Happy 5th Birthday, Madelyn Paige!

 Oh my precious Maddy Moo, my Smoosh, my Firecrack-

 What joy you bring to our family. You are so smart and so funny. You have such big feelings packaged in that little body. Whether you are mad, sad, happy, you own it fully. You love with your whole heart and let everyone around you know. You make friends easily and are kind to all. You tell us we are your favorite and the best always. Your love for your brother is amazing. You are the most determined person I have ever met. You don't know how to quit. You push yourself to do what doesn't seem possible and that perseverance will take you far. When you were a baby and toddler all physical skills were so hard, but with relentless work you achieved every milestone we set before you. In those days when we just hoped you would be able to walk, I never dreamed you would aspire to be a ballerina and go after that goal too. You, my girl, are strong enough to do whatever you want. I hope you always want to be my little cuddle bug, my helper, my best friend. I pray you never lose your sassiness, your spunk, your drive.  You my Smoosh are so special and I love you so much. I thank God every day that he made you "so cute" and that he made you mine!
Love,
Mommy

Year Five Stats:

Weight 39 lbs
Height 3' 7"
Favorite color: Purple and Blue
Favorite Animal: Elephants and horses
Favorite Book: All Better
Favorite Movie: Tangled
Favorite Princess: Rapunzel
Favorite Food: French Fries, Yogurt, Ice Cream with Whipped Cream
Best Friend: Alex, Brookie, Audrey
Favorite things to do: Ballet, Read, Play dolls
What do you want to be when you grow up: Prima Ballerina

A Happy Week

This has been a great week. We have had lots of fun and not a lot of medical! We started with the "big kids" helping the younger kids in Sunday School on Sunday. Maddy and Alex asked to be together which always warms my heart. Alex has also been working on getting Zoey back into "service dog" mode.

Tuesday Maddy made it back to ballet after missing the last few weeks when she wasn't feeling well. She loves her class and is learning so much.

Wednesday our sweet Erin had baby Greyson. We were ecstatic to go visit on Thursday and meet the little guy we have waited and prayed for for so many months. I am not sure who was more excited to hold him...me, Alex or Maddy. Of course we were also happy to see Erin and Evan and meet their parents.

Thursday we also had Maddy's Fall Festival at school. It was so much fun and maddy loved playing with her friends and having Mommy at school.

Yesterday, Maddy and I went with some friends to Boo at the Zoo. It was a beautiful day and Mad loved having a day with new friends.

It was so nice to have a week full of joy and good times. We are gearing up for one of the busiest weeks of our year. We have Mad's birthday and Halloween as well as Extra Life.

Thank you for everyone who has prayed and continues to pray for us.

Ali

A Quiet Week with a sad see you later.

This week was very much a quiet week. I am always grateful for the quiet and a break from any drama. We didn't even have a lot of appointments this week! The kids both saw a sleep specialist, but that is all!

We spent much of the week loving on and enjoying our sweet Erin. Erin has been one of Alex's nurses for the past two and a half years. She has been a part of our family. She is one of our best friends, a trusted caregiver and like a sister to me. Alex has never had a nurse that he feels so connected to. He doesn't get frustrated with her. They truly enjoy each other. We spend so much time laughing. When she gets here in the morning, Maddy always says, "Eri's Home" and it is truly the most accurate statement. She is absolutely a part of our home. Thursday was Erin's last day as she leaves to have a son and start her own family. She will be so MISSED. But we know this is not the end of our relationship, just a change in status. Erin, thank you for your friendship, your patience and the love you have showered on my children. You will always be one of my heart sisters.

Please pray for Erin as we welcome Greyson to the world on Wednesday. Pray for Alex and his anxiety during this time of transition and for the kids to stay healthy for the next few weeks as we have lots of fun activities coming up to celebrate Mad turning 5 and Halloween.

Ali

Alex is just over half way to his goal of $5000. We have two weeks for him to continue climbing closer. If you would like to donate or share his link: Alex's Fundraiser