(Re-post)  Heart Surgury Journal   (Two Years Ago Today)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James)

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My dear friend and I were talking about trials yesterday.  The ones we've had to go through and and the ones yet foreseen.  We both were able to account to how God used them for good in us, agreeing it was worth it.  Some are easy to talk about and some, not so much.. but either way, God uses them for His good.   God is so faithful to His Word, we can truly trust in Him as we submit to His will.   And thinking of today,  I am so grateful for this one trial in our lives.  It was so worth all that God taught us through it, how He worked in others and how it drew us closer to Him.

Can't believe this was two years ago...   7-10 days turned into 52... A time of uncertainty, relying the Lord.  He was faithful, giving us strength.  We  began to understand and appreciate,  "count it all joy."  and "give thanks in all circumstances."  I know I will have to continue to learn this again, as other kinds of trial come along.  The Lord is my sustainer.


"Consider what God has done:  Who can straighten what he has made crooked?  When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other." (Ecclesiastes)

My dear friend, Carri Roman, captured these precious pics of Taylor and her sisters. I love them so much. If you are looking for an amazing photographer to capture you kiddos, check her out! The girls had a so much fun and Carri does an awesome job keeping it real. www.carriroman.com or Facebook

Look at her go!

She's doing great. Her heart continues to be stable and she couldn't be happier.

We are having so much fun helping her learn to walk. It's fun to see her excitement for her accomplishment. It's the best. This girl knows what a stinker she is as she snoops into everything. It's very cute (right now). Here's a few clips of her recent steps.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

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Our Christmas Sugar Plums..

I am grateful to know these ladies. We all have one thing in common...

What a blessing it is to share and learn from each of them. I can't wait for the 2nd Tuesday of each month when we all have an opportunity to get together as families. (There are many other Mommies to be added here that are missing.)

So happy to be TWO today!!!

It's Down Syndrome Awareness Month
I love all wonderful posts I've been reading. It's so encouraging and even exciting. Aaron and I feel so blessed with uniqueness of Taylor and really just summarize her with one word.. JOY. God has brought so much joy in our lives because of her! Regardless of any physical delays, mental delays, heart concerns, extra appointments, ect.. all still doesn't compare to who she is and all she brings to life. How I wish everyone could know and see it the same.

We've been so blessed to know many wonderful families and parents just like us. They are all celebrating this month too. What a gift they have been to our family. Many of them will be at the San Diego Buddy Walk this weekend in yellow and blue to celebrate. Tay's buddy, Elias, shows us how it's done. Check out that hair! We're going to miss being with all of them this year.

So "cheers' to the "joy" in down syndrome and all the very special kiddos in our lives. We praise God for you and the blessings you are!

Just watched this.. .Great Video: They're more alike than different.

This girl is determined...

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This group is such a blessing to our family.

She's so happy to be on the move! We know she's comin' when hearing the pitter patter of little hands along on the hard floor. It's so cute!

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So thankful for freedom!

Wishin' my girls could have known my Grandad. Missin' him always..

Summer Fun Begins..

So thankful for life!

At 20 months, Taylor has been busy learning and growing. She finally cut her first tooth and is now on her third! Whew. She loves signing all her knew signs for eat, nigh-night, more, bye-bye and signing time. Lately it's a lot of "eat, eat, eat." ;) With all her hard work, she's just about ready to get around on those knees. I was able to capture a little bit of her cuteness and added a few recent pics.

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This was a big hurdle. but she finally did it! She is finally able to get up into a sitting position on her own :).

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Our little Sugar Buns is working so hard and so close to crawling. She's so proud of herself and really gets where she wants to go, rolling and scooting along. It's only a matter of time before she has us on our toes ;).

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Mmm.. sand.

One of Taylor's goals this month is to identify two objects we call out. She's got her baby down. We're so proud of her!

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A first for our girl...Snow fun!

I met a new Mommy yesterday and her precious baby boy. He was born with down syndrome too. It was so awesome to listen to her story and hear her heart. She shared how difficult it was at his birth, not even wanting to hold him. Oh how quickly it changed. She is so nutts in love with her little guy and couldn't get enough of Taylor too, kissin' and lovin' on her. It's amazing to talk about how we've grown and the real joy God has given us. God is SO good. We found out we wanted what we didn't think we wanted.