The Long and Winding Road

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Things are looking good...

Well, Sophie made it through the surgery like a champ, but then we expected nothing less! The good news is the preliminary evaluation of the tumor indicated that it is a ganglio neuroma - that's a benign tumor - woo hoo! There are additional tests to the samples that were taken that will show if the tumor exhibits any signs that it could mature into something more serious in the future. We won't, however, have these results until late next week. Right now we are cautiously optimistic.

Tonight, Sophie is resting comfortably and has started to drink and even take in a little apple sauce. These are all good signs of a progressive recovery. Thanks so very much for your continued thoughts and prayers! They are working!!! I'll post more pics soon! Check back for an update tomorrow!

Monday, June 26, 2006

It's funny how life can change...

What an interesting coincidence... On the day of the last post, we started our current journey. On that day we saw the pediatrician to see why our little Sophie was having problems with balance. The week before, she began falling frequently at at daycare, six instances serious enough to require incident reports. We thought we would hear that she had an ear infection or some other mundane affliction that would soon pass. That was not the case at all. On the contrary, her ears were clear, as were her lungs and all other vitals were normal. But still she could barely take a step without requiring a lunge to her rescue.

The Doctor referred us to a neurologist. That was the beginning of the nightmare.

Here we are, two months later, and we are seeing an oncologist. Not for the initially feared brain tumor, but a more inocuous, yet still menacing tumor in her abdomen. As if that weren't enough, any affliction that could find her small body in the past several weeks has. From a bout with lice - we thankfully avoided a major family breakout with diligence and hard work cleaning and quarantining just about everything she touched that week - to a life-threatening case of croup that brings us to this past week and a 4-day jaunt at the GUH PICU.

Today, joyfully, Sophie is happy and giggly - keeping the spirits of the family up with her latest antics. The photo says it all...

Sophie's self costuming creates a nice cross between Aunt Jemima and a tavern wench! Cute and crazy! That's our baby!

Monday, April 24, 2006

Our Batty Bathing Beauty!

Okay, I said she was goofy, but this is Sophie's best shot yet! She's going to be a performer, just like her big brother. Enjoy this pic, there is sure to be more of Sophie and Zach's antics to follow!

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Yummy, yummy, yummy...

Sophie's got cereal in her tummy! Mmmmmm! She's quite good with the spoon, but still makes a mess. Some day's she even eats better than her big brother. A ver particular child, don't even think about taking something out or her bwol or off her plate to make life easier. No siree, she is determined to play her cards the way they land. Sophie is very different than he brother. It's amazing to see the range of personality between them. They have so much in common, yet see the world though very different eyes. It is a wonderful blessing to enjoy each and every day!

Zach and Sophie are having a blast in the play room! They love getting into all of the toys and making a mess. Now were working on clean-up strategies - either that or getting rid of a bunch of toys! Zach couldn't love this baby girl more, he just loves to give her higs and kisses and show her how to play with stuff. He's a great big brother!

Put on a Happy face...

Sophie is the master of the goofy face! What a goof!

Ahhh to be five...

In February, Zach turned the ripe old age of five. He's sucha big boy now. He had a dance party with all of his friends - what a blast!

Winter Wonderland...

The neighborhood was beautiful like a delicate dessert topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar! Delightful!

Frozen Delight

Sophie thought the snow was a great big desert and kept eating it! Mmmmm!

For the first time in many years we weren't on vacation when the big snow hit! Zach had a blast playing with his friends!

Here's the family with the dastardly Captain Hook! The picture was great, but the Capt. and Mommy had a bit of a squabble over tinkerbell on her shirt! All in fun!

Up above the world so high...

Here she is at the top of her world!

Like a diamond in the sky...

While in Disney's Magic Kingdom, Sophie had a magical time hanging out on Daddy's shoulders! Against the backdrop of the beautiful clears sky she is like an angel!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Cute as a Bug!

Sophie's first real Halloween was a blast! She 'walked' for blocks, 'pushing' the stroller. She didn't get any candy, but then she's already sweet enough!