Helpers 4 Haiti

http://www.helpers4haiti.org/

I was on a girl's blog that I follow this morning, and I came across this site. Her little girl was also born with ABS and she is a little older than Maddie. I enjoy following her blog to see all the awesome things she does!

This site was created to help out kids in need who need prosthetics, but can't afford them. If you have old prosthetics laying around, please donate them and give life to another child in need. With your donation, a child could walk for the first time, and just make life a little easier. Whether it is an upper or lower limb, you can help! How cool would that be!

Did any of you see the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Episode with the family who had a couple kids born with ABS? Thislittle girl on the show touched me so much. She didn't have any legs, and only one hand. She was the most fun spirited joyful little girl EVER. She was such an incredible little child with such a giving heart. She did everything, and was even an amazing surfer! Completely fearless and never letting anything hold her back. It was awesome to watch and during the show as she donated her prosthetics to help children in Haiti. She was crying as she saw the little girl she helped walked for the first time ever. That was such a touching moment.

take a look at this video. If I was more computer savy I would be able to have the video right on my blog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPY8Y6oxeHM&feature=PlayList&p=A5F9113B334FC37C&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=185

Suburban Life:):):)

Maddie loves going for wagon rides:)
She loves music too!
Maddie and Gavin checking out the fish at the library


Maddie kept giving Gavin multiple kisses on the cheek. I think she likes him:o)

We are loving the suburban life and there is so much more for Maddie to do. (AND ME) She is continuing to stand by herself and occasionally will take a couple steps. She is babbling a lot more and trying to copy everything I say. I am really thankful to be home with her so I don't miss any of her developmental milestones! We are excited to start up a lot of classes that Elmhurst offers. It's really nice to be busy with her every day and keep her stimulated:o)

Have a good week!!! I can't believe the heat wave we are having!

A good reminder

I have been having a lot of anxious thoughts and feeling very tense lately. I worry about a lot of things, and it comes out physically by having headaches and neck aches. I have a tendency to internalize things, and a big one is not spending enough time with the Lord in prayer. I notice at night I lay in bed and worry about Maddie or other things that I shouldn't be worried about. Sometimes I wonder how she will do certain things as she gets older, and look way to far ahead into her future. I do feel sad sometimes, but then I just have to remember to have faith. As I was doing my devotions today I read this, which was also the verse I had plastered all over the hospital walls. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10


With all of this said, I would not change Maddie for who she is because she is perfect. My faith is constantly being tested and a good reminder that she is God's child and I am not in control, but HE is. I am still learning how to completely trust him and give all my worries and concerns to Him with EVERYTHING in my life. I have always found this to be hard. It is very tempting to fall into the pit of despair and worry, But a good reminder to "Be still and know that he is God."

I'll end with this..."I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord...Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let you heart take courage." (Psalm 27:13)

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you.

Kids say the funniest things...:o)

I had already put this on facebook, but wanted to share with the rest of you who don't have a facebook page.

Later this afternoon I was out in the back of our house with Maddie, a neighbor, her baby, and 3 boys all 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 yrs old. Let me inform you that these boys are obsessed with Star Wars. We were all sitting on someone's driveway and Maddie kept scooting over to the boys wanting to play with them. She's a flirt:o) One of the boys said, "why doesn't Maddie have a hand?" I just went on to tell him that's how she was born. He thought for a few seconds, and said, "COOOOOOL!!! She is just like Anikan Skywalker from Star Wars except she's a girl." All 3 of them went on, and on, and on, about how cool it was that she was like one of the characters on star wars. Too cute.

I thought this was a really cute and encouraging story of how kids react, so I wanted to share it with you.

It's not too long before she's on the move!

Some updates on Maddie. She is pulling to stand all the time and cruising around furniture. She has been doing a lot of standing on her own, so I bet she will be walking in a month or so. Here is a picture I snapped today of her standing.

Here is another pic of when she was only 2 months. Mighty strong right from the start:o)


At this age they are such sponges and pick up on everything. She is saying a lot more words. Bob and I were gone last weekend at a wedding, and my parents were here at our house watching Maddie. When we got home her new words were egg and Balloon. She points to the balloon and says "boon" So cute:o) She also waves and says hi all the time. Even when the doorbell or phone rings she waves. She is a very friendly little one with so much personality.

I just like to give short little updates on how she is doing and what she is up too. You are all so kind even still continuing to pray for Maddie. I get the nicest emails and facebook messages from people who pray for Maddie every night. I want to say thank you so much. She is such a blessing and bring us constant JOY.

Here is one more cute photo I had to share. I'll quickly explain. She has this little tiny kitchen set that came with an egg. She loves to carry this egg around everywhere and apparently even likes to stick it on the end of her arm! I was cracking up when I saw her scooting around the house with an egg on the end of her arm.

What were we thinking getting a prosthetic? Apparently wearing an egg is much more fashionable!!
And she's off!
She is such a character. Have a good weekend everyone! And a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to ALL WHO ARE MOTHER'S!