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

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Love


Love my munchkins!!!!!

On a side note, I think we may have a loose tooth.  We wiggle them often and I finally think I felt one move......barely:)


post signature

Monday, August 29, 2011

Lazy Days

We had a very uneventful weekend.....and loved every minute of it.  John was beat from a full week of school (plus OT, ST, PT and MT) so we decided to watch movies and go swimming all weekend long.  A perfect ending to a LONG week.

I took these pictures last night.  Our nightly routine consists of baths, books, prayers and bed.  We alternate rooms (for books and prayers) each night....last night was John's night.  He always says prayers for all of us and they usually go something like this...

"Thank you God for my Mommy and my Daddy and for my Mommy and my Daddy and I love you God.  Amen. " Then I chime in and say, "What about sissy?"  And he says, "Oh ya, and Hopie and Paige (and whoever else he feels like mentioning.  For example, his toys, TV shows, teachers, therapists, iPad, etc.  He giggles the entire time too.)  And we lived happily ever after. Amen. " 

Last night after he said Hopie and Paige, he added.....and Mrs. Holman and the gummy bears she gave me.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this kid....and sissy too!!!!!!!!


post signature

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Siblings

Even though they kick, hit, bite (Hope's new thing...uggggg) and yell, they still love each other and have soooooooooo much fun together (most of the time.)  I LOVE hearing the two of them giggling.....it's the GREATEST sound in the world!

God has blessed me beyond measures.  And even though at times my life is crazy, stressful and/or hectic, I wouldn't change one thing about it.


post signature

Monday, August 22, 2011

Sissy's Sad

Poor sissy is so sad with John in school all day.  Numerous times throughout the day you'll see her with her bottom lip out saying, "I miss Johnny."

Thankfully my big guy is loving Kindergarten though.  The kids are so sweet to him....encouraging him, comforting him, including him and bringing him tissues when he's sad.  Makes my heart smile.  My biggest fear was that the kids wouldn't be kind to him.....thank god they proved me wrong.

His class is huge but they are in the process of hiring another teacher....hopefully by next Monday his class size will be MUCH smaller.  We can't wait....and I am sure his teacher feels the same way!





post signature

Friday, August 19, 2011

TGIF

I am so excited to have my boy home for two whole days!  Even though he is thoroughly enjoying Kindergarten......I miss him sooooooooooo much. 

post signature

Thursday, August 11, 2011

1st Day Of Kindergarten


You were six months old and full of fun,
With a blink of an eye, you suddenly were one.
There were so many things we were going to do,
But I turned my head and you turned two.
At two, you were very dependant on me,
But independence took over when you turned three.
Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore, but
When I lit the candles, there weren’t three, but four.
Four was the year that you really strived,
Why, look at you now, you’re already five.
Now you are ready for books and rules,
Today was the day, you were anxious to go,
We walked to the school, going oh so slow.
As you stepped inside and waved goodbye,
There was a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.
Time goes so fast, it’s hard to believe
That just yesterday you were home here with me.
So I’m holding these moments as hard as I can,
Because the next time I look,
You’ll be a grown man.









John, there are no words to describe how incredibly proud I am of you.  You have defied ALL the odds and have shown everyone that miracles do happens. I love you with all my heart and could not have "hand picked" a better son.  God has big plans for you....I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

"Today is your day.  You're off to Great Places!  You're off and away!"


post signature

Monday, August 08, 2011

My Baby's Two



I cannot believe it has already been two years since my little girl made her early arrival......and completed our family.  I love EVERYTHING about her.

We decided to forgo a big birthday bash this year and instead have a fun play date and BBQ with our besties.  It turned out perfect.

The morning started with birthday gifts and chocolate chip muffins......yummmmm!  After our bellies were full we packed up the car and ventured up to Anthem to spend the day at the water park with two of my BFF's and their kids.  The kids enjoyed the sun and the sugar.....krispy kreme donuts AND snow cones (thanks to Auntie Brittany.)   However, the fun didn't stop there......we rushed home later that afternoon to prepare for more of our BFF's to arrive for a BBQ.....turned dance party!

Thank you to our amazing friends for making Hopie's second birthday so special.

Unfortunately ALL of my pictures were deleted:(  I managed to get these few from Daddy's phone.





Auntie Brittany took Hopie down the slide.....and then made Mommy go down the really big one:)







My sweet little girl parked herself right at the cupcake table.....and ate her way through two cupcakes before being caught.  Little stinker!!!



post signature

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Hopie's Two!

Here's a little video to tide you over....a real birthday post is coming soon.

Look closely during the dance party....Hopie's jamming out in the police car!