Heart Check

It's unbelievable to us that a year ago we were preparing (counting the minutes with both excitement and fear) for Abby's heart surgery. We had a Cardio check up this week (it's been 6 months). I actually missed her previous appointment that was scheduled for two weeks ago. That's what happens when a) Grandma comes to visit that day, b) you aren't too worried about the check up and c) your too busy icing your back from bending over half the day "helping" her walk. When the doctor first saw her, he was a little worried that her weight hadn't gone up a ton in in the last few months (she's till around 17 pounds) but as soon as he looked at her heart, he said, "it's perfect! I guess she's just going to be tall and thin!" We truly are doing everything we can to fatten her up short of giving her ice cream (but that's the next step, I assure you.) This week, spoonfuls of almond butter were a bit hit.

She's also very excited to tell you that her name is "Abb-a". We're working on the "ee" sound of both Abby and Bunny.

And this week was Abby's first day at the childcare program at BSF. She did cry for part of the time (who wouldn't being away from mom for the first time?) but she had her bunny and those ladies take excellent care of her.

It's been an exciting week. We have so much to be thankful for.

Dedication

Better late than never! We had Abigail dedicated to the Lord on Sunday night at our church. It was a really special time (although we all had bad colds). Unfortunately, we asked family not to come so they wouldn't catch our nasty sickness! It was daunting to be reminded by our dear pastor who we respect so much that she is, of course, a gift from God. He has given her to us. We are responsible for raising her to know Him. It's a daunting task in light of days filled with singing songs, changing diapers and trying to make mac 'n cheese sound exciting for the 3rd lunch in a row (food ideas, anyone?). Our friend Kristen gave us this adorable outfit for Abby's first birthday. Of course, she hasn't put one toe in it seeing that it's a) white b) adorable and c) she's still such a crawler and plays so hard that the knees of all of her pants are permanently dirty. But check this out... even with "Abby" on the back...

The Interview

Abby's latest slew of words....

Bieber Fever

Recently Grant was flipping through the MTV Video Awards (Yes, Kate...I knew you'd be proud!) and when this song came on, Abby went nuts.

Sick Day

It's been a bit of a sick week here at our house. Abby got a cold (see picture of runny nose and lunch containing yogurt and watermelon; good cultures and hydration!). Sleep has gone out the window (she's napping on me more than she is alone in her crib) and she's coming to bed with us in the early morning after she can't get back to sleep. It actually reminds me of those days following her surgery when she slept with us. Everyone encouraged us that that would not only help her sleep but help her heal. Back then, I worried about rolling over on her and was always in a twilight sleep. Now, she's a wild sleeper -- legs crashing into both of us as she gets horizontal in bed.

Another new talent is shaking her head "no". To everything. Even when she means yes. The fun is just beginning!

A-gain?!

Abby's new favorite word is "a-gain." Over and over during the day. Today, she said the word "chicken" about 800 times. She seems to learn a new word and it gets stuck on repeat.

We spent our Saturday at Abby's friend's birthday party -- Lily's hair is still awesome -- and Abby got to eat rice, some chicken and some organic biscuit that tasted like it was made with strawberry Quik! Yum! I feasted on the cookie party favors later that night... thanks, Gina!


Abby spent the party trying to throw rocks, get her hands muddy and walk (with my help) around and around and around. There were no tiaras in sight so she was a happy girl.

Not A Princess

Last weekend we attended a birthday party filled with pink. It was a girlie's dream come true!! But not for Abby.

Abby couldn't get the boa off of her fast enough...


cried when we put on the tiara...


tolerated the fake "earrings" seen in this photo...


but finally loved it when "Jate!" (Jake) painted a sparkly heart on her arm and painted 5 of her nails bright pink! She didn't stop talking about Jake all night. And other than Jake, the thing she liked doing most, while mommy and daddy had a glass of beer, was to eat dirt. Literally. Boo.... didn't get a picture of THAT.