Happy 1st

Bela is ONE!! Everytime I think about it, I can't help but get emotional..
Over the last couple of months, there have been some really difficult things happening among our little heart friends. My heart goes out to the families of the many precious babies that have gone back to heaven recently, and the countless others who have been going through very hard situations. We pray for them constantly. I have to admit that I am sometimes terrified knowing that any given day something can happen that sends you spiriling down a very scary path. The last six months have been very good to us, and we count our blessings everyday. I cannot believe that I have an active, spunky, happy, and squirmy little one year old. I'm in awe...

getting help to blow out the candle..

just a little taste of the cake


It's been a crazy year, but I can honestly say it's been the best year of my life. Friday we got to celebrate with a party, and Saturday we were able to walk in the heart walk with so many others who are standing in our shoes. It was a great way to celebrate her birthday. As we walked the loop around the lake, it was very symbolic to me of the journey she has made and how far she has come.

She was really serious about her present opening..


do I eat it?


wow, there's something in it?


what is it, what is it?


I love it!


getting read her new balerina book by her cousins


Bela with Jersey's big sister Tatum


who me? Drama queen?


hanging out with her buddy Addison





Today is a great day because it is the LAST day Bel will have a tube on her pretty little face. We are going in tomorrow at 9:30 to give her tummy a button. I have come to really look forward to her button. I know that seems wierd, but I like that I don't have to stress and worry about her body getting what it needs. We'll still work on eating like crazy, but on those days when it just dosn't happen, I will always make sure she's healthy. She needs help with eating right now, some days she needs a lot of help. I cannot express how elated it makes me feel to know that I NEVER AGAIN HAVE TO SHOVE A TUBE DOWN HER THROAT!! Just the thought of it makes me want to shout for joy! I really can't even say how hard it has become for me latley. We had our consult yesterday and the surgeon could tell immediatley we were DONE! So she worked some magic and got us in for tomorrow. I love her already. :) She said they usually don't see babies that old with NG's still and that Bela needs it out. I fullheartedly agree!! So out with the old, in with the new. I'm a little bit nervous about anesthesia and the ventilator, but this will be so good for Bela (and for us and our sanity), that I am more relieved than nervous. We should just be there overnight and home the next day.. that's the plan anyway!