Ryan's Look-alike!

My parents were looking through some old photos this weekend and my mom brought over some baby pictures of my dad. Holy Cow! Ryan looks so much like him! If Ryan grows up to look like his Papa, it will be fine by me, as I think my dad is quite handsome if I do say so myself. : )

A New Angel in Heaven

Many of you know the story of my friend Corinne's beautiful daughter, Chloe. (See my most recent post.) Today Chloe passed away peacefully while sleeping. She was 19 months old. It has been a long, terrible struggle. Spinal Muscular Atrophy is an absolutely horrific disease, and Chloe fought such a brave battle against it, as did her wonderful parents. I only got to meet Chloe in person once, but she has changed my outlook on life forever. And my friend Corinne has taught me so much about motherhood, selfless love, and what truly matters in life. I hope that up in Heaven, Chloe is finally able to do all the things her earthly body wouldn't allow her to do -- running, skipping, dancing, twirling, singing...

I love you, Chloe!

Two Worthy Causes

Hi All,

There are so many causes that are in need of support, but today I'm posting about two of them. I'm asking that you keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers, and for those who are willing and able, perhaps you may feel compelled to make a financial contribution. I know a lot of those who read my blog are women and mothers, which make both of these close to our hearts.

First, many of you know about my dear friend Corinne's daughter Chloe. You can read about her here in a blog post from October. Corinne and her family are raising money as part of the Jacob's Run, Walk, and Roll to help cure SMA. For those able to contribute even the smallest amount, here is Corinne's fundraising page. I'm also asking you all to keep Chloe in your prayers. Right now Chloe is extremely weak and experiencing severe breathing difficulty. Corinne and Matt are keeping Chloe calm and comfortable with morphine and nearly full-time oxygen. They all need your prayers.

I'm also attaching a "guest blog" from my friend Heather, who some of you may know. Heather's mom is a proud and inspiring breast cancer survivor, and Heather's family will be taking part in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. The attachment is Heather's mom's story & testimony in her own words. Heather is hoping that the readers of my blog are willing to support her family through prayer, and for those who are able, through a contribution -- no matter how small. To view Heather's blog, please click here and then click Download and select Open.

Thanks, friends & family!
Laura

Another Round of Annalise-isms

Annalise has been obsessed with the movie "The Sound of Music" lately. It's on the DVR and she asks to watch it daily. While watching, she asked if Leisl was looking for "Old Man Maria." I said, "What?" and then realized that she meant Fraulein Maria!

Today she said, "Mommy, we really need to get a new TV. Ours is scratchy, and we need to get a new one with no commercials." I agree!

Annalise has been very into clothes lately. I often call her a "fashionista." The other day she put something on and said, "Look, I'm fashional."

The other day I had been watching the movie "Waitress" while Annalise napped. When she got up, I'd gone into the kitchen to make dinner and didn't turn the movie off. I realized that the childbirth scene was on, and although it's not graphic, there is a lot of yelling and screaming. I glanced in the living room and sure enough, Annalise was mesmerized, staring at the TV with huge eyes. She ran into the kitchen and said, "Mommy! I don't want to go to the hostible (hospital)! I don't want to grow a baby in my tummy! I'm scared!"

I was changing Ryan's diaper the other day and she said, "Mommy, Ryan's pee-pee parts are different from mine." I said, "Yes, boys and girls have different parts." She said, "Yes, and an octopus has TEN pee-pee parts!"

Yet Another Ryan Trick

Well, here comes another trick! Ryan started this yesterday and it cracks us up every time. Pardon my hiccups in this video clip!

Ryan's New Trick

The other day while Ryan was eating, he kept tilting his head to the side. I was saying, "Are you being cute?" He kept on doing it, and soon it turned into a game. Now, when we say, "Ryan, be cute!" he does it. So funny!