Happy New Year!!

It is time to say goodbye to 2008.  We are very thankful that Marissa only had one major illness this year (pneumonia in May).  This year brought us many good memories and accomplishments. Marissa learned how to crawl and walk and she learned how to use the PMV (speaking valve) so we could hear her sweet voice.  And let's not forget all the great dancing!  She is such a blessing in our lives and we are so thankful for her. Each time she acts like a "normal" toddler who gives us attitude and frustration, I have to look back on where we were 21 short months ago and be thankful.  She came very close to dying several times and the fact that she is here at all and giving her parents many gray hairs every day is such an accomplishment and a testament to the power of prayer and the Power of the Lord God Almighty.

Raise your glasses with us to a prosperous and healthy Happy New Year!!

On a different note, I am asking for your prayers for myself, Jeremy and Marissa in the next month and beyond.  Marissa's kidney surgery is a short three weeks away and Jeremy and I are already having a hard time dealing with the upcoming stress.  We talked about it just last night we and are both very nervous and scared.  Nervous and scared not only about the surgery itself and the anesthesia, but the recovery.  It was unimaginably difficult to see her have surgery as an infant and watch her recover.  Now she is old enough to understand pain and communicate her discomfort.  She also has proven to regress in her therapies after a week long cold... I can't imagine how much she will regress after her belly is cut open.  I know this surgery is necessary, but I am dreading it.  I have to admit, I feel a little silly being so nervous about this surgery.  I know of other children who have had much more intense surgeries and I can't help but think that we are lucky this is considered to be a "routine procedure".  I know of kids who have had their skulls taken apart and put back together again... twice, for pete's sake!!

Please pray for peace for our little family as we get closer to Marissa's surgery.    

P.S.  I ask for your patience and  I "HOPE" (hahaha) you understand the delay in the next installment of "The Story of Us".  Aside from the busy holiday season, I am having a hard time recalling the events of March through May, 2007.  It was a very scary and difficult time for us.  I can't believe how emotionally draining it was to write the  "Story of Us IV" post.  This one is proving to be ten times more draining.  I will post the next installment as soon as I finish it.  Thanks for your patience.