This is the amazing journey of our two miracles. John Craig was born on November 30, 2005 at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation. He weighed 1 pound 8 ounces and was 12 inches long. John is a true miracle and an inspiration to all that meet him! Hope Amanda, our perfect little girl, is currently recovering from two brain surgeries to remove a 6cm mass from the center of her brain. Hope represents everything good in this world and she too is an inspiration to all.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29.11

Saturday, April 26, 2008

That's my Boy!

Oh ya.....my boy is EATING!!!!

Johnboy is officially eating (orally.) He doesn't eat much (I am talking bites here) but hey, we'll take it:) Cheerios are a favorite along with...veggie sticks, pretzels, gluten free cookies, and frozen chocolate pudding.

Pretty tasty!
Can't quite reach that itty bitty tongue to his nose!

Searching for some chocolate boogies!!!

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Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Blessed Beyond Words

Yes, I am still putting the video of the walk together but I thought I'd give you a sneak peak of how truly blessed we are...

I honestly don't know how we got so lucky....most people have 1 or 2 people that they can call their best friends.....we have 50!!!

Everyone that knows my family personally knows just how blessed I am. I have the most amazing, supportive, loyal, loving, caring, and goofy family around. I'd be lost without them! I was also fortunate enough to marry into another family just as wonderful...again, how did I get so lucky?

And my friends.....where do I start? Their world stopped (just as mine did) the day John was born. They have gone above and beyond and I am blessed beyond words to call each of them my best friend!

Love you guys!!!

Now, check out little Miss. CJ...
Her shirt says...

My boyfriend John is a true MIRACLE!!!


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Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Nudie Bootie

There is so much to talk about but my bed is calling my name!!!

The March for Babies walk was fantastic (I am putting together a video....so hold your horses, pictures are coming!) I'll talk more about it in another post...I am too tired:)

John is just amazing. He is growing up way too quickly.....and getting smarter by the minute!
Now, isn't this the cutest nudie you've ever seen????


Nooooooooooo...don't take my picture!

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Thursday, April 17, 2008

Long John!

Seriously, John is growing like a weed (wow, I find myself sounding more and more like my mom everyday!) He is now 33 inches tall and a little over 25 pounds (I think.)
His development has really taking off. He can sign...please, more, mom, dad, all done, fish, and dog...his voice is getting louder and louder too. All of his therapists seem to think that the day he starts talking, he'll say complete sentences...tee hee!!! Nothing can slow this little boy down!

Here's John with his new favorite toy!

Look how tall he is...can you say, future Phoenix Suns player?


And when he gets bored with those buttons....he'll just side step on over to the computer and pound away!!!




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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

A New Look

My little man cracks me up!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Team John Rocks!

Our Team John shirts are in and they look fantastic....thanks to Joe and Shelley at Sohoshirts.com!

March for Babies 2008...here we come!!!

Here's a sneak peak...


And, the main man's...


Front


Back



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Tuesday, April 08, 2008

July 29, 2008

It looks like John IS the perfect candidate for Botox injections! His first injections (2 on each inner thigh) are on July 29th. His inner thigh and calf muscles are extremely tight....however, we are going to take it slow and easy and see how the first procedure goes before injecting the calf.

The Dr. repeatedly said that John would most definitely be ambulatory and more than likely will not even need to use a walking device. Did you hear that??????? MY BOY IS GOING TO WALK!
At any rate, you'll all be glad to know that I pulled one of my infamous Jill moments.....as I mentioned, she kept using the word ambulate (meaning to walk) and in my mind I was thinking she was saying amputate. Finally, I asked what the word meant (and she told me) and I said, Ohhhhhhhhhh....I was wondering why you thought he needed his legs amputated. Oh yes, I DID say that:)



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Sunday, April 06, 2008

Quick Update.....

...on my FAVORITE baby boy!
  • Music class was sooooooo much fun. He was a little nervous at first...not quite sure what to think. It didn't take him long to warm up though. He even went with all the kids to put his instruments away.....he pushed his tambourine all the way to the basket in the middle of the room and then picked it up and put it in. I am one proud Momma!

  • Neurology wasn't too bad (besides the long wait.) Dr. T said he looks great and is very excited that I am taking him for a Botox evaluation. She thinks he is a perfect candidate! We were also given the official diagnosis of CP. No biggie though...it really means nothing to us. We knew it was coming and thankfully weren't taken by surprise. It is what it is....and it definitely doesn't define him. Like we've said from day 1...HIS DIAGNOSIS MEANS NOTHING TO US! God gave us John for a reason and we couldn't be more thankful for that!

  • Our long awaited Botox appointment is tomorrow at 3:15. We are really curious to see what the Dr. says/thinks. I'll definitely update tomorrow night.

  • John went to his first Suns game today. Thanks Renneckars!!!! We had a great time but it was a little to loud for him.

  • Ohhhhhhh and I forgot to mention....I got the job!!!!!!!!! My new title is, NICU family support specialist. I seriously don't think there could be a more PERFECT job for me. I am soooooooo excited and can't wait to get started. My first day is April 21st....however, I'll be juggling 2 jobs for about 5 weeks (until the school year is over.)

I'll leave you with some weekend photos...

Playing in his bus!

Thinking that his Mommy has lost her mind!

Getting the tickle torture....and Grandpa wonders why John throws up!!!!


Waiting patiently for his tub to fill up.

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Bring It On!

Johnny Boy is all ready for the summer heat (which has ALREADY started) and can't wait for the pool to warm up!!!!!!

Bring on summertime!!!!!!!!!



I'll update later about our neurology appointment and our music class but now, we're off to the Suns game!!!!!!!!!!

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Thursday, April 03, 2008

Silence Is Not Always Golden...

...when you have a 2 year old!

I get nervous when it becomes quite around our house. Take a look why..
Here is the little man pumping blended food ALL over himself.


And here he is putting the remote in the fireplace!


Not pictured is.....ALL of his toys swimming in the toilet!!!

Well, we are off to Neurology in a few hours...yuck! And then we have our 1st music class tonight..can't wait!

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