And the Winner is...

Okay, you probably already know Linda won the Mom Makeover contest since I'm slow in updating the page. THANK YOU everyone for your outstanding support and rallying help to get votes. I was amazed at the response to Linda's nomination. If someone would have told me it would take over 1500 votes to win I don't know if I would have believed it! There were so many worthy moms that were nominated we are very happy that Linda's story moved enough people to vote for her including people across the U.S. and even abroad!


Here is the link about Linda's win!


The details are still being worked out but it sounds like she wins a haircut and color at Epic day spa, a photo shoot with Karl Maasdam photography, a massage, facial, nutritional consultation, a "movement" class (I think Linda will choose Yoga), and a huge basket from Heartspring wellness center! She will also get a cover story in Mom Magazine so stay tuned for that! Wow!

Ava continues to love to walk - "outside" is one of her favorite words now and is doing well. She did get the RSV (nasty virus that can be very tough on infants - last year she had monthly shots to minimize the effects in case she did get it) which was a bit scary as she had trouble breathing a couple nights but luckily she did what she was supposed to (drink her fluid) so she avoided the hospital!

Ava had a great assessment last month with the County health nurse and is on track or better with most of her skills such as language and fine motor skills. She was a bit delayed in her large motor skills (walking/running) but nothing to be concerned about given her extreme prematurity. We are very blessed she continues to do so well after her difficult start!

Linda is doing well overall but does currently have a bit of lymphedema in her arm. She hurt a nerve or muscle in her left arm and just that small injury caused the inflamation. Since she had so many lymph nodes removed from her left axilla (armpit area) she needs to be extra careful as even a scratch can cause a flare-up (her lymph nodes aren't there to protect her like the rest of us). She is managing it thru massage and wrapping her arm with compression bandages each day until it is better - shouldn't be too long.

We did speak at a couple more "Mr." Pageants which raised a lot of money for Children's Miracle Network. We even spoke (okay, Linda speaks, I just hold Ava!) at my old high school which was fun. I think there will be more opportunities for us to contribute our story in the future as well. We're fortunate to be able to use a tough time in our lives to help others.

Closing with a couple pictures of Ava in her Easter dress!



Linda and Ava in the mirror:




Rob.