Wednesday, August 28, 2013

I Have a Dream


So many years ago, yet still...simply amazing.


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Happy Camper
















Um, Mama with working digits...are you going to help me, or not?




Aviana had such a big smile as we were opening this box. I should have taken a picture from below, because her little teeth were showing...it was so cute.




















Monday, August 19, 2013

You Say It's Your Birthday

Back when progress was the name of the game, I used to live this life with expectations. Once that ship sailed, it took with it the life of expectation (within reason of course). And I don't just mean with Aviana, it crosses over into many areas of my life. I have to say, a life without them - is a much better life to live.

This birthday, her seventh, was by far the best. I realize it was because in the past, I placed expectations all over her, and the day. Poor girl didn't deserve that. Early on, I was comparing her birthdays of the past to her birthdays as they are now. As we dragged her through therapy, I assessed her with each passing birthday. I compared what she couldn't do with what she could before, and even what the other kids we saw every six months were doing.  After accepting Aviana for who she is, life got much better. Of course, the sadness for what is still finds its way. I really should try and separate what I mean sometime...to clarify. But for now, I will say, while (for many reasons) there were some difficult moments leading up to her birthday...there was really no grief or sadness to shelve on her actual day.

We didn't necessarily plan, and ended up having a really great day. We decided to take her to the zoo, and then to Farrell's. She was only kind of into the zoo at first, but that was okay, just as long as she was out and about...that's what mattered. I thought she would like meeting the giraffes, but she didn't really have any reaction. Years ago, I would have been crushed...not anymore. Now, we just move onto the next. I then thought she would love the carousel, not the sitting on our laps in the seat part, but the actual riding an animal, up and down, wind in your hair action. And she did! She loved it! Her face softened. Her eyes got big, and lit up! She was lifting her head! That's the reaction we were looking for. It takes time to find what she likes, but when you do...you do. So, we rode a few times! After that, everything else at the zoo was boring to her...so we left in hopes of finding something else.

What else makes this girl happy inside? Strawberry milkshakes and a birthday song from the fine people at Farrell's. She wasn't even interested in the sundae once they exited stage left. She kept looking in their vacant direction, her eyes pleading "come back please...it's still my birthday. I have cute hair to offer you."

Have I told you lately how in love I am with all of our family, friends and everyone who wished Aviana a Happy Day? It's all of you who help pull me through time and again. I am so appreciative. This year, Aviana had the most reaction she's ever had to every present that found its way to her from each person. She loved every moment of the opening process. For a girl who doesn't react to much, it was obvious...her 7th birthday was her favorite birthday since the accident.



She wasn't wild about this beautiful boy, but he was the highlight of my life!!













Aviana looks like she's saying, "Lions and Tigers and Bears...b-o-r-i-n-g!!"




She was still bored at this point, before it moved.

"Eh, what's this thing do?"




The video doesn't do her love for the ride any justice because I'm not good at filming, I got in trouble, and then I ran out of room on my phone : / But I tried...




Do you remember Farrell's?




I've got my eye on you! 

Come here.








Milkshake Break!




Stretch it out girl...there's more coming!










My favorite.




Happy Birthday Ariana!! ; )




Come back...please!!




Forget the sundae Daddy. Use your words and get them back...please. 




Okay...I guess I'll settle for the sundae.

I'll be back with the present post...

Friday, August 16, 2013

Words Can Never Say...

How much this little girl means to us...on her birthday, and everyday of her life.





For me, Aviana's birthday is always the hardest day of the year. Some of the days leading up to, and today are always filled with a mixture of both ultimate love and great sadness. 

Thankfully, Dave always takes the day off so we can celebrate together. So today, that's what we'll do. I try to push aside, or hide my grief and celebrate two - Aviana's birth mother...for giving us this perfect, little girl and of course, Aviana! 

Happy Birthday Love.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Aviana's New Ride

We had to rush home from Ride to Walk the other day because Aviana's new wheels were finally being delivered.



This was her first go 'round in them...



This is better : )




She fell asleep right after the video...




The chair is an absolute beast, but in the special needs realm it does some amazing things, and will allow her to be much more involved with us. We stopped putting her on the bean bag we bought once her doctor got into her head last year and told us her bones are much like shale stone. This chair will allow us to once again have her up close and personal with us in the kitchen again.








She's got the looks that kill! Okay, I'll stop taking pictures...




At least ones you know of ; )




The new chair is great, because someone else always seems to be using her other one!! 
My dad got this Tin Man for me, which he also makes and sells now : ) But anyway, one night I came home from having dinner out with some friends and who was lounging so casually in Aviana's chair? I couldn't stop laughing!!