We have had a great trip to Ohio this past week. We were happy to see family and spend time with them. We went to the carousel where Dave and I got married over 19 years ago, to 2 of the All American Quarter Horse events, a fabric store run by Amish and Mennonite women (one of my favorite stops), a straw maze, Fork and Fingers, an Ohio State band practice, plus many small excursions.  We ended the trip with lunch with a former Ohio State band mate of Dave''s, Jim Frazier and Jon Waters.  Emily was surprised with this but unfortunately wasn't feeling well enough to engage much in conversation.  The trip home on theplane ended with Emily in tears because the pressure to her ears with her congested head was to much for her.  She is now fast asleep in her own bed and happy to be there.  It's great to get away but there's nothing like getting back to your own bed and routine.

Summer fun 2015:

So an update on Emily since we came back from Nebraska last weekend.  We asked the Dr's to make a change in her tube feeds in effort to give her a more normal night time for her age.  She is now getting 4 bolus feeds (higher rate of fluids pushed in shorter time frame) and from 4 pm until 7:30 pm she gets the rest of her milk at the lower, slower rate.  Plus 2 of the 5 cans of formula she gets each day, she is taking orally (meaning less having to be pushed thru the tube).  The result so far is that she has only had one night where her underpad on her bed was wet and she has had 2 completely dry nights (both bed and pull up).  Celebrating big time on those mornings.  I don't think she ever thought she would be able to wake up dry but it sure is great to see how happy she gets when she does.

So another yearly check up with Nebraska has come and gone. Everyone was surprised at how big Emily has gotten over the past year.  She is doing well.  We had the chance to see her plaque in the Pediatric wing and to have lunch and a couple of dinners with a few different friends.  Emily's favorite  part of the trip was seeing her BFF Danny.they had a chance to play on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  We also saw one of her transplant sisters, Emerson.  Overall we had a great trip and we don't have to return for anot her year as long as things continue to go well.

Today we will celebrate another milestone for Emily...her 8th birthday!  I can't believe she is 8.  It seems like yesterday she was a binky toting toddler.  A lot has happened in the last 5 1/2 years.  An adoption, a move to Texas, HORSES, a multi organ transplant and six months away from home, HORSES, home schooling, HORSES!  There are many who thought Emily wouldn't be here at this point in life.  She has proven them wrong.  This girl has a strong will and lots of attitude and determination.  We have seen her at some of her worst times and are now enjoying her at her best.  She is excited about her birthday tomorrow.  I will post pictures after tomorrow with her cake.  Until then here a couple of pictures of her enjoying 2 of her early presents today, a new bathing suit and a pool.

Taking a trip down memory lane...even though she doesn't remember

On Saturday May 16, we took the opportunity to make a trip to Shreveport, LA to go to the March for Babies Walk and Willis Knighton South NICU graduate reunion.  Emily was able to meet some of the nurses and one of the Dr's who cared for her from the day she was born until she was 10 1/2 months old.  It was great seeing everyone and for them to have the chance to see her so close to her birthday.

We also got to see Vinny which is always the highlight of our trips back to Shreveport! We love that boy and Emily always enjoys seeing him.