CAMPAGNA FAMILY

Preschool

2009-08-21T21:47:00.001-07:00

The whole gang at open house for Ashley's preschool.

Big girl Ashley on her way out the door to go to her first day of preschool!

Big smile =)

Ashley with Ms. Heather, her very first school teacher.

Painting a bear for mommy, look at those fine motor skills! =)

Sharing the paint with her new friend.

Busy Bee! Buzz, Buzz, Buzz...

The look on her face is priceless!

OK, so not as exciting to you as it is to me... Ashley's little cubbie.

One VERY sad baby sister. Lauren kept asking "Where's Ashie?" and "I wanna go my prechool mommy."

Lost!

2009-07-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

I will start posting pictures again when I find my camera. I'm so bummed that I can't find it. I have a feeling Lauren has put it in a secret hiding place, NOT COOL baby girl, mommy needs her camera back.

Beach Day!

2009-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

4Th of July 2009

2009-07-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

What do you think of my new hair?

2009-06-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Two little love birds getting ready to go out on a date! The girls went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for the weekend. We had so much fun.

PICTURES!

2009-06-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

I finally found my camera cord for my computer, so I'm able to upload photos again!!! Here are some recent pics. Enjoy my little cuties. =)

Happy 4Th Birthday Ashley! Legoland was so much fun.

Lauren wasn't to sure about this ride at first, but she ended up enjoying it.

Daddy had a blast too!

Lauren taking a little break from all the excitement!

Sister's having fun, posing in the Sharks mouth..

Ashley in the sharks mouth again..

Ashley and Grammie trying to race us on the boat ride.

Ash had so much fun squirting the people that went by on the boats.

Bob the Builder!

My little princess at 12:27am on her 4Th birthday. (That's the time she was born.)

When she was sleeping I went in her room and redecorated it with all of her new princess stuff. Isn't the quilt just beautiful.

Ashley just loves her new piggy and bean bag!

New Lamp and all of her princess essentials!

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Easter 2009

Fishing with Grandpa Jim

My little fisher girl!

Mommy and Lauren

Sweet little Ashley Lynn

Precious Lauren Grace

Pretty baby, Love the bow!

My new favorite store!

2009-06-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

LOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!

Many people ask...

2009-05-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? (recongnize the sexy man on the right?)

Instead of interviewing my dear husband about his experience as Badge holder #513, I just went to a website and pulled the info from there!

Historical Summary
On March 4, 1921, Congress approved a resolution providing for the burial of an unidentified American soldier, following the custom adopted by other allied countries after World War I. The site was to be the plaza of Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, which had been dedicated the previous year.
On Memorial Day, 1921, an unknown was exhumed from each of four cemeteries in France. The remains were placed in identical caskets and assembled at Chalon sur Marne.
On October 24, Army Sergeant Edward F. Younger, wounded in combat and highly decorated for valor, selected the unknown soldier for World War 1 by placing a spray of white roses on one of the caskets. Those remaining were interred in the Meuse Argonne Cemetery, France. The Unknown Soldier then returned home to the U.S. to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until Armistice Day. On November 11, 1921, President Warren G. Harding officiated at the interment ceremonies at the Amphitheater.

The monument which rests on top of the Unknown grave is a sarcophagus simple but impressive in its dimensions. Its austere, flat-faced form is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set unto the surface.
Sculpted into the panel which faces Washington are the three figures of Valor, Victory, and Peace. On the plaza face the words "Here Rests in Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God".
On August 3, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the Unknown Soldiers of World War II and Korea on Memorial Day 1958. The World War II Unknown was selected from 19 remains exhumed from military cemeteries in Hawaii, Europe, and the Philippines.
Two Unknowns from World War II, one from the European Theatre and one from the Pacific Theatre, were placed in identical caskets and taken aboard the U.S.S. Canberra, a guided missile cruiser resting off the Virginia capes. Hospital Man First Class William R. Carrette, then the Navy’s only active duty Medal of Honor recipient, selected the Unknown Soldier of World War II. The remaining casket received a burial at sea.
Four unknown Americans who had lost their lives in Korea were disinterred from the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Master sergeant Ned Lyle, U.S. Army made the final selection. Both the caskets arrived in Washington on May 28, 1958 where they lay in the Capital Rotunda until May 30.

That morning they were carried on caissons to Arlington National Cemetery. President Eisenhower awarded each the Medal of Honor and the Unknowns were interred in the Plaza beside their comrade of World War 1.
Twenty six years later, on Memorial Day, May 28, 1984, after a search made difficult because of advances in technologies used to identify the remains of unknown soldiers, President Ronald Reagan presided over the interment ceremony for the Vietnam Unknown service member. Like his predecessors, he was laid to rest in the plaza of the Tomb during a ceremony that received national coverage.

The Sentinels of the Tomb

Originally a civilian watchman was responsible for the security of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, March 24, 1926, a military guard from the Washington Provisional Brigade (forerunner of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington) was established during the day-light hours. In 1948 the 3d U.S. Infantry "The Old Guard" assumed the post following the units reactivation in the nation’s capital. Members of the 3d Infantry’s Honor Guard continue to serve in this distinguished duty today.
A soldier seeking the honor of serving as a sentinel at the Tomb must possess exemplary qualities, to include American citizenship, a spotless record, and impeccable military bearing.
While on duty the sentinel crosses a 63-foot rubber surfaced walkway in exactly 21 steps. He then faces the Tomb for 21 seconds, turns again, and pauses an additional 21 seconds before retracing his steps. The 21 is symbolic of the highest salute according to dignitaries in military and state ceremonies.
As a gesture against intrusion on their post, the sentinel always bears his weapon away from the Tomb.
Only under exceptional circumstances may the guard speak or alter his silent, measured tour of duty. He will issue a warning if anyone attempts to enter the restricted area around the Tomb, but first will halt and bring his rifle to port arms.
The Guard wears the Army Dress Blue Uniform, reminiscent of the color and style worn by soldiers during the late 1800’s. Tomb Guards are privileged to wear the Tomb Identification Badge on the right breast pocket. The design is an inverted open laurel wreath surrounding a representation of the front elevation of the Tomb. The words "Honor Guard" are engraved at the base of the badge. A guard leaving after at least nine months of service is entitled to wear the badge as a permanent part of the uniform.

How Do I Become a Tomb Guard
Being selected to stand watch over the graves of the Unknown Soldiers is one of the highest honors a soldier in the United States Army can be granted. Selection is very rigorous.

First and foremost, you must be an enlisted member of the United States Army, between the ranks of Private (E-1) through Sergeant First Class (E-7). The Tomb Guards are selected from only one unit in the Army, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) which is stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia.

However, getting to the Old Guard is tough, as you must pass the standards set for the entire Regiment. Once in the Old Guard you must serve for at least 6 months, before submitting your name to the Tomb.

Just some of the requirements that each candidate must have:
*No military or civilian convictions of law
*Score a minimum of 250 on the Army Physical Fitness Test
*Be with in 5'11" - 6'4"
*Have a 30 inch waist
*Present a soldierly appearance in the Army Blue Uniform.

Knowledge
Today's Tomb Guard must be able to retain vast amounts of knowledge over many different subjects. With over 150 different grave sites, 12 poems and numerous questions on the history of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb and its guards, as well as the US Army and the Regiment, the Knowledge Corner is a small place in the Tomb Guard quarters where trainees demonstrate what they have learned.
In addition to the 3 General Orders that each solider in the Army has to memorize, there are also 3 Special Orders. Click on the photo and you will see a set of Special Orders from the 1950's that contained 4 orders. On this page you will find just a small fraction of what they have to remember.

What is The Sentinel's Creed?
The Sentinel's Creed are the 99 words we live by. The words bring vast emotions to the surface when spoken by a Sentinel. We tend to stand a little taller, back a little straighter and our head just a little higher. These words capture the true meaning of why we are Tomb Guards. When ever a Tomb Guard salutes a commissioned officer, they always say in a loud voice:
"Line Six, Sir!"

The Sentinel's Creed
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.

I love this commercial

2009-05-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osTrMe76kes&feature=related

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Flags In at Arlington: Memorial Day 2009
By Cathryn Friar

Arlington National Cemetery is often called a place were courage and valor lie. This Memorial Day weekend, like many others before it, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” as well as other ceremonial units from each branch of the military have placed more then 260,000 American flags on the graves of Arlington. It’s called “Flags In”.

Arlington National Cemetery - Flags In
I am one of those who think Arlington National Cemetery is an incredibly beautiful place; sacred ground. Did you know that more than 300,000 people are buried at Arlington, an area of 624 acres? Veterans and military casualties from every one of our nation’s wars are interred there, from the American Revolution through Afghanistan and Iraq. Our pre-Civil War dead were reinterred there after 1900.
Since 1948, the Old Guard have participated in “Flags In”, and they take their job very seriously. With rucksacks full of flags, more laying in large wooden crates along Arlington’s drive, they place a flag at each gravesite — one foot from the base. Their mission each Memorial Day is to ensure that those whose resting place is there, is honored for their sacrifice and service. It’s important to do so, especially on the day set aside to honor the sacrifices of the brave souls buried there.
Sometimes, members of the Old Guard can be seen pausing and saluting as they place a flag on certain graves, like those of Medal of Honor recepients, such as 19 year old SPC Ross A. McGinnis who gave his life, by throwing himself on a grenade to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers. The Old Guard Soldiers will also remain in the cemetery to stand watch throughout the Memorial Day weekend - an incredibly noble act.
Of course Arlington National Cemetery isn’t the only place where you’ll see a sea of flags proudly waving at the graves of fallen warriors. In Veterans Cemeteries across the country, a similar mission was accomplished. And in civilian cemeteries, you’ll also see flags standing proudly on the graves of military veterans. So as you go about your weekend, whatever you have planned, take time to think about what these men and women have willingly given all for us in the cause of freedom. Remember their sacrifice and honor their memory.

Please take a minute to watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOih0MHNmZU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmilitary%2Erightpundits%2Ecom%2F2009%2F05%2F24%2Fflags%2Din%2Dat%2Darlington%2Dmemorial%2Dday%2D2009%2F&feature=player_embedded

Do you love it?

2009-04-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Here is the bedroom set we're now the proud owners of! (not our actual room)

This is a picture of the dining room table we ordered, we absolutly love it. =)

Walk for Lauren Grace

2009-04-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello. I am participating in WalkAmerica because I believe in the March of Dimes mission to save babies. Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring me in WalkAmerica today. Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage. The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. I’ve joined with millions of compassionate people across the country who support WalkAmerica each year. Won’t you please help me in this worthy cause? Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the walk that saves babies! With your support, there’s hope.

My personal Web page address for donations is...http://www.marchforbabies.org/steecampa

Would you like to see what March for Babies is and why I’m walking? Click hereto see the video.

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Love,

Sarah, Bryan, Ashley and Lauren

Do you read my blog?

2009-04-06T15:50:00.001-07:00

Does anyone read my blog? If so, leave me a comment letting me know you stopped by. I just want to know that I'm not writing or posting pictures for my own viewing! =)

Thanks!

Sarah

Walk for Thought

2009-04-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month.

This year we joined the walk, for my handsome little brother- Ricky. He is a 23 year old single father. In December of 2005, he was in an accident on his quad and by the grace of God he is still with us today. It has been a long road and he is still dealing with the challenges people deal with when they injury their brain, but for the most part he is doing well. We're all so thankful with the progress he has made since his accident. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues on his lifelong journey with a traumatic brain injury.

Here are some pictures of us at the walk.

Thank you god for my brother Ricky.
I love my little brother!
Our little family! =)

My older sister Amy, Matt, Matthew & Ash.

Grandma, Bry, Victoria, Matty, Amy & Matt.

Bryan with his girls!

Facts About Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from "mild," i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to "severe," i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.

How many people have TBI?
Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States:
50,000 die;
235,000 are hospitalized; and
1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.1
The number of people with TBI who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown.

What causes TBI?
The leading causes of TBI are:
Falls (28%);
Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%);
Struck by/against events (19%); and
Assaults (11%) Blasts are a leading cause of TBI for active duty military personnel in war zones.

Who is at highest risk for TBI?
Males are about 1.5 times as likely as females to sustain a TBI. The two age groups at highest risk for TBI are 0 to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 year olds.
Certain military duties (e.g., paratrooper) increase the risk of sustaining a TBI.
African Americans have the highest death rate from TBI.

What are the costs of TBI?
Direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity of TBI totaled an estimated $60 billion in the United States in 2000.

What are the long-term consequences of TBI?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI.
According to one study, about 40% of those hospitalized with a TBI had at least one unmet need for services one year after their injury. The most frequent unmet needs were:
Improving memory and problem solving;
Managing stress and emotional upsets;
Controlling one's temper; and
Improving one's job skills.

TBI can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, language, learning, emotions, behavior, and/or sensation. It can also cause epilepsy and increase the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders that become more prevalent with age.

Simple mom blog- Giveaway!!!

2009-04-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, so fun! My friend always leads me to the coolest blogs!

Have you been to the Simple Mom blog yet? Go take a look.
http://simplemom.net/crocs/comment-page-5/#comment-40032

Happy 5 year anniversary to us!

2009-04-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

Bryan and I went to Las Vegas last weekend for an early Anniversary getaway! We had a wonderful time. It's the first time we've really gotten the chance to spend time together without our girls. We missed them, but knew they were just fine without us for a few days. Our alone time was way overdue.

We stayed at the Venetian, on the 33rd floor. It was Beautiful! I highly recommend this hotel. Below are some pictures from our trip. Enjoy!

Disneyland!

2009-03-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Recent Pictures..

2009-02-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ashley Bear..

Happy 2nd Birthday Lauren Grace!

My little cutie!

It's been a long time..

2009-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's been FOREVER since I've updated my blog. I promise to give you an update sometime this weekend. Both of the girls have been really sick for the past week, so if you've tried to email me and I haven't written you back, I'm not ignoring you, I promise! I will write you back soon. =)

Update..

2008-10-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

We're almost out of our apartment. We'll be stay at Bry's dads house until Escrow closes in the beginning of December. We're so excited to be moving into our very first home. They did the inspection and the worse thing wrong with the house was a light bulb didn't work on one of the ceiling fans. We feel so blessed to have such a beautiful home for our first one.

The girls are doing great. Lauren goes in for her surgery to close the trach hole on November 17Th, it was supposed to close up on its own, but it didn't (which is common) so the doctor will have to put her to sleep and scrape out the skin so it can heal properly. Since Lauren will already be asleep, he is going to do a broncoscopy to see how the hemangioma looks. He will put a camera down her throat and take a couple of pictures, it's usually pretty quick and she should get to go home within a few hours.

She also has an appointment on November 10Th with a neurologist to see if she has a mild case of cerebral palsy, please pray that she doesn't.

I'm not sure if I will be able to post pictures of the girls in their costumes, so I will just tell you what they're going to be; Ashley is going to be Little red riding hood and Lauren is going to be a cute little lady bug! Have a wonderful and safe Halloween, I hope to be back online in a month or so, if not sooner.

Sarah

We are finally in Escrow!!!

2008-10-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our offer was accepted on the house!!

We should be able to move in by December 5th. Wooo Hooo!!!!!!!!!

Could this be the one?

2008-10-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Our offer is in first place and being considered by the seller. We should know in 2-5 days.

We're so excited.

New Look!

2008-09-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

***Update***

OK, here are the pictures, what do you think?

This picture doesn't really show the true color of my hair because of the lighting. Also,the sun was in my eyes..

I love the warm color with Carmel highlights! Bryan was making me laugh, he was telling me to strike a pose!
It looks darker in the photo then in person..

I took some much needed and waaaaaaaay overdue time to myself today. I will post pictures when I get back from picking Ashley up from preschool, but in the mean time, I will leave you in suspense on how it looks! I got my hair cut and colored, I love it and I feel great!!!!!

5 years!

2008-09-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

5 years ago today September 18Th, 2003 during a really bad hurricane, I met my dear husband and life has never been the same since! =)

I never imagined that in five years we would be where we are today, and with two kids!

Thank god for hurricane Isabelle! If the electricity wasn't out everywhere, except at The Bungalow in Shirlington Virginia, we *probably* never would've met.

Old pictures...

New York - 2003

Two little love birds sitting in front of the Capitol Building.

Bike ride through Washington DC.

The Lincoln Memorial

The White House

Fort Story, Virginia - Our first camping trip together!

Ashley's 1ST Day of Preschool!

2008-09-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is Ash just three years & four months ago, on the day she was born. Below are pictures of my baby on her very first day of preschool. She's such a big girl now.

Getting ready to leave for school.
Arriving at Ms. Clemens house - Little Apple Preschool.
Let's go to school mom!
Welcome to Little Apple Preschool..
Zion and Ashley. Zion, Ashley, Morgen, Ava and Mckayla.
Ms. Clemen and Ashley, she was a little upset because she thought I took her backpack away. She didn't understand why it had to stay in her cubbie. She was fine after two seconds of tears.

PRESCHOOL!!!!

2008-09-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

OK, where did the last three years and four months of my life go??? Can you believe that one of my baby Ashley is going to be starting preschool tomorrow afternoon?! We are both really excited.

Ashley has her clothes set out, new little back pack, and lunch box ready to go. I will post pictures tomorrow.

When we went to Ms. Clemen's for orientation on Wednesday, Ashley cried when it was time to leave, and then she was mad at us for a good 20 minutes after we left. She kept saying "I don't like leaving, I want to stay at my preschool with all of my friends", and she was totally sobbing. I hope she has a wonderful day tomorrow, it will be nice for Lauren and I to get some one on one time in while Ash is at school, OMG... school!!! That just sounds weird.

OK, I better get to bed. I'm already up an hour past my new bedtime. I need extra sleep with my new age, 25 is rough! OK, just kidding, it's not the age, it's my crazy schedule with the girls. Lauren has therapy five days a week now, plus other appointments and then with Ashley starting school, it's a lot of running around. I'm in the process of trying to combine some of the appointments to the same day, It looks like in a couple of weeks I might get two days off during the week, which would be awesome because appointments everyday is starting to kick my butt.

I'm so procrastinating right now.... have a good night. Look for new pictures of our little preschooler tomorrow.

GOOD NIGHT! =)

Lauren's first time playing at the park!!

2008-09-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Now that the trach is gone, Lauren is able to play in the dirt, sand, etc....
She was crawling everywhere...
Sisters-a-swinging! =)
Look at her knees from crawling in the wood chips. It looks like it would hurt, she drags her knees when she crawls, ouch! She had a blast though!

First "real" bath after Trach came out!

2008-09-11T21:39:00.001-07:00

Look how excited Lauren was to be in the bath. We get the same reaction every time the water gets turned on. It's so funny, she's a little fish!
Lauren wasn't able to take a real bath the whole time she had the tracheotomy, we had her in the infant tub and then we would just use a cup to pour the water over her. bath time is her favorite time of day now. She practically tries to jump into the bathtub head first every time she goes into the bathroom. I love it!

25!

2008-08-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!! =)

We're home and Trach Free!!!

2008-08-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Good Bye Children's Hospital room 315!!!!

Lauren with Nurse Lilly.
Playing in the hospital playroom, she was always too sick to go in the playroom during her prior hospital stays. She had a blast playing with the dollhouse.
My silly girl. I had to close her in so she wouldn't jump out!
I LOVE Lauren's smile in this picture, it really captures her spirit.
Nurse Megan and Lauren just before we left the hospital to go home.

Some of Lauren's wonderful nurse's she has had over the past year.
Trach Free! =)
Lauren's Favorite nurse Holly. She loves Lauren so much and makes her feel so special. She was Lauren's first nurse back when we started our year long journey at Children's. We are so thankful for nurses like her.
Nurse Holly and Lauren. Going for a ride in the wagon. She loved smiling at all the nurses as we walked by.

No more Trach!
Going for a another ride in the wagon.
Mommy bought me a princess balloon to keep me entertained.
Little stinker was pushing the nurse's button when I wasn't looking!
Toys!!!!!

Good Bye Trach!

2008-08-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day! Wish us luck and lots of prayers.

GOOD BYE TRACHEOSTOMY!!!!!

Wild Animal Park Photos.

2008-08-18T14:19:00.001-07:00

First word & steps!

2008-08-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Lauren said her first word besides Mama and Dada, she said BABY! It melted my heart.

Today while we were at Lauren's OT appointment she decided to take her first steps! I'm so proud of my baby girl. I wish I would've had my camera with me, dang it!

She's been changing so much this past week, she can open doors, walk along the wall, open & empty all the cabinets, and climb in and out of the toy box. I love all the changes and I'm looking forward to all of the new changes that are in store after the trach comes out next week!!!

One more week!

2008-08-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

First off, Lauren is home and healthy. =)

Second, I just received a phone call from Children's Hospital, saying her doctor wants Lauren to be admitted on Wednesday August 20Th, TO GET THE TRACH OUT!
OMG, I can't believe this day is finally only a week away. I'm so excited!!!!

It will hopefully only be a short two night stay and then she will be Trach free!

What a perfect 25Th Birthday present, I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Lauren update...

2008-08-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to let you all know how Lauren is feeling.

I took her to a local hospital yesterday, where they checked her out and then made the decision that she needed to be transported down to Children's. They admitted her and will probably make her stay for a few days. She has a viral infection in her lungs and was having a really hard time breathing. She was on 6 liters of oxygen and her saturation's were still in the 90-92 range. She isn't needing as much oxygen today but it's still to high to let her go home.
They started her on steroids for her lungs and they are giving her three different breathing treatments every 2 hours. She has a terrible cough and it keeps causing her to have bronc spasms due to her reactive airway disease.

She is a trooper and hanging in there. It's a lot harder being in the hospital now that she is toddler. It breaks my heart when she cries because she's in pain.

So once again our little family is separated. Bryan has been gone for the past two weeks, but will be returning tonight from his two weeks away at training. Ashley is at her grandparents and Lauren and I are an hour and a half away from home.

I want off this roller coaster ride!

OK, I better get going. I drove home for a quick shower and clean clothes.

Lauren had her favorite nurse today, so I felt comfortable leaving her to freshen up.

We've definitely been to the hospital one to many times. It was like a reunion yesterday, they all love her so much. She makes everyone smile. All the nurses took turns coming in to her room to say hello to her. It was cute.

Sorry if this post is all over the place and I'm sure I misspelled a few words! I'm going on only a few hours of sleep for the past two days.

Keep us in your prayers.

Sarah

To the Hospital we go..

2008-08-07T10:18:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know I called Lauren's pediatrician this morning and informed her of all that is going on with her, last night and this morning, and she wants her to go to the hospital. So, if you don't hear from me, that is where we'll be. Not sure if they are going to admit her or not I will find out when we get there. Gotta run.
Talk to you soon.

Sarah

Sleep is overrated!

2008-08-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

Don't think I'm crazy for posting so early in the morning, I have a good excuse! =)

I ended up taking Lauren to the extended care hours at her doctors office tonight, she has a respiratory infection - again.

The doc started her on antibiotics and upped her breathing treatments to every four hours for the Xopenex, and every twelve hours for the Pulmocort. She seems to be responding well to the treatments, as far as the wheezing goes.

She's having a really rough night sleeping. I ended up drinking an energy drink to help me make it through this long night with her. I've learned that it's easier to just stay up and take care of her, rather than go to sleep and keep waking up, trying to do everything half asleep. She wakes up about every 15 to 30 Min's because the cough is so bad that it makes her oxygen tubing fall off and then she wakes up crying for a few seconds. I rub her back and she falls asleep for a little while, then wakes up again and the process repeats it's self all night long!

Her oxygen saturation's keep dropping. She's on five liters of oxygen and her numbers are hovering in the 93-94 range. Not good numbers, especially since she is using so much oxygen. I really wish her numbers were higher so I would feel comfortable going to sleep, my bed is looking mighty cozy right now, even though there is a three year old sprawled out in it!

There goes the alarm again, gotta go!

As I Watch You Sleeping

2008-08-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

As I Watch You Sleeping ~ Sheryl Trowbridge

As I watch you sleeping,

my problems seem so small.

The rewards you have to offer me,

are so big and so tall.

As I watch you sleeping,

I realize just how great your accomplishments are.

I know how much you struggle

to have made it this far.

As I watch you sleeping,

I can't imagine how my life would be without you.

Even through the hard times

I'd be lost without you.

As I watch you sleeping,

I see just how much you have brought into my life.

All the joys and happiness,

all the wonder and excitement.

As I watch you sleeping,

I am overcome with such love.

Your sweetness and happiness,

are something I can't get enough of.

As I watch you sleeping,

I think just how lucky I am.

To be the mother of such

a beautiful little girl.

As I watch you sleeping,

all of my worries seem to melt away.

I know that no matter what happens,

together we can make it through another day.

Tagged!

2008-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

10 years ago:
Aug 1998: Starting my sophomore year of HIGH SCHOOL!

5 years ago:
Aug 2003: I was in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, at my Advance Individual Training School for the United States Army. It was SO HOT and Humid! Talk about being miserable. What an accomplishment though.

5 months ago:
March 2008: Nothing exciting, just living life. Taking care of my two girls and wishing my husband was home more often.

5 things on my list of things to do tomorrow:
1. Go house hunting with my agent.
2. Take Ash and Lauren to the park.
3. Unpack our bags from our weekend trip to the grandparents house.
4. Clean Lauren's trach supplies. An everyday task that I dread.
5. Take the jeep to the car wash.

5 bad habits:
1. Leaving junk in the car! Ditto Liz.
2. I run late quite often.
3. Laundry is my worst enemy, it never seems to be completely done.
4. I drink way too much dr pepper.
5. I have a sweet tooth, need I say more!

5 places I’ve lived:
1. Arlington, VA
2. Overlandpark, KS
3. Yucaipa, CA
4. Pheonix, AZ
5. Woodbridge, VA

5 things people don’t know about me
1. I have a stupid pointless tattoo. (me too Liz)
2. I met my husband during Hurricane Isabel, in Arlington Virginia.
3. I played softball, basketball, and cheer leading growing up.
4. I was 1 of 40 women in a 1200 man elite unit in the United States Army. 3RD US INFANTRY REGIMENT, THE OLD GUARD.
5. My husband use to shine my boots for me everyday! (He was a tomb guard for the tomb of the unknown soldier)

Tagged:
Kim, and Rory!

Update.

2008-07-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

First off, house hunting is EXHAUSTING!!! Our offer that we put on the house was outbid. It's totally OK though. I went out looking with our agent today and there are so many other homes that I love even more.
Our realtor is awesome, patient, and motivated to help us find a house. (Thanks Tiff!)

It's a lot of fun though, and we are very blessed that we're finally at a point in our lives that we are financially able to even consider the option of buying. It's actually cheaper to buy a home and pay a mortgage, then to pay for rent right now. Crazy huh!

The girls are doing great. Both are healthy and growing like weeds. Well, at least Lauren is growing, I think Ashley is stuck at 26 pounds. She is a bottomless pit lately, but she still isn't gaining any weight. The doc assured me that she is healthy and that there was no need to worry.

As for little miss Lauren, she weights 20 pounds, is 30 3/4 inches tall, and her head circumference is...Well, LARGE! 18 3/4. (she just has a big brain)

I took her to see her ENT doctor yesterday and he had all good news! She does NOT need tubes in her ears like they had originally thought. And, she should be getting her trach out in about three weeks. I can't wait, I'm so excited!!
I think we're all ready to put the trach life style behind us. She's had the trach in for almost a full year now.

Life will be interesting without it at first, No loud machines heating our bedroom at night (in the middle of summer), no more loud monitors alarming, no more trach supplies to wash everyday, or boxes of supplies taking up space in our closet, no more pinning her down so we can change her trach ties every night, or fussing with her oxygen port that always falls off while she's sleeping.
I'm VERY grateful that she had all those things this past year, as they've literally saved her life, but I think we are all ready to just enjoy Lauren without all the extra stuff.

I'm excited that one day soon I will be able to give Lauren a regular bath (with LOTS of bubbles, just for fun), take her swimming, let her play in the sand at the park, let her eat messy food without worrying if it's going to get in the trach tube, (we had a really bad experience with re fried beans a couple of weeks ago, the tube was plugged with beans, it was quite scary.)

Maybe I will even be able to leave her with a babysitter so I can go on a much needed date with my husband! That would be splendid. I miss him!

The big OFFER!

2008-07-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

Today is a big day for us. We're putting an offer on our very first house. Wish us luck!!!

Deal of the day!

2008-07-15T21:51:00.001-07:00

How happy am I?! I got this BOB Sport Utility Duallie double jogging stroller for $125!

It retails for $430.

I had no intentions of buying anything today. I just went into the store to "look" around, while in between appointments for Lauren. I just couldn't pass this up though.

Now I can sell my single jogger/bike trailer and make my money back that I spent today and put some extra cash back in the bank! Yay for great deals.

BTW, I bought it at a store called Once upon a child. People take their gently used items in for cash, then the stores sells it at a really awesome price to happy (poor) people like me!

The stroller seriously looks like it was never used. I can't believe that I got such a great deal.

Now I can start training for The 12Th Annual Komen San Diego Race for the Cure 5K Run. Anyone want to join me?

Swimming at Grammies!

2008-07-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2008! What a relaxing day!

This is mostly for Liz...

2008-06-25T22:14:00.001-07:00

So, I know I said I had lots of pictures and that I was going to be updating my blog... Well, that same day that I wrote that, I was looking on the Internet for pictures of fat marines to send to my dear friend Liz, (she knows why!) and well... my computer went bonkers! It hasn't worked since! We have a bad virus, and have yet to get it fixed. It should be good to go by next week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liz,

I was up until 2:30 in the morning the night my computer got the virus, saving ALL (thousands) of my pictures to flash drives and disks! All because I was trying to find a picture of a fat Marine to send to you. Just so you know, I found a great video of one, he fell asleep and his marine friends were video taping this "big boy" with all his food wrappers around him, it was hilarious, you would've had a great laugh. Anyways, I should be up and running soon. I hope you and the rest of the Fischer family are doing well.

~Sarah

Let's go feed the ducks!

2008-06-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

Update coming soon...

2008-06-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

I will be updating my blog tonight. Lot's of pictures!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liz,

I need your help with fixing the background and header on my page! Email me!!!!

Thanks. =)

My little sickling...

2008-06-06T00:00:00.001-07:00

My poor baby has the stomach flu.

I really hope she feels better soon. It's so sad when babies are sick. =(

To good health & a great husband!

2008-05-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

Two trips to the ER, one trip to urgent care, and a visit to my amazing primary care physician and we finally figured out why I am so sick, rashy, swollen, and in so much pain.

I had an allergic reaction to the last three antibiotic medications that the docs put me on, in the past three days.

They took the IV out when I got to the ER last night and put me on two new oral antibiotics. I feel SO much better. Still sore and rashy, and I cant stand for more then 30 seconds without my legs feeling like they are going to give out, (the joints in my knees are really sore from the reaction) but I can eat now and the fever is gone, so that's great.

Bryan is taking such good care of me. He woke up this morning, did the dishes, cleaned the house, and he vacuumed (because he knows that I am the vacuum Nazi and it was driving me absolutely crazy that I haven't been able to vacuum in a few days.) I am very thankful. =)

Back to the couch I go.

Have a great weekend. I should be back to my old self in a few days.

~Sarah

SICK...

2008-05-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

I know I don't get on here all that much anyway, but I just wanted to let the few of you who do come to our page know that I am terribly sick right now, and wont be online until I am feeling better. I have a staph infection on my knee and it is causing me to be in excruciating pain and very sick. It is probably going to take a week of IV antibiotics to make this go away. I had an allergic reaction to the first medication they gave me, it was not a pretty site. I don't know why people pay money for their lips to be this big. It is absolutely annoying. My skin is red and my face is swollen. NOT FUN.

OK, I need to get my butt back on the couch and drink some H2O.

Take care, and I will be back soon.

~Your puffer fish faced friend Sarah

Look how far we've come...

2008-05-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

From 1 lb 14 ounces, to........

19 pounds!!!!!!!

Story time with Daddy.

2008-05-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

The Special Mother

2008-05-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Special Mother
by Erma Bombeck

Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children were chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "This one gets a daughter. The Patron saint will be Cecelia" "This one gets twins. The Patron saint will be Matthew" "This one gets a son. The Patron saint.....give her Gerard. He's used to profanity"
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a disabled child".
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy"
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a disabled child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel!"
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of sorrow and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today, she has that feeling of self and independence that is so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you"
God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness"
The angel gasps - "Selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally she won't survive. Yes here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider any 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Mummy" for the first time she will be present at a miracle and will know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty and prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side"
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air.
God smiles "A mirror will suffice!"

Music to my ears...

2008-05-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

It's a Polka Dot Party!!!

2008-05-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I found the beautiful polka dot dresses for the girls' on Ebay months ago, and from there I decided to keep with the dot theme, What a fun birthday party. The girls looked absolutely adorable and most of our family and friends were there to celebrate. Thank you everyone for wearing dots, you all looked great! =)

We only had a few minor issues with the weather, it was very windy (which put a damper on my decorating, but it was ok) and a bit chilly, but that most certainly did not stop this family from having a great time!

Thank you all for spending the day with us, to celebrate Ashley and Lauren's birthday. You are all so generous and we feel extremely blessed and loved.

To see more pictures of the party, click on the website below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/CampagnaGirls/PolkaDotParty

**I know most of you already know, but for those of you who were wondering why we celebrated Lauren's birthday in May and not January, it's because she was in the hospital on her birthday and way to sick to have a party. Her original due date was May 2nd!

Swimming Lessons..

2008-04-28T21:06:00.001-07:00

Our sweet Ashley getting ready for her very first swim lesson. She even picked out which suit to wear, all by herself!
Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you big girl!

*Click the picture to to enlarge it*

All ready...let's go!

It was so hot today, she wanted to get in the pool the second we got there, she was not happy that there was a gate around it!

Hey... I want to go swimming too!

The swim instructor showing Ashley how to blow bubbles in the water.

Learning how to kick her feet...kick Ash, kick!

Getting ready to jump in the pool..

My big girl getting ready to jump in, daddy didn't a picture but she stood up and JUMPED in the pool!

We had SO much fun!

Sheer Boredom?!

2008-04-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Carnival time!

2008-04-24T22:32:00.001-07:00

~Music Class~

2008-04-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ashley is really enjoying herself in our mommy and me music class. Every Wednesday morning on our way to the class she names all the instruments that she wants to play and sings the songs that she has learned, it is adorable! It is hard to take pictures while participating, but here is a picture of Ashley showing off the stamps that Ms. Susan gave to each kid at the end of class.

The Santa Barbara Zoo..

2008-04-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Pictures!

2008-04-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Awww, big hug!

She wanted more ice cream, look at her face!

The BEST sundae ever! Lauren loved it too!

Ashley LOVES swimming, Especially with daddy!

Having a blast swimming.

I caught Bry laughing! It's rare for him to smile in pictures.

Pretty blue eyes!

Daddy and Ash going to the pool.

My sweet little angel!

Our view from the patio at the hotel.

Be back soon!

2008-04-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

We are taking a mini family vacation up to Santa Barbara for our anniversary. We will be back Tuesday night!
Can you believe that we have been married for four years on the 14Th?! Time flies when you are busy raising children.

Please pray that we have a safe drive and healthy babies!

See you soon!

Love Sarah

Our usual Fridays...

2008-04-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Miss J. came to the house today for Lauren's weekly infant development exercises. Lauren really likes her teacher and she always has so much fun. Lauren did great today!

Tuesday was a Looooong Day!

2008-04-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Our morning started out with a 7:45 appointment with ENT. Everything went well. No changes and no news as to when the Trach will come out. We are scheduled to see him again in three weeks.
She is no longer on the steroids, we are just kind of waiting to see what the hemangioma will do without them.
Please continue to pray that the Hemangioma will GO AWAY!

Here is a picture of Lauren as we waited for the doctor to come in. Good thing mommy brought the nebulizer, she really needed a breathing treatment, poor baby was very wheezy.

On to appointment #2 of the day- DOC BAND! This was a very exciting appointment, as it was her last one! We are so thankful for Cranial Technologies, Lauren's head looks perfect!

She had fun playing with the toys while we waited for the clinician to come in.

What is the first thing you did when you got home, you ask? Well, I did what any proud mommy would do of course... I gave her a bath and put her hair in a cute little sprout and took lots of pictures!

Our final appointment of the day was with Lauren's regular pediatrician. I had to call and get her in because she was not feeling very well. Her Oxygen requirement went from 1/2 liter while sleeping to 4 liters and she had a low grade fever.

The doc put her on antibiotics for ten days and said if she gets worse to bring her back in.

The night started off pretty rough, she was coughing really bad and blood was coming out of her Trach. (nothing to be too worried about, this has happened before)
Once she settled down and fell asleep, she was fine the rest of the night.

Today she is doing a lot better, but I think it will be a couple more days until she is over it.

What a Beautiful Day!

2008-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day to take a walk, so we drove down to the harbor. It was so nice to be outside in the fresh ocean air. It reminded me that I need to get out more! Little miss Fancy Ashley had a wonderful time, as did the rest of the family!

Daddy and Ash having a little chit chat about the boats.

Mommies happy girl! She was really excited to be sitting up on her own.

"My beach" that is what Ashley prefers to call it, instead of "the beach".

So cute! She loves her daddy SOOOOO much.

Two hour bath!

2008-03-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that it was me in the Bubble bath for two hours but... No, it was miss Ashley! She spent some of her Easter money on this new Princess foam activity set and looooved it! She would not get out of the bath!Here are a couple of pictures, look how wrinkly her little hands were!

Organic!

2008-03-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

We are trying to switch some of the foods that we eat daily to Organic, so we went to Trader Joe's and stocked up!

One of the best things we found were these animal crackers, they are fabulous!

Easter 2008!

2008-03-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Lauren pulled herself up on the car seat!

My niece's and nephews.

Daddy loves his girls.

Cleaning the egg off before she put it in her basket!

Recent Pictures!

2008-03-26T17:12:00.001-07:00

The beginning...

2008-03-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Lauren Grace- January 23, 2007
25 weeks, 6 days!
1 pound, 14 ounces-13 inches long

Holding my baby for the first time.

Ashley Lynn- May 26, 2005
38 Weeks
5 lbs 15 Ounces-18 1/2 inches

Welcome to our blog!

2008-03-25T14:58:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to our blog. We decided to start this website, so our friends and family can stay caught up with the lives of our two beautiful daughters; Ashley and Lauren!