Happy Gotcha Day Lily!

Lily,
Two years ago today we walked into the civil affairs office in the morning and saw your beautiful face for the first time.  You were so sweet and I can remember the day as though it were yesterday.  I remember what you smelled like, how you took everything in and never once cried.  It was truly an amazing day and one that I will never ever forget.  You have come such a long way in 2 years.  You have grown and changed by leaps and bounds.  You make me laugh every day with your witty personality.  I love you Lily bear more than you will ever be able to imagine and I can't wait to see what this next year holds for you. 
Mommy

Gotcha day was a little different for us this year.  I wasn't able to do the traditional things that I did last year and will continue to do, but it was a great day anyway.  We left for the beach this morning and so everything was rushed this morning and after a day in the car and then the ferry, by the time we got to our condo here there was much to do.  We had to get unpacked, dinner cooked and kids bathed and in bed.  I plan to spend some time while we are here and celebrate this day with her....to talk about what this day is all about and how special it is and how special she is.  This day is precious to us, a day that we longed for, a day that deserves special attention - a CELEBRATION!

Liam's Diagnosis....

The surgeon called this morning around 10:00 with the news that Liam does indeed have Hirschsprungs Disease.  I can tell you that this was not the news we were hoping and praying for.  After two barium enemas and two biopsy's the results were clear....hirschsprungs!  We will be waiting to schedule his surgery until the end of July due to our family trip to Daufuskie Island and Fred's mission trip to Bolivia. 
The surgery will be done in either one part or two parts.  Depending on the size of Liam's colon when the surgeon goes in with a scope prior to the procedure being started - will determine whether it is done in one part (no colostomy bag) or two part (colostomy bag for 8 weeks).  He said to prepare for the two part to be done, but if he can do it in one surgery he will - but not at the risk of complications afterwards. 
So, for now I will turn my attention to my niece's, Olivia, upcoming surgery on Monday for a tethered cord (www.dawnandguyfisher.blogspot.com) and then enjoy the time with my family later next week as we leave for the beach. 
On another note, Morgan has been having a blast at horse camp the last two weeks.  She is helping out with the camps, not actually attending.  She went with her instructor to get a new pony this week named Mia.  I think Morgan is in love!  Mia seems to be very sweet, mild manured and loves attention - which Morgan loves to give her.  Of course, she doesn't want anyone else to ride her, but that is something she is going to have to get over.  After all, it is not Morgan's horse even though she says "Mia's hers".  Here are some pictures that Morgan has taken during camps this week at the barn!
I think she is a great photographer.

MIA!!!

                                                

And this one has nothing to do with the barn....just loved it!  SISTERS

This litte one....

Took these....

Out of this...

And scattered them all over the house!  Can I not have 5 minutes to myself?  If he can take it apart and throw it (or even just throw it) - HE DOES!!!

Oh, the joys of parenting.

Lady A

Saturday night Fred and I went to see Lady Antebellum in concert. Their headliners were Darius Rucker and Thompson Square. All three were amazing. Loved that Darius Rucker sang some Hootie and the Blowfish songs (and a Prince song, can you believe it?)!!! We had such a great time!!! We had backstage passes to meet the band and get a photo. Literally, that was all it was....you move quickly through the line of people - take a photo - and you are on your way. But hey, we got a souvenir out of it right?!?!? The weather was fabulous for an outdoor concert and our seats were great. Just spending quality time with my husband, well that's priceless. Here are some pictures from the concert....

My Little Guy..

My little guy will undergo another barium enema tomorrow morning.  Today we are focusing on getting him cleaned out.  That means a day full of clear liquids and Miralax every hour.  We heard back from the surgeon last week and according to the pathologist the tissue sample that was taken during the biopsy was inadequate.  The original surgeon apparently took a sample too close to the rectum and therefore the results would be inconclusive.  So, for now we will redo the barium enema with a cleaned out colon and go from there.  Our current surgeon seems to believe that according to Liam's current condition, he does not have Hirschsprungs.  I will remain hopeful that is the case! 
A lot of mixed emotions right now, but will save that for a later post.  Right now I need to focus on my little guy and getting through the next couple of days.

End of a Season - Gymnastics

Lily has been taking gymnastics since last year in the mom and tot class. I have to say that in the beginning it was tough! Keeping her attention and focus on what she was supposed to be doing was hard. I almost threw in the towel. I have to say, I am so glad that I didn't. She has grown by leaps and bounds over the last year and 1/2 and absolutely loves going to gymnastics. When Liam came home in January, I put him in her class and he has enjoyed it as well. He reminds me of how she was in the beginning, with a very little attention span and wanting to run all over the place. Lily has become very independent and so I am able to pay close attention to Liam. Lily will be on her own in the fall....no mama to keep an eye on her. She will move up to the 3 year old class and be mama free. I think she will do well. So for now we take a break for the summer and look forward to starting back up in the fall. Here are some pictures from their last day!

Lily & Olivia

Lily, Olivia & Grace

The Class

Lily, Olivia & Grace

Lily, Braelyn, Grace & Olivia.  Check out the muscles in Lily's legs. Crazy right?

Thanks to Dawn and Cortney for the pictures.  The camera on my phone just didn't do the job that day!