Happy Anniversary

Well, we have come to our one year anniversary of finding out about Brylea. I feel in a way we have come a LONG way from a 1 yr old that limps and has "chunky feet" to a 3 yr who has been diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis but I am still learning terms, medicines, reactions, and the list goes on and on. Luckily I am finding other moms who have lead me in the right direction and to let me know we are not alone in this.

We had our follow up today. There is good news. Everyone is seeing improvement with her meds. However, they think something else may be going on with Brylea they just do not know what specifically. She definitely has RA but she has other symptoms no one has ever seen and only read about. For now they are happy with her progress. Her fingers are starting to curl a bit. So, she will be wearing a soft splint at night so that when her wrists are resting they do not naturally curl up like an arthritis patient but instead rest in a more level position with her arm. I would take a splint at night over more meds anyday!

In all of this Brylea has shown through. She now runs, jumps, and is a more active child. As she was growing she was very particular about not holding her hand while she walked. A few weeks ago at church she actually wanted to hold my and Nathan's hand. It was awesome! We take those small moments and rejoice that God is healing her and has a special
Plan for her. And in that I know God has not left me or Brylea. In the words of a leader in our church Sunday "He is molding our particular path" to glorify Him more!

thank *YOU*

Okay!  I am *so* excited about this post!!  First of all, Brylea started her Enbrel on July 22nd.  You can tell such a tremendous difference in her as well.  She runs and jumps and has so much energy!  It is awesome to witness.  However, for us, she now is hard to put down at night because she wants to be up and playing.  Now we just have to get that balance for her (and our!) sake. 

Secondly, I decided to save the best for last!  Not only did we meet our goal but we went beyond our goal!  I am happy to announce that I am sending the Arthritis Foundation a check for $1,643!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you to those that donated and I was not aware of and thank you to those that just simply spread the word on through Facebook, e-mail, and word of mouth.  I now would like to take the time to personally thank the following people: 

Academy Kids

Matthew and Lori B.

Ed and Cara B.

Breanne C.

Aaron and Marlene C.

Benny and Cathy C.

Dad

Tommy and Janice F.

Odessa F.

Tabitha G.

Kari G.

Pam "Hairdresser"

Karen and Frank H.

Aimee H.

Shane and Megyn I.

Carlton and Leann J.

Grant and Amy K.

Shannon K.

Stefanie L.

Chasity L.

Marcee M.

Troy and Glenda M. (Abba/Immie)

Brad and Stacey P.

Michael and Lorie P.
Nova and Rhonda P.

Laura R.

Tamara S.
Vonda S.

Teen Challenge

Bridget T.

Kyle and Maria T.

Mark and Juli V.

Taylor V.

Doug and Kara W.

Christie W.

If I forgot anyone, I sincerely apologize.  I tried my best to keep track of who donated.  If I forgot you please let me know so I can GLADLY add you to the list. Thank you!  Thank you!  I am so excited about what this conference will do for not only Nathan and I but also for Brylea!