Texas Children's Visit

Yesterday, Keith, Mia and I made the 2 hour journey to Texas Children's for her long awaited appointment with the Craniofacial team at Texas Children's.  We got to see some familiar faces during our visit.  We met with the same Speech Pathologist that Maddie sees on an annual basis.  Sadly, the surgeon, that was following Maddie's case,  that was the leader of this program/team, Dr. Stahl, had passed away last Monday.  So we saw a new surgeon with the Team, Dr. Buchanan.

After a quick evaluation from the speech pathologist, we were pleasantly surprised that Mia is pretty much on target with her speech development for her age and considering her open palate.  Of course we can expect her speech to improve and expand once her palate is closed.  Unfortunately, with the passing of Dr. Stahl the surgical schedule is backed up.  Our surgery is scheduled for January 24th right now.  We are on the cancellation list, which could possibly move us up if someone cancels their scheduled surgery.  Apparently cancellations happen frequently when the child scheduled for surgery is ill on the day or day before surgery.  I am hopeful that we will be moved up and be able to have Mia's surgery before January.

On the way home from our appointment Mia was quite entertaining and chatted in her carseat the entire way home.  Enjoy the quick video snipit below.

We will keep you posted if anything changes with Mia's surgery date.

Move In Day!

Christopher has officially begun the next chapter of his life; COLLEGE.  We moved him into the dorm at Springhill on Thursday.  Athletes were able to move in a day early so it was a little less chaotic at campus during the move.  The college scheduled it this way so that the athletes would be able to help unload new students' belongings the next day during Freshman Move in day.

His dorm room is quite small but it's home for the next semester and I think he is happy to be there.  We met his roommate who is from Birmingham, Alabama and is also on the basketball team.  The college did an excellent job of choosing a roommate for Christopher - they seem to be very compatible and alike in many ways.

Christopher was excited to get his room and his stuff all situated in his new space.  After move in was complete (or at least we thought), we took Christopher and Sam (his roommate) and Sam's mom to dinner.  We had such a nice time and felt like we had known each other forever.  It is so nice to meet this family and have them part of our lives and our son's life.  After dinner, the boys returned to their dorm to rearrange it.  I did not want any part of that - once was enough for me.

Christopher and I had talked in depth about his plans for the future and his feelings about college.  I truly feel that he is ready for this next phase of his life.  He has thought about his course of study and possible career choices.  He has even thought about graduate school and continued studies at speciality schools.  I am proud of the son I raised, proud that he is a man who is a leader and is looking ahead to his future.  He is finding his passion in life and trying to mesh that into his life AND make a difference in the world.  He shared with me certain goals and aspirations that he has and was specific in that he did not just want a career but wanted to make a difference in the world, make an impact with his work.  What an amazing time in his life.  I am so proud of him!!   I am so blessed that GOD has allowed me to be Christopher's mom AND is allowing me to have a glimpse of Christopher becoming a man and finding GOD's will in his life.  

Outside of Viragh Hall

His closet - ooh how small

His desk - getting it all organized

Christopher & Sam - Roommates & Teammates

I am looking forward to next weekend as we are driving to Springhill again to deliver Christopher's vehicle.  Hopefully I will get some feedback from him on how classes are, how basketball practice is and overall what he thinks of college life so far.

Mia is WALKING!!!!

Last Friday Mia just decided it was time for her to walk.  And she is now walking everywhere and is into everything.  Whew - I'm getting a workout chasing after her.  Check out the video below:

Summer fun winding down

What an amazing summer I have had.  I started the summer months with only 3 children and will end the summer with memories of an amazing journey to China to bring home our 4th child as well as a bittersweet memory of my oldest moving to college.

After getting home and recovering from jet lag we have enjoyed each others company, had fun hanging by the pool as well as going to do those fun summer things, such as a visit to the children's museum, tennis lessons, lunch at our favorite spots in town, etc.

Tennis Lessons for Lizzy

Maddie, Mia & Halle at the Museum fingerpainting

This is the first and only time in my life I have ever been off from work for an extended period of time during the summer.  I have enjoyed being home with all of the kids and am quite sad that this time is coming to an end.  However, when I look back at my journey over the first half of this year and my journey to Mia I know that GOD's timing was absolutely perfect!.  It was perfect that I was able to enjoy my son's graduation - all the events, parties and absorb every moment.  It was perfect timing that Lizzy got to go to camp during 1st term and be part of the amazing senior camper program at Camp Champions with all of her camp friends - she had an amazing time!  His timing was perfect that Maddie got some down time and was able to spend some one on one time with Mom and Dad while Christopher and Lizzy were at camp and then got to enjoy the entire summer without having to go to daycare.  It was perfect timing as I look ahead to having the time off to move Christopher to college, be there for my girls after school and of course - BASKETBALL - be able to attend most of Christopher's basketball games.  And sadly, GOD's timing is perfect as I have the time to take our dearest Pressley (our family dog) to the Oncology department at LSU for cancer treatments in hopes to prolong her life as much as possible.

Maddie learned to dive this summer (and has been truly inspired by the Summer Olympics).  Lizzy learned to play tennis. Christopher learned (and is learning) to take care of things by himself.  AND Mia learned to walk.  Check out the video below

Summer is ending and the familiar routine of school is back.  Maddie started Pre-K 4 today and was so excited to go to "big" school.  She tells me on the way to school "You know Mom, my legs are getting longer - because I'm getting bigger".  And bigger she is getting - Growing up too fast!  Lizzy will return to school on Wednesday.  Christopher and I make the journey to Springhill College for move in day on Friday - that will be the toughest thing for me I have had to do all year!  Keith does remind me that anytime I feel like I want to visit him on the weekend or have dinner with him - we can always fly over and do so.  (That makes me feel a little better).  That leaves Mia and Me all day home to snuggle!!!!

Maddie's First day of Pre-K 4