Thursday, May 03, 2007

WalkAmerica 2007: Take 2









Team Holland and Eden did their thing on Saturday, but we just can't get enough, so we showed up again on Sunday to walk with the St. Joe's NICU team. The weather cooperated and we had a pretty perfect day. The walk itself was much shorter, so we had time after to picnic and play. Lucky for us, they had a metal slide! With her cochlear implant Eden cannot go on plastic slides because of the static electricity they generate, so we are always happy to discover a metal slide.

It was fun to hook up with some of the families that I have gotten to meet through the NICU Family Advisory Board, including the OK Twins Team. We also enjoyed seeing our favorite pediatrician and ONE of our favorite neonatologists, as well as a few of St. Joe's fabulous nurses and respiratory therapists.

In addition to that, after the walk we had the chance to finally meet the Gharaiblets ...at least all four of us finally got to meet all four of them. I had the chance to meet Pam and the girls once, and we have been in contact via email several times trying to schedule a playdate, but someone is always sick! I can't wait to get together in a more relaxed setting so our girls can play and we can talk a little more. Pam and Namir brought us some tasty goodies and gifts for the girls while they were in the hospital. I thought that was such an amazingly kind gesture, and probably the nicest thing anyone outside of my family has ever done for me. So, having a chance to meet them at WalkAmerica was a big bonus.

The whole day was great, but I gotta say that the best part was seeing how excited Eden was to cross the finish line in her pony walker. Near the end of the walk, John ran out to the car and brought the walker around so Eden could finish the walk in it. She squealed in excitement when she saw it, and was one giant smile the rest of the day. I swear, that little girl is my hero!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

finally :) ha ha. thanks for the update. it looks like you guys had a great time. how great that holland walked in her pony walker! and john on his skate board. i love it.

yey team. miss you guys.
love, lisa

abby said...

I am glad to hear that things are better in your part of the world.

The whole update was heartening to read, but I especailly appreciated the part where John ran out and got the Ponywalker for Eden....You guys are such awesome parents and the girls are blessed to have you.

Sarah Furlough said...

So glad to hear that Eden was able to finish the walk in her walker. I know it must have made you so proud! Way to go on all the money you raised for MOD!

23wktwinsmommy said...

Hearing that John got Eden her ponywalker and she crossed the fibish line brougt tears to my eyes...you all are amazing!

Anonymous said...

Hoooray for Eden! Way to go! Eden, I have a feeling you will continue to inspire your mom and a whole lot of other people throughout your life. Billie, thanks for sharing your family's most precious moments with us internets :) Congrats to all of you on a job well done!

Aparna