A quick update

Well it wasn't pretty, but we arrived! For those if you that followed our blog during China, you will not be surprised to hear our flight was delayed. Because they were painting the runways at the B'ham airport. For real. So our 6:55 pm arrival turned into 12:00am and a 1:30 bedtime. But we arrived in one piece... Luggage in tow!

Thankfully Mamie is amazing at late nights. It's so odd... She won't sleep but she is as happy as can be until bedtime. We won't question and just thank Jesus!

This morning we were able to sleep in and didn't have to be at dr until 10. Then it was bloodwork and pre-op appointment. Where tons of questions were answered. And we really feel peaceful and at ease with this whole cast thing. Then off to a late lunch at a snazzy little French cafe (the foodies in us were thrilled). And now is nap time. On our lunch excursion we found Whole Foods, Starbucks and spas and nail places galore... Ahh if only this was vacation. Maybe we can each take a little break for something fun though :)

Would love your prayers as Mamie goes into surgery tomorrow around 10am eastern time. It should take around 3 hours if there are no unexpected surprises. And for a great nights sleep tonight (as it could be the last one we see for a while). But heck, let's be praying for great sleep the whole time too!

No pics for today... All we've got are random shots by Mamie in the doctors office. Not worth the effort :)

Surgery FAQ's

Because I've been away from blogging for a bit, lots of you have no clue why Mamie is having surgery. Well, in other posts, I've shared that she has PFFD. Where one femur grows slower than the other. Down the road she will have leg lengthening surgeries to even the legs out. (Although we are still praying HEALING!). In order to have lengthenings, her hip must be in perfect shape. So she will have what's called a Super Hip surgery, just to ensure her hip socket/ positioning is strong and secure enough for these major surgeries later.

Sunday we will fly to Baltimore, where she will have hip surgery - on her 3rd birthday.Thank goodness she's going to be 3 and not 7! Thankfully we can still pull off the "birthday is on the day of the party" trick. She will then be in a body cast (or possibly a PARTIAL body cast- everybody pray with us!) for 6 weeks.

Now for those of you who know Mamie, she's a touch feisty. And I do believe this is a situation where that will serve us well! We fully expect her to be walking in the cast within days ;)

Now that you have the nitty gritty, here's how we would love your prayers.

1. The surgery is smooth with no complications
2. Seriously... that the cast is as "partial" as possible
3. Her recovery in hospital is as pain free and sleep filled as possible
4. The boys- they will be here with family and friends, while Charles, Mamie and I are in Baltimore
5. The flight home in a body cast- for us and mainly for those sitting on around the plane with us. This may or may not be one of the most pleasant flights they've ever been on.
6. For both me and Mamie when we are home for the remaining 5 weeks. Neither of us do well just sitting around the house. Not sure what this time will look like. This is the part where I take volunteers to do anything and everything you can think of. Come visit, play, make me go exercise, come dance a jig... Entertain us!
7. Our true prayer is that this time is a "non-event". That it would go so smoothly, and God would give us such a peace and joy, we wouldn't even see this as a struggle.

 Thanks so much for joining your hearts and prayers with us on this journey!

2 weeks and counting

so my plan was to hang this blogging thing up. but i decided i like to keep up with major events. and 2 weeks from today, we have a kind of major event.

mamie is having hip surgery in baltimore. and will be in a body cast for 6 weeks. this may (or may not be) my updating place and outlet.

so without further ado, i'm sort of back in action.

One Year Ago Today...

One year ago today we saw this face, in person, for the very first time.

 And over 12 months, this face has transformed in so many ways.

 It's transformed an all boy house

 It's added a little spunk to our family photos

This face has gone from a toddler to a little girl





 The silly factor is off the charts

This face has had a real birthday party

 And gone to the first day of school

 Attempted to watch an Alabama football game (a very short attempt)

 And been very uncertain of Santa. Wanting to know WHY exactly should she sit on his lap?

 This face saw her first snow (ok, maybe a dusting)

Brought our house to a whole new level of cleanliness. Washing her hands (and hair) quite often in secret

 Did I mention the silliness?

 And this precious face

 Has brought more joy to us in 12 months than we could ever imagine

And she loves us all back something fierce

 

Christmas in Photos

I almost got another post in before the New Year! But not quite... so while I reconnect with my writing skills, here are some favorite family photos to tide you over!

Mamie's first Santa visit...

 Really not certain?

 And, we have a winner. Yea for Dad!

 Zoolight Safari- a family favorite each year... and even better with the cousins!

 The photo highlight of our Christmas, entitled Forced Family Fun

 

Christmas morning... Mamie was very unsure... and as all sweet girls do, tried to take her time. And as all sweet boys do, they blew through every gift in 38 seconds. Alas, no photos worthy of blogland.

But here is the aftermath. As well as the personalities of our children. The most telling photos from all of Christmas. And I LOVE it.
Eldest Child:

 Middle Child (I promise he had an equal amount of gifts)

 

Youngest Child (and also only girl):

After the chaos of it all, everyone settled in for some serious fun

Our kids have matching pj's with the cousins. But our boys got fleece robes. Which trumped the Christmas pj pic.

 Christmas #2 in Nashville. My little Warrior. Anything that "fights" is alright by him.

Oh Baby Giggles or also known as "Diddle" to Mamie. THE beloved toy this year. That overtook bitty baby before she even had a chance.

And a lego Christmas for this boy. He did them ALL. (5 DIFFERENT SETS). Within 3 days. By himself. This kid has a serious future ahead oh him.