Countdown to England: 2 days

(yea, she is a lefty)

It's only 2 days now until we leave for Manchester. I think we are finally packed and ready to go. There are quite a few errands to run tomorrow but otherwise, Grace and I are ready to see daddy, Grandma and Grandpa Ski, and the rest of the English friend and family.

Because we won't be here for the holidays, the Thomas family celebrated Grace's Christmas on Thanksgiving. She got clothes, a diaper bag, books, and toys. Grace would tear off the paper, then keep tearing pieces off the torn piece instead of the present :) Also, my sister and brother each got new puppies and Grace was beside herself with joy.

It's Fall!!

Grace is trying to figure out the leaves- likes the crunchy but thinks she needs to give all of them to me :)

Happy Halloween!

Grace had a great time this Halloween- we went the First Baptist Church Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treated at Heritage Manor. We also had her Halloween Parade at daycare. She was too cute as a flower garden gnome- gently inspired by Grandma Ski's love of gardening :) We now have lots of candy that she can't possibly eat so Mommy gets to enjoy!

All aboard!

Singing to her own music


After her bath- she refused to wear clothes for a good half hour.

Grace and I are coming to England for the holidays! Leaving after Thanksgiving (on Dec 1, arriving Dec 2 in Manchester) to spend weeks (until Jan 19) of fun with family and friends. For those who know me, I have already begun to pack and repack lol. Can't wait!

Besides that, everything is kinda slow around here. Grace is loving daycare although she has gotten bitten a few times. Her teachers tell me that Grace will take a toy from someone and then the other toddler will bite Grace to get it back. Other than that, daycare has been great- she is walking better and her speech has improved to more words like "What's that?" and "Buh-bye". She likes to wave to everyone and dances to the radio all the time. Such an amazing change from only a few months ago.

We are now waiting for Halloween to arrive next week so Grace can wear the Garden Gnome costume-its too cute. They are having a show at daycare on Friday and then we will be at Aunt Kim's Saturday to help pass out treats and get some of our own. (Photos will follow)

Returning to Daycare

Labor day party at Granny's- love her face!


Giving kisses from the chair, won't get up for no one :)


Enjoying ketchup for the first time :)

Well this is the last week of staying at home with mommy, Grace will be returning to day care next week. I hate to see her go, but have realized that socializing with kids her age will be a great benefit to her walking and speech skills. Today she even walked with help on a balance beam during physical therapy! I am so proud of her- truly amazing things she is doing every day.

Grace WALKS!!

Grace walked for the first time! This Wednesday while Miss Debbie was cleaning, she put Grace's toys on the coffee table in order to vaccuum. Grace had the other rings so she decided to put them on the stacker. She got off the step her and I were sitting on and crawled a bit before lifting up and taking FOUR steps! I was lucky enough she did it again and caught it on video. That's me being loud and talking in the background to Miss Debbie lol. It was awesome!

Antibiotics Complete!

Grace after the MRI- still looking a little drunk.

Showing the doctor her progress so he would order the picc out- way to go Grace!
Also the last picture with the picc line in her arm.

The entire picc line

Auntie Kim and Mommy very happy when the picc was pulled:)

We went to Vanderbilt on Thursday and it went better than expected. We got there about an hour ahead of schedule, so Kim and I expected to be waiting for a bit. To our surprise, they could get us in early since one of the others scheduled was stuck in traffic. The nurse was even happier when they realized she didn't need an IV since she already had a picc line. They put her to sleep while i held her and she was down for about 45 minutes to complete the scan.

She came out of anthestia well, just a little drunk looking and craving a snack since it had been at least 12 hours since her last meal. Since we had a few hours before the Infectious Disease clinic appointment, we went to Centennial Park and took a nice stroll before going to Joe's Crab Shack in downtown Nashville. It started to pour down rain, Grace laughed as I tried to get her to the truck as quick as possible while running in flip-flops and soaked jeans. At the appointment, the resident said they didn't get a test that measured the inflamation so they would need that before we left. Which would have meant having the picc for the weekend, but the attending doc saw Grace's improvement and her walking to the wall toy and he told the nurse to pull it. I got to keep it- like a 4 year old wanting it for show and tell :) and here is a picture- the part past the bandage was in the vein in her right arm and ended up closer to the heart.

So no more picc line- which means no more harsh vancomycin in the veins- and she is well on her way to full recovery with physical therapy. If i had to put a number, I would say that she is about 95% back to the way she was then some- her vocabulary has increased dramatically and her motor skills are back to normal. We still have some physical therapy so she can get back to the right milestones for her age, but she is doing well- hopefully she won't need the therapist for long!

Recovery: Weeks 3, 4 and 5

Daniel refused to walk to the store, so he carried Grace in the stroller! lol


Talking to daddy on the computer.. he was sending loads of winks that she loved.


Sitting by her own for the first time since being in the hospital.

We haven't disappeared, just busy busy bees.
Miss Grace is moving right along!! She has made about a step and a half in the last week by herself. All her moving abilities have returned, now its time to work on stamina and endurance. She has been grabbing fingers and making everyone walk her when she wants to go somewhere. It can sometimes be mistaken as wanting to be held, but she will fuss at you if you are doing in wrong.

Her speech abilities were in question after an evaluation a few weeks ago, but after talking to the doctor- I have no worries. Dr. Hughes examined the ears and didn't see anything that would hinder her hearing. However, a hearing test is scheduled for next week just to make sure and have a baseline for any future checkups.

Thursday is the big day- MRI and a clinic appointment. We hope to learn if the PICC line can be pulled and when. I have learned that a nurse can do it, so we won't have to make a trip back to Nashville for the simple procedure. It's starting to look up!

Recovery: Week 2

Another week down and four more to go. We went to Nashville for an appointment in the Infectious Disease department this past Friday. They liked her progress and barring anything else, the picc line should hopefully be removed on time. August 4th we go to the Neurology clinic for an EMG so fingers crossed that will also go well. She is moving more everyday, the improvement is very impressive in such a short time. Grace is starting to walk with help, but only a few steps.

Recovery: Week 1

Wow it has been a busy week here. I think last Thursday was the only day that someone didn't come or go from the house. We have seen the physical therapist a couple times, been interviewed and evaluated for the First Steps program, and countless nurses who try desperately to get Grace's blood to check the inflamation and vancomycin levels. Nurse Tristan seems to be the only one who can get it- and we love her for it! Tomorrow is more physical therapy and I think we might have the afternoon free. Hope to update you soon, but Grace is wanting to go to bed.

We are home!

I apologize for not getting on sooner, but Grace got to come home on Tuesday after the 5 day course of IVIG treatment for Guillien-Barre. We have been trying to get use to being at home and on a schedule for her antibotics for the diskitis that will be coming through the PICC line for the next six weeks. Daddy has been a real trooper- been getting up and giving her early morning dose so I can get some sleep. She is getting back to her appetite- loving Auntie Kim's beans and burgers.

Thank you to everyone who has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. Aaron, Grace, and I could not have gotten through the past couple of weeks without it.

Here are just a few pictures- one of her after having the IV put in her foot (the veins in her arms went bad) and the other on the 4th of July with a yummy cupcake brought up by the hospital staff. She got to go out for her first social outing yesterday at

Auntie Dawn's Independence Day celebration (postponed due to Grace's hospitilization). She had a great time- but got a little sleepy towards the end.

are going to show us soon how to take care of the PICC line as well as physical therapists to show us exercises to help her learn how to walk again.

The IVIG treatment for Guillien Barre syndrome was completed this morning. We are now clear to go home, pending the establishment of home healthcare. The nurses

de him smile. And she didn't scream when I helped her sit up! Its a glorious day.

Best day yet! Grace got the picc line in with no problems, which is great since the poor girl was running out of veins. She played with Poppa T for a bit and ma

hing we do is helping. And the therapist will be here tomorrow too- oh the joy.

We were doing just fine today, until the physial therapist came by and woke her up for a short evaluation. Now she is having trouble going back to sleep and not

el climb into the crib and watch movies with her. She is also trying to roll over and keep her head up- all promising signs.

Grace is feeling better today, less irritable and smiling more. Antibotics and a medicine to help the tingling is working like a charm. She even let cousin Dani

Her appetite is returning a bit, but only soft foods and juices. Everytime she coughs it makes her throat hurt. Daddy will be here late tomorrow, we can't wait.

Infectious disease people believe Grace has diskitis between her L4 and L5 bones. She is now being treated for both.

Finished the first round of treatment with no change so far, but not uncommon for that to occur. She ate some teddy grahams and is now watching sesame street.

d her on IVIG-antibodies- to counter act those being produced by the syndrome. It is treatable and she should be back to normal in up to 5 weeks.

Doctors believe she has Gillian-Barre(?) syndrome, a post infection ailment that strips the coating off the nerves causing them to not act properly. They starte

Tests complete. After 7 hours, Grace and I are finally settled in our new room on the 7th floor. Doctors are consulting now and I hope to have an answer soon.

Waiting for sedation to come for the MRI. The process sould take about 2 hours. Then she will go for an EMG that tests her muscle strength.

No MRI today, scheduled in for tomorrow. They did give her another spinal tap to look for proteins and infections. Grace was excellent, of course, and then ate

all of her jello afterwards! They are monitoring her now, and hope to know smthg more when the test results come back tomorrow.

ping now. It seems to be the best way to pass the time. But the hospital is beautiful and full of activities. The nurse and care partner (aka: cna) are great.

Still no word, waiting for Grace to digest her food so they can sedate her for a MRI. Aunt Kim gave her a sponge bath and put on some new pjs. They are both nap

Arrived to Vandy and were switched to 2 rooms before getting a bed in oncology. No one is sure what ailment Grace has, so running a battery of more tests.

window and contemplating sleep.

I never realized how bad roads were until sitting in the back of an ambulance. Grace is resting comfortably as we ride. She is watching everything out the back

First Dentist Visit

Here she is showing off some of those beautiful teeth!

We went and saw Dr. Johnston, an official pediactric dentist, today for her first dental checkup! She is cutting all 4 of her first year molars- thus explaining the crazy teething. Doc says she all her teeth are looking good- but she has a type 3 underbite. I had a severe, and I mean a severe overbite (my brother nicknamed me "walrus") so I guess she gets it from her dad lol.

I must say that the people were very friendly and office was quite awesome- there were video games on the wall for older kids and they gave kids balloons as they left. I was kindly offered one, but Grace likes is a little scared when the balloon is rubbed- makes that weird sound she hates.

More teeth!

In the past few weeks, Gracie has not stopped gaining teeth. For the first year of her life, she had the front two bottom teeth. Now, in the last four weeks she has gotten EIGHT additional teeth. The other six up front came in with mild symptoms. The other two are coming in on top, on either side of the front teeth. However, these two has lead to a constant faucet of drool- my poor baby goes through at least four outfits and five bibs a day. We had to stop at Auntie Kim's yesterday and get a popice just to numb the pain a bit. Today is better, more medicine and the undisputable best aide- a cold wash rag- is helping loads.

1st Birthday celebration

This weekend we took her Daddy to the airport after two wonderful weeks of vacation. We celebrated her birthday with way too many presents (as it should be) and some yummy cake. Since her favorite show is Wheel of Fortune, her cousin made her a cake in the form a wheel. At first she just licked the icing until I showed her how to dig in. I also made cupcake cones that she suprisingly ate but the cake was too much fun to play in. I believe "Bankrupt" was her favorite wedge , seeing as the black is most prominent:)

Then she unwrapped her big present from Daddy- a little tykes cozy car! It took her about 15 minutes and then she knew how to get in and out of it and scoot backwards. Thanks to Auntie Dawn, she has a personalized licence plate too.

She is still learning on how to walk, and will go around the living room in laps with some help. Grace is making great strides and will hopefully hit the ground running soon.

First aided steps

The day before her dad's arrival, Grace took her first aided steps from the fireplace to her coral gate. After making a pivot that almost sent her to the ground, she held my hands at her shoulders and took two steps. Maybe she'll do more when her daddy gets here!!!

You are invited: Grace's 1st Birthday

I have finally decided on Grace's birthday party plans.  It will be May 31 at 2:00pm at the park off 10th Street in Mayfield (just before 1900 South 10th Street- for those with sat navs) at the smaller pavilion.  I believe the name is either Kess Creek or Knob Creek Park. There is no particular theme, just pink decor and "1"s everywhere.  We plan to grill burgers and have a picnic.  In case of rain, it will be on the farm at Poppa T's house.  So come by and enjoy!

Pictures from Auntie Kim of her Moo Moo

This past week, while I was finishing Kim's state taxes, she took some cute pictures of Gracie in her "conductor" outfit. Gracie decided to play with her paparrazo aunt and came out with some great photos. I bought the hat in England with no exact outfit in mind but it was too cute to pass up. Now, all together... "ahhhhh so cute"

Happy Easter!

Grace celebrated her last, first major holiday. We went over to Aunt Dawn's house for ham and dinner.. and they had made her a cute basket full of treats. There were little snacks in the eggs and some jars of food for later. She loved it.

Also, Grace is on her way to recovering from her respiratory infection and cold, thanks for all the well wishes and helpful hands. She still coughs some but the fever is gone and the irritability has lessen dramatically.

Now we look forward to Daddy's visit in a month and planning a 1st Birthday party!

Big Week

Well it has been really hectic the last week or so. We've both been sick with allergies and the cold and I have gotten a temporary job in town and Grace has started day care at Stepping Stones. So far, after two days, she is still doing good. She is eating more solid foods and playing with other kids that love her. Grace even slept for three hours yesterday during nap time!!! Here we are on our way to her first day of daycare..

More Pictures

Taking it Easy in Derby

Grace and I have been relaxing this week, tomorrow we are going for her first bus ride into Derby! Going to do a little of retail therapy and get out of the house for a bit. Her daddy will be home from work tomorrow night so can't do too much damage at the stores.

Talked to Poppa T yesterday and he is looking forward to our arrival on Monday. I think he'll be on a flight over on Tuesday if we aren't home:)

Only 1 More Week

Being good for Mum while her pants get put back on- haha Daddy

Climbing steps

Playing with her Great Grandpa Stefan

Getting ready for the car ride to Cornwall

Enjoying the ducks at Markeaton Park in Derby

I have been 'not so good' in keeping this updated while in Britain- because there is so much stuff to do!! I went to Paris at the end of February for a few days- was sick the first so slept mostly, then went to several churches and the Eiffel Tower the

next day, and on the last I went to a huge cemetery- Pere Lachaise, Sacre Coeur for mass, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was loads of fun but I was ready to come home- I missed my Gracie... who did very well for her dad and grandma while I was away (I do believe though that Grandma Ski should get most of the credit:)

In order to complete the order sent by my sister through a text message, here are some requested pictures of Gracie in her first ever trip to the UK. She has been eating loads of new stuff like cottage pie and spaghetti bolognase. We have just returned from visiting her great grandparents in Cornwall. She was on her best behaviour and barely had to be put in the playpen.

We have had an awesome three weeks and this week will be the last before flying back home on the 16th. The plan is to relax in Derby and visit more family and friends so she can coo and smile to everyone:) I know everyone back home is awaiting our arrivial, and it will be soon so don't worry lol