A Girl and Her Doll

When Alyssa was just a baby I crossed every finger and toe that I have, hoping that she would find a doll that would become her best friend. When she was 3 years old she got a Bitty Baby doll for Christmas and it was love at first sight! Bitty Baby has truly become her best little friend and even now, 6 years later, Bitty is tucked in next to her at night and placed gently on the couch and kissed on her head each morning before Alyssa heads to school. Bitty Baby goes everywhere with her and I dread the day when she is left behind. I know that it will happen soon, so I treasure every moment that Alyssa has with her best little friend!

This comment make by Alyssa a couple of days ago pretty much sums up her love of her doll.

"Mom, I would be devastated if something happened to Bitty. If she fell out of the car and got run over, I would sit in the middle of the road crying until I found every single little piece of her. I would be so sad!"

There are very few things as sweet as a girl and her doll!

Three Years!

You've come a long way my little man!

Three years ago today, Jeff and I were sitting in the surgical waiting room while Jared was receiving his new kidney. I can't believe that it has been three years! What a blessing those three years have been! Jared is thriving. He is happy and growing and it is all because of the miraculous gift that he received three years ago. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of his donor and the gift that his family gave us during one of their most difficult days. As I rejoice in my beautiful son, I also grieve for his donor and his family. It is difficult to even wrap my mind around all that has gone on in my sweet Jared's life.

Today, Jared, my Mom and I took treats up to the hospital to celebrate. This day is not just a celebration for us. It is a celebration for everyone that has cared for him these past 5 years of his life. We visited the transplant team and even found two of our favorite nurses during our stay following his transplant. These people have become like family and I can't imagine going through all of this without them. They have loved Jared, and have loved us, and I am so grateful for the care that our entire family has received during this journey. Everyone loved to see Jared and he had so much fun passing out his treats to everyone. He knew that he was the center of attention and acted as silly and as cute as ever. He brought smiles and a few tears to everyone today. It was the perfect way to spend the morning! I love you my sweet Jer Bear! Here's to many more years of perfect kidney function!!!