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

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Lucky Us...

...to be able to wake up to this happy face every morning. I swear he is the happiest kid around....except when he doesn't nap....OR if he's getting casted for AFO's (which I am going to attempt again this week....wish me luck!)



Stay tuned....we're going to the circus this evening and I am sure there will be LOTS of pictures.

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Summer Fun!

So far our summer is off to a GREAT start!!!!
Last weekend John's best buddies, Brayden & Blayke (and Mommy's BFF, Brittany) were in town so we headed over to Kierland for some fountain fun.....and then ice cream at Cold Stone.
Fun times!!!

If you look closely you can see John's little tongue. He was trying to get a drink....too stinkin cute!




Blayke's face says it all!!!!!!!!!!!

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Push Pop Painting!






Trying to stay cool anyway we can!

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Monday, June 23, 2008

No New AFO's

Monday morning Jamie, John and I (and a bag full of toys) headed west (tee hee...it's only a half hour away) to have John casted for his new AFO's. However, we didn't have much luck. John screamed his head off and would not sit still....the little bugger is strong:) They attempted to cast his leg twice but neither cast turned out:( I am pretty certain this fear stems back to last weeks Botox injections....but, I am not quite sure what we do now since his current AFO's are way to small. Any advice?

On another note....my BIG boy now weighs 27 pounds!!!!!!!!!!

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Do You Think He's Grown? (Updated)


I just HAD to post Nicole's comment....she said it PERFECTLY!

Wow, what a bittersweet reminder of how far he has come! There are miracles all around us on a daily basis, if we only take the time to notice...then there are little one's like John that command our attention and praises to our God! What a blessing to be able to parent a child, where a day doesn't go by that his life isn't only appreciated...but celebrated!

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

When Mommy's Out!!!

This is what happens when Daddy's in charge:)



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Indoor Fun

Friday, June 20, 2008

My Warrior

I have to tell you (as if you didn't already know) my little man if by far the toughest and bravest kid around....much more so than his Mommy!
So.....yesterday I spent the entire day worrying about this appointment. I was feeling excited for all the possibilities this could bring but sad and angry that my boy had to endure ANOTHER painful procedure. I know prematurity will ALWAYS be apart of our lives....but, it just sucks sometimes.
Please do not get me wrong. I know how blessed we are, how blessed John is. He is ALIVE and happy. Our life is wonderful and I know we have it easier than A LOT of people.
Anyways, he had 4 injections....1 on the inner thigh and the other behind his knee (on each leg.) As soon as the first injection went in he screamed bloody murder (my mom could hear him in the waiting room)...my heart was racing! It took everything I had to hold back my own tears. Thankfully it only took about 30 seconds and then he was back to his smiley self! We should be able to start seeing small changes within about a week.




I tell ya, we are SO grateful, not for what we have taught John but for what he has taught us!!!!

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Twas The Night Before...

...John's first Botox injections!

Our original appointment was not scheduled until July 29th however, I received a call from the Dr. this morning that she had a cancellation on Monday...so, we took it. AND, I just received another call from her and she has yet another cancellation.....TOMORROW!
I'll update tomorrow night but in the meantime time please say a prayer for our little guy!









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Friday, June 13, 2008

First Plane Ride!

Our big trip to Rhode Island is right around the corner...and we cannot wait!

Grams and I have been picking up new toys every time we're out.....hoping we'll have enough new things to entertain a 2 year old for 5 hours!!!

Look at how cute this Little People airport is. Grams brought it over on Thursday and John's been playing with it ever since.










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Monday, June 09, 2008

Life is Good!



I know I say this all the time but......I love my little man so incredibly much! He is by far the GREATEST thing that has happened to us and we feel blessed and honored to be his parents.

Life doesn't get much better than this!!!

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Sunday, June 08, 2008

Signing Machine

Oh my goodness...........John is a signing machine. He is picking up new words daily!!!

Today while he was in bed (NOT napping) I was watching him on the video monitor and he kept signing book.....I think he wanted me to read him another story:) This kid is truly amazing.

So, here is a list of all of his words he can sign....
  • Mom
  • Dad
  • Please
  • Thank you
  • Hi/Bye
  • Book
  • Help
  • More
  • Dog
  • Fish
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Yes
  • Hat
  • Music

I know there is more...so, I'll add to the list when they come to me.

More great news....John's Botox has arrived. I am going to call tomorrow and see if he can get his injections sooner than later.

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Thursday, June 05, 2008

Out Cold!

My little man was out like a light.....at 6:15pm!!!

Grammy and cousin Ashley babysat today. John was having so much fun and couldn't stand to miss any of the excitement....soooooooo, he only took a 15 minute nap!




Now it's time to fill you in...

*Our BIG man now weighs 26 pounds...can I get a woot woot!!!!!!

*His eyes are still looking great so we don't have to go back to Dr. Plotnik for 9 months....yahhhooooo!

* He is cruising (fearlessly) on EVERYTHING and turning from the couch to the coffee table without a problem. He is also walking (alone) while pushing his walker....he can't control his speed though and will go down face first if you're not careful.

*He'll now point to almost anything you ask him to.

Well, I think that's it for now....but, have I mentioned lately how proud I am of him?

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