Hello friends..we're still here.

It's hard to believe that a year ago we spent so much of our time tense and praying for things to be just a little bit easier for Annie. Today, the reality of Annie is her lungs are weak and there is no real indication that this is going to rapidly vanish in the coming months and, perhaps, years.

Yet she trudges on -impatient with all the meds, yet eager to live life. She is starting to gain some words now and we are committed to maintaining the frequent speech and physical therapy that has made such a difference in her development. We are so thankful to the Early Intervention program and all that it has done for Annie.

In other news, Elly has resigned from her position and will be finishing her doctoral studies. This will allow her more time with Annie and Luke and, frankly, provides her the opportunity to participate in those things that are particularly meaningful to her that have been placed on the back burner for too long. Friends, colleagues, and families have been so wonderfully supportive and we are eager to launch this new stage of our life.

This is the lesson of Annie: don't waste time. Seize upon the things that matter -whatever they may be- and do not let go. These are the things that truly sustain you and your spirit. Annie has placed us upon a treacherous journey but it has been truly enlightening. What a gift these little blessings are that enter our lives. Love to all, more to come...

Bouncing off the walls... with pneumonia

So our little guy has come down with pneumonia. You would never know it. He's still running in circles, stopping to cough, then resumes running in circles. However, as you can imagine, we went back into Annie Lock-Down. One parent per child. Lots of hand sanitizer. So far, Luke is on the mend and Annie appears to be resilient. We have come so far from last year. Thanks to the docs, drugs and God.

On another note, I popped in during Annie's physical therapy today to see her walking on a balance beam type of set up. Considering she wasn't even walking two months ago, it is just incredible to see how much she gobbles up all of this therapy. Give us another year and you'll never know where she came from!

Turkey jump

We were all set to celebreate T-day at my mom's horse farm tomorrow. Unfortunately, Annie is starting to have some breathing issues so we are trying to avoid any triggers for her and have had to ask our family to move T-day to our house. When you have an Annie in your life, it's easy to become very focused inward. I know it asks a lot of friends and family to adjust their plans. We're thankful to all of you!

Remember us?

Sorry we have taken so long to post any updates. Annie is holding strong although we were quite anxious to get her an H1N1 vaccine. Now that Luke and Annie have been vacciniated (Annie was at risk of getting severe disease if she was ill) we are all breathing a little easier. In the past several months, Annie has taken her fierceness to a new level. She is walking and starting to talk (see video below). She is still recieving daily meds to support her weak lungs, speech therapy and physical therapy. She is just such a rock star and we are so proud of her. She has come so far in this past year - we were in such a dark place a year ago. Rock on, Annie!

Annie roars!

Annie playing with Luke's new toy tiger after a day at the American Museum of Natural History. Hear her Roar!

Annie enjoys Luke's bday party!