Happy Birthday Grammy!!!!

Today we get to celebrate Grammy's birthday! My mom is a FABULOUS Grandma! She is full of crazy energy, and is one of the most fun people in the whole wide world. One of my mom's best attributes is her creativity, and that is part of what makes her an awesome grandma. She can turn any activity into an absolute blast. We have witnessed her dancing around with a crazy singing ostrich toy, hosting an annual Jello Egg propelling contest, and crawling through a baby-sized catepillar tunnel. She is up for anything at anytime, and always ready for fun.

Grammy visits Hawaii for Nova's 1st birthday

Recently we were talking about something having to do with my 2 months of torture in Michigan last year with a newborn baby, and it reminded me of what a great mom I have. i worked 14 hour days with the GYN Oncologist, and spent 8 hours at a time in the operating room. My mom coming to Michigan during those 2 months is one of the biggest sacrifices ever. She risked losing her job, gave up an entire summer, and spent 24 hours a day tending to mine and Nova's countless needs. She is the sole reason i survived that summer as a breastfeeding momma to tiny nova. when i gave her the phone signal she had baby nova out of the hotel, in her carseat, and was in the lobby of the hospital before i could blink. i would give nova a 5 minute drink of milk, and they were off again. she did that several times a day sometimes. that 2 months is just a small example of how she has lived her entire life. You are an awesome mom, and an outstanding example of who i hope to be to my own kids.

Grammy and Nova in Michigan

Today is also a day that our family especially remembers my beautiful niece, Ellianna. It is the anniversary of the day Ellianna was given wings to heaven, and the day she was finally able to run freely without the constraints of her earthly body.
Ellianna lived every single day of her 8 months on earth as the center of the world for her mom, dad, brother Kaleb, and sister Hope. Her huge blue eyes expressed the joy that her body couldn't. Hundreds of people who were lucky enough to know Ellianna will never be able to forget her, and today is a day to recognize the impact her short life had on so many people.

The Alford Family - Kyle, Becky, Kaleb, Hope, and Ellianna

In memory of Ellianna, who spent many days in her red wagon, we are thrilled to donate a Radio Flyer Red Wagon for a family of a child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy through the Tumbleweed Wagon Fund.

Please feel free to read below and donate to this charity if you can.

"Tumbleweed’s Wagon Fund for FSMA honors the memory of Braden (Tumbleweed) Ray Campbell (29 June 2003 – 05 May 2004). Through charitable donations and fundraising efforts, the fund helps to purchase Radio Flyer Wagons for type 1 children. FSMA sends the wagons out upon request to anyone having or caring for a child diagnosed with type 1. Once the babies lose muscle tone (hypotonia) and cannot adequately support themselves or lose their swallow and must remain horizontal, the wagons are beneficial for transporting them around the house, yard, doctors’ offices, hospitals, stores, etc. The babies love to be pulled around in the wagons and we believe it is more comfortable for them to be moved from one location to another in them as opposed to being picked up and carried frequently for feedings, diaper changes, etc.; particularly after they become more hypotonic. Additionally, attachments can be added to the wagon to hang favorite toys, tie balloons, or hang bolus or enteral feeding bags. The sides of the wagon can be removed so the babies can lie in them to nap or to watch their favorite television program, video, or DVD. For comfort, we recommend lining the wagon with egg-crate foam, memory foam, or a sheepskin blanket provided by the Families of SMA C.A.M. fund. Tumbleweed’s Wagon Fund is dedicated to providing a product that is comfortable and enjoyable for the child and, that in some small way, makes the challenge of dealing with spinal muscular atrophy more manageable for parents and caregivers. We will diligently work to promote awareness of SMA, conduct and support fundraising efforts to help fund restorative treatments and a cure, and be a source of support for families whose lives have been altered by a diagnosis of SMA. For more information, please contact the FSMA office at 800-866-1762"

To Donate go to the Families of SMA website and click the "Donate" button along the left sidebar. You can specify "Tumbleweed Wagon Fund" in the comment section if you choose.