Abbey turns 2!

 As we celebrated Abbey's 2nd birthday we were reminded once again.....

We did not think our hearts were ready...God did

We could not understand why He would take one daughter away to give another...God understood

We had no idea how much we needed her...God knew

"For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

In August, 2009 Abigail Elyse Chez entered our life and we were once again blessed with a miracle from God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body, All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16

For Abbey's birthday we went to Disneyland!  It was such a great day and Abbey was so excited!  Auntie Bridget and cousin Jaden helped make it a perfect day! It's a small world and the parade were her very favorite.  She absolutely loves Mickey.  We tried, actually begged, for her to get a picture with Minnie and she would not have it! Mickey is who she loves and so we took our family picture with Mickey.  She had the biggest smile and kept saying over and over, "Hi Mickey."  

Abbey is all personality.  She loves to laugh, dance, scream and boss us all around.  She has the happiest heart and she has brought so much joy to us all.  

During Luke's last school year I met a fun and very loving friend.  Her love for God and life exudes out of her. I was so excited to see what an amazing photographer she was and asked if she would not mind taking 2 year old photos of Abbey.  Although I was excited to capture this sweet time in Abbey's life, we could not help but to be reminded of the fact that this was the last birthday that we celebrated with our  Gracie.  I felt so safe with Becky and she was gentle with my emotions as she captured the sweetest moments of Abbey and what a miracle she is.  Thank you Becky, we love you!  To check out Abbey's photos please visit:  Becky Lew Photography Blog  

Thanks for checking in!

Chez Family

It's been a while ....so it's going to be a long one...

I remember the time in my life where I felt incomplete if I did not update my blog every week or two.  Many have asked where have you been?  It all started with writers block and for those of you who are unware of it's defition: 

temporary psychological inability to begin or continue work on a piece of writing.

Seems crazy coming from the person who cannot stop talking, right?  What I have come to realize is; those who cannot stop talking are the ones that ramble and those that ramble cannot aritculate their thoughts properly (at least in my case anyways) Therefore they go on and on, with the delete button to follow and then what happens?  Blank screen. 

So I've disappered to Facebook. A place where I could share a quick update and post some pictures within seconds. Facebook does not let me ramble.  With FB you are limited and can only write so much, so I have gotten used to it.  As much as I love facebook, this blog is my heart and I miss it. So, I am back for now.  However, it's been a while, so there may be some rambling.  

Let's start off with the fact that things have been pretty amazing lately. I know this goes without saying, but I feel better by mentioning it...Gracie is always missed deeply.  As a matter of fact, there have been some really difficult times as Abbey is approaching the age that we remember most about Gracie.  However, through the missing her we have been very aware of all the great blessings God continues to give us.  

Adam and I continue to put God at the center of our marriage. We have been really enjoying this season of our lives together.  Our trials and challenges, through God's grace have brought us so much closer.  All marriages have there season.  I'm so thankful to be in this one.  Adam is truly a an amazing husband and father.  More than ever I am a believer that if you put God first, your marriage will be blessed over and over.  

So with all that being said, the kids have been great as well.  Sometimes it is hard to believe that it has been over a year and a half with no hospital stays!  Some concerns, but not too serious. We have been enjoying every single moment of this time.  It feels weird, it almost feels like we are living someone else's life.  Does that sound crazy?  It's how we feel.  So...since the rambling is in high gear, let me just give you an update on the kids.

Luke:

Health-No vomiting for quite sometime.  So long ago in fact I cannot even remember! It's wonderful!  Still extremely limited diet, but we have added quite a few things along the way.  Not sure he will ever enjoying eating, but as long as we are not vomiting, we are rejoicing!

We have been seeing the cardiologists every 3 months and Luke has remained stable.  We felt that he may have to have a surgery this year, but not so sure that will be the case.  Will keep you updated.

Socially-He graduated from kindergarten and had the best school year. He has grown so much spiritually and academically.  His social calendar has been busier than the first 10 years of my life. He is enjoying all the things that 6 year olds enjoy and much more. It has been such a blessing to see him doing well and loving these innocent years.  

Abbey:

Health- Due to concerns with the narrowing of her valve, she had an MRI not too long ago. They are a little concerned with her pressures and her left ventricle is dialated.  Although there are some slight concerns, no action needs to be taken at this time.  However, he wants to monitor her very closely and we will need another MRI within three months.  Her energy level is extremely high and her coloring is great, which of course makes us feel good. 

Socially-she is a fireball!  One minute she is dancing and the next minute she is screaming.  She is a huge people person, of course she has her favorites, but mostly she just loves to interact with everyone. She is also a huge book lover!  We used to visit the library often, but she gets so excited when she is pretend reading that we had to change locations.  Now it is Barnes and Noble.  The helpers at church say she reads all the books and then plays.  Her and Luke bug eachother as much as they love eachother.  It's hard to believe she is turning two in two weeks!

Being the emotional person that I am, I tend to get teary eyed often thinking about blessed we have been.  So thankful for this time we have been given!

Thank you for checking in and sorry for the rambling. :)

All our love, Chez Family