Giving Back Project

Here we are a week later, and I am just barely getting to sit down to right about our gift to the clinic. The entire week was a little bit emotional for Mark and I. It seems like another lifetime ago that we got the news that pulled the rug from beneath our feet. Those first few days were the worst, once we got into the "fight," things were so much better. We figured things out and the task at hand seemed less daunting--but those first few days in the hospital facing the unknown were just down right scary. Honestly, while the situation taught us so much, I would really rather leave it in the past and forget it ever happened. I don't like thinking about it. I want to tuck it away and leave it in a hidden corner. But--that is unfair, because we have a lot to be grateful for, and that is why we must do what we can to give back and to help others who are facing that rollercoaster ride. I think that is why Relay for Life is important. It shows people that they are not alone and that there is a fight out there collectively bigger than their own. If I were to boil things down, the goodness of others is what got us through our tough times. I wanted Mark and I to do a service, but I didn't want it to be about us. We appreciate all those that made this gift so special. I hope you feel like YOU made it happen and that YOU brought a smile to someone in need. I know Teton Oncology will put all the goods to good use and many patients will be blessed! I have already heard the valentines were a hit.

It was hard to get a good picture of the actual haul. We got some really amazing things, boxes full of toys! I packed things up pretty good, so pictures of the boxes really don't do it justice. We needed two vehicles to get the stash there. It was fun gathering everything up, I felt a little like Santa. Legos, Barbies, stuffed animals, coloring books, reading books, clay, play dough, dr play kits, cars, blocks, board games, activity centers, strollers, turtles, wooden dolls, ponies, a handmade train, movies, and the list goes on. I felt like a kid in a candy store and wanted to indulge in a few things myself. For the adults we got a portable dvd player, card games, and a good selection of dvds that I had a hard time not opening and watching before donating. I think the adults should sneak into the kids' room--nothing brings hope like being able to be a kid again, even if it is just a moment. We also got two boxes full of the cutest homemade valentines you ever did see, all with encouraging words to keep fighting, keep smiling, and to feel better. Words really can't express how fun it was to have such a wonderful response. Thank you!

The black bag is full of the cutest beanie babies and stuffed animals ever.

With our favorite nurse--one of our angels.

Paige is now two months old. She had her check-up Friday and she is still so tiny. We will have to do a weight check in a month to see if she can pack on the pounds a bit. She is in the 10th percentile for weight and 30th percentile for height and head. Paige weighed in at 9 lbs 3 oz. She eats pretty good, so I am not too worried, but we will do our best to plump her up. If you have been lucky enough to be around her, you know that Paige isn't much of a crier. She must have anticipated her vaccinations because she wailed through the appointment. When the nurse stuck her, the mouth gaped and the head turned a deep shade of red--but no sound. After 10 seconds of catching her breath, Paige ripped out a scream heard around the world. She has since replicated that sound a few times. The newborn cry is officially gone, she learned how to really let it out. I guess she discovered she can make a ruckus. She hasn't been herself since, makes me so sad! She has slept a lot, but when not sleeping she screams (really, she does). It took awhile before I could even get her to eat again. I hope she gets back to her happy and content self soon so I feel less terrible about the whole ordeal. Paige LOVES her daddy and he was the only one that could calm her down. She is such a cheater. He has never even changed a poopy bum. I guess he did promise her my horse, a puppy, and anything else she wants. Mark told me that is the key--promise her good things. Here I thought it was the singing, reading stories, silly faces, night feedings, poopy bum changes, oh well! I love her dad too:)

In her cute Valentine's Day outfit

Too cute! She loves to have her hands in the air, I swaddled her up tight, but this little fist worked loose.

8 Weeks

My little girl is 8 weeks old today. I still find it strange that I have no idea whether it is Monday or Thursday and time has little meaning, yet it flies so fast. I sometimes become sad seeing time go by because there is something so special about that newborn stage....but then I remember falling asleep brushing my teeth and I realize that having a resemblance of a routine and a baby that sleeps through the night on occasion isn't so bad either.

Paige is so fun. She smiles now--mostly at other people, but I sneak a peek when she thinks I am not looking. She is working on holding her head up and does really well. Her little legs are super strong and she pushes off things like crazy. I hope this means she is dying to be a soccer player rather than a cheerleader, no offense to our spirited folk out there, I can only relate to one side of the spectrum. I am impressed with my concern over her attire. Observing mine, you would not guess I would be excited about dressing a little girl and matching headbands to her outfits, but it really is fun. My OCD matching fetish is in overdrive. I think on a small body when all wardrobe pieces are in close proximity, it intensifies the situation. Paige and I aren't morning people, well, she is, but I am not. I find there is nothing harder than to wake up at 8. Once up, I find it even harder to get ready for the day. Please no visitors before noon, you will find us girls in our pajamas and no make up. Paige's complexion can handle that, mine can not. Our hair is both wild, but the look looks good on her. Same goes for the thighs. It seems rather unfair her chubby ones are considered cute but are unflattering on the older generations.

One year ago today Mark and I spent the entire day working on our online profile. Last year, the 11th was Thursday and Mark came in at 3 am to tell me he was sick. Tonight, I watched him feed horses and throw hay bales around while Paige and I sat in the truck. What a difference a year makes. I have never been so afraid in my life, and now I couldn't be more grateful. Life still has its challenges--they are just different now. We have learned that challenges are what teaches us. I suppose if I was smarter, I would catch on quicker and learn from hearsay....oh well, as long as I learn.

Relay for Life was AMAZING! We had such a great turnout and the donation table was full. I can't wait to present the gift on Friday. I think the clinic will be overjoyed. Even during tough times, people are good and people are generous. I love to feel strength from our community and our friends. The cancer family is strong and though it isn't a club I would have signed up for, it isn't a bad one to be involved with. I don't think we could have done this without the support. It felt great to feel that again, but this time around it was much more positive and uplifting. Mark did a great job speaking. I know he was nervous and concerned about what to say--but he was his usual people person self. Look forward to a post about our project results and pictures.

For now, enjoy some pictures of my cute baby girl:)

I like when babies wear adult clothing like cardigans and truly become little people. I find it amusing. She later smeared poop all over this outfit--not grown up behavior. We will work on that.

Rockin the hood, we have room to grow in this one. She likes to wear this and bump it in the car seat. Of course only to clean and edited songs.

You work to get her asleep, and then you work to keep her up to feed. This is after a failed feeding--just too much work being a baby. She seems so big to me, til I see her with Mark and then she is still my sweet lil baby!

This is the face I get when she doesn't agree with my accessorizing. Apparently she isn't a huge fan of the hat. This doesn't even look like her to me, who is this angry baby?

Trying to get the first captured smile, a tall order when there is a three second delay from when you push the button and the camera takes the picture. Too cheap to get a new camera.

And pretty much the end of the smile, but its close!

Just think this is funny and terribly cute. Mark will love that I put this on here, he was really prepared for the picture taking. I love how he comes home from work, washes his hands, and can't wait to pick up Paige. She is a daddy's girl despite my reasonings with her (i.e. I change poopy bums, do night feedings, spend every waking moment etc...). Oh well, I guess I like him too so I really can't get too mad. Paige rarely reasons with me and we have yet to see eye to eye on some things. I think she is preparing me for her later years.