Summertime Fun!

Labour day tends to mark the end of summer time around here. I realized that I haven't posted any pictures all summer and have been a very sporatic blogger. The reason for that is that we have been busy having fun. : )

Aria couldn't get enough of the sand, water and all of the beach balls. She loves roaming the beach pointing them all out.

We made it out to the beach several times. Calla and Maya are pretty good swimmers now. Calla passed levels 2-4 this year and Maya has now passed Salamander and Sunfish.

We also made it out to Cartown twice. This was actually the first time for the girls and a good thing that we got there. As you can tell, Calla is almost too big to fit into the cars!

This was Aria's first year at Tinkertown. She absolutely loved these little boats that go around in a circle. She actually wouldn't get out. The girl running them thought that she was cute and because she had a wrist band she just kept on riding.

Aria managed to go on a few other rides with the help of her big sisters. : )

I'll try to post some pictures of our camping trip before the first day of school on Thursday!

Love to you all,

Kristen

Volunteers Please!

We are gearing up for this year's Georgia's Journey of Hope to be held on Sunday October 2nd at Glenwood Community Centre. It takes an army of volunteers to make this thing happen and I am once again humbly asking for help. If you can donate even one hour of your time please contact me directly or come to a short meeting on Thursday September 1st -7:00.

We need help with face painting, bouncer supervision, front door, and sales tables. If you have any suggestions on activites for older kids please let me know. I will also have copies of prize request letters, flyers and tickets to be sold.

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”

George Bernard END SMA! Love to you all, Kristen

In Good Company

As SMA Awareness month continues I ran my first 10km (6.2miles) this morning. I was excited but a little nervous as the furthest that I had ever run was 5 miles - and that was last Monday!! LOL Shortly before the warm up began a few of us stood together to have our pictures taken in our t-shirts. As I stood there I was surprised, and yet not... to see one of Georgie's PICU doctors. It's funny that even though it's been over 2 years our eyes locked and met in recognition instantly. I will always remember and be grateful to this doctor as she was always considerate and compassionate when it came to caring for Georgia. She was the one person that I knew I could turn to if I wanted honest answers. Our time in the hospital was quite awful but this one person made a huge difference in our lives. We had a few minutes to catch up before the race and I knew right then and there that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I chose to try to keep pace with a woman that I only met a few days ago. She is actually training to run the Diva marathon in New York along with a few of my friends in October. In the end she became my angel. She kept the time and the pace with me - even sharing her music to help me find my rhythm. At the end when I thought that I was going to throw up she told me just to keep going until I saw my girls. The rest was easy! Nothing like hearing, "Go Mommy!" when the original reason that brought you to a place was losing a child.

The experience was uplifting and empowering. Thanks to all of my friends that joined me today especially my new running buddy Theresa. I still have no desire to be running more than 10km but I think that I'll definitely do it again. : )

This is me post race in my new shirt.

Here are the backs of the t-shirt. I am hoping that if enough people wear them the logo will soon become recognized.

Love to you all,

Kristen

SMA Awareness

I have been meaning to sit down and write for over two weeks now but just haven't managed to do it. August is SMA awareness month and I feel like I should have a lot to say but have been struggling. It's been 2 years and almost 4 months since we lost Georgia. Most of the time I feel at peace and know that I should be counting my blessings. I know that I am so lucky to have three beautiful and healthy girls here with me and I know that most people can tell that we as a family are doing well.

That doesn't change the fact however, that my beautiful blue -eyed daughter lies in a fluffy pink casket below the earth's surface over by the fountain. It doesn't change the fact that there is a continual void in our family and that Calla and Maya don't miss their sister. Every time I hear a little girl being called Georgia or Lily I turn my head and stare. How is it that they got to keep theirs?

The truth is that I am at peace with the loss of Georgia but I can't stand knowing that there are so many children out there struggling for every breath that they take. I hate knowing that there are so many parents living in a constant state of anxiety wondering what's next and will there be a tomorrow? Phrases like., "We know that Gwendolyn is deteriorating." "Lucy can no longer bring her hands up to her face." And, "Today we had to say good- bye..." make me want to help and yet at the same time feel so helpless. I know that these families know pain like no others. I know that they struggle with almost everything that they do. That is why raising awareness about SMA is so important.

Aria is almost 15 months old. She runs around now. She dances and screams at the top of her lungs. She has mastered climbing onto the coffee table and the back of the couch. She even likes to climb into the rocking chair and rock it standing up. She laughs at me when I say, "Danger!" I marvel at her physical ability and her zest for life. Georgia too had a zest for life, and so do so many of these kids. Right now we can only dare to dream that one day they too will be climbing a coffee table or dancing around.

I will be running my first 10k this weekend in honor of all of these SMA kiddos and families. Georgia's Journey of Hope will take place on Sunday October 2nd, at Glenwood Community Centre. I am now starting the call for volunteers.

Oh yes, I know that I am lucky but I am also dedicated to helping raise awareness about SMA. Will you?

Love to you all,

Kristen

Because I Can

After Georgia died my life seemed to be a nightmare and like any normal human being I felt the urge to run away. Running away of course, really wasn't an option. While I wanted to run from the pain, anger and hurt, I didn't want to run away from my family. So, I did the next best thing. I jumped onto a treadmill and somewhere along the way I started to feel better.

I have never been to see a therapist, nor have I ever taken antidepressents. I am one of the lucky few that found a different drug of choice - running. Running has never been easy for me. Those of you that have followed my story the last couple of years know how true this is. I have only ever really run a couple miles at a time. Often it's just enough time to clear my head and fill me with positive energy for the next couple of days. Being pregnant for a fourth time, breast feeding and getting up several times a night left me with little more energy.

In my cyber world, I have met people who have done all kinds of amazing things. Bill Strong is about to run his first marathon, just having completed his first half marathon. This on top of working full time and caring for a three year old with SMA. Then there's Stephen Taylor. He just ran 100 miles AGAIN! There's also Magda. Magda came up with the slogan - "We run for those who can't" The slogan that Stephen Taylor, Magda and one hundred others wore back in March as they ran the New Bedford half marathon. They are already planning to do it again next year.

Magda has also launched a challenge to to make this the best July ever by coming up with three big goals - a fitness, a nutrition and a spiritual goal. There is a group of us online that have all signed up and people regularly post about what they're up to. Now my fitness goal had nothing to do with running (it was core strength) but last week as I read an article I came up with another one. The article was posted by somebody else in the group and the message that stuck with me was that most of us will spend more energy thinking about the things that we'd like to be able to do instead of actually making them happen. Hmmmm...

So, I signed up to run a 10k in August. I know, I know it's not a marathon or even a half marathon but it's going to leave me empowered!! I have asked and received permission to wear the slogan, "We run for those who can't" and am going to have a few t'shirts made up with GJH's logo. I am hoping that a few others will want to join me or want a t shirt even if they are just running for fun. But, I have learned something else this month.

For the first time in over two years I am O.K. I am no longer afraid to stand on my own two feet. Even if I am the only person who ever wears one of those shirts and gets out there to run I will be just fine. I will always be in good company as I know that my reasons for running are good. I run not just in memory of Georgia but in memory of so many others. I also run for those little people still fighting.

Two years ago I wanted to run away from a nightmare but I now realize that you can never run away from a nightmare. The only way to ever feel better is to wake up. I am finally doing just that. I have set a goal and I will run simply because I can.

If you'd like to join me please let me know. You won't believe how good it feels to run for others. : )

Love to you all,

Kristen

This is Our Maya

5 years ago today, at just after 6 a.m. Mike and I welcomed our second daughter into the world. My labor had gone so smoothly that Mike was encouraged to 'glove up' and 'catch her'. I remember how her hair was a dark auburn color and when I later placed her in the basinette she kept turning right up onto her side to stare at me. : )

At 5 Maya can of course write her name and recognizes most of her letters. She loves to play dress up and will often change her clothes several times a day. She notices if I wear different shoes, earrings, necklace etc. Too bad for her, her mommy is kind of boring and could wear the same things every day! She loves to have her nails painted and her hair curled. If I allowed it she'd be wearing make up every day. She is truly my little girl.

This past spring Maya took up soccer for the first time. She loves to play goalie and will chase after the ball but isn't a very aggressive player. At a few of the games she has stopped to chat with some of her friends on opposite teams. "What are you doing here?" One time she spent most of her shift trying to get her friend's attention to point out that they had matching shin guards and socks! LOL This is our Maya.

Maya is a very sweet little girl with a big heart. She often senses people's emotions before most adults. If somebody falls down on the soccer field she often stands there waiting for them to get up - even while the play is still going on. Maya is an amazing big sister. She watches over Aria like a true Mother Hen. She is my second set of eyes and I don't know what I would do without her. Maya is also a great little sister to Calla, always waiting for her to come home and play.

Maya had lots of friends and I think that it's because she is so kind hearted and excited about life. Yes, she still suffers from anxiety, sometimes at the most awkward moments, but her spirit continues to be bright and shiny. This is our Maya!

Ready for the party!

She wanted the enchanted castle cake. Sorry that it's sideways!


The Prairie Fairy came to her party this year. That's why she is wearing her fairy wings and skirt.

Here we are just hanging out after our dinner at Boston Pizza. Maya's choice, of course!!

Love to you all,

Kristen

Almost 5

In two sleeps Maya will be turning 5. I decided to seize the opportunity and ask her a few questions about herself. Thanks Tammy for the great idea!! Here's what she had to say.

How old are you Maya? 4

Soon you'll be? 5

What's your favorite color? purple

Are you excited to start kindergarten? Yes!

What to do you think you'll do there? Mmmm..Make trees.

What's your favorite thing to wear? A Dress. (I definitely thought she'd say a bathing suit!)

Who are some of your friends? Addy, Mia, Kai, Maggie, Bella, Macy, Ruby, Hannah, Eva...

What your favorite meal? Kraft Dinner

What's your favorite snack? Lollipops

What's your favorte restaurant? Boston Pizza

What's your favorite drink? Apple Juice

What's your favorite book? Sadie the Ballerina and My Little Pony

What's your favorite toy? Barbies

What's your favorite game to play? Old Maid

What's your favorite board game? Chicky Boom

What do you want to do when you grow up? Be a Pet Veterinarian

What's your favorite animal? Bunny!!... Koala, monkey, puppy kitty

Are you afraid of anything? NO!

Not even the dark? Mmmmm...

What's your favorite sport? Soccer

What's your favorite place to visit? Grand Forks!!!

What the best part of Grand Forks? The WATER SLIDES!

Who's your favorite person? Calla.

What's your favorite t.v. show? Wild Kratts and The Peter Pan show

What's your favorite movie? Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

What's your favorite thing to do in summer? play in the pool, sprinkler, slip n slide and go to the beach.

Is there anything that you want to learn how to do? Yes. Swim.

So...Maya apparently loves the water and wants to learn to swim but refuses to do lessons. Sigh. Hopefully, year 5 will be the year to learn!

Love to you all,

Kristen

My Dad

Top 10 Things That I Have Received From My Dad

10. The need for sunscreen because of my pale skin.

9. The ability to sleep in the middle of the day! : )

8. My temper - a long fuse but then we blow!

7. The ability to 'just walk away.'

6. My love of travelling.

5. My love of languages.

4. My ability to cook!! Oops! That one definitely belongs to MOM. : )

3. The ability to put family first - that one belongs to both of them.

2. The belief that it will be better in the morning - after a good night sleep.

1. My sense of humour!

Love ya Dad! Happy Father's Day!

Kristen

Dancing Queens

It's been almost a couple of weeks, but on the 24th Calla and Maya both danced in their year end recital. Maya was a monkey and Calla danced to the music of Kung Fu Panda. Both of their routines were super cute and it's so fun to watch how much they have learned. Calla is practically a veteran dancing at the concert hall but this was only Maya's second time. Mike and I both had tears in our eyes when we talked about Maya's performance later that night.

We both think that it takes a lot of courage to get up in front of hundreds of people and perform and we're never sure how Maya will react. This year however, Maya was a performer! We caught another glimpse of that toddler we had so long ago. She was confident. She was smiling. She was having a blast! There was no sign of our shy and anxious little girl.

After the show when we went back to congratulate the girls Maya immediately cast her eyes down and started to whine. She can't handle compliments. Calla received her congrats with a big smile and several thank yous. I wish that we had recorded the performances but it remains ingrained forever in my mind. Maya continues to give us glimpses of who she will become and we continue to hope that she will thrive alongside her sisters. She loves to dance and it seems to bring out the best in both of our girls. For that we are grateful. : )


There was also a very pleasant and humbling surprise. Two of the hip hop classes taught by Miss Carmelle raised money through their 'Just Believe' t-shirts in memory of Georgia. Our family recieved a cheque for FSMAC for $215.00 and we had no idea that it was happening! Wow!! If you'd like more information about the Just Believe World organization please click here. According to their website 'just believe is optimism. just believe is hope. just believe is ambition. just believe is change. just believe is love...' We are so thankful to all of the dancers and teachers involved.

Love to you all,

Kristen

One!

Aria Evangeline...a song bearing good news. Your name is so appropriate and yet it was the hardest to choose. We wanted you to understand how wanted you were, how loved you were and always would be. We wanted your name to represent who you are to us and so, it is Aria Evangeline. Did you know that I wanted your middle name to be Joy? I just knew that you would bring us so much of that. I also wanted your middle name to be Hope. The moment that I found out I was carrying you, that is what you meant to me. You are all of these things to us and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives.

We celebrated your first birthday with a big party yesterday and a smaller one today. So many people came to join us! In lieu of gifts we requested donations to Children's Hospital. I knew that you wouldn't mind. Of course, you still received a few presents. A lot of people just can't resist, not that I blame them.

Here you are digging something out from one of your birthday bags.


Here you are with your Winnie the Pooh birthday cake. I didn't know what to pick for you because you don't have any favorite toys. Next year you'll be able to tell me! You certainly don't look very impressed in this picture.

You weren't really sure about the cake. You really liked smooshing it between your fingers but didn't want to eat it. Oh well. You sure looked cute!!

Now you are sleeping up in your bed. I can't wait to see what another year brings.

Love to you all,

Kristen