I'm Baaaaack....

Gosh, it's been a busy time since my last post. See, I decided to take a second job to help make ends meet. Bad decision. The only thing I accomplished was losing valuable time with my family. So last weekend I QUIT. Best thing I ever did!

Here's an Ava update: She is my perfect angel, and I can't imagine my life without her! But you knew that:-) Anyway, she has seen the neurosurgeon, the cardiologist, the pediatrician, and the eye doc recently and guess what?? No change, no need for any surgeries (except for her eyes), and wonder of wonders!! she is gaining weight. A whopping 14 lbs. 12 oz. and 26" long! She is starting to get the chubbies on her thighs and feet. She is filling out her size 2 diapers quite nicely, and wears size 6 to 9 months clothing. And her smile is just HUGE! She is starting to give hugs and kisses and you can just tell that she is just plain happy. Thank you, God, for bringing her to us!!!!

Even though I haven't been posting, I have been reading everything I can from all of you. And I sense a different tone in your posts. I think most of us are getting to the "acceptance" part of our grieving processes. At least I am. I love Ava so much. I don't think it would be possible for me to love her any more than I do, even if she were "normal". Seriously, I can actually FEEL the goodness that seems to emanate from her. I think only someone whose child or grandchild has WS can really understand what I mean.

On an interesting note, Early On Michigan made arrangements for Laura (Ava's mommy) to meet with another family whose child has WS. The meeting was fantastic! Laura was so excited, and so hopeful, after meeting Madison. Madison is 14 years old and attends regular middle school, although I am sure she has a modified curriculum. She met Laura and Ava at the door with an enthusiastic "Hi, I'm Madison and I have Williams Syndrome! And you are BEAUTIFUL!" Ok, how can you not love a child like that?? Laura says Madison's vocabulary is really impressive, and her personality is very sweet. She told Laura that she thinks Ava would make a good professor someday, like Albert Einstein! Madison's mom has taught her to give people "high-fives" instead of hugs, because often people are uncomfortable with unsolicited affection. I get to meet Miss Madison soon, and I can't wait. And to heck with high-fives...I want a hug!

Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. You have no idea how many times a day I hop on the net just to quickly catch up on your lives. Nancy, you make me laugh daily (or sob uncontrollably). Shawn and Teresa, you make me want to be the best grandparent I can, because you guys wrote the book on family. Lisa, it broke my heart to see pictures of Tatum in the hospital. Too close to home, you know? Kerry, your beautiful Brady. And Avery, and Daven, and Szabi, and now sweet Emerson. What would I do without you guys? You understand, and you make all this stuff bearable.

Be well, all of you.