Bombshells for Belle

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness - the day is almost here!

BOMBSHELLS FOR BELLE IS TOMORROW!

We have been stalking the weather all week and Virginia weather just isn't very promising or abiding by the forecasts - they're calling for some rain but we have no idea what to expect. The good news = We will have plenty room indoors and indoor activities so don't fret over the rain, we totally have a backup plan ;)

Annabelle is heading to bed right now (thank you to the sun going down super early these days, she is completely fooled by the time, hehe). She cannot wait for her big, big event tomorrow - she has no idea what to expect but she's talking all about it... im pretty certain she thinks it's a birthday party. lol

This week has been a little hard on Annabelle. Her stomach, undoubtedly has been bothering her, to the point we've had to assess her tubing / feedings / venting a lot more lately to provide her some relief. She's developed some granulation tissue around her stoma (gtube site) that is typically a sign that her immune system is active and responding to something (that's bad. really bad). For right now, I don't see any outward signs of a relapse taking place, but our prayers and precautions are remaining strong just in case.

This weekend has been the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect while the overcast skies remind us to 'slow down' and 'take a deep breath'.
Life is beautiful.
Life is short.
Life is difficult and nothing is promised.
Annabelle has survived her body's battles for four years now, FOUR YEARS. Not one of those days have been easy, but they've each been a blessing. Not one of her surgeries, the thousands and thousands of medical debt, the sleepless nights, the tears of her big sissy that doesn't understand what is happening, the countless slammed doors in our face - not one day was easy. But goodness it was a blessing that I never knew was intended for our family. I never knew our families struggles and pains would lead us to where we are today - FLOODED with love from family and strangers. FLOODED with generosity that wants nothing more than to give and help another family in need just as strong as we do the same for others. This world is so much bigger than a home's four walls. What you do today impacts families and those all around you every day. Today was a perfect day to reflect on our own family, how much of an impact Annabelle has made on other's lives, how much she has shaped our family to love and support a whole new world that we may have never known. How much Annabelle's life circumstances could amount to an event like tomorrow's "Bombshells for Belle". Just absolutely amazing.

We are too giddy to sleep. My heart is bursting from my chest with the excitement and thrill of seeing everyone and showing you all just how amazing, strong and heroic our sweet baby girl truly is.

Please, tell everyone about Bombshells for Belle and come out any time tomorrow to say hello. The event is from 12-5pm ... they will have raffles and floods of prizes, great beer, hula-hoop contests, classic cars, cotton candy, great music and awesome people all day.

I look forward to seeing you all. And as always, thank you so very much for everything you've done for our family and your continued prayers as we fight to making a life for Annabelle that she deserves, a painfree, promised long life of smiles, (tantrums), giggles and love. :)

Year 1 After Diagnosis:

Year 2 After Diagnosis: