The Stoi's Joys: June 2013

Sunday, June 30, 2013

LJ's First Dance Recital!

Lorilyn has been in a Dance/Cheer/Tumbling class every Monday night since January. It is a super understatement to say that she LIVES for her Monday night class. She loves loves loves going and loves her teachers and dance mates. This past Thursday was her first ever dance recital. Nana, was wonderful to drive down for a 24 hour trip (8 of those hours driving mind you) to see her and take pictures with her fancy dancy new camera. We had as much fun as anyone could have in that short amount of time. Thank you Nana for coming and for all you do! It meant so much to us all!

Hello little Pypie Ladie!

Who, me?!

Yes you pretty girl!

I can roll now Nana!

And be silly always...

So excited to get ready, she just can't stand it!

Posing beforehand at our house

Pretty dance arms:-)

She's not going to be trouble at all...

LJ and her dancer friends!

Ballet!

What Pyper was doing during all the dancing action. Obviously she thought it was amazing!:-)

What am I supposed to be doing now?

LOVE!

High knees! She REALLY got into this move:-)

Look at that straddle!

Bridge!

Look at my pointed toe!

Mid cartwheel...

We love you pretty girl and are so proud of all you are doing!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Pyper is 1, REALLY?!

My baby is 1. Holy freakin cow. This little miracle who first was dead on the table, then we were told she might be brain dead, then told she might not be brain dead but don't know the extent of her brain damage. Then we went through a LONG 7 weeks of NICU stay in stabilizing her while getting her her G-tube so we could take her home. All the while let's remember we have two beauties at home that needed major attention. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a fighter on our hands. She fought her way even to join this earth then has fought her way farther than any doctors predicted. Yes she still has struggles. Yes she is pretty behind for what "they say" a 1 year old should be. BUT, she is slowly and steadily moving forward. Ryan said from her first days of life that she is our "Slow and steady girl", and that she is. She has at least 4 appt per week. PT, OT, speech (which is the focus for her feeding) and nutrition (because she is still so so small). But all of them are always impressed by her progress. I have learned a lot as a mom. Since I have had 2 children that have developed right on track, if not faster, it has definitely been an adjustment to me to focus on the tiny little victories as progress. But I have actually come to love and embrace them. Who really cares about "milestones"? When you have a child that fought her way back from literal death, to then defy the odds of no real significant brain damage... So what if she is way behind? She is moving forward...always. Actually, the last time she went back was 2 weeks ago when her nutritionist came and she had actually LOST 1oz...no not pound but ounce. But those small things are very important to her. HOWEVER, in the last 2 weeks she ended up with her biggest gain of 10oz! This girl doesn't back down. Everything is SLOW but steady, but she does it all with grace and beauty. There is nothing in this life that makes Ryan and I more happy than seeing her smile that she freely gives during a day. She is one of Heavenly Father's special spirits and we feel so blessed to have her in our family. We love and cherish every day we have with this sweet little lady! Here's to many many many more years of enjoying our sweet little Pyper lady:-)

Nana and Papa were able to come into town to celebrate her first birthday with us. Every time spent with family is so special and we enjoy every second of it and have as much fun as possible!

Nana and her little lady.

So much fun playing with Nana!

Papa is always to wonderful to help with any projects needed. We had just moved into our new home so he spent a ton of time helping Ryan getting things, like the huge treadmill, set up.