We are welcoming 2010, at the end of 2009 some good things started to happen… Mary Elizabeth got her gtube out, Andy got a new -great- job, and we are hopeful that 2010 will bring on lots of good things. 

We already know that Uncle Daniel & Aunt Amber’s baby is coming in 2010 (and soon as she is due in 2 weeks!!!)… and we know that Mary Elizabeth has a very important appointment coming up. Unfortunately it was post-poned twice, but the date set is February 1st… she is going to have a scope done under anesthesia to take a look at her airway and determine how close we are to decannulation (trach removal).  In addition to the scope they may do a little lasering in her mouth while they are at it- as they see fit.

The last month of December was a whirlwind. Mommy didn’t have time to blink! It was also a very expensive month. We had Aunt Amber’s baby shower, went on a train ride with Santa & Friends which was so much fun!!! And we had lots of holiday activities. ME was very into the whole idea of Santa this year which made it very exciting. Drew loved opening up all of his presents of course. And they both were taught pretty well on what the true meaning of Christmas was. We did help with a little fundraiser in our area to help a family in need and ME’s school did some donating as well. It’s good to see that ME is so giving at such a young age.

Anyway, in addition to 2010 starting, we are beginning a whole new chapter for ME… while she doesn’t start Kindergarten until Sept 2010… we are already registering her like NOW for Kindergarten. Crazy huh!  The thought is a bit scary as we are used to her nice little preschool – and we are now opening up to a whole new world with her being in elementary school but she has a strong, loving foundation so we are thinking she will do just fine.

Other than that things are well. We hope everyone we didn’t see had a very Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year.

WOW my little baby girl is now old enough to start school.
And there she was- the pretty little girl with her "Apple" backpack- so ready!! It is unreal. Andy and I brought her this morning (Drew too) and the feeling was indescribable. So surreal. We weren’t sad really though - just in awe of her and amazed on how fast time flies.

There were no tears out of Mary Elizabeth’s eyes. Just happiness and excitement. I simply told her she’d stay there by herself and that mommy would be back to pick her up. She repeated what I said and was A-OK with it!

As the teacher and aide’s said…. She fit right in, she’s very independent and had herself a great time. The nurse who attends with her said she was the first to get up and dance when they put on music… and she loved being outside. Also she did a bit of artwork that she brought home too.

When I picked her up she was so excited about it and told me all about her day. I am so happy for her because I know how much she did and will enjoy preschool!