Happy 12th Austin

My baby turns 12 tomorrow!! Where has all the time gone? I am so very proud of the young man that Austin is today. We have been through so much together. When I found out that I was expecting I was pretty much on my own. His father had so many issues to deal with and wasn't in any shape to be a parent. I was alone and scared. The only thing that I knew was that I wanted this baby...this miracle. I was disappointed that I would be raising my son alone because I knew what it was like to not have a dad.

I called my grandma in Indiana and told her that I was going to be a mommy. She was happy for me and very supportive. Grandma wanted me to come home so she could help. I quit my job, rented a Ryder truck and moved back home to grandma and grandpa's. Grandma would not let me get a job. I spent the summer of 1996 with family and friends. I was able to babysit for my cousin LeiAnne's 2 1/2 year old daughter Aubrey. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with Aubrey. She is a very special girl.

Grandma and LeiAnne were with me when Austin was born. Grandma was the first person to hold my first born. I'll never forget how happy she was. Austin told her a week before she died that he was glad that she was the first one to hold him. I hate to think about what would have happened if I didn't have grandma. She was always there.....always. I miss her so much.

After I had Austin, grandma knew that I wanted to come back to Florida. She bought me a round-trip ticket to Florida to see if that was what I really wanted to do. When I was ready to come back to Florida; she bought me a used car and sent me on my way.

As I celebrate Austin's 12th birthday I will remember everything that my grandma did for us. I will celebrate both of them. Austin was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. He changed everything about me. He made life so sweet. He makes me want to be better. I love him so much. Happy Birthday Austin!!

Austin

It's hard for me to believe that my baby will be 12 on Friday. He has grown so much this year in so many ways. He loves being a big brother and treats Savannah like the princess she is. He has an amazing heart for God and is always trying to please us.
I'll leave you with some pictures of my big boy.

missing grandma

Duane with Grandma

he was touching Grandma in a painful place
forever BFF's
Me, Lei Anne & Grandma
Grandma, me & my brother Duane
It's really hard to look at these pictures. At the time cancer was eating away at her body. She would moan in pain and we really had no clue as to what she was going through. Her breast cancer had come back and it wasn't playing nice. That cancer took away my grandma's ability to do anything for herself, and I think she knew that it was going to kill her. She was such a fighter. She did everything they asked. She went for radiation so that she could spend more time with loved ones. She did everything for her family. She was suffering so much and was still trying to please others. Oh, how I miss this woman.

Open House

Yesterday evening was Savannah's Open House at her school. Matt stayed home with the boy's helping out with homework. Everyone at the school had worked so hard to make it a wonderful evening. The PreK kids sang a few songs, they were having a book fair, refreshments and other little fun things for everyone. I posted a couple pictures and a video.

Ms. Sheila, Savannah & Ms. Anastassia in her class

Getting ready to sing.
This video is of poor quality because I'm no film maker. Some of the kids really enjoyed singing in front of everyone, the others not so much. I love the little boy on the far right just standing there the entire time. Savannah LOVED having all eyes on her.

Luke

Today's blog will be about Luke. You can't really talk about Luke without talking about cars. This boy doesn't do anything without a car. He has loved them since birth. Here are some old pictures of Luke in 03 & 04.

Most of you know that Luke has some mild hearing loss. We have been keeping a close eye on it the past 3 years. He is borderline needing hearing aides. He had his hearing tested today and he's a little closer to needing them. The bad news is that our insurance doesn't cover ANY of the cost. I was told it would be around $2000 for each one!! He is having it tested again in three weeks to see if their are any changes. I'm praying that it gets better because we sure don't have an extra $4000 sitting around.

Luke racing his cars at Grandma & Grandpa's.

Silly baby Luke.
He was Baby Luke for a couple years.
I LOVE MY CARS!!!!
One happy boy!!

Savannah at 6 months

Happy Baby

So cute!!
She was so happy.......
....well most of the time!!
You like my dress?
I love my baby girl!!

Magical Weekend!

Savannah and I had a magical weekend with Disney. Not only was it the happiest place on Earth but the hottest too!! I think the high hit 94 with no breeze. That didn't stop us from having the best time ever with each other. We were able to do whatever she wanted. I know that I'll remember this weekend forever and it will always make me smile.

We arrived at Disney World Saturday around noon and went straight to the flying Dumbo's!! We rode tons of rides. It was great to look over at her and see the twinkle in her eyes. She got to meet Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Belle. They were all so awesome with the kids. Savannah got hugs from all three while I snaped away with the camera. We had a huge ice cream sunday, our own drinks. She loved that she could have pretty much anything she wanted, well within reason of course.

After we got our fill of the Magic Kingdom we headed to our hotel. We put on our bathing suits and hit the pool. We ended the day with pizza in bed. I even let her jump on the bed. We watched Josh & Drake and iCarly. We really had a blast. I'll tell you all about Sunday real soon.

September

Katia & I

I can't believe it's already September, this year is flying by. This month is very special for so many reasons. I had my first born in September. My grandpa died September 6, 1997. We celebrate Labor Day and the kids are back in school. The weather is starting to cool off a bit and September 11 is never far from anyones mind.

September is also National Childhood cancer Awareness Month, and this year September 13th will be their day. More children are diagnosed with cancer than in September than any other month. Last year was such an awesome year for me. I was losing weight, feeling good and fundraising to help families that had been faced with a very sick child. I meet some unbelievably remarkable kids during my journey. I am a better person because of these kids.

I have really wanted to do a fundraiser this year but I've had to focus more on my family right now. I am writing this blog to hopefully encourage everyone to do something, anything to fight this beast. If you don't have the extra money there are still so many things you can do. Donate blood, blood products, join the National Marrow Donor Registry, donate your babies cord blood, volunteer at a Ronald McDonald House, raise awareness by spreading the word. There are so many children battling this beast and for many, there are no more options. I just can't imagine being told that my child will die, but sadly this happens everyday. Families are being put through absolute agony watching their child fight so hard for every breath and step.

Here are links to some of my favorite charities that I encourage you to donate to. Every single penny is needed, no amount is too small. We will and are making a difference.

http://www.katiasolomonfoundation.org/

http://www.fastercure.org/start.htm

http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/

Thank you!!!