We've Gone Pink!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we've gone pink. In the past October has always come and gone just like any other October. This year is different. This year Breast Cancer hit home. My Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer right before Riley was born.

My Mom is doing well. They caught it early, Stage 1. The reason they caught it early is because my Mom is FAITHFUL about her annual Mammogram. They removed the lump and some lymph nodes. Luckily the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. She's currently doing Chemo Therapy and will start Radiation shortly. She also suffers from Fibromyalgia so between the chemo and the fibro she gets really worn out. But she's a trooper and just keeps plugging along.

AND, after many years of smoking my Mom has QUIT!!! It's been a month today! Way to go Mom! I'm so proud of you!!! I love you Mom!

I encourage everyone to get checked this month! Or at least make an appointment to get checked! If it weren't for my Mom and her diligence on being tested annually we might not have a happy ending. I finally broke down and got my first Mammy after my Mom's diagnosis. Luckily all was well. It wasn't a pleasant experience but worth the peace of mind.

Here's some pics of Grandma Connie (my Mom) with Riley.

BIG Thanks and is it a Dolphin or a Cat in Heat

Yesterday's post was a little sobering. I can't get Carly off my mind. Last night I lay in bed watching Riley sleep in her Bassinet and wept. I cried tears of extreme relief and happiness. I cried for her beauty and what a miracle she is. I cried for the pain we dealt with for so many months. I cried for our strength as a couple and how our miracle has brought us closer together. I cried because I never dreamt I would feel such love. Of all the scenarios we could have faced we ended up in the best one. I truly believe the power of prayer, positive energy, and thoughts blessed us with our miracle. I owe everyone a huge THANK YOU! God heard your prayers, he read your thoughts, and the universe felt your energy. We were blessed. So, so blessed. Thank you!

One to new Riley news. She's found her voice. She was began yelling. Yes, yelling. Whether she's happy or mad she yells. It's hard to distinguish whether she's happy or mad sometimes because it's so loud. At first it was cute. We thought she sounded like a sweet little dolphin. Then, I was on the phone with my BF Amy the other day and Riley was yelling at me. Amy, one of Riley's God Mothers, says, "OMG, she sounds like a cat in heat." And she DOES! Thanks God Mommy Amy for pointing THAT out. My sweet little baby girl screams like a cat in heat. You could have said, "Oh, how cute, she sounds like a Dolphin, or a kitty cat, or something cute." But no, she sounds like a cat in heat. Nice. I've got to get a video of the screaming to post. It's an amazing thing.

I haven't downloaded any recent pictures lately so instead I leave you with a picture from August. It's of Kori (Twins and 2 Moms) and Riley. It's such an adorable picture!

Heartache

Last night one of our local news channels ran the story that can be found here.

I have a pit in my stomach. This hits home. Throughout the pregnancy we were preparing ourselves for this scenario. The inoperable hygroma. The need of a Tracheotomy. We were blessed. Riley's hygroma WAS operable and they got it all. Every last bit. There is a less than 5% chance of it coming back. But this story reminds me. Reminds me of what we were preparing ourselves for. And my heart ACHES for this family who also lost their mother in the process.

Please include this family in your prayers, or, if you're inclined, make a donation for what must be huge medical expenses.

Bunny Slippers

What's better then slipping into cosy slippers when the weather starts to get chilly?! Of course Riley, aka the Bunny, has Bunny slippers! Thanks Oma and Opa!!! Below are pictures of Miss Riley in her Bunnies as well as a couple of other pictures from her time spent in the sick house.

Wait, one other thing, Riley had continuous giggles for the first time today! It was the cutest thing! She's had little giggles before but never continuous. OMG! Too adorable!

Riley's Bunnies

The Bunny with her Bunnies

"Mom, what is on my feet?"

The bunny and her bunny watching her baby show.

Look at that red nose :(

"C'mon Binky, in my mouth!"

Look at those Blue eyes!

In the Sick House

The past week we've had a sick house. First it was me. I came down with a cold on Tuesday. (Melanie, I think Rick just had to share with me as well. :) I was SICK for a couple of days. I'm still fighting it a little but am so much better than last week.

On Thursday Riley came down with it. I was so hoping it was just allergies and not a cold but nope, it's a cold, and I gave it to Miss Riley. Poor thing, her first cold. She's had a runny nose, water eyes, pulled on her ear a little, and just hasn't felt good. She hasn't ran a fever so that's good. She's slept a lot!!! Which is what she needs to do right now. Even though she hasn't felt well she's still been all smiles when awake. Hopefully she feels a little better today.

Now Steve and Shelly both feel like they're coming down with it. Sorry guys!!!

Recap by Riley

My Mom's have definitely kept me busy lately. In fact, they've asked me to give you a quick update since they're both busy today. Yes, they've taught me how to blog already.

"Hmmmm, how do you work this thing?"




"What happens if I push this button?"




Last week my Mom's got me all prettied up for my four month pictures. As some of you may remember I didn't cooperate so well for my three month pics. Heck, I hadn't gone number two in over a week. Give a girl a break!

Anyway, first, Momma Dee and I took a FUN bath together with my rubber duckies, which I LOVE! Mommy Shelly got me the COOLEST rubber ducky that changes colors when it's in the water. I LOVE kicking my duckies and splashing water everywhere. Then, while Momma Dee finished getting ready I hung out with Mommy Shelly in my bath robe.



Then we set off for my pictures. I had so much fun! I really liked the crazy girl trying to make me smile this time. And, she even let me have Lambie in some of my pics! I've posted several of my pictures at the bottom of the page.


Friday afternoon Momma Dee took me shopping! First to Tar.get, which I slept through. Momma loves Tar.get but I was just too tired. I saved up my energy for Cos.tco! That place is so cool! There is so much to see! I again smiled at EVERYONE! Anyone who would peek into my car seat I had a HUGE smile for. When we got home Mommy Shelly had cooked dinner and Grandma Shanni and Grandpa Gary came over to eat with us. It was such a fun night!



On Saturday Momma Dee decided to get me out of the house so that Mommy Shelly could work. First we went to my Momma's cousin Melanie's shoe party. I got the cutest little blue slippers! I got to see Grandma Connie, Aunt Peggy, Aunt Sue, and all my cousins (first, second and third). I was such a chatty girl and talked, talked, talked. Everyone just kept watching me so I kept smiling and squealing. I love being the center of attention.



After the shoe party guess where Momma took me? Shopping again! We went to the mall. Now that's a cool place! Aside from my minor melt down when we first got there I had a great time! All of the stores were having great baby sales so we did some major bargain hunting. Of course I ended up with a couple of cute things for this winter and next summer. Thanks Mom for teaching me how to shop at such an early age! I know Mommy Shelly's not happy about it but I love it!



On Sunday the three of us hung out and watched football. I sure love Football Sunday because we all just cuddle on the couch. What could be better?



As promised, below are my four month pictures.



Bye - Luv - Riley

Swaddling and Bunnies

Advice Please

We've swaddled Riley since she was born. And thankfully, because she's swaddled, she sleeps through the night. I keep wondering how long do you swaddle? I'd love to move her into a regular sleep sack with her arms out. Last night we tried it. NOT GOOD! For two hours she'd fall asleep and 10 minutes later wake herself up. We'd then get her back to sleep and bam, 10 minutes later, awake again. After two hours we gave up and put her in her Kid.dopotamus and she slept soundly until 6:00 am. Does this mean she's not ready? When do you make the transition? Help! I'm looking for advice for those of you who've swaddled. When do we make the move? Keep in mind she'll be 4 months in a a week.

More Advice Please

In less than a month we're setting out on a road trip. A SIX hour road trip to see my Dad, Step Mom, and step siblings in Las Vegas. I'm looking for your help again! What do you do to entertain a 4 month old for six hours???? Help! I'll take every idea you can send my way!

She's Going to be a Bunny

We ordered Riley's Halloween costume yesterday. Grandma Shanni started calling her Bunny from the day she was born. It's stuck and now we all call her Bunny. Of course she has to be a Bunny for her first Halloween. Here's a pic of the adorable costume we ordered for her last night. Too cute!

I snapped a couple pictures of Riley aka Bunny before I left for work. I love that the weather is getting cooler so that she can wear her long sleeve onsies and comfy pants. Riley and I went shopping Saturday and picked up this adorable onsie. Too dang cute! Notice the drool.