dahlias

Beautiful dahlia flowers for baby Dahlia's first birthday.  It still amazes me that Brian and I both chose the exact same, uncommon name for our baby without ever mentioning anything to each other.

happy birthday!

Dear Dahlia,

Today we celebrated your first birthday and the miracle that is your life.  Little did we know when you were born, what a year we would be in for!  There were times we felt like our hearts would break, seeing you so sick and being completely helpless to do anything, except hold your tiny hand and pray.  There were moments of pure joy, when we received the news that a heart was available, and because of a compassionate and generous donor family, your life would be spared. We feel honored and blessed to be your parents.  You have been nothing but a blessing in our lives.  Thank you for teaching us what is important in life, that miracles exist, and that God does not abandon his children.

love, mama and daddy

sick again

On Friday Dahlia came home from being admitted to Texas Children's for a couple of days.  She went in on Wednesday because she had been throwing up.  Right now because Dahlia is so young and recently had her transplant, any time she is sick with something other than a common cold, she will have to be admitted to the hospital to be monitored.  Dahlia has been admitted to the hospital about every two months since she was discharged from the hospital.  I'm hoping this time we get a longer break in between hospitalizations.  It has become pretty traumatic for her and she is now afraid of anyone wearing scrubs, as soon as they come near the tears start flowing!  Brian went in with Dahlia because I was sick also with a horrible cold.  Brian is such a good dad and Dahlia is really attached to him.  The kids were very anxious while Dahlia was gone and kept asking if she was going to be okay and when she was coming home.  We were all very happy and relieved when Dahlia and daddy came home.

sweet baby

We have gotten a little break from the summer heat here lately.  It has been so nice to take Dahlia outside to play and not have to worry about her having a heat stroke!  Now that school has started it's just Dahlia and Laila at home with me and it's been so relaxing and peaceful compared to the chaos of the summer!