It was with deep sadness that we had to say goodbye to Ava's cousin Mason Ryder. Mason passed away last week from lung complications due to his prematurity, shortly after his 2nd birthday.
My cousin Christi (Mason's mom) was very supportive and encouraging during our trials in the NICU, and for that I am forever grateful. She had been thru a similar situation with Mason in the NICU and was able to share her experience for our gain. Christi and her husband Bill's devotion to Mason was very inspiring. I remember how they made the trip from Portland to Montana (north of Missoula) for our family reunion last July. They went thru great lengths to get oxygen for Mason in the remote location of our reunion. Even though tethered to oxygen, Mason and his parents' spirit endured and they lived life to the fullest extent possible. Mason was a miracle in his own right, and proved that over and over again.
Mason and his parents taught us all to enjoy life and remember sometimes the best rewards are the intangibles. My own reminder of this is how overjoyed I was to hear Ava's cry the first time, as prior to that she could not cry due to the ventilator she was on when born. For me, it helps put things in perspective and reminds me to not complain about her crying or fussing.
Love to Mason and his family. We will miss him dearly and remember him fondly.
Mason fishing with Mama and Pom Pomp (grandpa) in Montana:
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy 18 Month Birthday Ava!
Yep, she's 1.5 years old today! What a crazy year and a half it has been. We are very fortunate both my girls are doing so well!
Ava continues to learn new words and likes to talk. I think that's from her mother. But the big news from the past week is she has started walking! Over the past months she had been taking 5-6 steps here and there when coaxed and surfing around, walking behind her toys, walking while holding one of our hands, etc but last week decided to walk on her own. She is a cautious little girl most of the time but decided it is now time to walk. Here's a short video clip of one of her trips!
(Sometimes the Google videos aren't working on some computers. If the video above doesn't work, please go to this YouTube link instead).
Linda has been well. Our video is being used at many of the Mr/Ms High School pageant events (for example, Mr. CV) to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. We attended the Mr. Irish (Sheldon High School in Eugene) event (Linda gave a short speech) and saw some amazingly talented high schoolers. Ava was very well behaved and sat with us watching the talent. Last year these events raised about $350K for CMN which is pretty amazing and cool that all is not lost on the youth of today as many would have us believe. :)
We'll be at Thurston High School this Saturday night and I think at Crescent Valley in April. One of the DJs in Eugene is also using the video for CMN fundraisers at school dances.
Happy One and a Half Birthday to our Sweet Ava. Here are a couple recent photos:
Meeting one of the lambs at our friends the Whitakers. No comment on what was served for dinner that night.
Not sure who's daughter this is... Did she pick up this habit from Daddy or Brother Austin?!
Rob.
Ava continues to learn new words and likes to talk. I think that's from her mother. But the big news from the past week is she has started walking! Over the past months she had been taking 5-6 steps here and there when coaxed and surfing around, walking behind her toys, walking while holding one of our hands, etc but last week decided to walk on her own. She is a cautious little girl most of the time but decided it is now time to walk. Here's a short video clip of one of her trips!
(Sometimes the Google videos aren't working on some computers. If the video above doesn't work, please go to this YouTube link instead).
Linda has been well. Our video is being used at many of the Mr/Ms High School pageant events (for example, Mr. CV) to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. We attended the Mr. Irish (Sheldon High School in Eugene) event (Linda gave a short speech) and saw some amazingly talented high schoolers. Ava was very well behaved and sat with us watching the talent. Last year these events raised about $350K for CMN which is pretty amazing and cool that all is not lost on the youth of today as many would have us believe. :)
We'll be at Thurston High School this Saturday night and I think at Crescent Valley in April. One of the DJs in Eugene is also using the video for CMN fundraisers at school dances.
Happy One and a Half Birthday to our Sweet Ava. Here are a couple recent photos:
Meeting one of the lambs at our friends the Whitakers. No comment on what was served for dinner that night.
Not sure who's daughter this is... Did she pick up this habit from Daddy or Brother Austin?!
Rob.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Radiothon March 3,4,5
Just a quick post that if you can receive Eugene radio stations and tune in to 99.1 FM, they are doing a radiothon this week for Children's Miracle Network. Linda was interviewed by Barry Macguire (from KOOL FM) and Bob and Sheri (national morning show hosts). If you catch it, you may hear her interview on the radio!
They also posted our CMN video on their website linked here. Click on meet the Blairs (same video as was posted here before).
Rob.
They also posted our CMN video on their website linked here. Click on meet the Blairs (same video as was posted here before).
Rob.
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