2 Teeth!!

A few nights ago Kylie would not stop crying. We tried everything, walking, rocking, feeding, changing, it was just not like her to continue to be fussy. Then we handed her a teething ring and she went to town! I mean she has been at a state of constant drool for several months now, but that night we went through several teething rings. They were on rotation from her mouth, the floor, cleaned in the sink, to the fridge again. Then next morning we woke up to a second tooth!! I have tried over and over again to get a picture of these teeth, but she just won't have it. FINALLY, on Tuesday I got close. So break out the binoculars to see Ky's two teeth. They are the small white spots on the bottom of her gums. If you don't believe me ask some of the teens she has bit!

7 months!!!

I cannot believe that 7 months ago, our world changed when Kylie entered it. I think back to the exhaustion and overwhelming emotions we felt those first few days as we began to take care of her. Everything was new and scary. Sleeping and eating pretty much consumed her day. 7 months later, sleeping and eating are still pretty important, but now they are only a part of her life. Kylie continues to learn new ways to communicate. Lately, she has enjoyed high pitch screams. She gives a loud cry paired with a huge grin to show you that she is excited and having fun! Last night she was pulling herself up to a standing position as she tried to get into a box. I cannot believe how strong her legs are getting. She cannot crawl across the floor but continues to get closer with her daily tummy time. She has enjoyed eating bananas and sweet potatoes without spitting them out all over the table! We will continue to introduce new fruits and veges each week. She is still a thumb sucker (which I am sure we'll pay for later) but for now it is a self-soother. We are better about her daily naps and bedtime, which help everyone involved! She has one tooth on her bottom gums, but we know that more are on the way as she drools and bites constantly. We couldn't be happier with the blessing that God has given us. Our prayer is that we surrender to God's guidance and direction for her life. We know that He has already written her story and our job is to read it as her life unfolds!

Congratulations Missy!!

Last night I had the privilege of celebrating Missy's last chemo treatment at All Children's Hospital. The hospital room was filled with family, friends, and nurses stopping by to celebrate with Missy and of course eat some cake! It was beautiful to take in the joy and the conversations that filled the room. It is evident that this family is loved. For those of you who don't know Missy, let me share a little about her journey.
In February 2009, Missy was headed out the door for another normal day of her teenage life. However, as she stepped out the door her leg gave out and she fell to the ground. When they got to the doctor, they found out that no only did she have a broken leg, but she had bone cancer as well. How do you handle hearing the news? How do you sit there and listen to someone who is telling you that your daughter has a sickness that cannot be fixed with a band aid and a kiss? How do you go from worrying about what you will wear, who your friends are, and the big test you have next week to wondering what chemo will be like and will you have the strength to beat this? I have asked the Mugno family so many questions to try to understand what this journey has been like for them. Each of them have given complete credit to the one who has truly helped, the Lord, the Creator of Missy, and the master Healer. While others may feel sorry for her, she'll tell you that the day she broke her leg was the best day of her life.
This past year was filled with countless trips to the hospital, a few surgeries, lots of chemo and other things I can't spell or pronounce, and a complete life change. I could list all the things they have had to sacrifice, but they would tell you all the things they have gained. Their family is not only closer to each other, but closer to God. Missy appreciates each day of her life, something that most of us overlook and take for granted. Jennifer respects and admires her younger sister, when most of us ignore and fight with our siblings. They have met so many wonderful people who have battled cancer as well as countless doctors and nurses. They have been able to travel to New York for New Years and Missy was able to give a speech to a room of doctors in New Hampshire. Really, I could go on for hours about how wonderful and loving the Mugno family is, but I just wanted you to know about one of the families I am blessed to know.

Congratulations Missy!! It has been a long journey and I am so proud of how you have fought. May the Lord continue to shine through your smile and love for others!

Going Bananas!!

We've been talking about trying fruits and veges for awhile, but just hadn't taken the leap. Today we did!! I smashed up some banana added a little milk and rice cereal, then we got the camera ready and gave it a try. She definitely spit a lot of it out, but did eat some. She didn't like rice cereal nor a bottle the first time, so we'll give it another try again tomorrow.

We also tried to put Kylie in her bouncy swing. I think it is called Johnny Jump. I was hoping she would enjoy it and love to bounce. However, she ended up trying to sit down instead. Oh well, we try it in a week or so.

Here is a picture of Kylie with her cousin Riley. Once we walked in the door, Riley wouldn't stop looking and trying to kiss Kylie. At one point she had her pinned down, it was awesome!

It doesn't stop

 

Life never stops or slows down for that matter around here, but the Jones' keep on moving! Kylie had her 6 month check up last week. She weighed in at 14lbs and 26 inches long. The doctor said she looked great! She received 4 shots as well as a liquid vaccine. She took them like a champ and didn't seem to react negatively the rest of the day. Her teeth seem to be coming in as we can see small scrapes on her bottom gums. That pain has caused some discomfort in our little one and she is more fussy than normal.

We celebrated New Year's Eve with our teenagers and had a GREAT time playing crazy games at the church! It cracks me up that we heard fireworks outside to realize that the clock had struck midnight. We were so into our game of sardines that seven of us were hiding under some tables in the dark and lost track of time. Oh well, that's ministry, right?

I am so excited for 2010 and all that God has in store for us here in Clearwater! Know that I am praying for your year as well!!