our successes openly was extremely helpful for me. Blogs connected our family with many other families living with Spina Bifida. For me, knowing that I was not alone during those more challenging days meant everything. I can still vividly remember being pregnant and looking at blogs of other families and gaining so much inspiration. Sweet <a href="http://ahulllotoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a> and precious little Nellie were two girls who's smile and daily determination gave me hope each week. I have been told over the years, on more than one occasion that our Annabelle has done this same thing for other families. Knowing this makes me so happy and more determined than ever to return to blogging. I will be forever grateful for the awesome inspiration I received when I needed it the most. My pregnancy was a very scary time and during those first few years of Annabelle's life when things just felt so challenging for us blogs were a lifeline for me. Blogging allowed my to build real (online) friendships with other moms who were pregnant and scared as well. These women have become such great friends to me. Our children are the same age and although their challenges are all a little different we as "extra need" parents are the same. Our hearts are connected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems wrong and some what unfair of me to stop blogging just as Annabelle has begun to flourish into the amazing young girl she is. What if the blogs I regularly sought out when pregnant only shared the difficult times and didn't continue to share the beautiful and amazing parts of their lives. I can only imagine how that would have affected me and my hope for our future and what a poor representation of life with Spina Bifida that would be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if you are new to this SB journey please know it will be okay. Please know that although life seems really scary right now I assure you it will not always feel this way. Don't get me wrong, life probably won't every be easy but I don't know many parents whose life is easy. I assure you that your child will inspire you and impress you and those around you on a regular basis. You will become a better version of yourself - probably not everyday but on the whole. You will meet and be embraced by the most amazing community of families who support, love and build each other up. Your heart will melt by the generosity of others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Annabelle has been blessed with good health and having her as our daughter has given us so much happiness. There are still days when I mourn the life I thought we would have or I hurt for the struggles I anticipate she will encounter throughout her life. I try and allow myself these moments and then I move onto enjoying the beauty that is my life, my family. When I stay present there and focus on all that I have, I find that I have very little time to miss what I don't have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some highlights from the last 6 months. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's crazy to think that Annabelle is already 4 1/2 years old.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwgQERWX2PmNmNWQs7ypkSl4HkaG9HwM_jwoWriT1HC7hza5fRx-liHSSW_sFyGEBjUazcEncbwvsVKzKKvn4UCuUKmpyLkmrd5skBbKsvnrmqvDH9Vr7Ni2Azlq_4ddm7s8Cpsy9N3nh/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwgQERWX2PmNmNWQs7ypkSl4HkaG9HwM_jwoWriT1HC7hza5fRx-liHSSW_sFyGEBjUazcEncbwvsVKzKKvn4UCuUKmpyLkmrd5skBbKsvnrmqvDH9Vr7Ni2Azlq_4ddm7s8Cpsy9N3nh/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Annabelle leaving Build A Bear on her birthday (July 29th). She had a GREAT time building her bear! The store was super accessible and I was very impressed with the whole experience.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbnA6GW34Sj1zNYHp8eNj-HNEOEdb89X-O582f-R60MTTr-FLdN_Wo6xEQNeanowUlBI9gEsx3H25wY2tK26iaSTcvw3eCCehWi1fslhXmZiLDiE4hgaf_UPo-KHsZ3ffYT2YiyjlHghr/s1600/DSC_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbnA6GW34Sj1zNYHp8eNj-HNEOEdb89X-O582f-R60MTTr-FLdN_Wo6xEQNeanowUlBI9gEsx3H25wY2tK26iaSTcvw3eCCehWi1fslhXmZiLDiE4hgaf_UPo-KHsZ3ffYT2YiyjlHghr/s1600/DSC_1168.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Annabelle is always willing to try new things if her daddy is there. She is totally and completely a daddy's girl!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY6-xEg5vLvNZkDIPsv9OiyuiCpZqMU9y-oaCITcwzv5_YAsyzYOoBtiqOuvgIxAPHI8Bl1-PnJJxKKYEerADxnv_fmPXf2McC78yKKQtWrXqXdtvRf7mAeVSAC-ltMDXfWq1-o1y_yI1/s1600/DSC_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY6-xEg5vLvNZkDIPsv9OiyuiCpZqMU9y-oaCITcwzv5_YAsyzYOoBtiqOuvgIxAPHI8Bl1-PnJJxKKYEerADxnv_fmPXf2McC78yKKQtWrXqXdtvRf7mAeVSAC-ltMDXfWq1-o1y_yI1/s1600/DSC_1136.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In September, Annabelle returned to preschool. She started out going 3 days a week and kept that schedule until the end of the year. When she returned in January 2014 after the Christmas break she starting going 4 days a week (Friday's off). I'm pleased to share that she really enjoys school and has great teachers. Of course she wore her <a href="https://peachsneetfeet.com/" target="_blank">Peach's Neet Feet</a> for her first day of school.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT1emNJ8ysD3SDmskwr-jdr29hNBvYrJbVXdNSj2Sm5j-ZxNA9hzpdbuGNWjONySzPRJEtdbSM7wk4BcFH1qDR9yb-d9lHjtR73MNQIZSMWOj-w25iVFyMeTYUnu4kgaXvgUi97ehuugz/s1600/DSC_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLT1emNJ8ysD3SDmskwr-jdr29hNBvYrJbVXdNSj2Sm5j-ZxNA9hzpdbuGNWjONySzPRJEtdbSM7wk4BcFH1qDR9yb-d9lHjtR73MNQIZSMWOj-w25iVFyMeTYUnu4kgaXvgUi97ehuugz/s1600/DSC_1194.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTx-PDYf4JmRxhAGmvNgGeVwEolbiVrYaHNyJcgBks8cg1U1fcCrS14lxpfLyApFDA36OuM67pAXDrqbq1_ViLdgttjTIQRGfi_1_dblMqL9BIn0qqdRzIpY5AjxXAOuyuQVr1cP94OqZ/s1600/DSC_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTx-PDYf4JmRxhAGmvNgGeVwEolbiVrYaHNyJcgBks8cg1U1fcCrS14lxpfLyApFDA36OuM67pAXDrqbq1_ViLdgttjTIQRGfi_1_dblMqL9BIn0qqdRzIpY5AjxXAOuyuQVr1cP94OqZ/s1600/DSC_1203.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being the beautiful girl that she is at the Japanese Gardens.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWEoxAxbh_aqQ9WNYJUXmPeBbdpSWk7arDaZ2YPdqXTV_5b324ZZRzer4CxIcUpvHCCRyRbKm58XrNEd4kNmsnyzbDvMa30vMyAXPWeZC2fTrXv6XLVBBVKi1ABKgZXO7CfFm1AWCe3Ov/s1600/DSC_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWEoxAxbh_aqQ9WNYJUXmPeBbdpSWk7arDaZ2YPdqXTV_5b324ZZRzer4CxIcUpvHCCRyRbKm58XrNEd4kNmsnyzbDvMa30vMyAXPWeZC2fTrXv6XLVBBVKi1ABKgZXO7CfFm1AWCe3Ov/s1600/DSC_1233.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoying Legoland</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9h39FM3j5SLT-D7HE5o_g3Lt8pLs1DfEvogYq1X4Oajo8yrWFllAK_19C58XDWF5hG2ZmwSpyBvNJ2QiNzEOjR8gP_Kb5orX2D3um26P9SPRBCvUtzmF7_btL2hVuTNbRn782o_1RQNY/s1600/DSC_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9h39FM3j5SLT-D7HE5o_g3Lt8pLs1DfEvogYq1X4Oajo8yrWFllAK_19C58XDWF5hG2ZmwSpyBvNJ2QiNzEOjR8gP_Kb5orX2D3um26P9SPRBCvUtzmF7_btL2hVuTNbRn782o_1RQNY/s1600/DSC_1275.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loving life on vacation in Carlsbad, CA</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6T2zvn-ddo4new4b4vp6GTliuO8arhC56AoXoYGnc28ocN69JMlsvT8DtNnvPIs-LxeQ_yT0hBzMTBJo1aUicr3g-fYcTdRpPBmm_EofRz1TBSRHSFD-X2EDnJ5aZ2VLsda73a8m44ff/s1600/DSC_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6T2zvn-ddo4new4b4vp6GTliuO8arhC56AoXoYGnc28ocN69JMlsvT8DtNnvPIs-LxeQ_yT0hBzMTBJo1aUicr3g-fYcTdRpPBmm_EofRz1TBSRHSFD-X2EDnJ5aZ2VLsda73a8m44ff/s1600/DSC_1290.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHkTU7vdGCC5wbG8amfYD73VzIQoRy6cRNYiGAvKp7TH-mjnd2KXpBRfrHcZlwMG-66pYZYGip0ZpfwJmfh2D_Cjx-FJXPmvnl1Xo-4M4XaRio3_6UKzK3vzKiRlfVbLkOliyeE6jN5uQ/s1600/DSC_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHkTU7vdGCC5wbG8amfYD73VzIQoRy6cRNYiGAvKp7TH-mjnd2KXpBRfrHcZlwMG-66pYZYGip0ZpfwJmfh2D_Cjx-FJXPmvnl1Xo-4M4XaRio3_6UKzK3vzKiRlfVbLkOliyeE6jN5uQ/s1600/DSC_1299.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being the cutest firefighter for Halloween</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgKuEKoN-iOGOODhJPcdpfZ4jOmxOa7j8U36jUYENeBb8XT_2ImqWFH8r83zp-1QF29-e-fRdn-ETC_S92NS49Y8ay6NN0yv0JrmYDgrbM1vonROaer2gPvySh-w9ZUoYbL2Wo0CWgIwR/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgKuEKoN-iOGOODhJPcdpfZ4jOmxOa7j8U36jUYENeBb8XT_2ImqWFH8r83zp-1QF29-e-fRdn-ETC_S92NS49Y8ay6NN0yv0JrmYDgrbM1vonROaer2gPvySh-w9ZUoYbL2Wo0CWgIwR/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Me and sweet girl on Thanksgiving 2013</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AveBiJSDpKiNcRrgvxYWc2nkJmQUVbRQeLqDgVORvMwOJJVAWrz0ME73vydg47sjHR4w07oihRPOtXDgh6TAqUkPx5rPDL3BqAyh8aNKACJ2DRGcPH3SmsX69KGa8l1DlHxHwSdF90P_/s1600/DSC_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AveBiJSDpKiNcRrgvxYWc2nkJmQUVbRQeLqDgVORvMwOJJVAWrz0ME73vydg47sjHR4w07oihRPOtXDgh6TAqUkPx5rPDL3BqAyh8aNKACJ2DRGcPH3SmsX69KGa8l1DlHxHwSdF90P_/s1600/DSC_1127.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being happy with her daddy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28csEk05g2pGPfF1_wFb7D2qbuyxWnqaFE9a_KhPuBRZVjKIcubvCz4fi7NpoTcaVFmdYFwTpMhcjA3AV1kTug5Tu8MUyzCSk2e6K8eWN-GatnvVMKhPgW4t2fH6EBAFWPk-8bdRDAhBV/s1600/DSC_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28csEk05g2pGPfF1_wFb7D2qbuyxWnqaFE9a_KhPuBRZVjKIcubvCz4fi7NpoTcaVFmdYFwTpMhcjA3AV1kTug5Tu8MUyzCSk2e6K8eWN-GatnvVMKhPgW4t2fH6EBAFWPk-8bdRDAhBV/s1600/DSC_1113.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
Annabelle was an Angel in the annual Christmas Eve mass at church. What joy this brought our family to watch her up on the alter with all of the other children, Such a special night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8rb2gM5iTSxJufwm5XLc7cZxsV_CG3rKfT-GeEkC7R-sp5Dj9K_Ez3yQGHOtuoxnQg4j0SjeZqLN1rsq_YpOfoIWKS5bxV205CSrlR_IuD8ZHI3y-yA58aERqMD9LL8fR7-kQWz1UFtm/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8rb2gM5iTSxJufwm5XLc7cZxsV_CG3rKfT-GeEkC7R-sp5Dj9K_Ez3yQGHOtuoxnQg4j0SjeZqLN1rsq_YpOfoIWKS5bxV205CSrlR_IuD8ZHI3y-yA58aERqMD9LL8fR7-kQWz1UFtm/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Sparkler fun on New Year's Eve!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVkdlayTUEc2alHUFYCKqG9q6Pn53zFCfNPUIpQCNgXSp4UsIXIhy0ROXLua7wR2XqDUJBFVbFDI-Xi5MmS4Z5w0vn0FQruTliUO7Awd1UyPTdWZdwmoFGjo-Zz-ctk-K88tlbmvcg4jG/s1600/IMAG2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVkdlayTUEc2alHUFYCKqG9q6Pn53zFCfNPUIpQCNgXSp4UsIXIhy0ROXLua7wR2XqDUJBFVbFDI-Xi5MmS4Z5w0vn0FQruTliUO7Awd1UyPTdWZdwmoFGjo-Zz-ctk-K88tlbmvcg4jG/s1600/IMAG2378.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ice skating as a family was AWESOME!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was practically running on the ice. Her excitement level was off the charts! Don't shy away from activities that seem difficult for your child (this is my norm, but am working hard to change this). I am learning how many wonderful activities can be adapted to make them a reality for your child. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pFFJ-0hRCu5zObU0cs6gAtKTpRzAljAIlv6Ge3pMKQ6qXr9GdTrPdr9YtDYKqFAnXR8iSovDUBvaimGxB1hCp8Vo15POaZRP-rRf4RgMnRwS1CrhxgQs2jz5hQPNc0upfy1vubBlRMOy/s1600/IMAG2383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pFFJ-0hRCu5zObU0cs6gAtKTpRzAljAIlv6Ge3pMKQ6qXr9GdTrPdr9YtDYKqFAnXR8iSovDUBvaimGxB1hCp8Vo15POaZRP-rRf4RgMnRwS1CrhxgQs2jz5hQPNc0upfy1vubBlRMOy/s1600/IMAG2383.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
Ice skating was so much fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSABT3P4Iqyn-PJW0F_QZ7bTt_Dhf-Hmdroa83YITn965BgK485me7DamF9V0Uibwktmr1E_3bgzyfgpG9F1lj2inJmGz9PZehdF3O5LxqzLvEKNVToom4TecEhVUoGGI-6CnW4yLQ-oWk/s1600/IMAG2423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSABT3P4Iqyn-PJW0F_QZ7bTt_Dhf-Hmdroa83YITn965BgK485me7DamF9V0Uibwktmr1E_3bgzyfgpG9F1lj2inJmGz9PZehdF3O5LxqzLvEKNVToom4TecEhVUoGGI-6CnW4yLQ-oWk/s1600/IMAG2423.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
Yep, one random Friday in February we met a group of awesome firefighters. They let us sit in in the truck and try on their outfits. Then they just might have driven Annabelle and her two brothers around the neighborhood for fun. Yep, it was pretty amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG0e-hpUMsiOuQdLKqBWYBSNgykTgSWeNG2l-JcZbAbsNSu4gRJWkJch_DWyi4c_bGJ2o0u7_zP-17J1WGvdPfZv5X2WScPpm_DxoBRdcbSKUg8g85astHrxAuPhcbHwXzKalXGx4iN7P/s1600/IMAG2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG0e-hpUMsiOuQdLKqBWYBSNgykTgSWeNG2l-JcZbAbsNSu4gRJWkJch_DWyi4c_bGJ2o0u7_zP-17J1WGvdPfZv5X2WScPpm_DxoBRdcbSKUg8g85astHrxAuPhcbHwXzKalXGx4iN7P/s1600/IMAG2406.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
Playing at the park is one of Annabelle's favorite things to do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy8SUw-bRCyEc_jNQthWkv_8jfvvN3BNiDu3OuX0lBBvWtUEeSkMXAUhZGsF1FeGZt33uVqyHFZeggqIkV7Pg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYmFFC2ktgiGXjg7FUFQHlTi4X9DFECO5l1SmMvO2xEysxxqZ0sDX8Ol83xQSAlP6QVEBxmtT0cgMXmJlYNcWpvH9oRjivB7eOZyXP4ho-FJp0i_5sl82KSew0oAH0GLIx_jRXch_DPIw/s1600/IMAG2501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYmFFC2ktgiGXjg7FUFQHlTi4X9DFECO5l1SmMvO2xEysxxqZ0sDX8Ol83xQSAlP6QVEBxmtT0cgMXmJlYNcWpvH9oRjivB7eOZyXP4ho-FJp0i_5sl82KSew0oAH0GLIx_jRXch_DPIw/s1600/IMAG2501.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
Because we live in Southern CA we are blessed to have many fun beach days throughout the year. These pictures are from March.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG9xgD0bFZgfVYXonu4uqRS78BiqlzYAK-25Qe7jKA7lKeIHlsz_e4dvdu-YF_4AT9jlxpR0zmwZBM4LDoR2MvNrzqc3GzI0bhvKsIazKPm6HXZKODIc_6ESsvSfKIKXlq1qGQ2xotAl4/s1600/IMAG2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG9xgD0bFZgfVYXonu4uqRS78BiqlzYAK-25Qe7jKA7lKeIHlsz_e4dvdu-YF_4AT9jlxpR0zmwZBM4LDoR2MvNrzqc3GzI0bhvKsIazKPm6HXZKODIc_6ESsvSfKIKXlq1qGQ2xotAl4/s1600/IMAG2505.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope this catch up update gives a small glimpse into the full life that Annabelle is living. She is NOT a Spina Bifida "sufferer" I hate this description you read so often. She is not suffering, she is living! Does she do things differently than some? Yes, but I assure you she always finds a way. She is a blessing to our family and we thank the Lord everyday for making her our daughter. We truly are the lucky ones!</div>
</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-27972318498836388102013-07-27T06:30:00.000-07:002013-07-27T06:30:02.712-07:00Because<div style="text-align: center;">
Because her innocent smile makes my heart so happy.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfPvTZpHD4FLVzk03yv18hPLHAathmS2z0U7g_ogKy8GltkDlIOPWxrJFj6q-Y8bfmWhIlzz1e3C5ARkT5oHgmDvcsaRuHySnxX8ZGfu12SsJQsHV5Ryj0pkf9Eu8iTCye21PHcHQtPH/s1600/Ben_s_Promotion_Ceremony_-_2013_027-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfPvTZpHD4FLVzk03yv18hPLHAathmS2z0U7g_ogKy8GltkDlIOPWxrJFj6q-Y8bfmWhIlzz1e3C5ARkT5oHgmDvcsaRuHySnxX8ZGfu12SsJQsHV5Ryj0pkf9Eu8iTCye21PHcHQtPH/s400/Ben_s_Promotion_Ceremony_-_2013_027-1.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qog-0ygfEKoE37JcdE86-rNPmQkJOEvVNy2jGGtx6hyRnE5Qj5BDxoSgCSGqzKlkd-Tb7u-RpT-voD6c_U5IY3w1GYPfYUZ5CGGOZjZuWHU6jEbG59Ftl2N59guekRFh57yrN52_Xy4N/s1600/DSC_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qog-0ygfEKoE37JcdE86-rNPmQkJOEvVNy2jGGtx6hyRnE5Qj5BDxoSgCSGqzKlkd-Tb7u-RpT-voD6c_U5IY3w1GYPfYUZ5CGGOZjZuWHU6jEbG59Ftl2N59guekRFh57yrN52_Xy4N/s400/DSC_1063.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmGesub2VJPIkTNt41XURbNX7lpzFDL_naxa-MDrBlGYZc88peJijMuJraS5iEZRgiEdLA53SUEsx2i497ODR-LwBs3vdJy2kZeD17AmR0IpVW2saoutH5ecL3AsbyIxbH-JcKaW4kZxc/s1600/IMAG1555-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmGesub2VJPIkTNt41XURbNX7lpzFDL_naxa-MDrBlGYZc88peJijMuJraS5iEZRgiEdLA53SUEsx2i497ODR-LwBs3vdJy2kZeD17AmR0IpVW2saoutH5ecL3AsbyIxbH-JcKaW4kZxc/s400/IMAG1555-1.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because her playful nature can always brighten my mood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIyOMb2562MwOOhkuFVWe5QoGI5AEgaTRQWuqgRs5NsvpIZLZqVSRkCXXODn_BJkczDuTUPBn0M4RjtI7U2d76a0WB0nDW02ROoji-BkHVadq_iNOVkMKGM_JbY6cslgv01LU4aXJ_DNx/s1600/IMAG1402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIyOMb2562MwOOhkuFVWe5QoGI5AEgaTRQWuqgRs5NsvpIZLZqVSRkCXXODn_BJkczDuTUPBn0M4RjtI7U2d76a0WB0nDW02ROoji-BkHVadq_iNOVkMKGM_JbY6cslgv01LU4aXJ_DNx/s640/IMAG1402.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveBIIPOTvNolDqXV2R5-VDNb1pQmYVMPyMAYrr0EQYauQf9mXEmZM2L6hVqzPmMiNAy0ieLYK-UwPj9IoETmINz79CzfiYIG6__GM4pdxixLe_sUgbv2DWHRhd0-A7PUBSqwFR7E1mwmC/s1600/IMAG1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveBIIPOTvNolDqXV2R5-VDNb1pQmYVMPyMAYrr0EQYauQf9mXEmZM2L6hVqzPmMiNAy0ieLYK-UwPj9IoETmINz79CzfiYIG6__GM4pdxixLe_sUgbv2DWHRhd0-A7PUBSqwFR7E1mwmC/s640/IMAG1406.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because her willingness to try new things and not give up inspires me daily.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUFuoFlLwqAGc93XXBGZvvVUNpLnsDAhehKCKK-3KJclbijnT88VriXj35Ij6jbNi5TTqjCgX9_AT4oFMtLaGdBVI-1QI24bs8p9l_bCVOcucXRXBWnhsClaR5SqyFC2g-Fbro40IDq9v/s1600/IMAG1315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUFuoFlLwqAGc93XXBGZvvVUNpLnsDAhehKCKK-3KJclbijnT88VriXj35Ij6jbNi5TTqjCgX9_AT4oFMtLaGdBVI-1QI24bs8p9l_bCVOcucXRXBWnhsClaR5SqyFC2g-Fbro40IDq9v/s640/IMAG1315.jpg" width="382" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5rqwTbZZMxSki2yGSMSRat8qxoN8wbnl5592RoOZNk-H4HJpvRUfkoDl0125NB2E2k9JVrE2GnHbSIHdfMSk2Uj3wCa-yuS0oik6wZWBo29NBD-P0P_TM2-EVK76y8lPOvdcW9qY9J0B/s1600/IMAG1526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5rqwTbZZMxSki2yGSMSRat8qxoN8wbnl5592RoOZNk-H4HJpvRUfkoDl0125NB2E2k9JVrE2GnHbSIHdfMSk2Uj3wCa-yuS0oik6wZWBo29NBD-P0P_TM2-EVK76y8lPOvdcW9qY9J0B/s640/IMAG1526.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because my sweet girl will turn four on Monday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because my baby has somehow become a big girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because I'm always a little more emotional around birthdays.</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-43275713864976305002013-07-12T00:18:00.000-07:002013-07-12T00:24:00.019-07:00My issues, not hers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">was talking with a friend recently about how I rarely blog anymore. I commented how it was so much easier to do it in the early years when there was so much going on. She was in and out of the hospital, having surgeries and blogging was a great way for me to share and it helped me to process all that was happening. However, for the last two years things have been different, really different. Do I dare say life has become very "routine". The big difference is that Annabelle has been very healthy! She's been sick only a few times and has only had one non-Spina Bifida related surgery (tonsillectomy). We are truly thankful for her good health and the progress she has made. When I think back on those first two years it honestly seems like another life. It was HARD, it was HARD on all of us. She was so sick all of the time. It was a very scary, stressful time. I pray we never have to repeat those days.</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, with that said I would be lying if I acted as if there hasn't been some challenges. Unfortunately, stress and fear doesn't just go away. It stays with you and it creeps into your day when you least expect it. I worry a lot. I worry too much. I get overwhelmed easily and its hurting me. I'm glad though that I am the one hurting and not my girl. She is still the cheerful, optimistic, ready for anything spitfire she's always been. She sees the world and gets excited. She doesn't see the barriers I see. She wants to do everything her brothers do and is determined to make it happen. I pray that she will always have that determination and that spark to get things done. I pray that my fears and worry for her future won't ever hold her back. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These photos are from this past Father's Day, Sunday June 16, 2013. I love the way they capture her and all her personalities! </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She sat peacefully watching the waves. I watched her and wondered if she was sad to not be running around and climbing on the bars like her brothers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l-lni5LyB-HgGg0vaUZGMyZYHTFSnu2fSs4T5zmldGgeboYmusz56qHZyrJcr13VISot_DTa2wU1hiO17EUf8Qf3oQOrhgmdvI8l_v3bEFL89fOZKeB2rhAiwlhlBUgnYeNSczI9TWmj/s1600/DSC_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l-lni5LyB-HgGg0vaUZGMyZYHTFSnu2fSs4T5zmldGgeboYmusz56qHZyrJcr13VISot_DTa2wU1hiO17EUf8Qf3oQOrhgmdvI8l_v3bEFL89fOZKeB2rhAiwlhlBUgnYeNSczI9TWmj/s400/DSC_1193.JPG" width="267" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You be the judge, but I think she was having a fine time kicking back giggling in her stroller.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8PIkysxiim3Eha6ruro_8qgHt8RL8-7frYf7rPv-bJ0TmyRMo6REZY6Pf4dxV0KjBcycxh7prWMYRTyateFjgz2PA3wbJNHTdOq_ft3XIS-9felZ1UB1JkNwlAiWZAmymYwpWNs_6YWW/s400/DSC_1199.JPG" width="267" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here she is coming to get me! The boys were playing tag with Branden and although she tried to join them she ultimately decided to come hang with me. I worried she was feeling left out. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQeQzI9d-jglXdvrP_ZHtzh4zxU2cU6NE5jYHuZ0huKO8bS6NJy1E5GcHBJxLzq1LigMAuI4BWn0mUofdwWoyMSCd44nyMbZerGeC_8-BipaYmzrVBAMOAqtZlM4ItBLL-xQwokfRkpK3/s1600/DSC_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQeQzI9d-jglXdvrP_ZHtzh4zxU2cU6NE5jYHuZ0huKO8bS6NJy1E5GcHBJxLzq1LigMAuI4BWn0mUofdwWoyMSCd44nyMbZerGeC_8-BipaYmzrVBAMOAqtZlM4ItBLL-xQwokfRkpK3/s400/DSC_1209.JPG" width="267" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wasn't!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wanted to play tag with me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She wanted me to chase her - so I did!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjhL70GTy3GZy2kNpOytO6-hOd5h7rK_Ha-J-9LO4mq_ozxInKuaItWthCvJ-JWL55vWfpsfzfXFk_nRRJYyiqMk6z-uy6JXTI75fbONMhQf4DbXoCi8Wurfvemb2-KdBJhLVZYjm6NEO/s1600/DSC_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjhL70GTy3GZy2kNpOytO6-hOd5h7rK_Ha-J-9LO4mq_ozxInKuaItWthCvJ-JWL55vWfpsfzfXFk_nRRJYyiqMk6z-uy6JXTI75fbONMhQf4DbXoCi8Wurfvemb2-KdBJhLVZYjm6NEO/s400/DSC_1223.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She was giggling the whole time!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwBaElYIXs8-R0ld2zdsSPbF2oEQAPS0D_dsRYzgYz_-i-9L8-ukFxMEgEhQAztmbbX3ledIuJc-eu5IC41h13ted0m_TXgWKDs-iZ_rZfDaRlwYJ6hPBMUggB47R9ztqA8j9tc5NjFyZ/s1600/DSC_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwBaElYIXs8-R0ld2zdsSPbF2oEQAPS0D_dsRYzgYz_-i-9L8-ukFxMEgEhQAztmbbX3ledIuJc-eu5IC41h13ted0m_TXgWKDs-iZ_rZfDaRlwYJ6hPBMUggB47R9ztqA8j9tc5NjFyZ/s400/DSC_1224.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then came a little bit of her girl drama.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was smirking the whole time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ssTuKVGvqLkTlxScTGZGFTU0jQtRJgEhHZM8kv6EClrP_52BUBzQoZaMPx68D4saL2zQZ25RNAfU85buL-KcmGNIr3k2SC44JNObePgDN448FJj7FHGG3Fe-lI15S-sAWWVl4XGdgO0R/s1600/DSC_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ssTuKVGvqLkTlxScTGZGFTU0jQtRJgEhHZM8kv6EClrP_52BUBzQoZaMPx68D4saL2zQZ25RNAfU85buL-KcmGNIr3k2SC44JNObePgDN448FJj7FHGG3Fe-lI15S-sAWWVl4XGdgO0R/s400/DSC_1228.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then it was play time again........</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PUlRF8_NHRoHjrFto8vxo7Vu_3UgHIyCFEWnZr0UWwvdSn67_AuzwqNr2uN00Rskw30HpsJxZ9FdjZmfkVnCzaGYTfY2wBJA4B_PErcWaZsmPzX5qB69EVUrtL4ULLZgg-tZNGg9bJwN/s1600/DSC_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PUlRF8_NHRoHjrFto8vxo7Vu_3UgHIyCFEWnZr0UWwvdSn67_AuzwqNr2uN00Rskw30HpsJxZ9FdjZmfkVnCzaGYTfY2wBJA4B_PErcWaZsmPzX5qB69EVUrtL4ULLZgg-tZNGg9bJwN/s400/DSC_1232.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh how I love this girl!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg36WAjBX6NTTE1RlbfcEXMi_a6AT-U6vQXSCs0BCPqw54VKaXQkA25mgjaS8sXzSHSWnc485W4FHRvDX-GCpZjNh22RS-YrLCE7RPArSQPUNTv-n6QrWZhhSxIdlrpRAgUXRKYHWCgARu/s1600/DSC_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg36WAjBX6NTTE1RlbfcEXMi_a6AT-U6vQXSCs0BCPqw54VKaXQkA25mgjaS8sXzSHSWnc485W4FHRvDX-GCpZjNh22RS-YrLCE7RPArSQPUNTv-n6QrWZhhSxIdlrpRAgUXRKYHWCgARu/s400/DSC_1231.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Day's like that help to ease my worry and fears. When I see her beautiful smile I am once again reminded that these are MY issues and NOT hers. She is going to be just fine, better than fine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My girl is going to be great! My girl already is great! </b></span></div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-67572203708870462262013-07-10T22:32:00.000-07:002013-07-10T22:33:47.490-07:00Keep pushing forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had been talking with Annabelle's Physical Therapist and her Orthopedist about wanting to get Annabelle a pair of canes or crutches before the end of (last) year. I started these conversations early in the year (around February) and as we approached October it was apparent that nothing was going to be done about it. Sadly, I knew it was time to seek out some additional partners who were as serious as I was about getting Annabelle to the next level. That is when I reached out to Laurie, a highly respected physical therapist in Orange County. She is the owner of her own private practice, <a href="http://southcoasttherapyinc.com/" target="_blank">South Coast Therapy</a>. I had been given Laurie's name and telephone number about 9 months prior and had been holding on to it. Around summertime (2012) Annabelle had been placed on what's referred to as "maintenance mode" and was only receiving PT twice a month which as you can imagine I was extremely unhappy about. I was told it was the correct frequency for where she was at but sadly I knew it had a bit more to do with some staffing issue.
We made the decision to take a short break from our regular physical therapist to do what's referred to as an "intensive". Laurie has a very tight schedule with her patients and teaching schedule at a local university so the fact that we were able to be seen by her was truly a miracle and such a blessing. It was a wonderful experience to say the least! The intensive consisted of Annabelle being seen 2 to 3 times a week for 5 weeks. They originally wanted to see her 4 times a week for 4 weeks but I just couldn't manage that heavy of a schedule with her other commitments and my commitments to our other two children. Annabelle made great progress during her five weeks with Laurie.
Laurie, the new PT had these fun little canes at her office that she introduced to Annabelle on our first visit. It was so awesome to see how well Annabelle took to them the very first time Laurie handed them to her. She was very interested and they were great to work with even if they were a bit too tall.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wALbHHafsqeYQYYKHQcs_fWKQeDgb4l1AqpZxWPs_9v1w4N16jmRXNSBSLZ-VIUzRyKWXwrfJEJsBAyMm5fA2eeCgoQG30vWi_s7r00WCrPGaujOzHX9_9lZ1lsrAREhd9_eqrp7Xe2_/s1600/IMAG0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wALbHHafsqeYQYYKHQcs_fWKQeDgb4l1AqpZxWPs_9v1w4N16jmRXNSBSLZ-VIUzRyKWXwrfJEJsBAyMm5fA2eeCgoQG30vWi_s7r00WCrPGaujOzHX9_9lZ1lsrAREhd9_eqrp7Xe2_/s400/IMAG0422.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw0oASs_op9COzPHd94ALot_YLLuPIuJTnMDuLfW4VVfQaA7hqpcTbIx13f0TESmDaJUnhr3D7Wiry8C6e4fkH9f-j6ax7X-TBsLVBHfqPV_2TfFfcP_3VvTp4xYh9mGl_-SGg4tYL4Qs/s1600/IMAG0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw0oASs_op9COzPHd94ALot_YLLuPIuJTnMDuLfW4VVfQaA7hqpcTbIx13f0TESmDaJUnhr3D7Wiry8C6e4fkH9f-j6ax7X-TBsLVBHfqPV_2TfFfcP_3VvTp4xYh9mGl_-SGg4tYL4Qs/s400/IMAG0423.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5ri4OobFjNabQJ_a3qCRvTRv0e8pPT77RwT93GvP9i3Oe54r9jI0w8i-hl3ZXlxFqgMVkN3N6OVWWd8DIizJT7W0GTJxCJImdJyRTWH62TGV_Vsyt-7n-JjcJcW3j7uX3qzD_CyFhPzb/s1600/IMAG0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5ri4OobFjNabQJ_a3qCRvTRv0e8pPT77RwT93GvP9i3Oe54r9jI0w8i-hl3ZXlxFqgMVkN3N6OVWWd8DIizJT7W0GTJxCJImdJyRTWH62TGV_Vsyt-7n-JjcJcW3j7uX3qzD_CyFhPzb/s400/IMAG0636.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblNrlWrooaWgrLVX37-SEgJaMxfcEAVOLzIaTvyFCmOImf5DF4qIA_66ZJNvV0TGi2voXF2T0jSzknKPcwR-skSupmhKsCPnNH3k-axqMqoDJBEqjewplQMd56F3kyqx4ZS21pB9GPync/s1600/IMAG0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblNrlWrooaWgrLVX37-SEgJaMxfcEAVOLzIaTvyFCmOImf5DF4qIA_66ZJNvV0TGi2voXF2T0jSzknKPcwR-skSupmhKsCPnNH3k-axqMqoDJBEqjewplQMd56F3kyqx4ZS21pB9GPync/s400/IMAG0639.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the time Annabelle was being treated at South Coast Laurie not only worked with Annabelle but she tirelessly worked with our insurance company to find Annabelle a pair of canes that would fit her needs. We quickly found that there are NOT a lot of pediatric canes out there and most are pretty heavy. This was a bit disappointing but Laurie didn't give up! We didn't find exactly what we wanted but what we settled on has been good. Laurie ordered Annabelle a set of blue (pink and red were sold out) pediatric quad canes and they were delivered just in time for our very last "intensive" session with Laurie. We see this canes as a good bridge between the walker and forearm crutches that she will one day have but is not ready for yet.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY68JhgOd9AZ4wMZ1ThXnwJVw_bTzEr49miev0To8wC3GemfDAbNrkoXojZM8USa6ifA-oWbBbhIIAF1BjYrCgOUulcp2wnTK6YAtoXdF3aJUG7VvAn8azF32IFGni_Q71YPPMywaWRKF/s1600/IMAG0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY68JhgOd9AZ4wMZ1ThXnwJVw_bTzEr49miev0To8wC3GemfDAbNrkoXojZM8USa6ifA-oWbBbhIIAF1BjYrCgOUulcp2wnTK6YAtoXdF3aJUG7VvAn8azF32IFGni_Q71YPPMywaWRKF/s400/IMAG0644.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/z9i04A0OdqY?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward less than six months and wow, it amazing to look at the great progress she has made! We returned to our former therapist in January (who we really do think is great) with our new canes and are finally on a twice a week schedule. </span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVnqi6VacsF2No2rHa-6jzOfZk-8tvWUvbkWRbTUKjndjZZ1HpLqv1YGxeRp-TkZrNJLNcctqbbxCH_NFhnSKvm3br9cfVR_9uTDAqO-8LlC79V2p8GS2fBtfbod3ierAWrPVWEri6IaO/s1600/DSC_1077+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVnqi6VacsF2No2rHa-6jzOfZk-8tvWUvbkWRbTUKjndjZZ1HpLqv1YGxeRp-TkZrNJLNcctqbbxCH_NFhnSKvm3br9cfVR_9uTDAqO-8LlC79V2p8GS2fBtfbod3ierAWrPVWEri6IaO/s400/DSC_1077+cropped.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Jack's First Holy Communion - May 4, 2013 </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although, Annabelle does not use the canes every day she knows how to use them and is getting stronger and faster with them daily. We remember that it took her a full year to become proficient with her walker so we have never had unrealistic expectations about her use of the canes. We did however know that in order for her to keep pushing forward we needed to get those canes ordered. I am so thankful for the choices we made and for the progress Annabelle is making. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believe in yourself parents - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know your child best and you know their needs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep pushing forward! </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-82657154324981140432013-07-07T01:41:00.000-07:002013-07-07T21:38:45.873-07:00First Day of Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I knew the day would finally come that she and I were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">both</span> ready for her to start school and it did. On Tuesday, April 9th Annabelle had her first day of preschool. There were a few tears from us both but mine were a mixture of sadness and happiness. I was sad because she is my last baby and she is growing up so fast but I was happy because I knew she was ready and that she would love it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVCB76P14zKmyULyWapqQZ1wPiVcaiAgK-jbFWK617cnb1JIJpWig9egkxZzpa6jbtX3cnXPkeNFHR9ZqCkCgdrYAE8IThCGugoyYQRm08HecTLAojDz-ho9zOAEZKbEfM-0C3-6v9zkZ/s1600/DSC_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVCB76P14zKmyULyWapqQZ1wPiVcaiAgK-jbFWK617cnb1JIJpWig9egkxZzpa6jbtX3cnXPkeNFHR9ZqCkCgdrYAE8IThCGugoyYQRm08HecTLAojDz-ho9zOAEZKbEfM-0C3-6v9zkZ/s400/DSC_1190.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83aE3ReBYpXQEf80n1GZqKcT10rZJ2wLxSt7jCzqxIp8F2BR1-et_vN2hGF1-8TCgK4-Ww_xtc2lepvZ-DvmH6H1ID9kHUIovNtT6gsTAQiC4FESP_y9dyWLi9vPtkc8ELBBnbGYIplmd/s1600/DSC_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83aE3ReBYpXQEf80n1GZqKcT10rZJ2wLxSt7jCzqxIp8F2BR1-et_vN2hGF1-8TCgK4-Ww_xtc2lepvZ-DvmH6H1ID9kHUIovNtT6gsTAQiC4FESP_y9dyWLi9vPtkc8ELBBnbGYIplmd/s400/DSC_1191.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphenkoOxIree9_9lbb0gI7zUMlLtP1i6oRLyq3YCy44qanQppVF0hxbISBZHrBkGZ7d8ObrEF35wgiHCZ0mj_1HH3NcXzd3-EO4zcWFP07OizvSs9vTFO49Yzy701uhWtPti7HusDrl1LX/s1600/DSC_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphenkoOxIree9_9lbb0gI7zUMlLtP1i6oRLyq3YCy44qanQppVF0hxbISBZHrBkGZ7d8ObrEF35wgiHCZ0mj_1HH3NcXzd3-EO4zcWFP07OizvSs9vTFO49Yzy701uhWtPti7HusDrl1LX/s400/DSC_1192.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GO2WIvfud3Rta4HId3ncoo8iIa7WzY-eY0_ozlD6VAwza44-7uNXZtHfcJVrDA_VWbNsBKvyY6MvxbDsFXZTrOpQAmHRnnF1utO_06PnKoBdQMOYRWLGtJKNGv0t_kp1X6rx2EmSuT1w/s1600/DSC_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GO2WIvfud3Rta4HId3ncoo8iIa7WzY-eY0_ozlD6VAwza44-7uNXZtHfcJVrDA_VWbNsBKvyY6MvxbDsFXZTrOpQAmHRnnF1utO_06PnKoBdQMOYRWLGtJKNGv0t_kp1X6rx2EmSuT1w/s400/DSC_1193.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3ytENNNvliRE9ZCIZT4pNuPS6v4YTe2oAJmykUgyC0ZLRobld0tn9WMGCVQ20CRxGZH6hyevCR3v6rr8uhQeDy6AEsUyxdhiyPBxvmg3_YQReGR6JrCVIDnDUvkhyZrcAPJIGuM5epcf/s1600/DSC_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3ytENNNvliRE9ZCIZT4pNuPS6v4YTe2oAJmykUgyC0ZLRobld0tn9WMGCVQ20CRxGZH6hyevCR3v6rr8uhQeDy6AEsUyxdhiyPBxvmg3_YQReGR6JrCVIDnDUvkhyZrcAPJIGuM5epcf/s400/DSC_1194.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNU2k8IOuIZnx4PAeLYBUOWt_Gxhb2N0bCV5XNCgXX-max0fPDk3B0rdRl61J7eCAkOEfY58GGVsU2Kv0_qs1p1DTImNSdPDhz4BO0GI6R0nen6E7WOB-dbNJ9HMJm1RRyExjlReC63he/s1600/DSC_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNU2k8IOuIZnx4PAeLYBUOWt_Gxhb2N0bCV5XNCgXX-max0fPDk3B0rdRl61J7eCAkOEfY58GGVsU2Kv0_qs1p1DTImNSdPDhz4BO0GI6R0nen6E7WOB-dbNJ9HMJm1RRyExjlReC63he/s400/DSC_1196.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-cLx2WhRzVfDz85PAvG8a_ULkO-nSzhNgkBS_RSGrIBxaiuuZjmZRspjDv8z-G4mSvzsAPFXiZuY__GnVLodebBimWBDklhR5LMRXV2bQCubh-v8HJYGhUkf2R8vhalxFFGMgxA0tCM0/s1600/DSC_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-cLx2WhRzVfDz85PAvG8a_ULkO-nSzhNgkBS_RSGrIBxaiuuZjmZRspjDv8z-G4mSvzsAPFXiZuY__GnVLodebBimWBDklhR5LMRXV2bQCubh-v8HJYGhUkf2R8vhalxFFGMgxA0tCM0/s400/DSC_1197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
She attended 3 days per week from 9 to noon and it was a great introduction to being away from mom and making friends. She was only there 8 weeks before it was time for summer break but it was definitely a good decision to start her even though it was late in the year. I won't lie and say that it was a smooth experience because it wasn't. There were some definite bumps in the road but I am happy to have worked through them at the end of this year and not at the beginning of next year. <br />
<br />
I like the teacher and her teachers aides whom she will thankfully have again next year. I do not care much for the school administrator/principal and I know that she and I will probably continue to clash over issues. We had two major issues the first week regarding the drop off location and pick up location. Thankfully, I was able to show a valid reason why it was in Annabelle's best interest that I drop her off each morning at the classroom door and NOT all the way across campus like they had me do the first two days. Although this is the designated drop off location it was WAY too far for Annabelle who tends to walk slow most of the time. Their solution was to put her in a stroller to keep her with the rest of the class. I was not okay with that since Annabelle can walk. I also made arrangements to pick her up at the classroom door instead of all the way across campus so that I could immediately take her to the restroom to catheterize her. By 12:15 when school lets out she is overdue and we made the decision to not let the school aide cath her. Once she is in school for the longer day I will demand that it is done by the school nurse and hopefully by that time she will be close to learning how to cath herself.<br />
<br />
In the 8 weeks she was there she met 3 out of her 5 IEP goals - yay! The 3 goals she did not meet were gross motor related so that wasn't too surprising. I had mixed feeling if I wanted her to attend summer school or not but she did not qualify so it became a non-issue. I was told that only kids that were behind were able to go. I know she liked school but I know she enjoys playtime at home with her brothers and I way more so I guess it all worked out as it should. <br />
<br />
School starts up again in September and although I know she will have fun I am not looking forward to the "drop off" tears as I call them. Thankfully, when she did cry (which wasn't ever day) it was only a brief wimper and was done as soon as she walked into class but it still made me a little sad until pick up.Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-81025021981876587632013-03-31T22:14:00.001-07:002013-03-31T22:14:58.656-07:00Annabelle's Easter Photo Shoot <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our princess was having a blast posing for pictures for her daddy this weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kCecI8tAIy39ZsaCNT-_r1zSfknM2RMCYe1IMmhr8ue-SSiaN-BhIlaskj2uC2kn26U3LkFRr0WtjwwMMLR5L3SzygLJ2gOh4_qpshq-e7xcAviGgRrXh1yfetA5xb-Q-2hfFdIGU8rS/s1600/DSC_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kCecI8tAIy39ZsaCNT-_r1zSfknM2RMCYe1IMmhr8ue-SSiaN-BhIlaskj2uC2kn26U3LkFRr0WtjwwMMLR5L3SzygLJ2gOh4_qpshq-e7xcAviGgRrXh1yfetA5xb-Q-2hfFdIGU8rS/s400/DSC_0978.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6VeKvovrgbC_-NtLv55FOeCRyD8WeZC0Bml7CiAIXDKo5NhSsE5pzOn3RLReVhC3HjBA07pAqYT71nM-JYXHJeHGXO_FHcLhee8L2dAW-vH52Ra9bRCz-svKVuYlk8D5RulkRg6eCUgh/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6VeKvovrgbC_-NtLv55FOeCRyD8WeZC0Bml7CiAIXDKo5NhSsE5pzOn3RLReVhC3HjBA07pAqYT71nM-JYXHJeHGXO_FHcLhee8L2dAW-vH52Ra9bRCz-svKVuYlk8D5RulkRg6eCUgh/s400/DSC_0988.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYKDva_dwliTeHP3Q4w9oTxFpv896iIAYU9fUiOd5fdFqYkHuhAH_6oZa0l_kG-_FgXG9nH6GBXgKaNRdI04fq_vJt5QXwXNgCUuBr_rmDDF1XYCMhtSNZ8Al1XEODwU0q3pENd6V2CCN/s1600/DSC_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYKDva_dwliTeHP3Q4w9oTxFpv896iIAYU9fUiOd5fdFqYkHuhAH_6oZa0l_kG-_FgXG9nH6GBXgKaNRdI04fq_vJt5QXwXNgCUuBr_rmDDF1XYCMhtSNZ8Al1XEODwU0q3pENd6V2CCN/s400/DSC_1034.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3SWk5dtC2O7wEth5A72N34EEVLiymC1rZNhvvCwx5HFuhTFgHD72ALFqkAt3QrVavjV813iZKF3fcfV4-IQv6WX0dY-ON5rbvkYB1ZmH_y5HSI64p4L54bnBAM8mQRoWDJmEce9bI5F3/s1600/DSC_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3SWk5dtC2O7wEth5A72N34EEVLiymC1rZNhvvCwx5HFuhTFgHD72ALFqkAt3QrVavjV813iZKF3fcfV4-IQv6WX0dY-ON5rbvkYB1ZmH_y5HSI64p4L54bnBAM8mQRoWDJmEce9bI5F3/s400/DSC_1038.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUM1pTN8x0ZIVDUWcxlHMO-MWsylI8JL72aoWTZtwqzkeULm-Yw5cshpKkLU9AMJofP5RhKns5GFVqkZqTz3DZqTrT3FNUASjaPIQ2-exZmxI5EZtHGr8JAj-6ICJz4TOmSVylN-l8PoX/s1600/DSC_1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUM1pTN8x0ZIVDUWcxlHMO-MWsylI8JL72aoWTZtwqzkeULm-Yw5cshpKkLU9AMJofP5RhKns5GFVqkZqTz3DZqTrT3FNUASjaPIQ2-exZmxI5EZtHGr8JAj-6ICJz4TOmSVylN-l8PoX/s400/DSC_1041.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyNvPzg4xsK9dCM9jmyA4Yfv42xmqv7gweRB_kAD-YIYrx_9UVpSdCoVSm8HcuNvUp7oWe_20PLPpiUPthgUcN-pnfOnp_Uvm4hPt6pDlRxe8wVNDwImNbi5Flgetw1eALAv1Y3gmgHIq/s1600/DSC_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyNvPzg4xsK9dCM9jmyA4Yfv42xmqv7gweRB_kAD-YIYrx_9UVpSdCoVSm8HcuNvUp7oWe_20PLPpiUPthgUcN-pnfOnp_Uvm4hPt6pDlRxe8wVNDwImNbi5Flgetw1eALAv1Y3gmgHIq/s400/DSC_1042.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does anyone know where our baby has gone? She has truly blossomed into an amazingly independent little girl these last few months. Where does the time go? There are no words to express what a true blessing it is to be her parents.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-54824350630666833312012-12-02T07:30:00.000-08:002012-12-03T20:46:08.349-08:00 The Twelve Days Of Christmas Special Needs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2KDg23adGR7U_ByEi0GIe9R61bbimH_vdKo8sDnTCM8OgjOq-deBEh4rLP96CzOGr_tjzsQznQ33jJtjGgd3CjUKQqhmdn7eiX1rV7LqJ6I5-sy3aQVgRZ2mJ0JOSnPUfG0GXX6QthDN/s1600/156909_403772453024465_2045475938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2KDg23adGR7U_ByEi0GIe9R61bbimH_vdKo8sDnTCM8OgjOq-deBEh4rLP96CzOGr_tjzsQznQ33jJtjGgd3CjUKQqhmdn7eiX1rV7LqJ6I5-sy3aQVgRZ2mJ0JOSnPUfG0GXX6QthDN/s400/156909_403772453024465_2045475938_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The Twelve Days Of Christmas Special Needs<br /> <br /> On the first day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a child with special needs.<br /> <br /> On the second day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a heart full of love for my child with special needs.</span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
On the third day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an ache in my
heart and a heart full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On the fourth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a tear in my
eyes, an ache in my heart and a heart full of love for my child with
special needs.<br />
<br />
On the fifth day of Christmas, the good Lord
gave to me: an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache
in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On the sixth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a ray of hope,
an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my
heart and my heart full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On the seventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of
humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes
and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with
special needs.<br />
<br />
On the eighth day of Christmas, the good Lord
gave to me: supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an
unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart
and my heart full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On
the ninth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: remarkable doctors
& therapists, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope,
an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in heart
and my heart full of love for my child with a special needs.<br />
<br />
On
the tenth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an appreciation
of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors & therapists,
supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected
strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart
full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On the eleventh
day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of pride and
courage, an appreciation of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors
& therapists, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope,
an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart
and my heart full of love for my child with special needs.<br />
<br />
On
the twelfth day of Christmas, the good Lord said to me: Reach out and
share your sense of pride and courage, your appreciation of small
accomplishments, your remarkable doctors & therapists, your
supportive friends, your sense of humor, your ray of hope, your
unsuspected strength for the tear in your eyes and the ache in your
heart and your heart full of love for your child with special needs.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<b>Picture and poem from:</b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommas-Little-Blessings/137866499615063" target="_blank"> Momma's Little Blessings FB page</a></div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-46694139394824455022012-11-11T18:00:00.000-08:002013-03-31T22:59:44.688-07:00Misconceptions<br />
Sadly, there seems to be a misconception out in the world that children with Spina Bifida are suffering and that they have poor quality of life. I feel compelled to tell you that this is NOT true! I can sort of understand why someone might think that if they had never met anyone with SB or have only read the crazy, outdated information some doctors are still giving out. Obviously, I can't speak for every person with Spina Bifida and honestly since I do not have Spina Bifida myself the best I can do is share my experience as a mother of a child with Spina Bifida.<br />
<br />
I want my blog to serve as a different voice for all of those that have been told or are under the impression that a child born with Spina Bifida will live a life filled with suffering or will have no quality of life at all. I assure you that is not the case. We are truly a blessed family and thank the Lord everyday for bringing Annabelle into our family. <br />
<br />
A friend recently referred to parenting her child with Spina Bifida like this:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">"Their
really is something wonderful about life that you only become aware of
when have a child who may have some medical/developmental needs.Our daughter has defined who I am, and made me a better person. I feel like I
finally understand what is important in life, and what isn't. She has
influenced and impressed so many people, and I feel honored and blessed
each day that she is ours. I cannot imagine what life would be like
without her...it breaks my heart when I think back to what the medical
community told us when we were diagnosed, and how wrong they were. And I
am grateful each day that we trusted our gut, and welcomed our daughter into our
lives." </span><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">She and I are not alone in our feelings about raising a child with special needs. I could post many, many more just like this. Yes, there have been and will most likely be difficult moments but as a mother I know that parenting is difficult. I have struggles with my boys all the time and they do not have "special needs" or extras as we like to call it. Annabelle is just like all other kids but she has some extras! I would never try and pretend that life with a child that has Spina Bifida was easy. It is not, but what I get in return is well worth fighting for!</span><br />
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">My goal truly is not to try and convince anyone that our life is great but to share many of our great moments with you. Here are some of my favorite Annabelle (and family) moments that never made it to the blog these last few months. Darn Facebook makes it way too easy not to blog. </span></div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<span style="color: black;">Annabelle doing a little gymnastics - August 6, 2012 </span></div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<span style="color: black;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8f0E9FEYHBs?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHuZ2WTljvJE5L9fUshMHd3sCU_GT9kJrczeuZpoyClms03mi_fhD8uqTBMK9u0b1JpKkEOdAWdZiyWAcmD08_rwJDzqHxMdQ3mQpkLiZasaYiIaT418dZbI98j9W_IFaO7pxeUEwDURP/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHuZ2WTljvJE5L9fUshMHd3sCU_GT9kJrczeuZpoyClms03mi_fhD8uqTBMK9u0b1JpKkEOdAWdZiyWAcmD08_rwJDzqHxMdQ3mQpkLiZasaYiIaT418dZbI98j9W_IFaO7pxeUEwDURP/s400/IMG_1071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Backyard water play - August 11, 2012 </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrAWBmbFBgVUBiM4uAK479tuXD1BxD0q7_9n3p69pUV626Imrldmb5wrpus_-7mRNp5TuQCyY6lGtpNFM8CnGk3iD_SdycsWFXZ-6xMl21eymPOjZh9kBxPOOo1yIt5iOIYQ1qMVhOPmb/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrAWBmbFBgVUBiM4uAK479tuXD1BxD0q7_9n3p69pUV626Imrldmb5wrpus_-7mRNp5TuQCyY6lGtpNFM8CnGk3iD_SdycsWFXZ-6xMl21eymPOjZh9kBxPOOo1yIt5iOIYQ1qMVhOPmb/s400/IMG_1092.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Annabelle having a BLAST with her Dad and brothers at the beach<br />
<span style="color: black;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7VK1-ceEVL0?rel=0" width="640"></iframe> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Climbing trees. If her brothers are doing it - she will try it too! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Nothing will stop our little ROCK STAR! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4D0CuazKGP0XubxdE3-3Mue4jDW1_Xy6uN-_yM8xIFoj2IlPbbgLQ2QojQVOZANx3yQ_s7g-FpieTQHChEL9TwEw6qeXo3eNOlbbLG3yrGxC3dkM7oEBBiax86yxkiKl9RkXo-GAnp2k/s1600/Soccer+Practice+8-15-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4D0CuazKGP0XubxdE3-3Mue4jDW1_Xy6uN-_yM8xIFoj2IlPbbgLQ2QojQVOZANx3yQ_s7g-FpieTQHChEL9TwEw6qeXo3eNOlbbLG3yrGxC3dkM7oEBBiax86yxkiKl9RkXo-GAnp2k/s400/Soccer+Practice+8-15-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Family bowling! August 16, 2012 </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZNzl4KR_oAt1vSJFV024TR5yQU6C56jBgxrdjWCPcE3gnF_E47u9_qd0nz5kiAIqTk-lh45IesWi8H-lr6IxVaGQKHDtK0LYztosaJDPWceqpSuoLY0xzF5-JvodHTLNDOh9ANAK4NWK/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZNzl4KR_oAt1vSJFV024TR5yQU6C56jBgxrdjWCPcE3gnF_E47u9_qd0nz5kiAIqTk-lh45IesWi8H-lr6IxVaGQKHDtK0LYztosaJDPWceqpSuoLY0xzF5-JvodHTLNDOh9ANAK4NWK/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: black;">Family time at the Nature Center - August 26, 2012 </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C93CEBbqP7bvekHAUu6pt0-wFXjLb2_L8iPoZtrcyOH0BZMRoCn3U6jw1mtQwwXavtFGE1bqKLLnT-T9TjeAiyxJ8gbdJHSjFGNnElt1LFUsrZL0dn-vG5DAxlNo7jAkcQ-x1M9E3Abn/s1600/IMG_20120826_142908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C93CEBbqP7bvekHAUu6pt0-wFXjLb2_L8iPoZtrcyOH0BZMRoCn3U6jw1mtQwwXavtFGE1bqKLLnT-T9TjeAiyxJ8gbdJHSjFGNnElt1LFUsrZL0dn-vG5DAxlNo7jAkcQ-x1M9E3Abn/s400/IMG_20120826_142908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sibling love!<br />
They were actually fighting over who got to sit next to Annabelle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5idGs1cF0uB9Gzb3JQF4L2vWisDFvx7j2Eh2OvFK2LyEtGONBx7r4YvUHWMs0CWg1nr71lNcBDoOp8lPgEbvoLJU6aAnCoJE41aGxG_UMfIBVK0ayGSrv0zN12atPFmcHK1jMAGH1WzJl/s1600/kidlets+at+the+NC+on+8-26-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5idGs1cF0uB9Gzb3JQF4L2vWisDFvx7j2Eh2OvFK2LyEtGONBx7r4YvUHWMs0CWg1nr71lNcBDoOp8lPgEbvoLJU6aAnCoJE41aGxG_UMfIBVK0ayGSrv0zN12atPFmcHK1jMAGH1WzJl/s400/kidlets+at+the+NC+on+8-26-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<div class="content marginRight" id="talk_content_37765204">
</div>
<br />
<div class="profile_signature">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Independence at the beach. Annabelle LOVES the water and the sand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs67x86Ja73sAUYFiUrru8s32sDFmrjlymA5BrT6sVPl7YuoxgcwBm2kIpK8MbN8sRl7JkbTBKR7hwWoFLGlgPOCMZ-VwdD5kwFFLCD9a7KnLnUi13ARoIDqPwxPNw5DMzhUBzefbjOdC/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs67x86Ja73sAUYFiUrru8s32sDFmrjlymA5BrT6sVPl7YuoxgcwBm2kIpK8MbN8sRl7JkbTBKR7hwWoFLGlgPOCMZ-VwdD5kwFFLCD9a7KnLnUi13ARoIDqPwxPNw5DMzhUBzefbjOdC/s400/IMG_1208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Clearly not my best picture but look at her happy smile.<br />
You can't fake that kind of happiness. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJXTXj1uJEZlL7rIolsmDhND5LlgChIzXVU_2JRq9XoTWUyMwebgvhxIqzg5YqTWa5A9mEivPNcfRg9wwp8UFH1N40jPCWRGhe6u_FrAk_Gd6uFv6iJHD0rYNrEkqFQvW6Wyf8YTiXyhz/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJXTXj1uJEZlL7rIolsmDhND5LlgChIzXVU_2JRq9XoTWUyMwebgvhxIqzg5YqTWa5A9mEivPNcfRg9wwp8UFH1N40jPCWRGhe6u_FrAk_Gd6uFv6iJHD0rYNrEkqFQvW6Wyf8YTiXyhz/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
September 15, 2012<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://fromamomofboys.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-gift-of-life.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read a beautifully written blog post by a friend about the Gift of Life. This dear friend is the mother of 5 boys and the youngest has Spina Bifida. They are also in the process of adopting a little girl who has Spina Bifida. <br />
<br />
It's funny many might say that Branden and I gave Annabelle life but honestly, I think it's the other way around. Our three children have given us the most perfect life. We would have nothing without them. </div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-63335390721826241232012-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:002012-10-19T22:30:01.632-07:00Back to BusinessThe business of having fun that is! <br />
<br />
One week ago our sweet girl was feeling pretty lousy due to developing an unexpected UTI. Of course, in typical Annabelle "superstar" style she is back to her happy self once again. Although, I was initially disappointed that she had developed a UTI because it had been just about year and a half (can you even believe that?) since she last got one. Seriously, how awesome it that? I'm not afraid to say it, that is super great! The reality is that UTI's are bound to happen due to her frequent catheterization. So truly, there was no need to be upset about it. Thankfully, we caught it quickly and were able to get the right medicine on the first try.<br />
<br />
Because the boys get out of school early on Friday's we decided to play at the park to burn up some of that extra energy. We decided to go to the "accessible" park in the neighboring city to ensure that all 3 kiddos were able to have as much fun as possible. SUCH A GREAT IDEA!! We had a blast. The boys probably would have had fun at any park but Annabelle had a GREAT time and there's no question she would not have had this much fun at our local park we usually meet friends at on Friday. <br />
<br />
This girl was on the move the whole time!<br />
She wouldn't stop to eat or drink (not great, but understandable).<br />
She threw a massive three year old tantrum when it was time to go.<br />
<br />
The statements above and these pictures below are proof positive that accessible parks are awesome and worth the financial investment by the city. Thank you Lakewood, California for caring enough to build this new playground!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51cV4M8Ou7wHBxOfeRe81vDoD63QKCUlyFvasEiXOcKYPxcRIaeUoHl8SNJ9KVWii8JTlmzBxDEpRV6a8N89DqbWJAFAY3vHzAlPTM9fQhXwx9Mn4MKlbrs_r18Ra-lxS1pcV6Lr3gR3p/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51cV4M8Ou7wHBxOfeRe81vDoD63QKCUlyFvasEiXOcKYPxcRIaeUoHl8SNJ9KVWii8JTlmzBxDEpRV6a8N89DqbWJAFAY3vHzAlPTM9fQhXwx9Mn4MKlbrs_r18Ra-lxS1pcV6Lr3gR3p/s640/IMAG0375.jpg" width="380" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She wasn't too interested in walking on the paved path to the slide. She just went full throttle onto the sand and didn't miss a beat. She has never done this before and I almost stopped her as I figured she'd get stuck. Thankfully, she didn't and she couldn't have been happier to go directly to where the boys were playing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMRQc9-fBypZGkMzpaxt0rBdO3lj5D8i78JkAbBZYFoY_KkykpqNARwJg7CM4L62wDe_nc38Vpld2sjxXxYLjtW4eieaU453DiWG-6esPH-ZCpnIZ7US5FDtJZNKQsNzSVs2lrddBf4RM/s1600/IMAG0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMRQc9-fBypZGkMzpaxt0rBdO3lj5D8i78JkAbBZYFoY_KkykpqNARwJg7CM4L62wDe_nc38Vpld2sjxXxYLjtW4eieaU453DiWG-6esPH-ZCpnIZ7US5FDtJZNKQsNzSVs2lrddBf4RM/s640/IMAG0376.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was going non-stop up and down the ramp of the play structure. She did it at least 20 times, no joke. She keep saying "watch out mama, here I come". She was hilarious. Check out her face, she was determined and working hard. She was going so fast that I was <i>slightly</i> worried she would fall. I say slightly because I've tried to not be too overprotective about walking and falling as I know it's not in her best interest to make a big fuss. If she falls (and she does) I just encourage her to get up or I help her up and we keep moving along.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB0EZvx0K5-wGNJ4YTQCTLuBNAsgJ9su9qWjUaup9coFsh-jGGSbyWa0zpBzCNiqkymQCJgOXI4CrEXxnkazipQnucIDHtS1_1R4fj-pwgBwZVZvt2OgFHh_dtlQUEeVLX7A97wjR4Loa/s1600/IMAG0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB0EZvx0K5-wGNJ4YTQCTLuBNAsgJ9su9qWjUaup9coFsh-jGGSbyWa0zpBzCNiqkymQCJgOXI4CrEXxnkazipQnucIDHtS1_1R4fj-pwgBwZVZvt2OgFHh_dtlQUEeVLX7A97wjR4Loa/s640/IMAG0377.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's Annabelle's super awesome big brothers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her boys. Her protectors. Her two favorite people in the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ionOKgVKva3EtPAAvuB1spOR94kR9jYLdQUMYmHToSmqoy2GPwPMd5ZBll9x9xJZ-JBuGutv_Cg0IV_AWN7t8iwULRz1nBlD9kohfSH1wHEeCoJzZ2Pxq2FQNxmmDi7FevQi7yg-wzR8/s1600/IMAG0378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ionOKgVKva3EtPAAvuB1spOR94kR9jYLdQUMYmHToSmqoy2GPwPMd5ZBll9x9xJZ-JBuGutv_Cg0IV_AWN7t8iwULRz1nBlD9kohfSH1wHEeCoJzZ2Pxq2FQNxmmDi7FevQi7yg-wzR8/s640/IMAG0378.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Benjamin asked if he could take a picture of Annabelle and I. I agreed remembering <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> article I recently read about mom's needing to stay in the pictures regardless of what they look like that day, month, year, etc. So, although pictures of me lately clearly show that I am a good 30 pounds over weight and haven't bought a new outfit in what seems like an eternity I stayed in the picture. At the end of the day I'm so glad I have this picture of Annabelle and I. I really wanted one with me and all three kids but that just wasn't possible today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN0d58eoR3xbRwGmKEa6mCkAkWaTPwe-rvBSzhXuK9d_pE3IYyL_fR0QzDo6k3AdNuu8qz2QlZvO7Lizfjj9FW9Ga90Cx6A17wr4nEWNzA_vgHh__C2nDaj0z8dSfXzKUpIQIHFXr8_Ob/s1600/IMAG0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN0d58eoR3xbRwGmKEa6mCkAkWaTPwe-rvBSzhXuK9d_pE3IYyL_fR0QzDo6k3AdNuu8qz2QlZvO7Lizfjj9FW9Ga90Cx6A17wr4nEWNzA_vgHh__C2nDaj0z8dSfXzKUpIQIHFXr8_Ob/s640/IMAG0379.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Benjamin did offer to take another one with Jack in it. This is what I got. It didn't come out as great as I had hoped but at least he tried. I just love my little 5 1/2 year old photographer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a blessed woman I am!</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-29592628963223538572012-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:002012-10-15T20:02:07.818-07:00It had been a while but felt so oddly familiarAnnabelle has been blessed with great health this last year and a half so when she started showing signs of sickness this week I almost went into a panic. When you have a child with Spina Bifida and they start acting "a little off" your first thought is OH NO a shunt malfunction. We have a love/hate relationship with Annabelle's shunt. We love that it keeps her healthy but hate that she has to have it and that they have a history of malfunctioning. If it's not the shunt than most likely its a UTI (urinary tract infection). Annabelle would get UTI's all the time prior to getting her G-tube in April 2011. Thankfully, getting the G-tube completely changed our lives (for the better) and practically stopped the UTI's. What a blessing! <br />
<br />
I had noticed on Wednesday that Annabelle's appetite seemed a bit off and she also had a few cloudy caths but overall nothing too alarming. Then on Friday afternoon she made it pretty clear that she didn't feel good and was overly tired. She actually laid down on the rug in Benjamin's classroom when I was talking with his teacher after school. This is NOT Annabelle's style at all, even when tired. When I got her home she had a temperature of 101.5 and was really net feeling well. We made it through the night without incident but on Saturday morning it was apparent that she was sick when she didn't want to wake up. At 11 am I finally said okay sweet girl it's time to get up! She said her head hurt and that she felt sick. I could tell she was miserable. When I sat her up her forehead seemed to be slightly bulging and she was extremely sensitive to light. She was crying a lot and holding her head. I called her Pediatrician and we decided that since it was Saturday and we were concerned about the shunt than a visit to the ER would be necessary. I was disappointed but knew we had no choice.<br />
<br />
There was a time when packing a bag to head to the ER was an every month occurrence, but not anymore (thank you Lord!). It felt so wrong yet so very familiar. I walked from room to room practically emotionless gathering what my head knew to bring. Sadly, those memories never go away and apparently they haven't for Annabelle either. She was not happy when we I told her where we were going. It was heartbreaking to see her so upset. Thankfully, in typical Annabelle style she accepted where we were headed and gave kisses and hugs to her dad and brothers before getting into the car. She was even willing to give her dad a small smile when he asked if he could take her picture before we left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGvMRlvaWsjRgmE3_Wk_S0PLECofYRFDLaFH0Oglmidfz4E5w7mn04aqJRM6H2cXXiL1ID-uXo4v3hNjsLLdRnKrYwo_u3_bgxcHT6HYZ98dcEFqdI6A5uQ2hP00nihVc7EHtNwXJEUTt/s1600/IMAG0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGvMRlvaWsjRgmE3_Wk_S0PLECofYRFDLaFH0Oglmidfz4E5w7mn04aqJRM6H2cXXiL1ID-uXo4v3hNjsLLdRnKrYwo_u3_bgxcHT6HYZ98dcEFqdI6A5uQ2hP00nihVc7EHtNwXJEUTt/s640/IMAG0359.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sweet girl asked to wear her sunglasses because it was too bright. She ended up keeping them on until she had her CT Scan a few hours after arriving at the hospital. The hospital staff thought she was so cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we arrived her temperature was 102. She quickly went down hill. Here we are waiting for her to get her shunt series which consists of a CT Scan of her head and x-rays of her head and abdomen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqNgPjNiCgt1T1TdwZqokyljEyOJ8qZnIOFNpLW4n5JVQILRnxF_b6EMUp2lpJop7_WhI9TFcFHV-Vq68RG6ShiU8EclUDpViCmfegTH7AUo_jMvDiguxOL3DQ0Q7iAcMAXF4vDs0U65u/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqNgPjNiCgt1T1TdwZqokyljEyOJ8qZnIOFNpLW4n5JVQILRnxF_b6EMUp2lpJop7_WhI9TFcFHV-Vq68RG6ShiU8EclUDpViCmfegTH7AUo_jMvDiguxOL3DQ0Q7iAcMAXF4vDs0U65u/s400/IMAG0363.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was so brave and held perfectly still just like they asked her to. I knew she
was scared but she held her emotions together and did exactly what they needed her to do get the pictures. By the time we were done with all of her tests she had a temperature of 103.5 and she was miserable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh046s8toNWTUVkjT_huNLtQliMpfc9GQXnydgzKla2TfvwF1ibGajJCehgVguhxvJHpXpo8-EUSeCLM6YMMtYnoQReEmgeW7MNMwDYBqIRvIr49nbgbwUpyEEL0t4IOV17g4EVUn8dUbgm/s1600/IMAG0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh046s8toNWTUVkjT_huNLtQliMpfc9GQXnydgzKla2TfvwF1ibGajJCehgVguhxvJHpXpo8-EUSeCLM6YMMtYnoQReEmgeW7MNMwDYBqIRvIr49nbgbwUpyEEL0t4IOV17g4EVUn8dUbgm/s640/IMAG0364.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at those rosy cheeks and lips.<br />
She's not wearing makeup friends - she's burning up!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Once the Tylenol started to work I was able to see signs of my happy girl coming back to me. We were more than pleased when the report came back showing that the shunt was indeed working properly and that the urine was showing signs of infection. For us, this truly is the best case possible. Now it was time for the doctor to pick an antibiotic that will hopefully knock out the infection. In the first 48 - 72 hours of UTI diagnosis unfortunately the medicine choice is really a guessing game. The doctor will look at the initial lab results as well as any past lab results to try and pick the best one. Unfortunately, until the completed results are received (usually 3 days later) the exact medicine is unknown. The ER doctor first chose Bactrum (sp?) but ultimately changed to Cipro for Annabelle. Cipro is a strong medicine with known long term side effects. It's not my favorite medicine, but Annabelle's has taken it before and thankfully had success. We were released about an hour later. After being what Annabelle's nurse called a "very knowledgeable and well organized mom" at the hospital I was ready to go home and collapse. The hospital is a very stressful place! I held it together as long as I could and once I knew Annabelle was going to be okay I realized that I really felt like crap. I was starving, my head was pounding and I was emotionally and physically exhausted. If you've never been alone at the hospital with a child you probably don't realize how hard it can actually be. Going to the bathroom or getting something to eat or drink is nearly impossible. If that child can't walk and is too scared or emotional to lay in the hospital bed guess where they are? Yep, in your arms! This mom need to seriously start working out because my girl is getting heavy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not complaining though I love holding and snuggling my girl. This episode was just another reminder for us to take life slow and enjoy every moment of it. I actually think we are doing a really good job at that right now. Maybe not so much with people outside of our immediate family, but we really are cherishing every moment with our kids. Annabelle's good health has allowed us to put the boys in a different (smaller) school where we both get to volunteer on a weekly basis. We opted not to send Annabelle to preschool in September as we has been instructed to do and this has been an amazing gift. Waking up each morning and spending a few one on one hours with my precious girl is priceless. Because Annabelle is our third child we know all to well that you will never (ever) get this time back. I am determined to not waste away any of this precious time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, it's late on Sunday night and sadly she hasn't responded as well as we would have hoped she would to the medicine. Her fever is still ranging between 101. 5 and 102.5 and she actually threw up earlier tonight. This was definitely disappointing as it seems the infection is not clearing up. The good news is that we are not stressing that maybe its the shunt. We know this is a UTI and that we just need to get her the right medicine. I'm thankful for my clear head and happy heart oh and that she threw up on Branden and not me (sorry, just being honest). Thankfully, I am at a place now that I feel much better prepared to handle what life throws at me. Obviously, I'm hoping we don't get any curve balls and that we can get back to our normal routine again very soon. I am grateful for all of the messages of love we received this weekend. It's so awesome to know that we have supporters all across the country. My Facebook village once again didn't disappoint. Thank you for holding me up! </div>
</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-81198989690944661092012-10-12T00:10:00.001-07:002012-11-11T22:39:48.663-08:00Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeN5rSTNkbbOihWpqpB7ihrIvCbM6SvtcN4B4NJtsWhZWHlAniNLqO6NBM_2dOnOWt6t_CkLLBtJhwiuoFwVw7RwQjuK4FmtHD5g6IVqnCxfNKGyfZHDo_vLVBROrCv8p4d5C0SzGmKbT/s1600/46508_921285345332_2062897284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeN5rSTNkbbOihWpqpB7ihrIvCbM6SvtcN4B4NJtsWhZWHlAniNLqO6NBM_2dOnOWt6t_CkLLBtJhwiuoFwVw7RwQjuK4FmtHD5g6IVqnCxfNKGyfZHDo_vLVBROrCv8p4d5C0SzGmKbT/s400/46508_921285345332_2062897284_n.jpg" width="356" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Written by <a href="http://babyboypenny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joanna Penny</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just in case you weren't aware - I am so in love with this girl. She makes me smile everyday and I thank the Lord for allowing me to be her mother.</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglog0hgUnYuhpaV4X3HgLqnjSeckb6-iW6kvFHzxSEhxvUS9zk3tkKiSVQehqI54zabgLd0XAH-QxC2rL7yKlkwsVbge-u4gTBSy47SMaP6K_bZwjloDIY7d-VVKORT8yzZM7dEYoquwst/s1600/IMAG0218+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglog0hgUnYuhpaV4X3HgLqnjSeckb6-iW6kvFHzxSEhxvUS9zk3tkKiSVQehqI54zabgLd0XAH-QxC2rL7yKlkwsVbge-u4gTBSy47SMaP6K_bZwjloDIY7d-VVKORT8yzZM7dEYoquwst/s400/IMAG0218+cropped.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year I somehow managed to get four "awareness" posts up during the month of October. I even got a short article published in the local newspaper. Click <a href="http://babygirlsummers.blogspot.com/search/label/SB%20awareness" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see how I was spreading the word last year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg169M_rlKHK4ULPwMeA58RV0faf0H5mtupDRBgveBKUSo-vE-5yy8FxOw1eYWcRFUCkpTdO2mwDYlaLKnh2KNM9VF8WIFwLnPNl52onPg2LylOx-AEGkTYoYUXVg5yxPoCBAXMne46KnU3/s1600/Awarness+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg169M_rlKHK4ULPwMeA58RV0faf0H5mtupDRBgveBKUSo-vE-5yy8FxOw1eYWcRFUCkpTdO2mwDYlaLKnh2KNM9VF8WIFwLnPNl52onPg2LylOx-AEGkTYoYUXVg5yxPoCBAXMne46KnU3/s400/Awarness+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-61426229366224257222012-08-18T22:30:00.000-07:002012-08-18T22:30:20.089-07:00More of what we love!Keeping cool and having fun are two of the most important things for Annabelle when we go to the beach. Thankfully, Branden came up with a great way for Annabelle to do both.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her own private pool</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4e8xs-8qX7ervRWAuSARIqxzIYEMIk1Pl2m9d8cmuAHs0IufCPYfl8xKirTmnjwSh18R52DGv_07NXwuMzFgBGgvEDmccpEhPyNMrqxzIz-irz4subQUmzEuqzwtj31OdMohki2nkm25/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4e8xs-8qX7ervRWAuSARIqxzIYEMIk1Pl2m9d8cmuAHs0IufCPYfl8xKirTmnjwSh18R52DGv_07NXwuMzFgBGgvEDmccpEhPyNMrqxzIz-irz4subQUmzEuqzwtj31OdMohki2nkm25/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzblKKRRPM907rr6zLJpq835dDx-2lo2nAE8Yr0r4fvLLcdG45V_xjZnK6xYIVwCMan7zxJv1_iBJfOhkplWUQ3gzbBEmVpB03n17XC6BZNDfjhDaaXCJ5Hd9QJ58I8yZomTYsnNDnnUbG/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzblKKRRPM907rr6zLJpq835dDx-2lo2nAE8Yr0r4fvLLcdG45V_xjZnK6xYIVwCMan7zxJv1_iBJfOhkplWUQ3gzbBEmVpB03n17XC6BZNDfjhDaaXCJ5Hd9QJ58I8yZomTYsnNDnnUbG/s400/IMG_0957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0VPhqCnisppn6vmR8S7oJ3sU1H27AeoIVMzZSpXBZaLPM-0NoorrMiLQJLh1lhHPTEW5-1dHnBfIfqRx8s97lpT3Va9JcsXNkiaxXuoKtdNKePZq6l-gpMkvnLvfK10TMbH92bQn58Ax/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0VPhqCnisppn6vmR8S7oJ3sU1H27AeoIVMzZSpXBZaLPM-0NoorrMiLQJLh1lhHPTEW5-1dHnBfIfqRx8s97lpT3Va9JcsXNkiaxXuoKtdNKePZq6l-gpMkvnLvfK10TMbH92bQn58Ax/s400/IMG_0958.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Annabelle and her daddy have an AMAZING bond and part of that bond is the trust she has with him. It's so great to see how willing she is to try new things with her dad. Even when she's scared she is usually willing to try (whatever it is he's asking) if she knows he will be right there by her side. On this day (July 21st) Annabelle decided to give surfing a try. Needless to say she had a blast!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi6F6p0nemVMSXIEv2Ki0ehMownUAgKk9p3wkv873l1JG3shy0H1IY0ooTtqY6w3OcuGpQPczpkxrpCzWGNjqK6ouG_bWDf1hDY5OCUyQZMWgDKoOqI0zg4SwTzAiWu6NUIRQOJgrAUAm/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi6F6p0nemVMSXIEv2Ki0ehMownUAgKk9p3wkv873l1JG3shy0H1IY0ooTtqY6w3OcuGpQPczpkxrpCzWGNjqK6ouG_bWDf1hDY5OCUyQZMWgDKoOqI0zg4SwTzAiWu6NUIRQOJgrAUAm/s400/IMG_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1HTKWfKolssmZBmVcYOc5LlQ45cOfWFy83IkzwsS7fxfhI3UwjISMNbecnkKqTgONuoMrTdTILdSQWnhyXHbXUtgurRzbU6eC9NA0IIw8B2cs1mWA9lPoEKosmxBCq2lha4GwfLhxnEi/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1HTKWfKolssmZBmVcYOc5LlQ45cOfWFy83IkzwsS7fxfhI3UwjISMNbecnkKqTgONuoMrTdTILdSQWnhyXHbXUtgurRzbU6eC9NA0IIw8B2cs1mWA9lPoEKosmxBCq2lha4GwfLhxnEi/s400/IMG_0961.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taking a break after surfing </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBDxqhZBQpMsYvDw4CzTjnl8u7MPOpj2Ay3sH4U8luYtLMe-46ZAJ2zxl3rVnTU6jnDogEMTPUO6ZlQwmQyWc1YvaGnnUe6B3TWlfpYHb2abswjTRq8Yduo6SeWPJds0-EkxSPkNvXsZ6/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBDxqhZBQpMsYvDw4CzTjnl8u7MPOpj2Ay3sH4U8luYtLMe-46ZAJ2zxl3rVnTU6jnDogEMTPUO6ZlQwmQyWc1YvaGnnUe6B3TWlfpYHb2abswjTRq8Yduo6SeWPJds0-EkxSPkNvXsZ6/s400/IMG_0967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hanging out with her favorite boys</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoM7ukvynVW4W9gPhfoMjCLhTElH1Yxt4XjLE1LgREIZTyQ1Hk5MrU9m5GvzCMG002-_ezYWVo4lWXQ6rPiOSHF08SQMbKeOwTTtGnA6p4mmhDTc-XUx8qpSrigTI2UolelomjZ5U_UKX/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoM7ukvynVW4W9gPhfoMjCLhTElH1Yxt4XjLE1LgREIZTyQ1Hk5MrU9m5GvzCMG002-_ezYWVo4lWXQ6rPiOSHF08SQMbKeOwTTtGnA6p4mmhDTc-XUx8qpSrigTI2UolelomjZ5U_UKX/s400/IMG_0969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Branden's 3 biggest fans!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7QNgJ_ePdrCKFbh0jCMaknqFnY-reWC_TMUTu3oKytdhkvGYu_cgf0dDJG-utks-XbaBNA9OOYWYjvIDGtlNv5FuZm570h_YJkdKqk60fIAY03CYvsUPfHPzRpk9LCg4eTgDhuuBEvRp/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7QNgJ_ePdrCKFbh0jCMaknqFnY-reWC_TMUTu3oKytdhkvGYu_cgf0dDJG-utks-XbaBNA9OOYWYjvIDGtlNv5FuZm570h_YJkdKqk60fIAY03CYvsUPfHPzRpk9LCg4eTgDhuuBEvRp/s400/IMG_0971.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annabelle is so lucky to have two wonderful brothers who love her SO very much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa5k56FsvT9UkO4A9NwgL-hpusB4eaS1hBtcIz1zbUKUSyftV_UdtkCoEqyzCZ76yNjR6ZBOkrFQndQy-F20-WFnlygaVuL94dI462AK4zg5v8wH5g8wgjWKcjuo1Hg3sdeL5GP5U10Ea/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa5k56FsvT9UkO4A9NwgL-hpusB4eaS1hBtcIz1zbUKUSyftV_UdtkCoEqyzCZ76yNjR6ZBOkrFQndQy-F20-WFnlygaVuL94dI462AK4zg5v8wH5g8wgjWKcjuo1Hg3sdeL5GP5U10Ea/s400/IMG_0972.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle decided to race her brothers down the beach </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RA4lnROJa3fGie309c7XHwARUJoo32DK5OVZEEaeCF8mGrkvp21CDEuqDuKl-ZgfDd7IIQMHQYZ0uVwkI_1gKLafLqARTdX77HvXmpYCtnIbwJw0-DI0kzX3eppD4wh2ZFh-r6akoGy6/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RA4lnROJa3fGie309c7XHwARUJoo32DK5OVZEEaeCF8mGrkvp21CDEuqDuKl-ZgfDd7IIQMHQYZ0uVwkI_1gKLafLqARTdX77HvXmpYCtnIbwJw0-DI0kzX3eppD4wh2ZFh-r6akoGy6/s400/IMG_0974.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Racing....................<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3t5N2vpHRtc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She just melts my heart!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3j1MHGluz1OeSfWg6NUQr21lvMFo7LRvr_uILswvpbST7vzI0WRvyrBah287FWGrTdEV-vs0Ti2yzbHOwRPyut-p0yNatV2SR3uuhRUCBM9zmWqXbwTS2HvV4Pqrg49jAoRHQutehjr8/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3j1MHGluz1OeSfWg6NUQr21lvMFo7LRvr_uILswvpbST7vzI0WRvyrBah287FWGrTdEV-vs0Ti2yzbHOwRPyut-p0yNatV2SR3uuhRUCBM9zmWqXbwTS2HvV4Pqrg49jAoRHQutehjr8/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another really great beach day - July 21, 2012</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-44570612419201985702012-08-18T20:58:00.001-07:002012-08-18T20:59:16.405-07:00What's the best part of summer?<div style="text-align: center;">
FOR US, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT'S THE BEACH!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEYZ8a7KmwzTDhUCxWuGU_mfE91kodOh3dQM3edvI7HLjgCTGnza5rjDqc10L6uwGB6IdLj3PmJ35ilsokzXNma5Dt64ObDH6_29CqUqUG9LttEFNu8n5-ZP6cJUCCFL5WuGrnOLMVRGf/s1600/Family+Beach+Day+7-6-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEYZ8a7KmwzTDhUCxWuGU_mfE91kodOh3dQM3edvI7HLjgCTGnza5rjDqc10L6uwGB6IdLj3PmJ35ilsokzXNma5Dt64ObDH6_29CqUqUG9LttEFNu8n5-ZP6cJUCCFL5WuGrnOLMVRGf/s400/Family+Beach+Day+7-6-12.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love the beach. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_f5tqPO0TmBlGY0rRVf8yA3-mQYi7keYPv9OYXoieDH6dHqzYucmBi7dwbHTpn4xMaleIvT9TjAHaCwLB_pmnGHuVpdnLXXz9fvCvmixedBMvz4SHoaSyD8vbTMwNKIwG4fEpy2AZzB8/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_f5tqPO0TmBlGY0rRVf8yA3-mQYi7keYPv9OYXoieDH6dHqzYucmBi7dwbHTpn4xMaleIvT9TjAHaCwLB_pmnGHuVpdnLXXz9fvCvmixedBMvz4SHoaSyD8vbTMwNKIwG4fEpy2AZzB8/s400/IMG_0901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
However, with the kids being as young as they are (3, 5, & 7) and with Annabelle's "extra's" I have found that it's a bit too difficult of a task for me to take them there on my own. Thankfully, once the weekend rolls around we are very lucky that Branden is always up for a family beach day. He loves the beach too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZmmrVDxxvzy-083bPF1q44N9KevuJM-WxTdAhiAas225N-vhlG0jNE5v3gzPXpV1WnI62JHiSKGo4fe_gtG-ivM3ZmeaSqTZNnXIz0Kxdx8YPhoBdni_8J1_9Gmn76fMmCMuVQY2AGNB/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZmmrVDxxvzy-083bPF1q44N9KevuJM-WxTdAhiAas225N-vhlG0jNE5v3gzPXpV1WnI62JHiSKGo4fe_gtG-ivM3ZmeaSqTZNnXIz0Kxdx8YPhoBdni_8J1_9Gmn76fMmCMuVQY2AGNB/s400/IMG_0888.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beach days for us consist of a lot of water play. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLAgrQeZZVR-gPq92_K_3vjQn6tMW_zWIrhZ0ga4rdS77JN5BSvd0O0l7wGawo3gBPVgnBSwPetL7Z501Hb5R47vU5Uy3877axugG6MV-2CLoc83DVQM0jRKTZGVvXSoiTsY7dC-5lDdg/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLAgrQeZZVR-gPq92_K_3vjQn6tMW_zWIrhZ0ga4rdS77JN5BSvd0O0l7wGawo3gBPVgnBSwPetL7Z501Hb5R47vU5Uy3877axugG6MV-2CLoc83DVQM0jRKTZGVvXSoiTsY7dC-5lDdg/s400/IMG_0885.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a lot of digging! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0xXzwzkFjMNqXdEYWxPeud7Bfjz_plQZZ2p752AkHkRUC_1IVbGU_j6cq60tIbMuTcKSsQqK8jt2x2BfdF84zDFGj-PvXXxS41nuVz3s6jFKyuy_0S36xwcwPzhBoKxWi-d8GfA9rwPQ/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0xXzwzkFjMNqXdEYWxPeud7Bfjz_plQZZ2p752AkHkRUC_1IVbGU_j6cq60tIbMuTcKSsQqK8jt2x2BfdF84zDFGj-PvXXxS41nuVz3s6jFKyuy_0S36xwcwPzhBoKxWi-d8GfA9rwPQ/s400/IMG_0892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So glad that our girl is not afraid to get dirty!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7M0W7JzHJ6kvPyz-AapEFc6sOZFAVxdz1R09i9mf_-zkJNx0Guwi56U0WUeUiTP-h-F3gvmZshrRaLMJ3GadwLnqOkECdXadv8Ksw2HoFVcSSXZ0skG2ignenfBgfhOXsHGEebAlFZBV/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7M0W7JzHJ6kvPyz-AapEFc6sOZFAVxdz1R09i9mf_-zkJNx0Guwi56U0WUeUiTP-h-F3gvmZshrRaLMJ3GadwLnqOkECdXadv8Ksw2HoFVcSSXZ0skG2ignenfBgfhOXsHGEebAlFZBV/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such a great family beach day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
July 7, 2012</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-77958299622325383422012-07-31T21:42:00.001-07:002012-07-31T21:42:12.812-07:00She smiles through it allI continue to be amazed by Annabelle with her (almost) always positive attitude and beaming smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWVzkKz-4gDlzR8mA3s60gYuJpov-ICsbpKime7RNlJzhqf2GE8AYa1Pa4tBWTbdXcDUxiFWFUBQTq573xXDFJFiIvcDCZrnJrcPwkDhY-hMt6oLXT3sKEBndcxMvRCwXbEtizV1UKDy7/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWVzkKz-4gDlzR8mA3s60gYuJpov-ICsbpKime7RNlJzhqf2GE8AYa1Pa4tBWTbdXcDUxiFWFUBQTq573xXDFJFiIvcDCZrnJrcPwkDhY-hMt6oLXT3sKEBndcxMvRCwXbEtizV1UKDy7/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
I have so many topics I want to blog about but sadly I just don't seem to find the time anymore. Thankfully Annabelle is healthy and doing really well. She just had her birthday! Our sweet girl is 3!! It's so hard to believe she is not a baby anymore - although she will always be my baby. I'm hoping to play a little blog catch up soon as I have so many pictures and a few fun videos I want to share.<br />
<br />
However, in typical me fashion I seem to blog mostly when I am feeling a little down or feeling like I need to reach out to feel that sense of community. My blog has been such a great place to openly share what I'm feeling at that moment and to passively solicit that needed support from the many wonderful and caring people in my life. I was recently sharing with someone how I feel like motherhood can be so lonely at times. I am truly so grateful for the honest, loving support I get so often from other moms.<br />
<br />
So what on my heart and mind tonight? Knee immobilizers - that's what. Annabelle got her first pair today. They have been on order for a few weeks but we finally got fitted for them today. She will wear them each night while she sleeps to help stretch her legs because they are getting really tight. She tends to keep them bent a lot (due to lack of muscles) and we are seeing her crouching more and more when she walks. By wearing them at night while sleeping she will be able to get one long stretch overnight. Don't get me wrong, I am happy she has them as I hear it is much harder to correct the leg issues than it is to try and stop or slow down the tightening with a brace. But, truth be told I'm sad that my girl needs to wear full legs braces to bed each night. She is already hooked up to her feeding tube for he nighttime g-tube feeding so this is just "one more thing". It makes me sad. I wish I could make things easier and more comfortable for her. I feel guilty even complaining about it since I know in the big scheme of things it's really no big deal and it's not forever (I hope it's not forever!). Now that I think about it it no one ever mentioned how long she will need to wear them. I guess it's probably hard to tell right now but my guess it that it WON'T be forever. <br />
<br />
I had suggested to Branden that maybe we should let her fall asleep than put them on her. He thought I was crazy (sometimes I am) and didn't agree that was a good idea. I ultimately agreed my idea was kind of sneaky and would be worse in the long run. I was just so worried about her initial reaction and I was afraid it would be hard for her to fall asleep. Thankfully I forgot who we were dealing with. Our Annabelle is so smart - thank you Lord! We can talk to her (like a 3 year old) and she listens and she understands. We explained why she needed to wear them and them we proceeded to put them on. She said she didn't like them and we let her know we understood. Then I jumped into typical mommy mode and asked if I could take a picture of her in her new braces. She happily agreed. I love that girl of ours, she is such an inspiration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W6zv1jzRdoW_bHT3geJeFk8-Ey7Dawkm-iYCi-dwN4CadERlDn8zheIizh9e0nuzHaQ6O77qMEnP3OsGdvMFfbR0yohq86WZx-6Olgri0jH2IYASsoi1yEKnB4BKVQvYaFdyxSHGDgwv/s1600/braces+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W6zv1jzRdoW_bHT3geJeFk8-Ey7Dawkm-iYCi-dwN4CadERlDn8zheIizh9e0nuzHaQ6O77qMEnP3OsGdvMFfbR0yohq86WZx-6Olgri0jH2IYASsoi1yEKnB4BKVQvYaFdyxSHGDgwv/s400/braces+-+1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a bit of a difficult angle to photograph but I think you can see that she was smiling and not complaining. Not real sure why I took these pictures on my phone and not with my camera. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA3d1e6w_3RP1PVPQcdROGHCKEkwkSSXc7FlBfXmTDmAReFSaj0drPEnIUgHX5fQ63j2zuKsb4WNdjWY9OmcXNqkmBo9OFx7gKzaOIxcLQ3QRLSt7N4OujhMtIxe0B7vNxRpESxqYNWa6/s1600/on+the+changer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA3d1e6w_3RP1PVPQcdROGHCKEkwkSSXc7FlBfXmTDmAReFSaj0drPEnIUgHX5fQ63j2zuKsb4WNdjWY9OmcXNqkmBo9OFx7gKzaOIxcLQ3QRLSt7N4OujhMtIxe0B7vNxRpESxqYNWa6/s400/on+the+changer.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She happily continued to pose for more pictures . We were thankful that she was able to sit up wearing them. She was then ready to read books with her daddy before bed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoPQ0dStYNppHAgcMMNgFAyubL2bd-dGW1pu2W42kl3ciSsZzaXJBd2rDaG6zIxjxLaKQirgsnXNciht-_Z46waOsxDWVifQ0uNhJ7jayy7LH-jMC-Nxp1t8O8k7d5JN_IsCPz51x2JAW/s1600/in+the+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoPQ0dStYNppHAgcMMNgFAyubL2bd-dGW1pu2W42kl3ciSsZzaXJBd2rDaG6zIxjxLaKQirgsnXNciht-_Z46waOsxDWVifQ0uNhJ7jayy7LH-jMC-Nxp1t8O8k7d5JN_IsCPz51x2JAW/s400/in+the+chair.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am happy to report that night one went extremely well. She was very tired tonight and that may have had something to do with it but she fell right asleep. She didn't cry or complain - she was just our happy girl! I am so thankful to have someone with such strength and a positive attitude in my life to learn from. I am so blessed to be Annabelle's mother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If anyone has experience with night knee immobilizers and would like to share their experience I'd love to hear it - both the good and bad. I'm all about honesty and I'd love to know what we are up against with these tight legs my girl is developing. Thank you blog world for continuing to connect me with people who really understand me and my heart. </div>Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-74827832037380354712012-06-24T14:30:00.000-07:002012-07-31T22:11:14.419-07:00Nature CenterOn Saturday we decided to head over to the El Dorado Nature Center for some much needed family time. We've been there many times <a href="http://babygirlsummers.blogspot.com/2010/07/just-hanging-around-with-mom.html" target="_blank">before</a>, but not since Annabelle has been walking more independently with her walker. She was so fascinated with the turtles that I wondered if we would actually get past the first bridge to see anything else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBBthVKKoWhRC9nmFTaWFMb9jxhli5eNAzkmSeljJNUftKUPl-sexhJfmBNG5UH2ZwH6-XW3gHgerU5fYslsDLJ7seYrIY1Pf8LNvUOy-CNUSdTpbqCOAdGxsy27mQoSvDF44qK7GiO2y/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBBthVKKoWhRC9nmFTaWFMb9jxhli5eNAzkmSeljJNUftKUPl-sexhJfmBNG5UH2ZwH6-XW3gHgerU5fYslsDLJ7seYrIY1Pf8LNvUOy-CNUSdTpbqCOAdGxsy27mQoSvDF44qK7GiO2y/s400/IMG_0722.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PzZ5dQT4MjTbd3EruZ1W5t-uYMpmmzqanHyDISjU-P6nCftGcQRLUtFX69Swo7EUmCLY5xUjlVMUkVSRuZ_X81943lex3WfgJK9LKrRGYpWZdluSbho4thhTuKj4eqtYgUH8JTQKvRTA/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PzZ5dQT4MjTbd3EruZ1W5t-uYMpmmzqanHyDISjU-P6nCftGcQRLUtFX69Swo7EUmCLY5xUjlVMUkVSRuZ_X81943lex3WfgJK9LKrRGYpWZdluSbho4thhTuKj4eqtYgUH8JTQKvRTA/s400/IMG_0724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
She loved exploring in the indoor center as well and we were so pleased with how open the space was. Most areas were accessible to her all by herself or with little assistance from myself, Branden or Benjamin. Jack was head down in the computer learning about all kinds of bugs and such so we rarely saw him. Ben on the other hand wanted to show Annabelle EVERYTHING! She followed him around the whole place - at least twice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaQqgaVvCUnRnvrBjSmoeLTolfDTkG4j2i3hYHGd3d7jIUHDMZwn1t9S_Oqud1Clx5_35teX3vpzBlYs33c6p1EMzAdM8jn-oMBmxKyzd-flsz8k6sOmuhvoeUBfa1sbJ-Evt_vi94xPx/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaQqgaVvCUnRnvrBjSmoeLTolfDTkG4j2i3hYHGd3d7jIUHDMZwn1t9S_Oqud1Clx5_35teX3vpzBlYs33c6p1EMzAdM8jn-oMBmxKyzd-flsz8k6sOmuhvoeUBfa1sbJ-Evt_vi94xPx/s400/IMG_0728.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqkko2CzL3nWw_k-BadR-FWaJh4D4XZ6_lnHBwn4lso_F9o_s8SWZnMjUvbPN2_h74ao59kgrrjTXfMoxINpfaH2o2l1zBRlk88zZk35Kl8lI3if-RPAV7aS5liQzAJFBdV8A7BBfyPLR/s1600/IMG_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqkko2CzL3nWw_k-BadR-FWaJh4D4XZ6_lnHBwn4lso_F9o_s8SWZnMjUvbPN2_h74ao59kgrrjTXfMoxINpfaH2o2l1zBRlk88zZk35Kl8lI3if-RPAV7aS5liQzAJFBdV8A7BBfyPLR/s400/IMG_0738.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsniMta_7YGImmZIua0-rpPGiEydDZiX2ZZAGEgN2Cw0GuWUXO2BhzOIPWkHxk35-pI9hdjfkEIWiHyasmaNnCRsW8YIgSfuX5JhcQIRJlTS_P-Hp6aNy9gKSvy3IZz0fmpKG78AwF66Pw/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsniMta_7YGImmZIua0-rpPGiEydDZiX2ZZAGEgN2Cw0GuWUXO2BhzOIPWkHxk35-pI9hdjfkEIWiHyasmaNnCRsW8YIgSfuX5JhcQIRJlTS_P-Hp6aNy9gKSvy3IZz0fmpKG78AwF66Pw/s400/IMG_0748.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
I have found that it can be a real struggle finding fun places to go as a
family where everyone's needs can be met. I'm excited to share that we
had a really great time exploring, learning and walking around
together. Although, the boys would have preferred to have been on the
other (non-paved) tail they knew that this was the only one that
Annabelle could maneuver on her own so they didn't complain (too much) and they were actually
super great about encouraging her along trail. I'm pretty confident
that this was the farthest she has ever walked in one stretch. We were
all so very proud of her. Here's a quick little video of her walking and talking along the trail.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UK_AusZ8zUQ?rel=0" width="480"></iframe> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhnsuoaBkW5HDxddgaoeHdULoqUiCFnplwLZqvQ23z_MHOSDQSPebPavXKFBmGaT-NvBHnPGBhyphenhyphen0De2vG9DO_T67jdwfqs1GpGlc0KsR9Gxyzr4KRJ36ugOHthTV_3Kd2oZHVlRQpEDkt/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhnsuoaBkW5HDxddgaoeHdULoqUiCFnplwLZqvQ23z_MHOSDQSPebPavXKFBmGaT-NvBHnPGBhyphenhyphen0De2vG9DO_T67jdwfqs1GpGlc0KsR9Gxyzr4KRJ36ugOHthTV_3Kd2oZHVlRQpEDkt/s400/IMG_0753.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Days like this are just wonderful. If only every day could be this great. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We decided to buy the annual pass so we could return anytime we want to.</div>
Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-68938611681419170912012-06-10T21:00:00.000-07:002012-07-12T21:45:23.969-07:00Big girl bed!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
We finally decided to turn Annabelle's crib into a big girl bed. We've wanted to do it for a while now but because she has her night feeding (through her g-tube) we were worried about her safety. If she was to try and climb out of bed while connected to her pump she could pull her g-tube right out of her belly and that would super bad. But, we knew we couldn't keep her in a crib forever - although, she is my last baby (boo hoo). Thankfully, we still had the bed rail we used with the boys which is adjustable so we were able to make it so she can't get out without climbing OVER the rail. Honestly, if she was really that eager AND strong enough to crawl over and out I would probably be just as excited for her as I would be worried that she got hurt or pulled her button out. We don't expect that will be happening so we went with it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So here's </span><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">WAY</i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> too may pictures of our girl in her new big girl bed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4p-AvmdVjCWWYA61KRMDGe9jdh9PYfKYjzjqUIdIbsouyp9eaCCCA6QXpKL-JuGS1lq0zP4aPgujTdoRhaM_-ziHnhyphenhyphenlEOF_8ft_24fv_kyeNSVvONnXaxc4Y-8Q6GI1SG0o2svA2JbK/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4p-AvmdVjCWWYA61KRMDGe9jdh9PYfKYjzjqUIdIbsouyp9eaCCCA6QXpKL-JuGS1lq0zP4aPgujTdoRhaM_-ziHnhyphenhyphenlEOF_8ft_24fv_kyeNSVvONnXaxc4Y-8Q6GI1SG0o2svA2JbK/s400/DSC_0095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j4ChLgURUFstZHZEo87Rtj1piWX2PtO1pMnTchG3ik6eTOYXoqsQRUD3e_ZqSOzfbHLnKZybdaSKVwYoFChT6CY9zTXFlzlPU2DdW_2ttVz7kdGSVgoAcVe6jd4V8GTxbv-lDJbEMeka/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j4ChLgURUFstZHZEo87Rtj1piWX2PtO1pMnTchG3ik6eTOYXoqsQRUD3e_ZqSOzfbHLnKZybdaSKVwYoFChT6CY9zTXFlzlPU2DdW_2ttVz7kdGSVgoAcVe6jd4V8GTxbv-lDJbEMeka/s400/DSC_0097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxxKdOyIFf_22kIktDQREEVgRqc3nnVt_lhytG8dkNixmL8gMnejxXGdI3XGb9PjH2mq7VIhF8GGnczfLGWeZtnuoMETWSup3IKx1Qz0jvjd8Xn7QgD-tsdwPuhsCtXPLSpYzZo-2Teep/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxxKdOyIFf_22kIktDQREEVgRqc3nnVt_lhytG8dkNixmL8gMnejxXGdI3XGb9PjH2mq7VIhF8GGnczfLGWeZtnuoMETWSup3IKx1Qz0jvjd8Xn7QgD-tsdwPuhsCtXPLSpYzZo-2Teep/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCJFpogCI5qw2NrN16pT_VIZkcA9rRBqv7Fyg-qFvnthyphenhyphen6HFQ80aUKvc5DKCu0oc0FEXsVCVgZl8ab1udP9yIcQCtJsKy92BUOpxjlzY2fRki83WyjfyV9Ss5arr-NTatXiSKAbmQtoJm/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCJFpogCI5qw2NrN16pT_VIZkcA9rRBqv7Fyg-qFvnthyphenhyphen6HFQ80aUKvc5DKCu0oc0FEXsVCVgZl8ab1udP9yIcQCtJsKy92BUOpxjlzY2fRki83WyjfyV9Ss5arr-NTatXiSKAbmQtoJm/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqRKQD6isKQHfD5PApjoQDGoFe4NBWKKKb6sh7FabV0QMY-e4E-vk7UpNfvFBOX5Ba25NjuD1oAfAAejPNQgkXDeV1EuCBoqzfkjVlaEc0Pj5oNEgiGYrgxdz5PpqWvBm6fi5larMenAW/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqRKQD6isKQHfD5PApjoQDGoFe4NBWKKKb6sh7FabV0QMY-e4E-vk7UpNfvFBOX5Ba25NjuD1oAfAAejPNQgkXDeV1EuCBoqzfkjVlaEc0Pj5oNEgiGYrgxdz5PpqWvBm6fi5larMenAW/s400/DSC_0113.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just in case you were wondering - </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she LOVES her new bed!. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-78276334375113675872012-06-03T22:51:00.000-07:002012-07-12T21:40:36.528-07:00On the GO!We spent some time last night at the Long Beach Towne Center and oh my goodness Annabelle acted like she owned the place. She was walking everywhere! It was so great being in a public place and having her so confidently maneuver her walker wherever she wanted to go. She was moving around so much I could barely snap a picture of her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzw-pyQrwZdhZ_tSCaBvpj1pExDnH1RNF0Qbghoo9-82VgS_o8FDtGTbk5072u8_xBByTdFsDdqCpJRbdqyKb_PDzgwl1HXeb1zYHWOOzHv4tNysmgmBEOm4skvDS6CKVSMrCRYlw1Ixl/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzw-pyQrwZdhZ_tSCaBvpj1pExDnH1RNF0Qbghoo9-82VgS_o8FDtGTbk5072u8_xBByTdFsDdqCpJRbdqyKb_PDzgwl1HXeb1zYHWOOzHv4tNysmgmBEOm4skvDS6CKVSMrCRYlw1Ixl/s400/IMG_0650.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course she was willing to take a picture with her big brothers - her hero's! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt76VoZ1l2AShiQLL_YkLdGIua5LC0DNO4_6Z7HFtIkhLpUsq_dsvymAba46FIBf8S6C8LuGihkJ4owRNrOqC1L8df-NNHLA2C5flU2jSYbMxkPmezouH4NnsoQ0bXZDsGBD8eb36F1gY/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt76VoZ1l2AShiQLL_YkLdGIua5LC0DNO4_6Z7HFtIkhLpUsq_dsvymAba46FIBf8S6C8LuGihkJ4owRNrOqC1L8df-NNHLA2C5flU2jSYbMxkPmezouH4NnsoQ0bXZDsGBD8eb36F1gY/s400/IMG_0654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight just proved how far she has come. Annabelle truly is unstoppable! I know that if she puts her mind toward a goal she will surely accomplish it. She is one determined little girl and with these awesome boys by her side she is destined for greatness.</div>Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-85032981571009862232012-06-01T22:32:00.000-07:002012-07-12T21:39:41.979-07:00Happily BackAfter 11 long days of recovery I'm happy to report that Annabelle bounced back and soon was her happy, playful self again. We are very pleased with what seems to be some positive side effects of Annabelle's surgery. She is breathing noticeably better and seems to be swallowing better. She isn't necessarily eating more but she is managing different textures and bigger bites much better than before. These two positives improvements are definitely worth the rough days following her surgery. Thank you for all of the prayers during her recovery. <br />
<br />
Since I think every post should have pictures, here's a few from our Memorial Day weekend ~ <br />
<br />
We flew kites together at the park <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RboMRzLxEXbzzYAGU9h_Nn4wfI_9ao2Ezguf73zdrSBV8oWzafWi9QXkBAwr_vUAMRcDLZefmdOLK4k6ksnQ01QQQEiV3UaX2pEUWeRsoZNkS7zEBmOfNcow44myJMwu_XnjySV7C8em/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RboMRzLxEXbzzYAGU9h_Nn4wfI_9ao2Ezguf73zdrSBV8oWzafWi9QXkBAwr_vUAMRcDLZefmdOLK4k6ksnQ01QQQEiV3UaX2pEUWeRsoZNkS7zEBmOfNcow44myJMwu_XnjySV7C8em/s400/IMG_0624.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotVAPWNp5UQd6bmegFPchBmOHYtTi9dE0GhyaLxxtARVOKRJU4MrdytXZfyaDwAP9XMpV2i58pvrR7mCnOnyBx-_9kw0oqRyk7h9JuongHg9z2GzhvbtY0-yUZY9kCqSYZDjOQmfZ-Tis/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotVAPWNp5UQd6bmegFPchBmOHYtTi9dE0GhyaLxxtARVOKRJU4MrdytXZfyaDwAP9XMpV2i58pvrR7mCnOnyBx-_9kw0oqRyk7h9JuongHg9z2GzhvbtY0-yUZY9kCqSYZDjOQmfZ-Tis/s400/IMG_0629.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We spent lots of time together swimming </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC86-cBUBhlDPN8QipXmI7luVgMrOY7IWGhISI7izlerc_MNaHrHJtn9DtL7_d36ZQn1MPtwuPxEL0a5WVb-4uNrQOJ-KukLT1lfTZ3aEjl-yv1RAby0aFnkiTQPdXxi6LidhDLai6Vlb/s1600/478546_3572480985508_1077516757_33232531_1841700992_o%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC86-cBUBhlDPN8QipXmI7luVgMrOY7IWGhISI7izlerc_MNaHrHJtn9DtL7_d36ZQn1MPtwuPxEL0a5WVb-4uNrQOJ-KukLT1lfTZ3aEjl-yv1RAby0aFnkiTQPdXxi6LidhDLai6Vlb/s400/478546_3572480985508_1077516757_33232531_1841700992_o%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5pRIb_W3t-Yk6XFn7K5eL11emy9uwjrhhqs3lRJY44G8PrWNu-kzyP9fjiuhKfVh1upHuc0d5s9PB13J4jJS6usREaL9324l3N1SqqesFVKwSEMGjDgOHRcsFPTzDnMX1nLzpaiVW89v/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5pRIb_W3t-Yk6XFn7K5eL11emy9uwjrhhqs3lRJY44G8PrWNu-kzyP9fjiuhKfVh1upHuc0d5s9PB13J4jJS6usREaL9324l3N1SqqesFVKwSEMGjDgOHRcsFPTzDnMX1nLzpaiVW89v/s400/IMG_0643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqrVxWGWAPYjjoMHFKeN-DaaxqJ3lzFcAGBYMVviez7F-Oj_WpYuCXCFkqSmaguY9d0YemS-2td0G7U5F9xBRVDL_77URexYHjOx7FnDKKpZVS7SJxjQ2SEDBTnpJBGK7gAqSnvGUbNLM/s1600/458355_3654080665449_1849525661_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqrVxWGWAPYjjoMHFKeN-DaaxqJ3lzFcAGBYMVviez7F-Oj_WpYuCXCFkqSmaguY9d0YemS-2td0G7U5F9xBRVDL_77URexYHjOx7FnDKKpZVS7SJxjQ2SEDBTnpJBGK7gAqSnvGUbNLM/s400/458355_3654080665449_1849525661_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There's truly nothing better than when we can all be together having fun. I love family fun days! Nothing brings me greater joy than when everyone is happy and healthy.Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-28121860609071681522012-05-12T21:05:00.000-07:002012-07-12T21:37:05.257-07:00Surgery & Recovery Update<div style="text-align: left;">
Annabelle had her surgery which was rescheduled from March (due to a cold & cough) on Friday May 11th. They did a Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy and a bilateral myringotomy (no tubes). Yikes! It's no surprise she's not feeling so great. Who know it was gong to be this difficult? Not us! I have to admit it's been a pretty rough 34 hours. I was very disappointed when I read tonight that the healing process takes 7 -14 days.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everything started off pretty well in preparation for the surgery. Benjamin spent the night with Grammy and my Dad came over at 5:30 am to stay with Jack and take him to school. THANK YOU MOM & DAD - you are the best! Thankfully when we woke Annabelle at 5am she was in a happy and playful mood. She was excited to wear her new strawberry jammies (thank you Moland Family for the super cute hand-me-downs). Thankfully, she didn't know she would be having surgery and feeling so yucky in just a few hours. <br />
<br />
She looked like such a big girl sitting there at the table playing with her toys. I'm still wondering where my baby girl went. In the blink of an eye she went from a tiny baby to this beautiful and happy young girl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15LDZYRkEtQfyA7ckEIG5_NHik-Y2Lpl59P9FMAqcOYI0SZuVDCfsRIs3QFaCVsiSxYx_KKX7wSA7ZjTwlw5Q0YIaJbkGG4rLc9wKQn6nz8Zz71iu1pXIumHaYUgDQaikKXs6b51D3CPz/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15LDZYRkEtQfyA7ckEIG5_NHik-Y2Lpl59P9FMAqcOYI0SZuVDCfsRIs3QFaCVsiSxYx_KKX7wSA7ZjTwlw5Q0YIaJbkGG4rLc9wKQn6nz8Zz71iu1pXIumHaYUgDQaikKXs6b51D3CPz/s400/IMG_0579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEIWKwqY_NqK9Bng-BkO-eNFoPIQbwn6y04PyC0SNltOjOXnzKnZCgXwkqFlYi8MHwCmLHZjhkDuoRGmIDvY2Mi8GtaCa_DHu3PpDp5FON04QbmNwjys92uB7BzdK4-8AQmLanY2mcXts/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEIWKwqY_NqK9Bng-BkO-eNFoPIQbwn6y04PyC0SNltOjOXnzKnZCgXwkqFlYi8MHwCmLHZjhkDuoRGmIDvY2Mi8GtaCa_DHu3PpDp5FON04QbmNwjys92uB7BzdK4-8AQmLanY2mcXts/s400/IMG_0580.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
My Ipod was a major life savor to have when we are at the hospital waiting. Thankfully we were the first case of the morning and were scheduled for 7:30 am so the wait wasn't so bad, just a bit stressful for Branden and I. Annabelle continued to be her happy, Ipod obsessed self.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MsTQQRwFpKCYnRc-GwmBgRzTSqvivnH-MME0g-T9Rnynb56OZ_Ll8H-o5RHpz7aD99979tayHESvmKr5xJ4_5T1TTjFoIDyVsdiHeuHgnCOi-Qs7fsbs4aiNJ4KcvENs8NSkhcyE9SLD/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MsTQQRwFpKCYnRc-GwmBgRzTSqvivnH-MME0g-T9Rnynb56OZ_Ll8H-o5RHpz7aD99979tayHESvmKr5xJ4_5T1TTjFoIDyVsdiHeuHgnCOi-Qs7fsbs4aiNJ4KcvENs8NSkhcyE9SLD/s400/IMG_0582.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3R_PuNLsUco1PAPC-nXUBH72_zW7RflXbXJIUg19x30F6SxeL-oTycBR6BOiw8DminflN7efYSwFM7fjyL2309PTOc8_-nFuVA6Z1Htm_Ir0Hv3xovtc0rKyLMx3FPC37__XissQzD-Oa/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3R_PuNLsUco1PAPC-nXUBH72_zW7RflXbXJIUg19x30F6SxeL-oTycBR6BOiw8DminflN7efYSwFM7fjyL2309PTOc8_-nFuVA6Z1Htm_Ir0Hv3xovtc0rKyLMx3FPC37__XissQzD-Oa/s400/photo(4).JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Branden and I have never really discussed it but for some reason I have always been the one to take her back into the operating room before a surgery. I'm sure Branden would probably like to be with her as well, but I think he lets me because he knows I just need to hold her as long as I can. I'm so thankful for that opportunity to be with her and make her feel as
safe as possible until she falls asleep from the medicine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1XpNpw-kZjkUDQfhGdt3SCxbJGyuoeyGPN7OW6exjq-eMOwIGBWA6nuNfUEKi7ritQOZAbM0VGNauBmA1RyKD_4Kb55qrMtDq2E1mCDAtiKN5mwGnQ8_0QRfL7zgZPnBOK8kzbsczl-8/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1XpNpw-kZjkUDQfhGdt3SCxbJGyuoeyGPN7OW6exjq-eMOwIGBWA6nuNfUEKi7ritQOZAbM0VGNauBmA1RyKD_4Kb55qrMtDq2E1mCDAtiKN5mwGnQ8_0QRfL7zgZPnBOK8kzbsczl-8/s400/photo(2).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipynC1li8DQLwtJCZiO_6IiKXE2OWrqRoyvLbGgm98KKgxs0_NtYJZHE1DShE1Ly0MxDignHDER7dF-vVuhD0fKKiBMfb4nRmtlimTND3hrU60H3SxJw2oEfMc8FGkB6wmwGrmtEv6bXZx/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipynC1li8DQLwtJCZiO_6IiKXE2OWrqRoyvLbGgm98KKgxs0_NtYJZHE1DShE1Ly0MxDignHDER7dF-vVuhD0fKKiBMfb4nRmtlimTND3hrU60H3SxJw2oEfMc8FGkB6wmwGrmtEv6bXZx/s400/photo(6).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just hanging out with my girl and her "Daddy" doll until they call our name.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gfPZBTag4TblbWd5IIDQUEVcwldBJf_j3IUrnY3BE4mV5NDn4xaKlnHOajJtHHWIka9-X_lAcn7ckPMhbbJcJuD3M7coekrDn9q_mJU6zVP4GkHx93fmyIxkZr-s9LrG_RLs1E3NUKby/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gfPZBTag4TblbWd5IIDQUEVcwldBJf_j3IUrnY3BE4mV5NDn4xaKlnHOajJtHHWIka9-X_lAcn7ckPMhbbJcJuD3M7coekrDn9q_mJU6zVP4GkHx93fmyIxkZr-s9LrG_RLs1E3NUKby/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
I'm happy
to report that neither Annabelle or I cried in the OR this time. She was such a
strong, brave girl and I did my best to follow her example. The doctor's
kept commenting about how good she was being. I knew she was scared but
I just continued to whisper in her ear letting her know that everything
was going to be alright. I knew it would be. I finally felt at peace
about the surgery and about the team of doctors and nurses that wold be
caring for her. I guess my mini breakdown on Thursday night got all of
the tears and out of control worrying out of my system.<br />
<br />
It was a surprisingly short surgery. I think they called us back to recovery in less than an hour. However, I wasn't prepared for how much pain she was in. She was sad, mad and obviously VERY uncomfortable. She was not interested at all in any of the popsicle's, ice cream or juice boxes they offered her. She did however like the little elephant they gave her. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2YVW9nlyK8p8LH8MoPIbPIFnAjOr7GAPUwKuFEPQD84G4AeXeqd8HH4DEuFnJWJrpbWSanbua-Go60B2OIk43Ehq7_9bFMH7tlg1D_u1ue9JT_eFmbAY7CKgxM4NXk5sqIEcFHfeqAvr/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2YVW9nlyK8p8LH8MoPIbPIFnAjOr7GAPUwKuFEPQD84G4AeXeqd8HH4DEuFnJWJrpbWSanbua-Go60B2OIk43Ehq7_9bFMH7tlg1D_u1ue9JT_eFmbAY7CKgxM4NXk5sqIEcFHfeqAvr/s400/IMG_0598.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Unfortunately we were only able to get her to take 2 sips of water before we were released at noon. Thankfully they agreed to release her and not keep us over night because she has the G-tube and they knew we would be able to keep her hydrated and nourished through her tube. They did say that it was very important that she drink a little by mouth each day to keep her throat moist and healing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She was in a lot of pain when we got home and although she was tired she was too restless to sleep very much. She was also unwilling to take anything by mouth. She wouldn't even swallow her own saliva so she was (is) drooling a ton. Sadly, this is what she looked like for the majority of Friday and throughout the night. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13c0IPCk_773J6CxZG1MHwI9TJUMCqz_LrbjjEUz9rNIhVcwrwChnaUpx0abcyENxqfZFlZlRIR4Zr-RbmIlia351qEpGIcA2evhL3lLno7mAx_tACpAT4u3P7AbW_hKKlCvdQINsYyr4/s1600/recovering+-+Day+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13c0IPCk_773J6CxZG1MHwI9TJUMCqz_LrbjjEUz9rNIhVcwrwChnaUpx0abcyENxqfZFlZlRIR4Zr-RbmIlia351qEpGIcA2evhL3lLno7mAx_tACpAT4u3P7AbW_hKKlCvdQINsYyr4/s400/recovering+-+Day+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
She actually threw up at midnight, which was super sad and a huge mess. Thankfully, Branden was willing to sleep in her room (on the floor) which were doctor's orders. The poor guy was up almost every other hour all night with her. The pain medicine doesn't seem to last very long and once it wears off she lets us know she's in pain.<br />
<br />
Today (Saturday) has been slightly better for pain. Although she is still quite uncomfortable she doesn't seem to be in as much pain. Unfortunately, her tongue is super swollen and that seems to be really bothering her. She is also not talking. I'm guessing it's because of the swollen tongue. It's very different not hearing her speak since we are so used to her being a chatterbox and communicating her needs so well. I can tell she is frustrated by it as well. She is also continuing to be very stubborn and not drinking anything. We are hopeful she will be more willing tomorrow. I am unsure what will happen if we can't get her to drink or swallow. I hope we don't have to find out.<br />
<br />
I can't begin to thank everyone who has been there supporting us through yet another surgery. Surgery # 9! We are hopeful this is the last surgery for a very long time. We are hopeful that the healing process will get easier each day. Thank you for your continued prayers. </div>
<br />Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-68435918904346264282012-04-28T23:57:00.002-07:002012-07-12T21:36:51.699-07:00One year ago today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our lives dramatically changed. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4yM-eLL5pS18g7OnQEoLTMZwN9BDeh-F0emkxllUQoGmdArKdpKYUir0KxZISn56cZRrEvlOo0kzKrVl1h5KIC2DnV-mKhFKJ4xHvUWgT3zPnQgv-W9jQohLyyqnjN2dNkNyb8ZqoyzR/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4yM-eLL5pS18g7OnQEoLTMZwN9BDeh-F0emkxllUQoGmdArKdpKYUir0KxZISn56cZRrEvlOo0kzKrVl1h5KIC2DnV-mKhFKJ4xHvUWgT3zPnQgv-W9jQohLyyqnjN2dNkNyb8ZqoyzR/s400/IMG_1453.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One year ago today Annabelle got her g-tube. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can you even believe it's been a year? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a year of growth!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a year of good health!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been our best year so far!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One year ago Annabelle weighed barely 17 lbs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today, Annabelle weighs almost 26 lbs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One year ago Annabelle was 28 inches long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today, Annabelle is almost 34 inches long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle is no longer the tiny little girl she once was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Annabelle is now a very talkative and very smart big girl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is a typical toddler who has lots of spunk and bit of sass.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFr0xhV5Fx7rvno54H6Q6n0iZZWBWB6Ao29J4clbwgG1329o5RlNnNF_CXGx7aHrQL28rz_VfnQmMo3s375Xm41ty-1vZkZjvzdwhMygbBwKgg5QeUE-IBKQtKmv75PX-oq9ypv3QY5zj/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFr0xhV5Fx7rvno54H6Q6n0iZZWBWB6Ao29J4clbwgG1329o5RlNnNF_CXGx7aHrQL28rz_VfnQmMo3s375Xm41ty-1vZkZjvzdwhMygbBwKgg5QeUE-IBKQtKmv75PX-oq9ypv3QY5zj/s400/IMG_0450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She likes to be independent and likes to do things her way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyrPMpT11f1s8agq5x-23B2LATpxdlqerTIsQ3J-cIOqQIE6X3WYsuA7QEAkXlsv6G3GK6g5DN9TujSBoBrL33yC9-qhAZaIuKWGAkbzXcHMYv-6UgStWDFElcvCHnI48vjkjibYkRpL7/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyrPMpT11f1s8agq5x-23B2LATpxdlqerTIsQ3J-cIOqQIE6X3WYsuA7QEAkXlsv6G3GK6g5DN9TujSBoBrL33yC9-qhAZaIuKWGAkbzXcHMYv-6UgStWDFElcvCHnI48vjkjibYkRpL7/s400/IMG_0481.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is happy, hardworking and truly a lot of fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwvBtUf566KiLHJj7x42p6bHdN8Opr2d5eez_sTzYpDPzsLenSc3lcKr8iRuGBiN92Kb25QtM_Ub4wMWXIo1kQ0_g3wKGDztzKcQMj5JJNXRn6hz0bT-0IEQd5ZMwZVph3WPUFF6SeGuH/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwvBtUf566KiLHJj7x42p6bHdN8Opr2d5eez_sTzYpDPzsLenSc3lcKr8iRuGBiN92Kb25QtM_Ub4wMWXIo1kQ0_g3wKGDztzKcQMj5JJNXRn6hz0bT-0IEQd5ZMwZVph3WPUFF6SeGuH/s400/IMG_0512.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is everything I could have ever asked for in a daughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMqLIVJ21AwZW-jq3E9HQD-NwBeJ2q10r6gzKgBpZF3B2DgQxAofmUDe-J_UJsWRJNdOH9Zb5CT4nP5dnDE6hei0zW5RnwXdcko6u5BBIupJpiyRWAqSqSvnRwiXlGwsRaUQf1lwf9_rw/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMqLIVJ21AwZW-jq3E9HQD-NwBeJ2q10r6gzKgBpZF3B2DgQxAofmUDe-J_UJsWRJNdOH9Zb5CT4nP5dnDE6hei0zW5RnwXdcko6u5BBIupJpiyRWAqSqSvnRwiXlGwsRaUQf1lwf9_rw/s400/IMG_0521.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is VERY loved!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny7xMfVVyrb2e8GepZrYly5mtRJeaHN_xbR8cqd421gH1sSIHbHOAUykiys4f73Zeh0_IySDEYc5ZesIFV535WCOCq2yytHhdAMh_k69dGQ1FMt_19AX-hqhhp4Pl82w4Z5AoL5phyphenhyphenuw4/s1600/IMG_0491+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny7xMfVVyrb2e8GepZrYly5mtRJeaHN_xbR8cqd421gH1sSIHbHOAUykiys4f73Zeh0_IySDEYc5ZesIFV535WCOCq2yytHhdAMh_k69dGQ1FMt_19AX-hqhhp4Pl82w4Z5AoL5phyphenhyphenuw4/s400/IMG_0491+cropped.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-90109003983460729522012-01-01T00:31:00.000-08:002012-04-17T00:33:50.287-07:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-mZ-AKKD-fURwsxHBorgErTmjnRLtRWL74Jc93izTCmKqwhmlSWdKoDPYEy6xkAr8dVQy5wP6E3NC_f0UP51xa3cQx0DB2zA_2oQhmbMwzcTw64ezzpoSCzyCWZ2685b8ITs2qMPdpmN/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-mZ-AKKD-fURwsxHBorgErTmjnRLtRWL74Jc93izTCmKqwhmlSWdKoDPYEy6xkAr8dVQy5wP6E3NC_f0UP51xa3cQx0DB2zA_2oQhmbMwzcTw64ezzpoSCzyCWZ2685b8ITs2qMPdpmN/s400/IMG_3563.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UbP95X7Q64I6RRruecD6OQDW51ixha8wfqCWO_ulvCENSbCb2HI6hCJYXYLKMoZ1TWeCOyAvCooVxYztyOZdxT-KPRqfvLRhV0yCVb_Ss4SUwfzP3zGH9HNTdmz8csJACm39wMl37A4d/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UbP95X7Q64I6RRruecD6OQDW51ixha8wfqCWO_ulvCENSbCb2HI6hCJYXYLKMoZ1TWeCOyAvCooVxYztyOZdxT-KPRqfvLRhV0yCVb_Ss4SUwfzP3zGH9HNTdmz8csJACm39wMl37A4d/s400/IMG_3570.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zYbWmDKGrOvFYENP0Wtz6aIsECzJlr4wvsLlCQMqHgNagKpJAz0TQUqp-7txW4Tg3LE0hNxw22VVUTbKLXLu_fd8CUFVgxzTOtCiaRqPXoXtXFfYnXlNO0MwRH9aFrAfUEYW48w7OKbI/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zYbWmDKGrOvFYENP0Wtz6aIsECzJlr4wvsLlCQMqHgNagKpJAz0TQUqp-7txW4Tg3LE0hNxw22VVUTbKLXLu_fd8CUFVgxzTOtCiaRqPXoXtXFfYnXlNO0MwRH9aFrAfUEYW48w7OKbI/s400/IMG_3550.JPG" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy New Year! It's going to be a GREAT one, I'm sure of it!Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-64209167009208867312011-12-29T23:26:00.000-08:002012-04-16T23:35:07.453-07:00Trying out some new stuff at PT - December 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBig6QizqctJkEfW0vD1NzEuHqPwnvxT8qfc4MMsymXoPU71YUgIwWaP2-O-rs-JzSyZyDA6V8oOn0MZEJ5ejC4aNmzoz08GqcJCZoqLdaE6nzHw9OHPhJThEl6Nxsp9-WCJJH0-HgMz8w/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBig6QizqctJkEfW0vD1NzEuHqPwnvxT8qfc4MMsymXoPU71YUgIwWaP2-O-rs-JzSyZyDA6V8oOn0MZEJ5ejC4aNmzoz08GqcJCZoqLdaE6nzHw9OHPhJThEl6Nxsp9-WCJJH0-HgMz8w/s400/IMG_3533.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFipFo8kyjJAbSFOuW_PCde00DGJGrDW9qSbCFY1Nh1HZxgOCtewCjzG-3vHgmnWfNm_-KCmjKtn7h8ofzLT7wLQP7B7pjuoK2e_vK7LXJbS43N95U1dQE_qRZI7ej9IXUOwQp_EjHv4iA/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFipFo8kyjJAbSFOuW_PCde00DGJGrDW9qSbCFY1Nh1HZxgOCtewCjzG-3vHgmnWfNm_-KCmjKtn7h8ofzLT7wLQP7B7pjuoK2e_vK7LXJbS43N95U1dQE_qRZI7ej9IXUOwQp_EjHv4iA/s400/IMG_3534.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjw5L2k0WOYBVNjEEJ2LsuwlBb4FMNPzwT8NRnuaD0aN6tbqsx9qYgYj8htPl8mssqsxzvcL9Cq9fqe7p38rzxaVEAG02uc-6IJkWEzcGquGSF_gN8rVWAkMd9UUOkcOvr_BoRl3k-CzY/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjw5L2k0WOYBVNjEEJ2LsuwlBb4FMNPzwT8NRnuaD0aN6tbqsx9qYgYj8htPl8mssqsxzvcL9Cq9fqe7p38rzxaVEAG02uc-6IJkWEzcGquGSF_gN8rVWAkMd9UUOkcOvr_BoRl3k-CzY/s400/IMG_3538.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdtHhGtlfoyWu1mSnRrVexTPu5rWeyET6xOOu3RirdGWvUwztVmcQbtF-Wq6S-CxZdLURT8oCxxU-Kd7kwhkGkOmZiH4x5eL4NIpJFIHkAVCoh8-aO541c9CnnkZcgw-KX4yyLSJQgvFg/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdtHhGtlfoyWu1mSnRrVexTPu5rWeyET6xOOu3RirdGWvUwztVmcQbtF-Wq6S-CxZdLURT8oCxxU-Kd7kwhkGkOmZiH4x5eL4NIpJFIHkAVCoh8-aO541c9CnnkZcgw-KX4yyLSJQgvFg/s400/IMG_3539.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We've had a bit of a rough patch lately where Annabelle has been exerting her independence and not really wanting to do as much as we would like her to do in therapy. Her therapist and I are working hard to come up with some fun new activities that will motivate her to do what we need her to do to continue to strengthen her. When is is willing to walk/stretch, etc, she is doing super GREAT! <br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to what 2012 has in store for our sweet and sometimes super feisty girl! Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-35481586945243590322011-12-27T23:49:00.000-08:002012-04-17T00:09:30.621-07:00Showing off a bitOn Christmas Day at my Dad's house Annabelle was having a great time playing with her brothers and her cousins. She was particularly enjoying her time with Mia, her "older" girl cousin. At one point Annabelle began pushing herself up, almost to a standing position. We have never seen her do this and were all very excited about her strength and self motivation to do this. It was quite apparent that Annabelle was trying to keep up with and possibly impress her cousin with her abilities. Whatever the reason, I liked what I saw! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdADYl7XmnY_feqQzyVPy9RK_Ol3VI_eO19zS13KCdpaa9fwirXEeJkydfGKzAcnKQr0oibbIfLegIy08ZOK73LZ7rG8AS8eRfa_oy9APsWesqZ1Sx0-QBdzM8c3XqsIIFbJHSjMNiAB1b/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdADYl7XmnY_feqQzyVPy9RK_Ol3VI_eO19zS13KCdpaa9fwirXEeJkydfGKzAcnKQr0oibbIfLegIy08ZOK73LZ7rG8AS8eRfa_oy9APsWesqZ1Sx0-QBdzM8c3XqsIIFbJHSjMNiAB1b/s400/IMG_3506.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIz46KsoKZFLSsu5YEzTH8t8y0uFzndLw96CsgkI9W00VXjSBwF9QvVGwrmZfavg4eYBA2mauRDG9pJx6AA08jDmB16EdheApAQ6_PWJ_cCPinU_He_W2SvfJt-bXWLwUTccWOyrG8gxy/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIz46KsoKZFLSsu5YEzTH8t8y0uFzndLw96CsgkI9W00VXjSBwF9QvVGwrmZfavg4eYBA2mauRDG9pJx6AA08jDmB16EdheApAQ6_PWJ_cCPinU_He_W2SvfJt-bXWLwUTccWOyrG8gxy/s400/IMG_3500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0FvcnJjA8YrsYqPfYPuyZvre94taB5AMiggu3aHhcE9ChMuRHipCHNvKyHpGzU53z-9f3B36o-hcvoqGrKdP3KWEV9fr-uG0YBMUmL7yP5QhsMytuxP2Jy2JbWYImSkWuYnzbkm7afVL/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0FvcnJjA8YrsYqPfYPuyZvre94taB5AMiggu3aHhcE9ChMuRHipCHNvKyHpGzU53z-9f3B36o-hcvoqGrKdP3KWEV9fr-uG0YBMUmL7yP5QhsMytuxP2Jy2JbWYImSkWuYnzbkm7afVL/s400/IMG_3502.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeU3JjuMEsDwFfhaQPoBy25pazWajsPgIvDoNlWQeBLR7ruu6koNeWayvMYV_P5I83BZhsTU452PlYL4-ivviF2llpkE3R7W1YDZFPumVI5zuAVORIukJ1NYluPC4VH6ZJCytXqMIVxqf/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeU3JjuMEsDwFfhaQPoBy25pazWajsPgIvDoNlWQeBLR7ruu6koNeWayvMYV_P5I83BZhsTU452PlYL4-ivviF2llpkE3R7W1YDZFPumVI5zuAVORIukJ1NYluPC4VH6ZJCytXqMIVxqf/s400/IMG_3501.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYND3uAK4LJRfEFI7erxVe26JXJvoSarW9Gkc4BaU9TzRVgEFvTPOE2ltpdCBz0vG1PxkLnBu3lZ-UxXlgQtr03_z6uSBtrGRFtWmqbqG50b0lKAZcSEMMu3nkumOfIY-u4BLfRaN6JcgI/s1600/IMG_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYND3uAK4LJRfEFI7erxVe26JXJvoSarW9Gkc4BaU9TzRVgEFvTPOE2ltpdCBz0vG1PxkLnBu3lZ-UxXlgQtr03_z6uSBtrGRFtWmqbqG50b0lKAZcSEMMu3nkumOfIY-u4BLfRaN6JcgI/s400/IMG_3503.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-52165957107689514042011-12-16T22:14:00.000-08:002012-08-18T20:59:45.238-07:00Our Happy Girl - December 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JhB9ESG9w0iD2SmstxQAuRpIA4oj_hC6xa56etNUJzTGXKHj2DwDcxRA5l4flvICxMC0kZRxqg1MDrxTXikRYuWw5jezqeOgn0EYMOB5TlbPASXWqGJ58t5ilYwyCP_8Ps-0F0F9lmNN/s1600/Misc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JhB9ESG9w0iD2SmstxQAuRpIA4oj_hC6xa56etNUJzTGXKHj2DwDcxRA5l4flvICxMC0kZRxqg1MDrxTXikRYuWw5jezqeOgn0EYMOB5TlbPASXWqGJ58t5ilYwyCP_8Ps-0F0F9lmNN/s400/Misc4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659254931973683287.post-2765832567912266422011-11-05T16:10:00.000-07:002011-11-28T21:39:58.723-08:00Super Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, our Annabelle was SUPER GIRL for Halloween this year. Halloween
was a lot of fun and Annabelle quickly learned how to say "Trick or
Treat" and "candy" when she approached the door. Most of the time she would just say candy and smile. She
really was <i>super</i> cute. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNtfIXFuFqN-1Ojo7M9-CL3WikCRxgPJT75YhJD4qCOQaHKTiqgLvEjD3E77muEeiykrxBfwAbLbRYGOEY8kkJcT1CfblTDBqDyFJ_RuOZVOskXJCLMomXRONZ5ODuUyZsiIJ0Up39eHb/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNtfIXFuFqN-1Ojo7M9-CL3WikCRxgPJT75YhJD4qCOQaHKTiqgLvEjD3E77muEeiykrxBfwAbLbRYGOEY8kkJcT1CfblTDBqDyFJ_RuOZVOskXJCLMomXRONZ5ODuUyZsiIJ0Up39eHb/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCvWA_BQFL-ytDfQyVvUjb4K3uA4OlipfI7kkB80xlhbtmRVHhI-qjZizhiZTNqN_NZUYeALNINqag96wisyUvLXmPOVzOF8rlVvMy89LuEwvkFGGgjEqwD7QHCK-4BUxPvThyphenhyphen5NMT8Rd/s1600/IMG_3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCvWA_BQFL-ytDfQyVvUjb4K3uA4OlipfI7kkB80xlhbtmRVHhI-qjZizhiZTNqN_NZUYeALNINqag96wisyUvLXmPOVzOF8rlVvMy89LuEwvkFGGgjEqwD7QHCK-4BUxPvThyphenhyphen5NMT8Rd/s320/IMG_3092.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click <a href="http://summerspartyof4.blogspot.com/2011/11/halloween-2011.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you would like to see more pictures of the family from Halloween 2011</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't actually carve our pumpkins until the week <i>after</i>
Halloween. Oh well. Better late than never (right?). As you can see
the kids didn't mind when we did it. They were just glad to do it and
yes, Annabelle now thinks it's okay to sit on the table - oops!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtkYg6HKTCTk2ZK3MF1RYbU5APiilU8HQABUo3CFhHzCreZvkGxJd2nV-AQBg-lahuS_V9PFK039ZfaJNfRtahoZ4iBcSW_pfCAbdj0hs8i6JMA2KNQVi74RF7soivQKSLofaHC81nZB8/s1600/IMG_3120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtkYg6HKTCTk2ZK3MF1RYbU5APiilU8HQABUo3CFhHzCreZvkGxJd2nV-AQBg-lahuS_V9PFK039ZfaJNfRtahoZ4iBcSW_pfCAbdj0hs8i6JMA2KNQVi74RF7soivQKSLofaHC81nZB8/s320/IMG_3120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="left"><td></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Summers Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980394958326008387noreply@blogger.com1