Saturday we were able to bbq with the Hopper clan and as a special treat Logan, Mason and Riley were able to hang out with their cousins Peyton and Katie. They are here for the summer and we are all looking forward to getting to spend more time with them.
Yesterday, we went to brunch at Annandale and took the whole family. We met my parents there and brought along Rachel, Riley's nurse. It went better then we could have ever imagined and I know it made Dave and Pa Doug's day to see that we could all be together. Riley wore a dress I had been saving for a special occasion and she wore it well! Yesterday, was a test run for many things we hope we can start to do as a family outside of the house. I know Riley wants to be included as much as possible and now with a trip out under our belts I think we will have the confidence to know we can do it again.
Annandale is special to us because we were married there and we have enjoyed taking Logan over the years to the spot where mommy and daddy "got married". We brought the twins last Mother's Day when they were only a few months old and took a family picture right where we said "I do". The picture we took yesterday was in the same spot and we hope to make it a tradition to get at least 1 picture a year in the same place.
When we first found out that our twins were going to be a boy and a girl we were overjoyed. I still remember the look on Dave's face. He was getting another son and daddy's little princess. Riley is and will always be daddy's princess. In fact we've nicknamed her princess pretty pants.
Dave's devotion to his children is priceless. He enjoys spending time with all of our kids and makes it a point to do one on one things with them. He hurts when they hurt and yet, is the strength we all need in times of crisis. We are all lucky to have him as daddy. Happy Father's Day Dave!
I had hoped to get a post from Dave yesterday but, it was too hard for him. I suppose that is why I am often the voice of the blog. What we live day in and day out is hard. Especially, on a dad with such a devotion to his family. He carries a lot on his shoulders each day in different ways then I do. I couldn't be happier to have him walk beside me on this crazy road called life and am thankful for him each and every single day.
Our children are also lucky to have fantastic Grandpa's and Uncle's who support them and care for them deeply. It takes a village and these men are an integral part of what holds our family together.
Happy Father's Day Grandpa Hopper
Happy Father's Day Grandad
Happy Father's Day Pa Doug
Happy Father's Day Uncle Brad
Happy Father's Day Uncle James
Happy Father's Day Uncle Scott
and
Happy Father's Day Uncle Mike
We hope you each know how important you are to us and how much we appreciate the things you do for our family!
We started off the week today with a PT appointment. Riley really responds to her therapist. Trudy and I watched in amazement and cheered Riley on as she slowly rolled from side to side and even brought her head up on her own while the therapist pulled her arms. HUGE for Riley. So proud of her and it really was a great way to start the week!
Riley will be busy this week with PT, ST, Visual Stim and getting fitted for her hearing aids. We'll also meet with a therapist from the school district who will begin working with Riley on communication. Of course we want her to be verbal but, that may not be the best way for Riley to communicate now or in the future. We just don't know so we will have someone who can help us along the way and is willing to adjust her teaching for what Riley needs and what we desire for her as a family. Just another piece of the puzzle.
We hope you all have a great week. I always feel like Mondays give us the opportunity to put the last week behind us and start anew. For Riley it is another week to show us what she can do and continue to move along on her road to recovery.
Fight On!
Love,
Dave, Megan, Logan, Mason and Courageous Riley!
I love the picture from the club, and Riley's special dress is adorable. You are such a cute family. Love to all, Cindy and Dr. M and all the staff.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog on my phone every post and think about y'all often. I think the day to day is really difficult during these times. There is hardly a break and the fear and tiredness often snowballs day after day but from and outsider perspective seeing how well Riley is doing is just inspiring :)
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