Monday Monday

Well here it is Monday and I have to say that for once, I am happy to be back into the routine of things. Our lives have been so hectic these past few weeks that I am actually welcoming this Monday morning to be back at work and I hope that as the week goes on, the rest of the clan will fall back into our working routine. The flu certainly knocked all of us for a loop and no sooner did we start to feel better, we were hit with round 2. The girls are still having some lingering effects as Layla got it the worst. Hannah just seems to be suffering from the chest cold part of it. Both girls are currently laying down in my office and I am certainly appreciating the quiet time! Correction, they are both fast asleep and it is only 9:00AM! I am in shock!



I will say that I am ever so looking forward to Spring and the warmer weather. If not for my state of mind, than for Hannah's. I was smacked back to reality this morning when it came time for her to put her shoes and socks on. Her tantrum lasted just short of an hour and I will say that at one point shoes and socks were flying towards my head. She is so strong willed it is incredibly insane! She hates shoes and socks and anything the least bit restricting! Spring and summer prove to be so much easier for us with wardrobe! She'll throw on a dress and flip flops and there are never ever any arguments about her getting dressed. During the winter however, it is a battle to the end!



Tomorrow is a big day for both Layla and for my friend Shannon. Shannon is saying good bye to her ovaries and hopefully her cancer for good. I know it is an emotional surgery for her and I am sending her well wishes and a great big hug. I had wanted to visit her over the weekend, however, I didnt think a gift of germs would be the best for her at this crucial time.



As for Layla, her appointment with the Boston GI Specialist is tomorrow. I am trying not to get too hopeful as I know this is only our first appointment and I am sure I wont get any answers in one day. However, I am looking forward and truly praying that this doctor treats her proactively as I am tired of sitting back and waiting.. and waiting and waiting. Things still are not on course with Layla and although the formula is helping tremendously, it is also where I firmly believe she is getting 99.9% of her nutrients. She can not possibly solely rely on this formula for the rest of her life so we need some sort of plan of action. Also, I want to know what her intestines look like, bottom line. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is put this baby through a colonoscopy, and the mere thought of the preparation for it scares me to death. Yet, at the same time, my gut is telling me that someone needs to look at what damage has been done to her intestines. I would find it hard to believe that a child that has had severe and chronic diarrhea for 5 months straight wouldnt have any damage? Moreover, we need to rule out Crohns. I wont be happy until we do. The child still wakes up screaming most nights and is truly uncomfortable. I cant tell you how many nights Billy and I have to walk her around the house just to sooth her. It's almost ironic because this is what we use to do with Hannah as an infant due to her being so sick. Layla, Layla was a great baby! Now at 16 months old we are having to use these soothing techniques that most parents wouldnt have to use past a year old. It's frustrating to say the least. So I will be saying many prayers tonight that this doctor will lead us towards the answers we need for my baby girl. I have faith in Boston. I truly do.



Please keep both Layla and Shannon in your prayers tonight! Thank you!




Here are the photo's I have been promising to post.


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We took the girls to the American Girl Doll store a few weekends back. I dont think I have ever seen Hannah so excited. Heck, I dont think I have ever been more excited!

This was how Layla spent most of her time in Florida. For as sick as she was, she was still a little trooper!


My Hannah posing of course

and she was quite the little fish in the pool as well! Complete with earplugs she did exceptionally well!

Layla loved splashing in the ocean!

My Monkey.. monkeying around..