2 Year Happy Heart Day!

Well it's been another year.  I can't believe it's been 2 years since we handed over our sweet Ollie Faith in heart failure over to that team of surgeons.  I have never been so scared or prayed so hard in my life.  I prayed for God to hold her in his arms during the surgery and for a complete correction resulting in no future surgeries and for a swift recovery.

He delivered her back to us with my prayers answered.  We had a rough first day, watching your baby moan in pain that you can't fix or control is beyond difficult, but day by day she got stronger! 

Two years later she is a happy, bubbly, wild, totally typical two year old little girl that makes our hearts sing. Her journey wasn't one I would have ever asked for, but it is one I am ever thankful for.  It gave us faith, it gave us perspective, it showed us that life is never to be taken for granted and that God is good in everything that he does.

Happy Heart Day baby girl!  We love you!!

We are celebrating today at the Down Syndrome Step Up Event in St. Louis - what an awesome way to celebrate!!

A New Normal

We have arrived.

Finally.

Better late than never.

Life is dare I say "normal" again.  It's hardly typical for others but for us it's a new sweet normal.

Our world doesn't revolve around doctor appointments, tears, worry, stress, needles, pulse ox levels, colds, GERMS!!

I'm able to attend Aubrie & Everett's t-ball games without cringing when someone with unwashed hands heads our way.

I can put Ollie down in the grass at the park.

We can go to chuch, eat out at resteraunts.  I can hand her over to someone that doesn't have antibacterial cleaner attached to their hip.  When someone sneezes I don't think are they sick.  She gets to be charming her, and let me tell you people dig Ollie Faith hard core!

I can breathe again.  I feel like me.  I'm no longer focused on the what ifs of Down Syndrome.  In fact I don't use the word Down syndrome multiple times a day - and probably several days I don't use it at all!

We can relax & enjoy God's blessings!  I'm busy but we're doing what is us.  Family, friends, junk trips, decorating, blogging, just normal.

Life.is.normal.

I am thrilled - I feel like me - a new better me.  A me with fresh eyes for the beauty in life.  A me that can slow down and appreciate the three blessings I have.  An exceptional life that I'm not taking for granted.  A life with big dreams & even bigger thankfulness for all that we have!

I hope you are happy I'm back to blog world.  Now that I'm regularly blogging I have SO much to tell you - buckle your seatbelts - it's time for a wild ride with the Reids!

~Annie Reid

PS - you MUST check out the sweet chub rolls on Ollie's arms.  We have worked HARD for girlfriend to gain weight - and clearly it is no longer an issue :)