Marley,

I can hardly believe that you are 13 months old. It's hard to imagine we ever had a life without you in it. The past year has been such a roller coaster but its a ride I wouldn't have missed for anything.

This month marks one year since we first heard about RCDP . This first year has been such a whirlwind of Doctors and hospitals and surgeries and bills . As I read back over the few blog entries I have made I see so many times that I mentioned how sad I was or how frustrating situations were. I'm making it my mission to update this blog every couple of days this year because I never want you to go back and read these letters and think that you somehow made me sad or depressed all the time.

Sure I have had my moments of frustration but the overriding theme of this year has definitely been one of JOY. You are truly amazing. You have the most tenacious spirit of anyone I have ever met. You NEVER stop trying . You may not do things the conventional way but you figure out a way to get them done!

You move all over this house. Its not exactly crawling but its definitely forward motion. Some evenings I can tell that your ab muscles are so sore from all the moving you've done all day but you just keep on going.
Your occupational therapist is always saying that as soon she writes a goal for you you immediately master it. You are an overachiever without a doubt.

Your most recent favorite thing to do is screech at the top of your lungs. The problem with this is that you want your sisters to screech first so you can copy them. It totally makes my ears ring but its so worth it to see you laugh.

You had a spinal decompression surgery back in November and I think that has made a world of difference for you. Your muscles seem looser and you are so much more flexible in your movements.

Well I have so much more to write ( January was a very eventful month for us ) but Rory will not stay in bed and she's waking up the whole house in the process so this will have to be continued......

Photo Carnival

These two pictures are my current favorites of Marley. The first was taken about 6 months ago in a waiting room at Scottish Rite hospital and the second was taken last week at Ronald Mcdonald house a couple hours before she had her spinal surgery.
She hasn't worn her glasses since shortly after the first picture was taken so its fun to see how different they look on her now! I also love that she is so relaxed and happy in both pictures. I on the other hand was a nervous wreck! Looking at these just reminds me how far she has come and makes me excited to see what amazing things she is going to do next!


This post was inspired by a photo carnival at Love that Max ( one of my new favorite blogs!)

Just thinking about you puts a smile on my face

Marley girl,

Wow 2 and a half months goes by fast. So much has happened since the last time I wrote to you. We've gone to Alabama with the other RCDP families, taken a mini vacation with your cousins ( you've even gained a new cousin already! ) moved out of town, and your big sister started school. It's been quite the three ring circus around here.

You are almost 8 months old. How can that even be possible!?! It seems the tighter I try to hold on to every moment of your babyhood the faster it slips away. You are sitting up pretty well and rolling everywhere!!!! You continue to put everything in your mouth and suck both of your thumbs at the same time. I tell your mamaw all the time that you are perfect and that really isn't a far stretch from the truth. As long as you aren't hungry or tired you will play on the floor with your toys for hours. And as far as sleep goes you are still sleeping 10 - 12 hours a night. You're amazing.

Sometimes though I wonder if you are getting everything you need from me. Some days I'm stretched so thin between all 3 of you that I don't know if I'm covering all the bases or not. I'm doing the best I can and hopefully its enough.

I love you baby and I promise I'll be back before 2 and half months go by!