Ben Breedlove

I know many people that read my blog posts have seen the videos that Ben made and posted just a week before he died.  Ben had a heart defect...not the same as Hope, but just as severe (and at times much more severe).  He posted cards about his life and how he cheated death.  He posted cards about the limits his heart defect had on his life.  He seemed like he lived a great life and from his video, he seemed happy.  It warmed my heart watching his videos.  It made me thankful for the many people that share their heart stories and lives...there is so much inspiration and hope for the future.  I did cry, but they were tears of appreciation and also knowing that his life was way too short.  I imagine the dreams that went unfulfilled, but I also know that because of his heart defect, he lived his life to the fullest.  I am proud that he shared his story and grateful for his bravery and his life.  He is my hero!

A Wonderful Christmas

We all had a great Christmas this year.  It was filled with family, friends, fun, and food...all the things I love!  I don't have a lot to say, other than I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year.  Onto the pictures.

First dress of the day...we had family time at my sister's and then headed to Jerry's parents in the evening.

My cute, funny little man...Paul

Jerry...the laid back little man.

Destiny looking beautiful as always.

My little dress-up queen!

Toddler Years by Stephanie Husted

Latest news

(Now this is good)
My child's entered

Toddlerhood!

Nothing's sacred anymore

Clear the tables

Clean the floor.

Screaming...seems to be the way

To get my attention

"Hey mom wanna play"?

Feeding time 101

Oh how I try

To make it fun!

Pudding,yogurt,applesauce

The same fate always

Taste then toss!

I'd rather play

With silverware

Now let me out

Of this highchair!

The temper tantrums have begun

And let me tell you

They're no fun.

Naptime doesn't find it's way

Into our house

She'd rather play

With everything

(except her toys)
Toddlerhood

Sure has it's joys.

~Stephanie Husted

9.55 - Slow and Steady

For the non-kilo people that is 21 pounds .866 ounces.  In two weeks she has gained over 5 ounces...slowing down a little, but still a gain.  She is over 21 pounds and I am thrilled that she is now OVER 20 pounds.  It has taken so long to get here and even though it is hard, we know that she is gaining and it makes all the work that much better.

In a bit of related news, we found out that Dr. Mavroudis (Hope's surgeon) is no longer working at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.  He has always been our hero.  He saved Hope's life and held her heart in his hands.  He is an amazing man and it was always my thought that he would be the one to do all of her surgeries.  It never crossed my mind that he might not be there for her Fontan.  It is very scary for me to think about someone else holding her heart in their hands.  I know we still have many months (hopefully over a year) to worry about her Fontan, but I can't help but worry (it is in my nature).

Enough of that...everything else around here is going great.  I have hardly started Christmas shopping, but I am hoping to get in a good day of shopping this weekend. 

Happy Birthday to my Hubby

Jerry's 35th Birthday is today!  He is the best husband ever.  I know I don't tell him that enough, but he really is a great husband and dad.  He has been my rock for the past 6 years...especially the last three when we were expecting Hope and since she was born.  We have been through a lot as a couple and have grown stronger and closer through it all.  We have had bumps...just like most other couples, but we go over or around them when they pop up in the road.  I have seen my husband laugh louder and cry harder than any other person. 

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Pepsi Christmas Party

My husband works for an amazing company and every year they have a wonderful Breakfast with Santa for the families of the employees.  They have a pancake breakfast, tours of the plant, family pictures, visits with Santa, raffles for great prizes, and presents for the whole family.  We go every year they have it and have a great time.  So many people take it for granted when their companies do things for their employees and it really is a shame.  I think it is great that Pepsi plans this event every year and I know we appreciate going and taking our family.