Amelia had her semi-annual MRI this week. It went well. We see the neurosurgeon for a follow-up next week. I do have some BIG news! Our Baby Love Foundation web-site is up and running!!! Yay!! Brian is so talented and built us a great site. Click the link on the side bar and check it out! 

Amelia Update

I'm trying to get all caught up on the blog. I've been seriously slacking! In February we were up at Primary Children's for a plethora of appointments to check up on Amelia. She was so brave and friendly with the doctors. There is still a spot on her MRI that the neuro-surgeon wants to keep an eye on, but it doesn't look like it's been growing at all which is good news. The opthomologist said her eyes are still perfect. We even were able to drop off a large donation from the Baby Love Foundation.

It really does take a miracle to relief the stress of a mother :)

I've decided that as a mom there are lots of different kinds of stress--some good, some bad-- and that it will be my life's mission to manage it. We've had some fun stress lately (more on that later) but wondering how Amelia's tumor was growing and when she would be having surgery was threatening to push me over the edge. I kept reminding myself of our family motto this year "Choose Faith" and said a little prayer when I started to get overwhelmed.

Last week we witnessed the most amazing miracle that was a direct answer to prayer, fasting, and our faith. Monday morning we went into Amelia's MRI, already being uplifted by messages and phone calls wishing us luck, hoping and praying for the best. We were prepared for the worst and planning on brain surgery but having faith that everything would turn out alright, we hoped for the best. My stomach was in a knot all day. I had the worst stress headache.

The next morning we went to Primary Children's hospital to see the surgeon. He came in smiling and told us the "spot" they saw on her previous MRI was gone! Amelia didn't need to have surgery. She didn't need anything but another MRI check up in 6 months...back to our normal schedule...she was fine. They think the spot they saw last time can be explained by "volume averaging" which is a phenomenon that can happen with this type of scan. I know it was a miracle. It really does take a miracle to relief the stress of a mother. I went from not being able to breathe because I was so worried and stressed out about what surgery would mean, to not being able to breathe because I was trying to hold back sobs while speaking to the Doctor. :)

 (doing the happy dance)

I know that Amelia was healed through faith. I know that it was because of all the prayers, fasting, blessing administered by Priesthood authority and the will of God that Amelia doesn't have to have another surgery right now. I am so thankful for that. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the support as well. In these last 6 weeks I was strengthened so much by the faith, love and service of others.

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." Ether 12:4

I don't know what the future holds, but I will cling to the faith that has gotten me this far. The future is bright and something to look forward to and not fear.

Choosing Faith...and Modern Medicine

Every six months Amelia has an MRI to make sure her brain tumor isn't growing back. They've become pretty routine. Until yesterday that is. Yesterday we didn't just have a rountine follow-up, we had the dreaded talk about regrowth of the tumor and the options. When her tumor was first discovered it was large, blocking cerebral fluid and putting pressure on her optic nerve (see here). What they discovered this week was a small amount of tumor that was left behind and is starting to get big enough to see on a scan.

The black area you see in the picture on the right is where the original tumor was. It is now just filled with fluid, and the little white spot is the tumor that is growing back.

The doctor said there's a tendency to want to go right in and get rid of the tumor, but he doesn't want to rush into anything yet. Instead, he wants to do another MRI in 6 weeks to see how quickly it's growing and discuss surgery then. On the positive side, the tumor isn't hurting Amelia in any way right now. But for us as parents, it's hard to think about another invasive surgery and a long road to recovery. Regardless of what happens, we will continue to put our trust in the Lord and keep the faith.

After meeting with the neurosurgeon, we ate delicious blueberry pancakes with buttermilk syrup (my recipe here) at the hospital cafeteria. Yum!

I am thankful for modern medicine and the doctors who have been watching Amelia diligently. I am thankful for my faith that keeps me anchored to a hope for a good outcome along with the knowledge that the Lord is on our side, and the special comfort that only comes from the Holy Ghost. I am thankful for the support of friends and family. Your prayers are felt more than you know.

Generosity after the holiday season:

Amelia is coming up on her semi-annual MRI and we, of course, will be bringing up a load to donate when we go to Primary Children's Hospital. The holidays were super crazy and busy for everyone. So, this year, we wanted to focus on the hospital needs after the big holiday push for kids toys.

They always need blankets so those who donated those-thank you! We will gladly collect blankets any time!

Primary Children's currently has a need for supplies for Valentines activities for the children. (see image below) If you would like to donate feel free to bring donations to our house. We can also accept cash donations!!!

(We are hoping to get our non-profit status for the Baby Love Foundation soon and will send you a receipt because donations will be tax-deductible retroactively.)

If you need more info on how to make a donation or our address to send a donation please e-mail me at accessoriebylindsey@gmail.com

Amelia Update

On Friday we were back up at Primary Children's for a follow up with Amelia's eye doctor. We realized it was 2 years, to the day, since she first saw him! We were happy to hear that her eyes look perfect!

Lia's MRI

Last week Amelia had her follow-up MRI. (She has them every 6 months.) This one went very smoothly.

She was apprehensive about the nurse checking her out and screamed while they were putting in her IV for fluids and sedation. But, that's to be expected.
Soon, she was asleep and all strapped in the machine.

Brian and I ate breakfast at the hospital cafeteria while we waited and had the most AMAZING blueberry pancakes with buttermilk syrup! Seriously, so good! {Recipe Here!}

Then we waited while she woke up, went to see her neuro surgeon who said she looked perfect, and went home. I hope all future visits run as smooth and have the same great results!

Another Follow-Up and Drop Off

Amelia had another follow-up eye appointment at Primary Children's Hospital today. The doctor said that everything looks "perfect" and her vision is great. After the appointment we dropped off a huge load of quilts, receiving blankets, and burp cloths from the Baby Love Foundation. Thank you everyone for your donations!

It was a great morning!

The most unruly head of hair ever!

Amelia's hair is fine, with a bit of wave, and (if you can remember ) used to stick straight up. During her surgery, the doctors shaved up the middle of the back of her head. Amelia also twists her hair around her fingers which create horrible knots that have to be cut out. All this has resulted in the most unruly head of hair, (basically a mullet) with bald spots, and about 100 different lengths in her hair.

BEFORE

Tonight I got sick of it and butchered it. After the first cut I was thinking "What did I do? What have I done?" over and over again. But after washing and drying it, her hair turned out pretty well... As well as could be expected for an amateur hair stylist!

AFTER

It looks much better!

Lia's knows her letters!

This morning I walked into Amelia room and she started pointing to and saying the letters on my t-shirt! I couldn't believe it! So tonight when Brian got home, I had him video tape her, while we showed him her new trick! She's such a smarty pants! I love it!

MRI

Tuesday Amelia had a follow-up MRI and appointment with the Neurosurgeon. We were up at 5am and didn't leave until almost noon. Lia was such a trooper!

She was so sweet and happy...until they put in her IV...but shortly after she was sedated and having her MRI done.

She came out of sedation well and was really funny. I'll upload a video soon. Unlike some kids who come off of Nembutal angry and agitated, Amelia comes out loopy and giggly! We went down to Dr. Walker office to hear that her scans were completely clean! They are happy with her progress in development.

By the end of our visit Amelia was tired and hungry. (So was I!) But we sent Brian back inside with our first donation from the Baby Love Foundation! A big bag of blankets and a big box of toys! Thank You to everyone who donated!

The Baby Love Foundation is on it's way to being approved as a non-profit organization, we've secured babylovefoundation.org to build a web-site and we're planning ways to raise more funds. Amelia will go back to Primary Children's Hospital in 6 months for another follow-up and we're looking forward to the donation we'll be bringing!

It's official!

The Baby Love Foundation has been incorporated! Now we are working on getting our non-profit status! If you'd like to make a donation checks can be written to the Baby Love Foundation and I'll be able to issue you a receipt for your tax records! Yay! We're getting it done!

25 days of gratitude:

It seems like everyone is posting what they are thankful for, each day, in their Facebook status. I decided to keep track and make a blog post instead.

Today, I am thankful...

1- the Giants won the World Series! "Fear the Beard!"
2- that I have the ability to vote and affect change.
3- that even in situations where I feel helpless and have no idea what to do, I have the ability to pray for help and guidance.
4- for the Kids on the Move program that has helped Amelia develop and progress so much.
5-for great friends that I can have a blast with...And my camera.
6-for my neighbors, that are also my close friends.
7-for the Nursery organization in the church and Amelia's stellar nursery teachers.
8-for the Cheesecake Factory's red velvet cheesecake.
9-for successful deliveries and new babies!
10-for my soft warm bed.
11-for my brother Zack and the fact he likes to spend time with Coleson and Lia.
12-for my cousins that are so fun to hang out with.
13-for airplanes and telephones.
14-for long-time friends.
15-for Coleson’s preschool and my gym’s day care.
16-for Skype and the internet.
17-for great customers that keep my little side ventures going.
18-for good books to read to my babies.
19-for Redbox.
20-for Relief Society that adds to my spiritual strength and temporal well-being.
21-for fun souvenirs and having Brian safely back in the country.
22-for new tires and beating the blizzard to Idaho.
23-for medical professionals who really know what they’re doing.
24-for pies!
25-that 1 year ago today Amelia was recovering from successful brain surgery and is continuing to learn, grow, develop, and bring joy to our lives.

20 months!

This week Lia turned 20 months old, started walking on her own (for real!), and had an "everything is looking perfect" follow-up with her Dr. at Primary Children's Medical Center.

It's hard to resist when she puts her arms out and says "Hold you?"

I made her outfit last night out of some scrap material. I love the colors. They match her colorful personality.

Amelia has perfected her fake cry. I've also learned not to fall for it!

"Coooows! Coooowsssssss!"

We have lift-off!

Amelia's physical therapist came, for her monthly home visit, last Friday. She could tell that Lia had made some progress but was a little surprised she hadn't taken off on her own yet. She showed me a few things to help her not just walk back and forth (because she would let herself fall into my arms or the couch instead of balancing) but to help her learn to stop and balance. We've been working on it and it's paid off. Yesterday I was making dinner and I heard Amelia in the other room saying "walkie, walkie, walkie". I peeked around the corner and she was standing up, walking to the coffee table, immediately turning around and walking out to nothing and sitting down. My jaw dropped as I watched her do this about 3 times. About half way through the fourth cycle she saw me, stopped in the middle of the floor (it was the first time I've seen her stop and stand on her own) and she said "walkie?" and fell over. It was awesome! Later that day I took this video. She finally has the confidence to walk on her own without being bribed with candy!

If Lia was a homeless person on the side of the road her sign would say:

"Will walk for candy!"

Amelia Update

I am loving my new iPhone 4 because it has a video camera on it! Amelia was being so cute the other night. You have to listen closely at the end but she does say "oh yeah ba-by!"

I met with her physical therapist today to discuss her most recent assessment. Social/Emotional, Self-help, Fine Motor Skills and Congnative development are right on track at 18 months. Her Expressive Language and Communication/Receptive Language was at the 20-22 month mark, but her Gross Motor Skills are at 13 months...That means she it still considered "delayed" in that area and still qualifies for the Kids On The Move program and the help of he physical therapist.

A video for day 15!

It's day 15 of my photo challenge. (The challenge to photography every single day for 30 days.) Well, Amelia finally started pulling to stand on her own which is a HUGE milestone in her development. I know that she has been capable of it for a while now, but wasn't sturdy or confident enough to do it without someone right beside her. Also, my new camera has HD recording capabilities that I need to learn how to use. So today, instead of a picture here is the video!

Day 9: Look Who's Walking...Sort Of

Amelia's physical therapist (from KOTM) brought her a walker today! She's still a bit unsure of it, but has walked around with it! I think it's going to help alot.

Day 1: KOTM Motor Class

My good friend Sara is an amazing photographer. She challenged herself to photograph every day for 30 days. I loved looking at her pictures everyday. Now that I have a camera, I need to learn how to use it, and get back into "photographer" mode, so I am taking on the same challenge. Hopefully my pictures will get better and better as I document my life over the next 30 days. Also, I hope you guys enjoy it!

Today was Amelia's weekly Motor Class at Kids on the Move. I love her class because of all the fun toys and obstacles designed for learning. I especially love the variety of expressions on her face as she makes her way through the class!