Emily had a great first day of vacation...

She spent most of the day just relaxing at Dave's parents (Grandma and Yeah-Yeah), winding down from the long car ride and her bout of motion sickness from that ride. No vomiting today woohoo! We did lunch with our friends Sal and Susie at Tanners. Then after nap we went to Crystal and Chris' and met an awesome woman, Diane and her dog Gracie..Diane is an author, among many other accomplishments, who wrote the story of how she met her dog Gracie. She tells of the trials that Gracie went thru and how she came to be with her. The part of the story not told in the book is how Gracie made an amazing difference in Diane's health and continues to do so everyday. Emily received an autographed copy of the book, a Gracie Baby stuffed animal, tee shirts, a Gracie bracelet, pictures of herself with Gracie and Diane and 2 additional Gracie babies to take home for some special little girls who are in need of Gracie babies of their own. What an amazing afternoon this was! Thank you Crystal and Chris for introducing us. And thank you Diane and Gracie for sharing your story and time with us. That evening we went over to Aunt Cyndi and Uncle Jac's. Em played with Uncle Jac most of the time we were there. Emily's Make A Wish vacation starts at Give KidsThe World tomorrow. More memories in the making. She is a happy little girl just after today, we can't wait to continue the week and see her glow with more excitement! Stay tuned...

Theresa

It's hard to believe that one year ago today...

It's hard to believe, but one year ago today, Munchkin came home to live with us. Who would have known that this little person would have such a gigantic impact on not only us, but with so many others.

When she came home with us she was a quiet and reserved little girl who weighed 21.6 lbs and was wearing size 18-months clothes. And today - an outgoing, extremely funny, little princess who now weighs 35.4 lbs and is wearing size 4T clothes. Her improvement has been incredible. Her one doctor (and boyfriend) says her labs are rock-solid. Munchkin's health is really great right now. Her physical strength has grown immensely. Her mental attitude is so happy! She is an incredible little girl! To see her right now, one would never know the serious illness she fights.

Through her, our world has gotten much smaller and our circle of friends has grown larger than we ever thought. Dr. Boykin, Dr. Brian, Rosaline, the staff at the doctor's office, the nurses at Sutton's PICU have all been a god-send when Munchkin has been in the hospital. The transplant staff at UNMC, where Munchkin will go for her transplant have been so supportive, and will become an important part of her life. The staff at National Pharmacy have been so helpful and so cooperative when we have needed you in those special times (even though they ignore our request, week after week, for a Louis Vuitton bag for Em's TPN). We thank the nurses from Trinity Home Health without whose care for Munchkin would not allow us to function normally (whatever normal is). And who can forget the girls at our Target Pharmacy who always take care of her medicines and have taken a genuine interest in her life.

But Judy and JR Rader have become saints in Emily's life. They have done more for her and love her as if Em was their own grandchild. They are truly an inspiration to us and have impacted Em's life as much as she has impacted theirs. They are a gift from God!

There is no way we can thank all of you enough for all that you have done over this past year. But believe me, we truly appreciate everything.

Munchkin - what a gift you have given us this past year. We thank God every day for you and what you have brought to our lives.

Love you, Baby!

Mama and Dave