Getting ready for Samantha's party

We finally got a picture with her Uncle Mike. Woo Hoo!!!! Uncle Mike and Grandpa puting up some shade. Boy did we need it.

We picked the hottest day of the month to do this party.

Sometimes I think we're not very smart.

The boys

This is the usual reaction when I say I'm taking pictures.

Isn't he sweet? At least he tries to smileThey wore out Grandma. Both she and Nate zonked out
Oh what will he say when he see's this picture posted.

She will sleep anywhere.

Our little sleeping beauty Just couldn't hold my head up any longer
I'm not sure how she ended up on my head

Playing ball with my brothers

It's sometimes really hard to believe that I have 2 teenage boys. Samantha loves them.

Mess Maker Mess Maker

I really wish I had a better spot for some of my stuff. Her new favorite thing is to yank all of my disks out and scatter them on the floor. I have probably picked these up 20 times in the last 3 days. So much for the hundreds of dollars that have been spent on toys.

Never mind that when she gets in this cabinet I have to wash all of her nipples again. I don't want her to put them in her mouth after she has slobbered all over them and rubbed them on the floor.

Just an update

Samantha and her kitty. Boy does she love him. Nate and his friend Samm at Graduation.
Just an old favorite of mine. Look how blond I was.

Well, the surgery is over. Samantha is doing great. She had her stitches taken out yesterday. She decided that it would be fun to scoot around the doctors office and explore. She made us all laugh. The doctors warned us that she would have a new found energy, and they were not joking. The child can go for hours standing and climbing. I thought she wore me out before. WOW!! We are still trying to get a handle on her high blood pressure, but Dr. Womack says that her body will adjust in time and not to worry. So I'm not. He's been on point with everything so far, so I have no reason to doubt at this point.

My cousin James (more like a brother) got a new job. He's leaving for Texas tonight. He seems to think he has gotten his dream job. I really hope it turns out the way he hopes. I'm sad to see him go. Besides that, I have lost a great babysitter (NO FAIR). He will be missed greatly.

The boys are out of school now. They have a busy summer. Church camp, Drivers ED, Band Camp, and whatever else rolls around. It makes me sad that they are growing up so fast. I don't see them as much. I'm certainly glad that they are happy though.

For those of you that know, Matthew and I have had some hard times the last few months. I'm not talking about the stress of two hospital visits or the fact that trucking is in the dumps right now. Just in our relationship as a couple. I'm happy to say though, we are doing much better. Counseling has helped a little but more importantly, we are both working hard at saving the relationship, and are definitely moving in the right direction.

Anyway, I just want to say Thank you to everyone who has been there for us through all of this. I'm grateful for all the prayers that everyone sent our way, and I know things can only get better from here. They have already started.

I love you all

AT THE ZOO

Matthew and I took Samantha on her very first zoo trip today. The weather unfortunately didn't cooperate like we had hoped, but she loved being outside and and seeing all the animals we did see.

Samantha and Mommy on the carosel.
We saw the penguins
Riding on the baby tiger
Just some mommy baby cuddles
Looking at the tigers

Heart Surgery

Tuesday May 20th. Day of surgery.

This was a really long day. We had to be at the hospital at 6 a.m. Samantha was hungry and tired but kept a smile on her face for the most part before the surgery. The surgery lasted about 3 hours and then there was an hour in ICU getting her all plugged in before we could see her. I was a mess but I had a lot of support from friends and family. Nathanial was worried about his sister but seemed more concerned about giving me hugs while we waited. He is a sweet boy.


Samantha in ICU about an hour after surgery. Mommy is rubbing her head hoping to comfort her.

Big brother Nate frowns Big brother Chris doesn't know what to think All the machines and cords and tubes were a

little overwhelming.
All hooked up Wednesday May 21st

In the morning she was still under sedation and we didn't see much change. By the afternoon, we were unplugging her from machines and she was awake for short periods at a time.

Still a sleepy baby, but has turned herself to her side to sleep

Mommy finally gets to hold her baby. I'm not

sure which felt better, holding her after her surgery,

or holding her when she was born. I cried like a baby.

I hope she liked being held as much as I liked

holding her. Her first meal... See the battle scar. A big ouch.
Daddy gets to hold his little princess. Gives her

a tender kiss.May 22nd. Day 3
Out of ICU. Lots of visitors. She was as happy this day as she was before her surgery.

Grandma and her brothers came by to see her.
We went for a ride through Pediatrics in the big red wagon.
Mammer came to visit too Trying to crawl off the bed, but it's hard with

only one usable hand. Daddy is making silly faces.

Samantha & Mandie at the park

So, I know this is a little excessive considering we just got home, but I was looking at the pictures we took at the park and I just couldn't wait to share. These two girls are just too funny together. We had a great time playing and walking and talking. Thanks Tricia and Mandie for a wonderful afternoon.

Surgery time

Hi Everyone,
I just want to take a minute to let everyone know what's going on with Sammy's surgery. It is scheduled for the 20th of this month at 8:00 a.m. The surgery will take about 3 hours. We have been told she will be in ICU for the first couple of days but don't be afraid to come visit. Although, a fair warning, I've been told she will be hooked up to lots of tubes and machines. She will need her friends and family with her. Only two people at a time will be able to see her when she is in the ICU, but I promise to get everyone in to see her. After that she will be in pediatrics. Anyone can visit at any time then. There are no visiting hours. We expect to be at the hospital for about a week. I will keep everyone updated.
Love, love
Vikki

Hanging with the kids

Computer time Sammy and Grandma
He lets me push the buttons

I want the bubble....I GOT IT What do you know, Mom finally captured a smile
Clapping for way up high
I love my brother
Happy time