Our Perfect Gift: Peyton Grace

And now, making her debut, is the beautiful and perfect Peyton Grace.  She was born on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 8:37 a.m.  She weighed 6 lbs 8 oz, and she was 19 in. long.  She did struggle with her breathing a little, so she spent her first 24 hours in the nursery, which was a bit hard on this mommy, but I knew she was where she needed to be.  Once I was able to get up and walk (in the middle of the night), I went down to visit her every 2 hours.  The girls and I are completely head over heels in love with her, and we couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift!  I can't believe she's almost 2 weeks old and I haven't posted pictures yet, but in my defense, I HAVE been a little busy! :0)

Well, without further ado, here she is...

Striving to Walk

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Our Hero...

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Cast off, Cast on

If you read our other blog, you may already know about our day on Monday.  Other than being long and hectic, it was quite disappointing for Taylor.  She went to Children's with the belief that she would be getting her cast off.  Well, she did get her cast off, but she also got a new one put on.  She will not be able to get out of the new cast until a special brace is made for her foot.  Her transferred tendon needs to be protected for at least three months, but thankfully the doctor knows what torture it is for a kid to be in a cast for that long.  However, if her brace doesn't get done quickly, she could be in the cast for the entire time anyway.  We'll see.  I've been on the phone every day this week trying to convince everyone to hurry, but so far I haven't gotten very far.  Anyway, I promised to post photos of Taylor's foot, with and without the button.  If you're not a big fan of surgical sights, you may not want to look.  Also, I apologize for the pics.  They were taken on my phone, as I forgot my camera.  And, my phone was literally about to die.

Here is the last photo with her red cast.  You can see the lines where they already cut it.

Here is the button that was sewn to the bottom of her foot.  It was attached to the tendon that was transferred, holding it in place.  The other white stuff is just the padding from the cast.

One view of the incisions.  You can see how atrophied her leg is.  I should have put her left leg next to it so you could see the difference.

The bottom of her foot without the button.  You can see the indent, but you can't see how deep it was.  The bump on the outside of her foot is actually smaller than it was before.  We're hoping the surgery will help to correct that eventually.

The new pink cast.  She really didn't want to smile, but I somehow made her laugh.  She's such a trooper!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!  We spent some time on Sunday filling out cards for the girls to give to their classmates.  They are extremely excited about this day that is dedicated to expressing our love for others.  While we do our very best to express our love every day, there is nothing wrong with a little reminder once in awhile!  However, one thing we have learned while on this journey with our children is that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow; live each day to its fullest, and always give as much love as you possibly can.  Don't hold back or hesitate when you want to express your feelings, because you may never have another opportunity.

And now I will share with you the gift my amazing husband sent.  It's beautiful and delicious!  Thank you, Sweetheart!  Happy Valentine's Day!

We want to wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!  We hope you know how much we appreciate all of your love and support over the years!  Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!!

Kevin's Promotion Ceremony

On February 1st, we had the honor and absolute privilege of attending and participating in Kevin's promotion ceremony.  This was his last promotion, as he has reached the highest enlisted rank possible in the Marine Corps.  He is now a Master Gunnery Sergeant, and only the sixth person in his position to make it to that rank in his unit (ever).  Initially, he didn't want to make a big deal about it, but as everyone else got excited, it helped him to see that it was a REALLY big deal!  His former Colonel flew in from out of state in order to promote him, and many invitations were sent out.  I cannot even begin to describe how very proud I am of him!!  He truly deserved the promotion and the recognition for all of his dedication and hard work he has put in to his unit and the Marine Corps.  He leaves the house by 4-4:30 a.m. every morning, and he doesn't get home until 9 p.m. most nights.  He is there for his Marines at all times, day or night, and he's definitely a father-figure to many of them.  They are extremely lucky to have him for a leader, confidant, and friend.  I got choked up as I listened to people talk about him, and he really brought tears to my eyes as he spoke to all of us.  K.J. and I were even able to go up to the front to pin on his new rank, which meant everything to us.  After the ceremony, when all of the guests and most of his unit came up to congratulate him, I could see how much he is loved and respected, but I can guarantee by no one so much as me.  I am thankful each and every day to be able to love, and be loved, by this man.  He is my heart and soul, and I am blessed beyond measure to have him in my life.  Kevin, congratulations on your promotion.  Remember that I will stand by you and support you in all that you do!  I love you more than you could ever imagine!  :0)

Here are a few photos from our day...

Taylor's Surgery

Taylor had her surgery on Friday, January 28th.  Here are a few photos from the day.

Pre-surgery in Grandma Terry's office

Immediately after being wheeled to the recovery room.  Jade was very worried about her sister.

The red cast

Very cool and soothing fiber optics, bubbling water and music machine.

Hanging out in Recovery

Jade on the "comfy" couch.  She was SO EXCITED to have a slumber party at the hospital.

Taylor was not as thrilled to stay, but she gave me a smile anyway.

Out like a light

So "lucky" to be awake in time to see the sun rise. Gotta love hospital life!

Learning to use the crutches.  What a champ!

Blog design

O.k., apparently I've lost my ability to correctly put a photo up on the top of our blog page.  Honestly, I'm doing it the same way I always do, but it's just not working today.  I'll keep trying, but I don't have time to spend on this little project right now.  This is a busy week for us.  I'll try to update our other blog to tell you what we have going on. 

We hope you all have a great week!