Da-Da

It's official. Annie has said her first word. Today, at a small diner in Yonkers. Annie looked at Steve lovingly and said, "Da-da". It was deeply moving. I teared up, Steve was moved, and Luke looked proudly on at his little sister.

Then she looked at the lady in the booth next to us and said, "Da-Da".

Then the waitress, the guy walking by, the salt shaker...

Allergist

Now that Annie is 1, we were hoping to be able to run more tests to get a better sense of what has been leading to all the respiratory issues. We took Annie in to be allergy tested and it turns out that is not the case. It was actually a little disappointing bc that would have given us a bit more of a definition and an action plan. We are now left to thinking she is still working through having under-developed lungs. The nagging questions are when this will resolve itself and if there are alternative ways that can help her until her lungs get stronger. So, we will hang tough and keep at it. The wonderful news is that she is just doing wonderfully now and we have been able to remove some of the drugs she is on. Our greatest hope is that she can enjoy the summer without daily meds for breathing. We'll bulk back up again when fall hits but, for now, we are enjoying this honeymoon period!

Annie's birthday week: She's 1!

What a year this has been. We have only recently returned from a wonderful vacation celebrating Annie's birthday and the conclusion of a very tough year. Luke threw a birthday party for Annie, we visited the ocean, mini golfed for the first time and enjoyed the blessing of our friends and family. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us through what is easily the most demanding year we have ever faced. We learned so much about the strength of family, our ability to cope and learn when the preemie roller coaster offered us countless highs and lows, our need to support other families so they never feel isolated when dealing with prematurity..the list goes on. We are so thankful that we walked hand in hand this past year with so many wonderful friends, families and a medical team that has given us the tools to get Annie through this first year.

Looking back is hard. I have to say that when May 27 hit it was hard to think back to where we were that time last year. I was so frightened and unsure of what Annie's future would be. I felt I had failed her and prayed that, despite my failure, she had the strength to get through. A year of countless challenges has followed. During that year, Annie has taught us that her medical challenges are mere technicalities. It is her spirit that warms my heart and pushes away those moments of guilt. She has faced every challenge with a smile and always that feisty spunk that was so apparent the moment she arrived in this world. We have persevered because of the joy that radiates from her. With that spirit fueling our way, we look to the future with strength and optimism and don't waste too much time looking back at those times of fear and uncertainty. Annie still has a long road: speech therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, allergists... obstacles that we will overcome with the strength and love that is freely given by Annie, Luke (who has done nothing but adore his little sister), his family, and all of you, our dear friends. Our love goes out to all of you. Enjoy these photos. The journey continues...

 

 

 

Birthday girl!

 

Annie's 1st mini golf

 

 

Team Annie hits the March of Dimes walk