Birthday Botox

Last week was my big 29th birthday.  So, I packed up the car drove to the doctor for some much needed Botox.....for Elena!  Though, teetering on the edge of my 30's has me finding a few more grays and another wrinkle or two!

But really, on my birthday last week, Elena had another round of Botox injected into her inner thighs, hamstrings and triceps.  As usual, it was painful for both Elena and Mom and Dad.  But, she's had a great week in therapy no doubt attributed to the Botox.  Keep praying that this round of Botox will continue to produce good boosts in progress.

Last weekend, we had a mini-getaway to French Lick for a family reunion.  Elena was such a champ.  We spent some time in the pool, which she absolutely loves.  She stayed up with all of us, enjoying a ragtime band, on the veranda of the hotel until nearly 10pm.  She loved the music!  And best of all, she enjoyed a queen size bed all to herself!  She's getting much too big to sleep comfortably in a pack n' play, so we nestled her into the bed and she did great.  It reminds me that my little peanut is no longer a baby!

We're enjoying our last two weeks of "summer" before Elena begins at the Jackson Center.  As the date approaches, I'm starting to get very apprehensive about it.  I'm not just nervous about doubling the amount of rigorous therapy Elena will be receiving on a weekly basis.  It's lots of things.  The first few sessions I anticipate will be miserable, as Elena will have to adjust to strangers pushing her through tough physical activities for three hours.  I'm not sure I will be able to even watch.  I'm nervous about pushing her too hard.  I'm anxious about our new weekly schedule, and if we'll have time for anything else.  This is going to be a big step and huge adjustment for Elena and me.  Your prayers over the next couple weeks will certainly be appreciated.  I know I'll be praying my way that first week.

I'll leave you on a higher note with a sneak peek of Elena's two year pictures.  Our dear friend and reliable photographer, Sam, knocked it out of the park again.  We've only seen one picture and it immediately made Chad and me giggle.  It captures exactly our precious Elena.....our happy, easy-going, full of smiles, Elena.

Videos

We've been taking quite a few videos of Elena the last couple months.  I'm trying to do a better job of capturing some of her therapy-based moments so that *hopefully* this time next year, we can giggle about about all the progress she's made!  

The first was from back in June when we were testing out a gait trainer for Elena.  It was her first time being upright like that and able to move her legs in a stepping motion.  She really did a great job, taking a few steps with her right, but like everything that left side is tough for her to control.  Still, it was so precious to see how proud she was of herself after taking a step!  

This next one, is from the other day when Elena and I were working on some vision and touching exercises.  I put this toy in her hand her little arm just started shaking it!  We've really been pushing her to learn specific commands.  We get so excited when we observe her understanding a command and actually is able to act on it.  It was even better when she started to try and put the toy in her mouth!  Considering how orally averse she is to pretty much anything, this is great!

This last one, is from the same day working on sitting in one of her therapy sessions.  She is just so darn close!  Elena has high muscle tone in her extremities and low tone in her neck and trunk so sitting for her is the ultimate balancing act.  We treat her high tone with Botox; if only there were a way to take the tone out of her extremities and put it into her trunk!   Keep praying she accomplishes this goal soon...it's soooo important!

I'm just now getting around to uploading pictures from her birthday party...so I hope to share those with you later this week.  Thanks for all your continued prayers and love for our little sweet pea!

She's T-W-O!

Good Lord, how is my baby TWO?  I know every parent says that, but honestly I have a hard time believing that my sweet Elena is two.

Two years ago I was soooo over being pregnant ready to meet my little boy or girl.

Two years ago the doctor announced "It's a GIRL!"

Two years ago I laid my eyes upon the sweetest little face I had ever seen.

Two years ago my life changed forever.

Elena came into our lives and made us feel a love you can never describe.  She has made my heart grow to the size of Texas with love, compassion and tenderness.  Our lives have become more chaotic but we wouldn't change it for the world.  Her smile melts my heart and her giggle is contagious.  She is the best cuddle bug and never tires of my excessive hugs and kisses.  My Elena is the sweetest soul.  I can't imagine my life without her.  I became Elena Catherine's Mommy two years ago and there's been no greater moment in my life.

For Elena, each birthday truly is a celebration of her life, a life that was spared for a greater purpose.  Each birthday is an incredible blessing to us.

Happy, happy birthday my darling, my sweet, my precious, Elena!  We love you more than could ever be put into words.

Santa Barbara

Boy, am I backed up on blogging.  I feel like I have about five posts I need to publish!

I'll start with our trip a few weeks ago to Santa Barbara, California.  Each year Chad's company rewards those on their sales team who exceed their goals, with a fabulous trip.  Chad and I went out for a few days and came back wondering why exactly we live in Indiana!  I mean the Midwest is great and all, but I'm pretty sure I found my little piece of heaven.  It's a beautiful part of the country with the most ideal weather.  I would assume that's why real estate costs what it does out there!

Anyway, we enjoyed laying by the pool, amazing food and the great people that Chad works with.  Laney was great for my Mom and Dad, which helped us relax all the more.

 Chad's ugly catch

 I hate running but I'm pretty sure I would run this path every day!

 Part of the crew on the last night

 We're soooooo Hollywood!

Some more of our friends, you know Sammy, Dean, Frank and Marilyn.