Sierra has a good week.

This has been an eventful year so far. The girls walking and putting on weight, doctor's, doctor's and more doctors, and all we have discovered has made this a rather interesting year.

On Wednesday, we had another foot doctor's appointment (how could you have guessed, right? LOL). The best part is that we got to show the doctor that Sierra is now walking. Not like you would expect from someone that has worn her shoes on the wrong feet (on purpose) all of her life. She is doing so well. Still looks a little like a drunk duck, but what can I say, it's cute.

Anyway, the doctor was able to give us some great news, I truly did not see it coming. We will not have to buy her another pair of corrective shoes. Her next pair can be regular shoes, and worn on the correct feet. I know it sounds like no big deal, but the doctors had said a minimum of 2 years to wear the corrective shoes. Our baby just proved them wrong.... Big time. Its amazing... She's amazing. It is funny, I did not cry then, but I am now. I am just so proud of her. Everything she has been through, how hard she has fought, and she gets to get out of the shoes.

Then, while we were there, when he told her that she could get out of the shoes, she did her drunk duck walk over to him sitting on his stool and gives his leg a hug. She had a huge smile on her face and just gave me that look that said, "See mommy, I did it again. I beat another record, I proved another prediction wrong". How can you not be proud of her? She truly is amazing.

Sierra has had so many battles, and she still has 2 more to beat. I know she will, but I am still a mommy. I will worry until they are behind us. Good news has been a long time coming, and it sure is sweet. It truly makes me feel proud to be her mommy. I have a little girl that reminds me to keep a smile on and fight, and you can accomplish anything. She definitely gives me that kick in the face, because when I think I can't fight on, I just think of her, her battles, her spirit, and I am reminded that she has overcome so much, and she is still fighting and enjoying every second she gets.

She hardly ever complains, she almost always has a smile on. And she wants to try, and get into, everything. She is curious, she is determined, she is what she was named after. Sierra. The mountains in California, beautiful, strong, resilient. She is my hero.

The movers & the shakers

Just wanted to show how mobile they have become. Our girls both love to dance. Their favorite song is "The Hot Dog Dance" from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. (Which happens to also be their favorite show. But, as you can see, they will pretty much dance to anything.

Sierra is also finally walking, so I thought I would show you a little of where they are at now.

Update and Photos from Christmas

I know that it has been a while. It seems that since lately I can not find time to even think. I just wanted to give a few photos and an update.

Alyssa and Sierra are now both walking. It is exciting for me to see. Especially Sierra, since if we had not got her feet corrected, she would not be walking now. I am very pleased that she is. It is still more of a toddle, but it is definately a start.

Also, she has gained weight again, and is now 18 pounds 5 ounces.

Alyssa is also doing well. She has been graduated out of the Sooner Start program as she is up to speed developmentally with most children her age. She is 20 pounds, which while it is still little, she is no longer drastically under weight.

This past year with the program has done wonders. I know that they would not have made all of this progress unless I had been able to stay home. I was not able to do so, so I am thankful every day that this program was available to us and has done wonders for our family. I can not begin to say thank you for the help that has been given, and for everyone's support. We have a few more hurdles to overcome with Sierra.

We still do not know if Sierra has a permanent problem with her nerves or not. This we still have to wait until April to find out. Also, she is holding down more of her food and is making progress every two weeks with her weight. We have to go see her foot doctor soon, so I keep praying for good new there as well. Only time is going to tell any problems she may have, but I hope she always knows that Gary and I love her with all of our hearts. We will just keep doing what we are as it does seem to work for her.

Anyway, without further ado, here are the photos from Christmas. Enjoy, and thank you for your support and prayers for our children. I truely believe in the power of prayer. I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck for this new year. May God bless and keep each one of you. May God look after every child, and help the people in Haiti recover from the distruction of the quake.

(Above) Sierra just loves to open presents. I think it is more tearing paper.

(Below) Sierra shows off one of may Berienstein Bear books. "No sister, it's MINE"

(Above) Alyssa and Sierra look at the pictures in more books. They got a total of 15 Bear books, as well as many other types of books too.

(Below) Alyssa at first was not sure what to do, but it did not take long for her to catch on.

(Above) Alyssa in her play pen with her new toy, a My Pal Violet(r) by LeapFrog. They love this toy, and it is eductional. I know she is going to hate this picture in about 14 to 15 years, but you have to have one of these types don't you. Look at that face! :)