and now a word from our sponsers....

Yeah, I know it has been over ayer since i posted anything. new jobs and new medical problems and well....i just forgot. Here's the scoop: Ally is almost 31/2 now and is doing really well she is finally starting to grow since her last surgery. 2 inches since december 3rd I might ass, and that was at last count 3 weeks ago. What last surgery you say? OH BOY, did I not tell you? Ally had a "mass" on her spinal cord. it was sometimes referred to as a tumor, and sometimes as a mass, and sometimes as a cyst. I didn't care what it was it was not supposed to be there! After several invasive tests, we found out that it was affecting some of her organ functioning and had it removed. We found it in september, all tests were done by November, and the surgery was Dec. 3rd. what a whirlwind. And oh yeah,,, she also has sacral hypoplasia, (don't ask), and here is the kicker... a Brain Tumor. Yep, this little one has a brain tumor smack dab in the middle of her brain on the hypothalamus. They do not thing it is cancerous so we are just watching it for now. nonetheless, since her last surgery we have seen major improvements in many areas...except sleep and only child syndrome...

White Christmas

Well folks, you read that right! We actually have a white Christmas here in the Arkansas river valley! I have not seen this since I was in 3rd grade I think.....if ever! It is truly amazing and I thank God for this beautiful sight and for bringing it on my child's first Christmas where she is able to comprehend what is going on! She may not remember it, but living for the moment she will squeal in delight! She has been such a good girl this week, and I have really enjoyed staying home with her. It is easy to get out with her and for the most part she minds in public and at home. Santa came to see her this year and left soooo many neat things to use right now and to grow into over the next year! We had fun over at Grandmother's house this evening and the loot we brought home is unimaginable! Let's just say that we single-handedly jump started the economy..... all worth it though for the ones we love! I will post more pictures soon!

On our way to ACH this morning for our so long awaited genetics and sleep study appointments. Can't come soon enough. The little SWEETIE...... slept from 10-12 last night then was wide awake til 2:30. We took a 30 minute interstate ride and that didn't work, welaid on a "palace" on the floor for over an hour and that didn't work, bear hugged on the couch, nope not that either. Finally at 5 am she threw herself on the bare floor, rolled into a ball and went to sleep. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the 2 times we stood up and danced in our sleep, twirls and all, with our eyes completely closed the whole time. I would say "ALLYSON! lie down NOW!" and she would stop mid dance step and literally collapse! 2 years of this PLEASE HELP US ACH!!!

Countdown to 2!

Boy it is getting harder as it gets closer to accept that my baby is gonna be 2. She is so smart ( i really don't think I am biased on this one)... We walked onto the living room today and at 23month 3 weeks she said " Oh my goodness momma, it's dark." We tried to jump over a threshold today, we ate Daniels Dandy soup at grandmother's house ( thank GOD for my mother!), and actually slept through the night on Monday.
The storm last night here was a nasty one and woke me up at 12:08 am with a big crash. At first I thought Ally had been sleepwalking again and walked through the back glass door. Things and thoughts really change as a mother, but thankfully it was not Ally. However, our back gazebo had blown on to the roof!
Finally I never heard such neat words as I heard today from Ally. " MOMMA, I POOP!" It actually was nothing but a toot, but pull-ups here we come! Much aove and prayers to Kari, Chad, and Carsten at KKI right now.

So many things that I have wanted show and tell, yet something always gets in the way. Ally had her first train ride at the park today. She really enjoyed it. We have recently entered the MINE, MINE, MINE stage and boy it is not fun. She is a terror sometimes, but then turns around and does something so amazing that you can't be mad any more. We have our genetics testing and sleep study in 2 weeks, and, more importantly Ally's birthday party in 1 week!

Yes you read right, she is going to be 2 already. Feels great and awkward at the same time. Great because she is alive and doing well, but awkward because it has happened so fast. We have been informed that she will be getting some type of braces for her legs and neck to help with her balance and bowlegs, and falling, and running into things. We have been told that one of her legs is longer than the other and that is the reason for all her walking "troubles". this is something I noticed when she was 5 months old, but dismissed it as normal... whoops!

I had a great time with my mother yesterday at "Momma Mia" in Tulsa. we sang and danced and had a great time together. Even at 33 a momma/daughter day is treasured! I will leave you with one piece of advice that I heard a 7-8 year old girl telling 2 others in all seriousness... "Never put the butter knife in the toaster......."

Proud Mama

Well, my husband and I got to beam with pride today. Ally started saying "thank you" when we gave her something without being prompted. She then started using our name after saying thank you. Finally she then walked up to me and handed me a book and said "here you go mama, read" plain as day! a 5 word sentence from my 21 month old! that makes a mama proud. Maybe I should start calling this my bragspot instead of blogspot.... Forgive me Lord, but the pride is winning right now....

For some reason, I still have a mental block. I think that if I don't have a picture ( new) of Ally, I can't put up a post. Well tuh duh! The light bulb just clicked on! I can type without pictures. Ally 's CAT scan came back fine as did her blood work. She was off balance for about 3 weeks, but then it just resolved. They say it was not her ears, but I don't believe them! I think it was an inner ear infection, which you have to have an MRI to detect. We never did that.

One good thing is that we did get a genetic counseling appt to have her checked again for a disorder. We still get asked "Does she have genetic disorder?" all the time. I am tired of answering IDK. I have found one that she fits to a "t' but that is the only one that they say they ruled out definately. Well, upon further research, I found otu that about 5% of the population that has the disorder get negative FISH testing! As far as I know that is the only genetic test they ran. Well, at least we will have answers.

I was sitting thinking how lucky I am to have a child that is not really interested in putting everything in her mouth( knock on wood). But then it occured to me that she has a fascination with running/walking with long sticks, or anything hard in her hands. Which is worse.....?Finally, do you know what a beautiful song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is, especially when it is coming out of your little girl's mouth????