For the Love of Ivey

So, I did it. At five thirty Wednesday morning, I was up leaning over a crib singing Happy Birthday to a sleeping baby who had no idea that I was there, which is as it should be. That is when it happened. God gave me one answer to one of the million questions that I have. I found the reason for my unanswered prayer. This past week I relived every moment of one year ago. It started with what I was doing the days before she was born, what I did the night before she was born, the start of labor, the trip to the hospital, the delivery room and her birth. Then at five thirty in the morning, it all stopped. There were no more memories to relive. At that moment all I had was right then - that moment - no past and no future - there was only pure happiness and relief. A burden instantly lifted. The hard year ended. So my birthday princess had one great day of celebrating. The grandparents came over for lunch. The boys gave Ivey presents that they picked out all on their own for her. And wouldn’...

HaPpY bIrThDaY I V E Y E L I Z A B E T H On the morning she was born the Angels sang. The sun came up on a whole new world. God smiled. One year later He is grinning!

Two weeks ago Knox asked me to tell him about when he was a baby. He continues to ask daily and I continue to tell him, each time I can remember a little more that I had somehow forgotten. He wants to know about being in my belly down and when he was born. It fascinates him. I like telling him his story-it makes us both smile. I would be lying if I said that the past two weeks have been anything but perfect. Maybe that is why I have been so hesitant to post anything. Ivey has turned a corner with drastic changes, for crying out loud, she had a surgery on Friday the 13th and made it home by two o’ clock in the afternoon. It can not get much better than that. (Especially with our track record.) So, how in the world could I find something to worry about? I’ll explain. I think it all started with the realization that one year had almost come and gone while I just hovered above watching the person who was supposed to be me live my life. Is that possible? Then I remembered the real rea...

It has been 359 days. In less than one week, Ivey will turn one. Wow. You all know her story. It has been 11 months, 3 weeks and 4 days. During that time, a world of people have emerged. People who have courage and guts that most of us could never fathom. These extraordinary people come in the forms of infants and children. These sweet little ones are also surrounded by insurmountable towers of bravery…their parents. One such parent, via the internet, took Ivey in to her heart also. Her own daughter has withstood heart surgeries and more. The mom’s name is Heather. And during some of the hardest times, Heather left encouraging words to help push Ivey and our family through. When you look at this blog, you see her work. She sweetly created the look of this page and all of its colors especially for Ivey, because she wanted to, nothing in return. I know Heather's story because of our daughters' miracles. In the past couple of weeks, I have come to know her new personal story throu...

as the anesthesia began to wear off. I think that says it all. Her surgeon did a great job. Ivey is always in good hands with him. Ivey also had a MRI, but it will take some time before we know the results. She is home!! Here she is before, after and today. Ivey looks great today and she is in a fantastic mood. All she needs now is Tylenol an antibiotic and don't forget the welcome sleeves. She will wear the sleeves for a week or two (probably two) to keep her hands from her eye. The lid and lashes are out. Thank you everyone for all of the thoughts and prayers. We could not do this without them. They make her stronger. Oh, and a special thank you to G&G, dinner was delicious. Before surgery The drive home from Scottish Rite Saturday morning nap

Ivey is still in surgery. We are anxiously waiting. Stacy took these sweet pictures yesterday during pre-op.

Needless to say, this surgery should be no big deal. That is what I keep telling myself. However, it is 11:58 PM, I am still awake and our night nurse has been here for two hours. Tomorrow Stacy and I will travel with Ivey to Scottish Rite for preop with the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist . Is that normal? It seems like it should be; however, my gut just won't let it be normal. To be honest, I am in a panic. Just ask Tasha or Lowery...they both got an ear full whether they asked for it or not...thank God for FRIENDS. For the first time I have not over planned. No plans. They said it would be outpatient and that is exactly what I am counting on.... I kept looking at Knox tonight. He has beautiful big blue eyes. If you told me I had to hack on his eye in 24 hours I would put up one heck of a fight. However, it seems okay with Ivey . So why am I not putting up the big fight? So, Stacy and I will take Ivey tomorrow for the once-over and to make sure that she receives the prope...