What A Week

Poor Delilah has had her first cold this week. She has never been sick before, so it was a new experience for both of us. She was constantly crying and would only settle if she was laying on my chest. Her coughs were so rough she could barely get them out. There were also several sleepless nights. Luckily, she seems to be doing much better today. She is happier and playing with her toys again. She still has a slight cough and her voice is hoarse, but she seems to be it good spirits. I think all the excitement from her birthday party just wore her little body out.

Before her cold, she was able to play with a few of her 'outside' birthday presents. One being a Splash Pool and the other a swing. I think she really liked them both.

And just because it is so cute, here is D eating some watermelon, her new favorite snack!

We are looking forward to celebrating Independence Day with Brad, Jenn and Bob. It's gonna be a fabulous day, and Delilah will get to see sparklers for the first time. Can't wait for the photo op!!!! Happy 4th of July to everyone, especially to Delilah's Daddy. He will be home in about 20 days!!! Woohoo!!!

Birthday Party (Photo Heavy Post)

Today was a wonderful day! Today we celebrated Delilah's first birthday the best way we know how, PARTY! Surrounded by family and friends, Delilah opened all her wonderful presents and ate her very first cupcake. And let me tell you, Delilah has a very unique way of eating a cupcake. I will let the photos speak for themselves. Thank you to everyone who was here and sent her such lovely gifts. She really enjoyed her special day!

Happt 1st Birthday Delilah Grace!

My beautiful, amazing little girl is ONE today! ONE!?!?! Has it really been a year? A whole year? There has been so much that has happened in this first year that I can't even wrap my head around it. No need to hash out some of the harsh realities of it, because no matter all of it, the good and the bad, it has been the best year of my life. Delilah is so WONDERFUL and growing so FAST! Everyone said she would grow up fast, but it SO shocking when I see it first hand. It seems her newborn/infant features have morphed into toddler features overnight. She may not be walking, or talking, or even crawling, but she has turned into a 'toddler'. Her determination to explore her world and conquer her disadvantages is astounding. PWS may be slowing her down, but it definitely isn't stopping her. She really is a rock star! I cannot tell you how excited I am to see what she does this next year!

Happy Birthday Delilah Grace! You are truly my most precious gift!!!

(What kind of birthday post would this be without pictures spanning the first year.)

DelilahsFirstYear

Click here to view this photo book larger

Here is the scrapbook I have been slaving away over! It is finally finished and ordered; just in time to get it for her birthday. I am so excited about it. I hope you all enjoy!

JUNE

I cannot believe it is June already. Where did May go? We just got back from a little vacation in Florida. We spent the weekend at Robert's beach house with a bunch of friends. Delilah spent Thursday and Friday with us, then spent the rest of the weekend with Nana and Pawpaw. She spent some time in the sound and the pool with us. My girl loves the water! She was so happy to sit in her float splashing around. When Mrs. Janet picked her up Friday to take her to Nana's I cried like a baby. It was good to get some adult time, but I missed her so much. Here are some pictures of her cuteness!

This month is going to be exceptionally busy for us. We will be going back down to Florida next week for my brother's graduation from High School. I can't believe he is graduating and going into the Army! It seems like only yesterday my sister and I were dressing him up like our very own life size doll. (Sorry lil' brother!!!) We will spend the week with all the family which I am looking forward to. Then we will return home for a mad dash of party planning. Delilah turns 1 this month!!!! And she will have the best first birthday party EVER! All are invited to the momentous occasion. Email me if you want an invite. 

Drum Roll Please...

We did it! We reached our goal of $500 and we are only half way through the month! I am truly amazed by the way our story has spread. The generosity of all of our family, friends, and, most surprisingly, strangers has touched me so much. When I first decided to participate in this fundraiser I was a little apprehensive. It isn't easy to ask for money, no matter what the purpose, especially in this economy. I felt that a goal of $500 may be too much. I was worried asking for donations would turn people away from our story. I can not tell you how happy I am to see that my worries were unfounded. I am just so proud! We are doing such a good thing for our children with PWS, and future children. Not only by raising money for a cure, but by getting awareness out there. So many people are still in the dark about this terrible syndrome.
I want to encourage all of you readers to continue educating the public about PWS, even after this month has passed. Tell them our story. Show them this blog. I am always happy to speak to anyone with questions.

I would also like to see how far we can raise past our goal. Right now we are at $500, can we make it to $750 or $1000. I am eager to find out. Every dollar is one step closer to a cure. I am also beginning to think of ways to raise money and awareness throughout the year, not just May. All ideas are welcome!

Some Delilah updates: She is starting to 'Army' crawl. She has done it a few times in the past few days. So exciting. It is great to see the determination on her face as she gets closer to a toy she wants. I was unsure if she would be this mobile before her first birthday. I am so glad to see she is and may be fully crawling by then.

She is also learning to clap. We have been playing Patty Cake and she gets so excited. She will keep one arm still and swing the other one like crazy trying to get her hands to meet in the middle. It is ADORABLE! And she loves to babble. It is almost constant now. Before she would do it maybe once a day, but now she wakes up babbling and goes to sleep babbling. I think she is going to be a talker just like her Momma. I can't wait to see what she does next.

I would love to hear from all our readers. Please feel free to post a comment and say 'hi'.

Such Wonderful Support!

Wow! I am so thrilled with the support we have received so far in our challenge to get PWS awareness out there. We have already reached 20% of our goal. Thank you to all who have donated so far. Our story has also started to make its way around Facebook. The creator of Kigi's Boutique has graciously decided to help our cause by offering to donate $7.00 from the purchase of each Create Your Own Crochet Beanie with Crochet Flower, found here. How AWESOME is that?!? Not only will you be getting the cutest Beanie ever, but you will be helping us find a cure for Prader Willi Syndrome. Thank you so much Kigi's Boutique. ***As I have been typing this we have received another donation. Woohoo!*** Please continue spreading the word about PWS. Donations can be made here. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!