Eleven Years and counting..............

Except for the one photo of Phil and I on our wedding day I don't believe I have ever shared these photos before. It was a crazy, joyful, exhausting day. It is one I am not sure to forget as well as most of the people that joined us to celebrate. Every once and a while someone comes up to me to tell me that it was the most fun they have ever had at a wedding.

I can not take credit for that as our parents made it a wonderful day for us and it would not have been without them. THANK YOU!!

Things I won't forget......The ceremony starting 15 minutes late because my sister had to break every speed law known to man through Toledo to find Phil's ring in my luggage. Thanks Jen!! Being so nervous the as we sat down my knee started jerking so bad Phil could not stop laughing. The Unity Candle starting a fire during the wedding photos. Wiping out on the dance floor in my wedding dress....TWICE....I looked like a marshmallow on the floor. Cramming 9 people in a white Cadillac to get back to the hotel...we were a sight!!!

Jen (my sister), Me and Justine (best friend)

Phil and Jon (brother and best man)


Phil, Sandy and James (his parents)

Justine, Jen, Me, Phil, Jon, Mike, Jamie and Jason Jr.

The Bacho Family

The Covey-Addler Family (most of them)

The Bride and Her Groom

Thinking back on that day I really had no idea what life would have in store for me. I just knew I was ready to start that life with Phil. Truly I never would have believed that I love him more today than the day I married him. I am completely in love with the man and father he has become. Our children are the luckiest kids in the world to have him as their guide.

I remember the day in August in Ohio being just warm enough with a gentle breeze. At one point after the wedding during the reception, I remember standing outside closing my eyes and just taking a deep breath and exhaling. All I could think of was this is it I am ready to take on the rest of my life.

We had know idea where the road would take us nor would I have ever believed we would have made it through so much. So here is to the first ELEVEN years and hoping for many more to come.

To Phil...you have held my heart for so long....THANK YOU for never letting go.

To my children....Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn.....Our life would have never been complete without you...THANK YOU for showing us how big our hearts are and that you each have your own special place in it.

Happy Anniversary Phil!!!

TTFN~

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Nana Patti!!!!!!!!!!

So sorry we aren't there to help you celebrate, but we are sending lots of hugs and kisses!!!

Love,
Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn

Birthday Party

Some of the pictures of Madelynn's birthday party I promised. Sorry they are a little late.

Kaitlynn testing out some of Madelynn's toys

The Birthday Girl

Those that helped us celebrate.

Madelynn LOVED the Monkey....Thanks Schmeichel's!!

The family

TTFN~

The Waterpark

I have talked about the water park before but I have never been brave enough to take my camera there. Since Phil's sister and brother-in-law came to help celebrate Maddie's birthday I had some extra hands. So below are some pictures I took today at the water park.

We also had a small party for her today but my dad took most of those pictures and I won't get those posted till tomorrow. However, it should be very obvious we spoiled her rotten today and she had a blast. More pictures to come.

TTFN~

The Results Are In..........

I leave work and get home only to have to wait for Phil so we only have to drive one car. I am doing everything I can to pass the time and wait. Did I tell you I LOATHE waiting!!??


It has been a while since I have been to the Sanger Clinic so I was quite surprised to see the decorations on the wall. I knew they would go up but I was still very surprised to see it. The picture taken of Madelynn in December was converted to black and white and posted on the wall. All of the Levine Cardiac Kids had their picture taken last year and they were now covering the clinic wall with beautiful bright shinning faces. As I walked in there she was. It was as if a kind of peace came over me. I knew what ever we would find out things would be ok.

Madelynn started with Great News because she had gained a half a pound in a week. As the nurse tested her arms and ankles for blood pressures they could not get any readings when they finally get one it was so high you knew it was wrong. Finally after a few worried moments it finally registered and it was right where it should be in both her arm and ankle. I think Phil and I held our breath for 10 minutes because when we exhaled it was so loud.

We were then taken back for her echo. The tech was really funny she kept offering a DVD for Madelynn to watch. I assured her that Madelynn would be just fine she has her Mommy and her Daddy lets just get on with it. After about 45 minutes Madelynn started to get antsy but it was almost over. When the tech was finished she complimented us on how amazing she was and that she was her best patient of the day.

When the Dr. came in Phil and I held our breath again and waited for words any words to come out of his mouth. Then they came, "Madelynn is great!" huge exhale again. He complimented the surgeon for his stellar work. He then took her pulses, listened to her heart, saw how active she was and his only other comment was, "There is nothing wrong with that child."

Phil and I were so stunned we actually asked, "Are you sure??" (insert laughter here)

We were so prepared for something to be wrong we weren't prepared for it to be all okay!!!

Because Madelynn is in the 50th percentile for her height at 34 inches but only the 5th percentile for her weight at 23.7 lbs it is hard to keep her body warm. So I guess all we need to do is make a conscience effort to keep her body warm since she is such a bean pole, while swimming.

So yes she has been cleared to swim, we were instructed to spoil her rotten this weekend to make up for being poked and prodded on her birthday. So we will follow doctors orders and have a great time.

Thank you to all of you that prayed for her today. We would have never made it this far without all of your prayers and they are greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend!! We're going to...............

TTFN~

Happy 2nd Birthday Madelynn!!!

Happy Birthday Madelynn!!!!!

My Dearest Sweet Madelynn,

Today we have reached a milestone. Today you are two years old. You have come so far and shown everyone what a fighter you are. You have reached goals better and faster than most ever thought you would. To see you today I am a very proud mother of a very strong, amazing little girl.

Today is a bittersweet day as I still worry what the doctor will say when we see him later. While swimming your lips turn blue which could mean lack of oxygen or that your heart is struggling. We were supposed to see your cardiologist the 18th of this month, for your annual visit. It was very quickly moved up. The only appointment available was your birthday.

But I have prepared for today. I have been reminded that you are my gift from God and He has big plans for you no matter how long or short your life is. I just have to trust that what ever the challenge that is laid before us; I have already been given the tools to take it on. I am not going to lie I am terrified to take you to the doctor today. I just don't want to be walked to the hospital from the cardiologist office again and not make it home for days.

So my hope for today is that after the appointment we head home to start your Birthday Bash. I hope for lots of smiles, silly shenanigans, and splashing at the water park to fill the weekend. I hope for lots and OOHS and AAHS as you open your presents. Most importantly I hope at the end of the day I am tucking you in your own bed, giving you hugs and kisses and watching you drift off to slumber at home.

Wishing you a wonderful day......

All my love,

Mama

TTFN~