The Longest Day!

Yesterday had to be the longest day ever. I hate to say that because we still have a couple more days before Mike gets here. I typed a really long, random thoughts email yesterday and lost it. Maybe I shared some things I shouldn't have or things ya'll wouldn't have wanted to read. So here goes again. Hopefully I will forget what should not have been added. This is not going to flow because these thoughts are just kinda all over the place.

Usually I don't see the girls disabilities. I go through the day celebrating their abilities. Yesterday though several times their disabilities overwhelmed me. I don't know if it's because of the increase in strength of Michala's seizures, that I am just worn out or allowing my focus to stray. Whatever they reason I knew it meant I had to pray harder and remember my purpose. That's one of the reasons I miss Mike so much. It's not so much the physical help that he is, even though he is. It's more emotional. He is the one that reminds me that God brought us all together as a family because it works. It's perfect. Some times different and a little off but always perfect. I told someone recently that we are like a puzzle, a piece is missing right now and without him we are not complete.

I wish I had taken a picture of what we saw out our window the first day we got here. This morning when I looked out the window I saw signs of spring. The trees are blooming. There is beautiful color showing up. It's neat to have sat here and watched God paint them. So many times I rush through the days at home and miss the colors as they come.

Victoria explained the Relay awards so I am copying what she sent me so I can share it with ya'll. Congratulations to your team and team members who did wonderfully with Relay. I am so proud of your entire group because you show the true spirit of giving. When your family and friends could just say " not this year" because of you and Michala not being there, they didn't - they came and gave from the heart. Your sister is a wonderful lady who worked to take your place because she knows how much this event means to you and how much it means to your entire team - that love of Relay we see every year during Relay season - so with all that said - the Spirit of Relay had to be Miles for Michala - the spirit of hope and heart is with you and your entire team. Keith won Heart and Soul of Relay because he works so hard every year helping not just your team but others around him - a nd that is what the Heart of Relay is all about. so Thank you again for inspiring others to continue with your team - We missed you and the family- but Mike was there to carry on your light of Hope!!
Once again I am so proud of everyone. I cannot thank ya'll enough for making it happen! The committee is like family to me and I have missed them so much this year. The other teams are amazing with their dedication and love for Relay. To see our family and friends pitch in and get it done this year meant so much. Thank you!!! One of the sweetest things I heard recently was from my sister. Debbie said she was sorry she had never helped me with this. That meant the world to me to hear. Not because she realized how much work it was but she realized why it was so special to me.

Yesterday ended up being a full day so I am not sure why it seemed so long. We worked on Marlee Anne's birthday invitations (everyone is invited to Iowa). I did some scrapbooking. I fed everyone at least 4 times, some more than that. LOL!!! Changed at least 15 diapers. That left not quite enough time for all the hugs, kisses and laughs that we needed to get through the day.

A good bit of our day was spent opening the most amazing package from one of Michala's Aicardi sisters. It was packed! The box was decorated wonderfully. It even had a sticker on it that said I can do anything, I am a mom. Too perfect for yesterday. Just what I needed to be reminded of. There was candy, sea shells from Florida, books, books and more books. They were wonderful ones that the girls loved. We all really are enjoying those. A coloring book and crayons. Wipes for Abe and socks for everyone. Marlee Anne got a laptop desk and a magic towel. Oh and I got some wonderful bath stuff. We also got some beautiful pictures drawn by a special needs class. I am sure I am leaving something out cause that box was really pack. It came at just the right time.

Speaking of Marlee Anne's birthday, she did ask what we would do here for her birthday. I told her we would call her friend at Texas Roadhouse and meet her there to eat. We could go to the Children's Museum or whatever she wanted to do. She said wow this is going to be the best birthday ever. To be such a diva and drama queen she can really be a sweet, thankful and caring little girl. I am thankful that she is good to go with the flow.

She comes up with anything anytime. Sometimes I forget that she is only 5 years old. Out of the blue she said mommie you know we are the specialist family. I hesitated and say oh really, why is that. She said because we are all famous. Once again I hesitated but did ask why. She said well Abe was in the Iowa City paper. She said she was in the Acorn Park (she has not adjusted to the name change yet, she is trying to get used to Chimney Park) video. Mary Elizabeth because she is the best singer in the world. Michala because she can eat paper (I will explain that one later on for those that don't know). Mike because he works for Newton County Water and MAKES (her word) water for everybody. Me because I thought up the park (she thinks I am so smart, may she never find out the truth!). I am still not sure why she says that. So there you have it why we are the specialist family. LOL!!!

OK Michala and her paper eating. We really do feed her real food. You know I told ya'll she loves magazines. She loves flipping through them, tearing the pages, hearing it rip and yes eating the paper. She would just chew on it forever until we caught her. We are constantly taking paper out of her mouth. Marlee Anne asked if she could have some chewing gum cause she chews the paper so good.

I forgot to explain more about Abe's feet and the change with the treatment. When Dr. Ponseti looked at his feet and saw that the crease was all the way across his foot now he said he would have to do something different. Mainly with the direction he was stretching it. He said that this was rare to happen, like 1 in 1,000. Imagine that! Something rare in our family. LOL!!! So instead of continuing to stretch it sideways he has started to stretch it upwards. That's the reason for the painful treatment now.
Abe seems more uncomfortable than usual from his cast. We have been trying to find different ways for him to sit up or lay.

Well our plans today include lots of the same from yesterday. We are going down the hall to the library to watch a movie later today. We will pop some popcorn too. It will help to get out of the room for a little while.

I think I have rambled enough for now. If you are still with me through this thanks for hanging in there. Hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend so far. Have a blessed day!