I've been neglectful

So it has been about 3 months since I last posted, and I failed to post pictures of Annika's "after photos" from surgery....Sorry! Once we got home, life continued on despite the fact that we had a recovering 1 year old, so we were busy busy busy, and blog life took a back seat! Below you will see a few photos of Annika's facial developments since her latest surgery. She looks so great, and having 2 real lips are helping the formation of, what seems like, hundreds of new words a week! In fact, 2 people stopped me at church today just to marvel at how good she is looking and how difficult it is to tell she even has scars. It is easy to forget how far she has come in less than 2 years, but looking at her baby book reminds me ofhow blessed we really have been, and how when we found out about her condition, the journey ahead seemed so overwhelming. We look back now and say "that wasn't so bad!"

A few new things since my last post:

- Annika visited her surgeon a couple weeks ago, and he is pleased. We won't have to go back until June for a check-up.

- In replacement of surgery appointments, we are now starting the process of speech therapy. Michigan's Early On program will be meeting with us (after the holidays I am assuming) to do a screening and get a plan set up for her therapy needs. I have heard great things about this program, so the earlier we can help her, the better!

In addition to medical updates and changes, I have a

normal almost-year old. She is incredibly funny right now, always wanting to be chased. She loves art, christmas trees, and "Frosty the Snowman." She loves testing our patience, waking up early, and brushing her teeth. She is a crazy little lady who is either extremely happy or extremely sad. I can't figure out where she gets her extreme emotions, but Ross seems to think her has an idea :)

One final update is that Annika will be a big sister in the Spring. I am due May 25, and Ross and I are excited! Annika, although I'm not sure how well she understands the concept, seems less than thrilled, and I am anticipating an adjustment period.

All things with this pregnancy have been smooth an

d much like my pregnancy with Annika. We have our ultrasound the week after New Years, and we will not be finding out the sex of the baby, but we will be checking to be sure everything is growing and developing correctly. From the information I have read, it was a 1 in 700 chance for a first child to be born with cleft lip and palate. After having a child with this condition, however, the chances move to 1 in 20 for the other children we bring into the world. While 1 in 20 still seems like pretty good odds, we are realistic about the possibilities, and we will ta

ke everything in stride. For now, we just pray for a healthy baby, as all parents do.

I think that's all for now. I promise to be a better blogger in the future. For now, enjoy some pics!

Ross and Annika just before her Surgery in September

Annika on the way home from surgery the same day. She nose was very pinched and her lips and cheeks were swollen.

This is about 1 week after surgery. Notice the skin glue around her mouth and nose.

Annika and mommy went to the fire truck parade. She loved the big trucks!

For Halloween, Annika was a very cute lady bug! We spent the evening at my mom's house, passing out candy.

Our happy little peanut mid-November.

Happy Thanksgiving! I have a good looking family, don't I?

Adorable Christmas picture taken by my dad.

Merry Christmas everyone!