thankful

Because of you, I heard  my baby say mama for the first time.  Because of you, she has grown to know and love her brothers and sisters.  Because of you, we were able to finally bring her home from the hospital with a new, healthy heart.  Because you said yes, despite your own heartache and tremendous loss, you gave her the gift of life.  This Thanksgiving and everyday we are thankful for Dahlia's new heart and the selfless donor family who thought of others in their own hour of need.

a day at the park

Playing outside

I took Dahlia to play outside the other day and she discovered leaves!  She was cracking me up with all the silly faces she was making and how excited she was.  When she was in the hospital for almost the first six months of her life, she was confined to a hospital room and never saw the light of day. Now that she has a second chance at life, little things that are normally taken for granted, like going outside to play are never taken for granted.  We will always remember where Dahlia once was and how far she has come, and not a day goes by that we don't think about her donor.

happy birthday ava!

Today Ava turned six years old.  When she came home from school she was so excited to show me the birthday crown and gift bag her teacher gave her.  Ava is such a sweet girl who is always cheerful, always willing to help me with baby Dahlia and Laila.  Her sisters and I really miss her while she is away at school each day.