This is the amazing journey of our two miracles. John Craig was born on November 30, 2005 at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation. He weighed 1 pound 8 ounces and was 12 inches long. John is a true miracle and an inspiration to all that meet him! Hope Amanda, our perfect little girl, is currently recovering from two brain surgeries to remove a 6cm mass from the center of her brain. Hope represents everything good in this world and she too is an inspiration to all.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29.11

Monday, November 29, 2010

5 Years Ago

I cannot believe that in just a few short hours my little man is going to turn 5 years old!  Seriously, how did that happen?  

And even though the years fly by (much too quickly) I still remember EVERY little detail about the day John was born.

November 30, 2005


November 30, 2006


November 30, 2007


November 30, 2008


November 30, 2009


I love you big guy and hope you have a fantastic 5th birthday!!!

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Sunday, November 28, 2010

My Energizer Bunny

My sweet little girl is a bundle of energy!  She started walking at 15 months and went from a couple of steps to running.....in a matter of days.  She had her first goose egg a few weeks ago when she slipped in the bathroom and went head first into the corner of the travertine tub.  Ouch!  And, her first fat lip occurred on Thanksgiving morning....again, went face first into my parents coffee table.

You can find her at any time on top of ANYTHING.  She definitely keeps us on our toes......and we love (almost) every minute of it...hahaha!

Love you sooooooooooo much Hopie girl!


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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Thankful

I am so thankful for everything in  my life...

For my amazing family and friends who go above and beyond for us.
For my wonderful husband who drags out the Christmas tree well before Thanksgiving because he knows how happy it makes me!
For my two kids who light up my life and make me smile every day.

And...

For a Neurosurgeon who spent an hour and a half talking with us about John's surgery and giving me 110% confidence in moving forward with it in February (more on that later!)


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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Surgeon Number 2

We are off to Cardons Children's Hospital (a new children's hospital here) this afternoon to meet/interview a second surgeon.  I'll try to update this evening.

And how sweet is my little boy?  He was at the grocery the other day with Daddy and he insisted he buy me flowers!  He is such a sweet boy.  I'm one lucky Momma......with the two best kids in the world!!!!!!


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Monday, November 15, 2010

Oh Yes We Did....

Finished all the indoor Christmas decorations tonight!!!!!  Ernie the Elf even arrived at the doorstep with new Christmas PJ's for the kids!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh.....I LOVE this time of the year. 

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

So Cool!

Mommy:  "John, doesn't sissy look like an old man?"

John: "No Momma!  Sissy looks so cool!"

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Tis The Season...

Guess who we saw today?  The one and only.....SANTA!!!!!!!!!

Someone was soooooooooooo excited.


And someone else....not so much!



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Thursday, November 11, 2010

My Baby Girl!

Hopie checked out PERFECT at her 15 month appointment...

Weight: 21.11 pounds (25%)
Height: 31 inches (50%)

Oh my goodness...I love, love, love this little girl!!!!!!!

Hopie, I love your beautiful smile, your contagious laughter, your laid back attitude, your adorable dance moves and I LOVE the way you love your big brother.  Thank you for completing our family.

We love you sweet girl!

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Sunday, November 07, 2010

Funny Kids

This picture makes me laugh!  Not sure if it's because John can't do anything anymore without sissy being directly behind, next to, or on top of him .........OR if it's because he is drinking water out of the bathroom sink.

Love these two!

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Thursday, November 04, 2010

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Halloween 2010

We love fall and have been having sooooooooooooo much fun!

We've....

Gone to McDonald Ranch for our annual pumpkin picking, 
decorated Halloween cookies.
carved pumpkins,
made carmel apples,
baked pumpkin muffins (numerous times)
and, had a blast trick or treating with all the neighborhood kids!


Now bring on Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite little people
John and his BFF, Ciera
Hope and her BFF, Olivia
Picking out the perfect pumpkin
John was asked to drive the hayride and he did a GREAT job
Decorating his pumpkin cookie
Having fun with cousin Ashley
My crazy girl
Hope's pumpkin
John's pumpkin
Cutest Pirate EVER
My beautiful Ladybug(s)

Hope sat in the wagon with her leg hanging out the entire time.  Too funny!
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