Halloween Carnival

Annabel's sister and I decided to take her to the local school carnival that they do every year. There were inflatable slides amd bouncy houses, games, food, face painting and much more. It was fun to go on an outing and we of course put her in her halloween costume, she is so cute!

Remember Them?!

Well I do.. I tell you that I am so in love with all of the kids! I didn't know how much they would touch and change my life! I am figuring out how and when I will get to go back there. I didn't know I could love so many children so much! There is not a day that I don't think of them! I miss you guys!!

Girls Weekend

Annabel's mom went on a retreat this weekend with some friends so that left me in completely in charge of Bella. While she was gone we..
Watched t.v.
Did her therapy.
Talked to mom on the phone.
She got to swing in the blanket thanks to the help of the girls.
We sang songs.
And got lots of rest

Family Pics

So a couple nights before I came to Texas we were able to get the family together for family pictures. It is always so much fun when the family gets together, it is never quiet, something is always happening, and there is always someone to hang out with. It was really cool to look at these pictures and see how much people have changed in the past year and how much the little ones have grown. I have always been really close to my niece and LOVE hanging out with her! (She acts like a teenager in a little girls body!) It has also been really fun to see my two nephews grow up, they are not babies any more! They are so cute and so fun to play with! Man time flies! I have 3 of the best little brothers and we were always pretty close growing up, it is so fun for me to see how much they have grown and changed throughout the years, a bit sad as well, where did my baby brothers go?! My sister and older brother and I have gotten closer over the years and it has been fun to let those relationships grow as we have grown, I am so proud of all my siblings and all that they have done and dream of doing in thier lives!! I love my two sister in laws and love the little traditions that I have started with each of them, it is nice to welcome new people into the family. My parents, hmm.. what to say? Well for starters they are the BEST parents in the world and have taught me to be who I am today, let me grow my own wings and explore the world, they have supported me in everything I have done even if they weren't fond of it, they even love and put up with all my "blondeness". What can I say I have the best family, no questions asked, hands down!! Love you guys!!

Brave Beautiful 'Bella

Today we went into Houston for a couple doctor appointments for Annabel. The first doctore we saw was so amazing, it was his first time seeing her and he was so good with her! He never once made a comment about her having Trisomy 18 and treated her like any other child saying he wanted to do what was best for her, he talked to Cathy about different options and was honest and helpful on which option was best for her. When he left the room both Cathy and I were so touched and greatful that this doctor looked at Annabel for who she is and what she can do and not for what she has. Thank you so much doctor J.

We then had to go to get her button changed, a button is where you insert the tube for her tube feedings, hers has been leaking everytime you open it so we had to get it changed. Well to do this the nurse sticks an instrument into the opening of the button and pulls it out of her stomach and inserts a new one the same way. Cathy sat up by her head to comfort her and "hold" her down and I was at her legs "holding" her down so she wouldn't kick the doctor. Let me just say that any child would need holding down by more then two people and there would be alot of screaming and fighting on the childs part. Well Miss Annabel is the bravest person that I know, she laid there, squirmed a little bit and didn't cry once. I was amazed! I was sitting there holding back my own tears as the nurse was literally pulling this button out of her stomach and she took it like such a champ. Just one more reason that I admire and look up to 'Bella.

She has taught me and will continue to teach me so much more then I could ever teach her! She is so brave, she takes all that life hands her and just keeps smiling. She really is an amazing little girl and I am so blessed and honored to have her as part of my life! I love you Annabel so much!

Annabel Grace

Annabel Grace is the sweetest little angel anyone could ever meet!! I am having the time of my life being with her everyday! She is so sweet and always so happy! I love her more then I ever thought possible and I am so honored to be here with her!

Texas!!

So I have been in Texas for a little under a week and I am loving it! The Shelander family is so nice and welcoming I feel like a sister/daughter. I have been on cloud nine being able to spend so much time with beautiful Annabel! She is just so amazing! Pictures to come soon!