Labor Day

This weekend was busy, busy, busy. We planned on going to First Friday (art gallery's in lancaster all open up and have wine and cheese on the first friday of each month) but Ernesto rained us out so instead John, Chris and Will came to our house. Saturday we had a much needed family day. Sunday my parents came so James and I could go to a wedding in Maryland. But Saturday night was really hard with Alivia and both James and I couldn't imagine spending 4 hours (total) in the car. We hated to miss the wedding but the stress is really starting to get to us and driving a long distance seemed like a really bad idea. Instead my parents watched Alivia and we went to some local cook-outs that friends were having. It was so relaxing and a nice time for James and I to be together. Since Alivia has been sick we have only ever gone out alone one other time. Getting a babysitter just isn't possible. The list of medical things that someone would have to be aware of is so huge and we would be a nervous wreck the whole time we were out. So unless my parents (who have been around for most of the doc visits and know what to look for) are here we aren't at all comfortable leaving her at home. Thus we never go anywhere without her. It actually is nice to have her along and we miss her so much when she isn't with us. That and she's so well behaved when we are out and about it makes it a joy to take her with us. Anyway...than Monday we had a picnic at our house. About 25 people showed up and it was a really nice time. Thanks to Neil and Jess for driving so far to come visit. We miss you guys when we dont' see you.

It is getting harder and harder for me. I am drained and tired. It is painfully obvious that Alivia is not developing normally. Yesterday there were 4 kids all younger than Livi at the picnic. All four of them are walking or close to it and next to them it is obvious how huge Alivia's stomach is. I guess I'm so used to seeing it that I don't realize how big it is. I find myself crying much more than I used to. I can't believe this has been going on for almost 5 months. Its the longest, hardest 5 months I have lived through. Right when I was starting to get all down and sad yesterday the coolest thing happened. Alivia stood all by herself. Not by accident or without realizing it but on purpose and repeatedly. It was so cute how proud she was of herself. And she did it again today. I love her so much.

Here is a cute pic from today. I put her in her crib and put all the stuffed animals she owns in with her. She had a blast throwing them around, hugging them, kissing them and doing her little wiggly dance. What a sweet time.




Thanks for all the thank you cards. I think a few more might trickle in tomorrow. I am so excited to give them to the nurses Thursday.
Thanks to Erin Wallwork, Beth Mellinger, Anya Stolzfus, Tina Lapp, Lori Kohl, Denise Teaman, Jamie Sentz, The Bumbarger Family, Rochelle and Brielle King, Julie Duffee and her Horace Mann 4th Graders...Amazing.

Here is the tally-
Janiece- 52
Holly- 52
Lois- 56
Chris- 57
Cindy- 54
Carol- 55
Joanne- 52
Maritza- 54
Denise- 51

I can honestly say I never expected to collect this many notes. I thought that each person would write one and so I would get a hundred or so. But I am overwhelmed with how many people wrote 1, 3 or 9. It is so great and means more to me than you can imagine.