An everyday moment turned into a special moment

When Lauren came home from the hospital and was still a little bitty thing, I put all her micro-preemie clothes in a special little box. The size of the clothes is about the size of doll clothes and I had hopes that one day she would be like every other little girl and want to dress-up her baby. Although Lauren prefers to take doll clothes off rather than dress them, I thought it would be fun to show her the box on this rainy afternoon. Of course she loved taking everything out of the box! Her favorite items were the hats and diapers. What got me choked up was the little doll she is holding in the picture. Volenteers made these and the purpose of them is for the mother and father to put them in thier shirts to pick up the parents scent. They would then put the cloth doll next to Lauren so she would smell us when we were not there. I can't tell you how often I had a doll down my shirt..trying to do everything we could to help her grow strong. Anyways.. I thought it was neat to watch Lauren play with all her clothes and it really made me realize what a great day it is!

Weekend away with college friends

Not this past weekend, but the weekend before, Steve and I spent a night away in Michagan City with all my college roomates. It was so much fun to be kid-free and chatching up with College friends. We stayed at a Holidome which was quite an experience!! Blast from the past. We also tryed eating at the Damons located in the hotel and that only took about two hours. Breakfast was even funnier.. There was one waiter and we were pretty sure he was also the cook (we should of learned our lesson from the night before). The girls did some shopping, the boys went to the casio and we all hung out in the "dome" for the rest of the evening- how could you ask for a better weekend? No really..thanks for putting this together girls.. I can't wait for next year! Robyn..thanks for being the only one to take pictures(oops)and next year we will have to get the group shot.

Labybug Invasion

Holloween 2007 was quite exciting for Lauren. She was trying to figure out why everyone was giving her candy and of course wanted to eat candy after we left each house(we were expecting this). She also loved handing out candy to the kids that came to our door, but each time she would try and keep one for herself. So although it was a fun day, mom and dad are glad it is over. Chloe just went with the flow- can't wait to see what happens next year...

A Surprise Pulled Off!

Saturday Night was my good friend Kelly Wilbraham's surprise 30th birthday party. It was at a very cool resturant downtown Chicago(Carnival) with great food and of course fun people!! We had a very good time and the best part was Kelly was surprised- we all know how you love surprises Kelly!!(Once again quality pictures by my camera.. It is so delayed I had to snap the picture before she entered the room and I missed the prime shot!!)

Here's to Lauren

Here's to Lauren...

Tonight we took some time to be very proud of our little miracle. Lauren was featured in a photo exhibit at Easter Seals of Du Page. She was one of Thirty kids chosen to be photographed and displayed in the building. This years theme was transitions and they thought Lauren was a perfect candidate since she has become a big sister. The photographer came to our house a week after Chloe was home.. This was quite an experience.. Thank goodness for my Mom!! Some of my family was able to come to the event which made it extra special. Easter Seals is where Lauren gets evaluated every 6 months to make sure she is on target for her age. So far she looks wonderful (we just had her 18 month corrected eval). She was going to physical therapy once a week to strengthen her stomach muscles and right shoulder but she is doing so well that she only goes once every three weeks since it is not affecting her in any way. She loves going to PT and playing with all the toys (In fact tonight she had a minor fit that she couldn't go play in "her" play room.) It is amazing to think that almost two years ago she was born only 2lbs 6oz and we had no idea what her future would hold. God has been amazing and truly blessed us!!

Mina Comes to Visit

Today we had a fun day visiting with my girlfriend Abby and her daughter Mina. They live in Montana so it is so nice to be able to spend some time together. It is really great seeing all the girls interact... each visit there seems to be less of an age gap. It is funny how life changes.. In the past when Abby was in town we would go out for lunch and talk for hours and now it is meeting up at a house in the midst of toys and talking about diapers and having babies!! The funny thing is, it is just as fun (Well, O.k... I'm sure we would both enjoy a quiet lunch!)