Makenna and the Great Pumpkins 2010 October

Makenna went to her first pumpkin patch this October at Stoney Creek Farms in Northern, IN. She was joined by her friend Nicholas and his parents Jason and Letha and Uncle Shane. The kids took a tour via a nice hay ride in the pumpkin patch and picked out their own pumpkins to decorate later. Makenna invited her Grandma Marsha over to watch "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and to decorate her pumpkin. This year Makenna will be dressed as Dr. Makenna Clark- Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Riley Hospital For Children. Pictures of this costume soon to follow.

Ready to Shop

She would learn where the money was hidden for her many trips to Wal-Mart. She found mommys purse and was taking it to the door. She had to return because she forgot the car keys. She is contemplating on getting her own purse however she learned that should would have to spend her own money. After a long debate, she decided to just use my purse in the meantime....afterall it is a cheaper option than spending her own hard earned money.

M-CMTC Best Friends: America's Favorite Couple

Finally after a long wait, Jackson and Makenna have the first play date. July 1, 2010. The cutie pies had lunch at Red Robin.....Yummm and then played with toys at Makenna's house along with help from Mrs. Sharon. The couple has planned for a second date later this summer at the Indiana Dunes. They will continue emailing and talking over the phone to make future plans.

My New Wheels

After a long wait, Makenna finally got her new wheelchair. She is enjoying it so much and interacting more with her surroundings. Here are a few of her latest adventures in toddlerhood.

No More Shunt, No More Shunt

As of this May 2010 Makenna is shunt free. She had surgery at Riley Hospital for Children,..we call this one Lucky 13! At her last visit on June 13, 2010 her CT Scan still looked great. It appears that the third ventricularostomy procedure is working. She is smiling, laughing and saying the words, "uh uh" and huh". She is also moving around alot more and scooting around on the floor, getting into baskets, corners and under the sofa among other things. She is enjoying spending time with her teachers Ms. Sharon, Ms. Martha and Ms Lindi who come to our house during the week to help her learn new and exciting things.
Things are looking up and she is making progress everyday. She also got a new minivan and a new wheelchair this month too. Next week will start aqua therapy at the pool. We are excited about that and the many visits of friends and family to our house this summer.
God is Good! And always on time!

The Life That's Choosen Me....

This was sent to me today. I most be super emotional this week, because I am still crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84FHZhB5__Y

Your Highness Princess Makenna Age 2

This girl sure can party...anywhere she goes is a party. She had to spend her 2nd birthday at Riley hospital for children. However she made the best of it with friends and family by her side. She reported to me, that she had a wonderful time and thanks everyone who helped her have a special day.

" I was a really good mom before I had kids"

http://astore.amazon.com/reagoomom-20

What a great book. Getting ready to read the next two.

*** Because going to the dentist is my alone time.****

This is true when you try to be the everything to everyone, and the no one to ourselves a mothers. It is never an easy task to be a mom, a mom with a partner, a mom with help, or a single mom. You must be able to find a balance, even if the balance means allowing yourself time to vent, cry, forget about practices afterschool, asking for overtime at work, asking parents to take the kids for a weekend or two. Never be afraid to ask for help is what I struggle with daily. It's difficult when you have a child with special needs because not everyone can or is willing to take care of your child....at least not where you would feel safe for them to do. So what do you do. You find a nurse or someone who is able and willing to assist you and take the help when they offer it. Use your community resources wisely and use them often. Otherwise you will and I will tell you first hand, loss your mind or at least what is left of it. Take a breather when possible, run, walk or take a nap. But the key is TAKE CARE of you, otherwisee who will take care of your Baby.

Growing by Leaps and Bounds

2010 has brought growth and change to our lives. Makenna and Mommy have moved into their new home, however Makenna still visits her Grandparents when her schedule allows. She also has a large social circle of little people who she has frequent play dates. She enjoys hanging out with cousins and friends watching movies, reading stories or going for stroller rides and shopping trips. She is keeping her mom busy with therapies and hospital visits, which we soon hope to outgrow soon. She will turn 2 in less than 2 weeks and boy I have realized how time flies when your having fun.

We are currently awaiting the arrival of Grandma Joni as she moves closer to us in Illinois. We are excited to have yet another place to visit this summer. Makenna is always awaiting play time with her Doggie Coco the Chocolate Lab.

Other than hospital stays for our frequent shunt malfunctions we keep a busy schedule and enjoy every minute of it.

I am adjusting to being a stay at home mom. To tell you the truth all the schooling in the world doesn't prepare you for this awesome full time career. What a joy it is watching Makenna grow and learn new things about the world right in front of me. She is so amazing!!!

Changes in 2010

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.- Alan Cohen