A Very Hospital-y Christmas

Friends,

We've had quite an eventful little holiday season so far. Last week Ava Gray started having seizures again, and we ended up spending a night at Vanderbilt. All is well now, but it was a bumpy time there for a few days. We are all three enjoying being home. Mama especially, knowing that we head back to Vandy bright 'n' early Monday morning for Ava Gray's heart surgery. Each day at home is precious and I'm just soaking it in. Christmas music, hot chocolate & marshmallows whenever anyone drops in (or just because!), and gazing at the awesome little Christmas tree all lit up on the dining room table (it's the only place safe from Havyn's reach). We will most probably be at Vanderbilt during Christmas. I've heard from all the doc's & nurses that it's really a fabulous time to be there - lot's of famous folk wandering around giving out some really sweet gifts. We'll let you know if we see any stars. : )

In the meantime, the girls just keep blossoming. Ava Gray is turning into a little snuggler (just love it!), and able to hold her head up much, much better. She is smiling more and gazing at people... all fun & heartwarming stuff for a mama! Havyn is getting more feisty & adventurous each day. I'm constantly finding her in places I didn't know she could get to. Keeping me on my toes for sure! She's also starting to laugh an infectious little laugh. So fun!

We have been so blessed with our in-home nurse, Ana. She is so good with both girls and has done such fabulous work with Ava Gray. I really believe some of the major breakthrough's Ava Gray has had are due to God's gift of our faithful Ana. She just works with AG tirelessly and with such joy... We are very, very thankful for her.

Ok, enough chatter. More later, I'm sure, as the surgery date gets closer. For now, here's some pics of my two little cuties. (Ana calls them "The Charmer & The Champion"- Havyn is the charmer to anyone willing to interact with her, even if it's the cute little girl she finds in the bathroom mirror - and I don't think I have to explain why Ava Gray is our little champion...!)

The charmer....

 The champion...

 And...standing (Havester)

 Sweet little AG - thinking about eating.

And...eating ensues. Havyn eating a cracker and her sweet potato simultaneously, Ava Gray just sticking with the sweet potato (organic purple sweet potato - pretty, yes?)

 Then all cleaned up & playing with our sweet friend Sarah:

 Blurry, but hilarious:

 Here's how it always goes. AG just hanging out, all peaceful. Then Havyn enters the scene:

 Little Miss Feisty, getting cleaned up after a meal. It was easier than a washcloth. Food. was. everywhere:

 Okay, and a few from our recent visit to Vandy. First the little patient:

 And her faithful visitor:

 AG was such a trooper, but she did get really tuckered out:

 Back at home. Havester is very much still on the move:

 Ava Gray just a-hanging:

 By now you know what happens next...(Mama intervened in this one so the "affection" didn't get too out of hand):

 And lastly, our little AG again. Isn't she a sweetie?

Okay friends. More soon. Thanks for checking in with us and for all your prayers & calls & texts. We are so blessed by ya'll!