Trisomy 18 Awareness Day!

Annabel's life has brought so much to our world. She has taught and continues to teach our family so much. From the smallest of things to the biggest. Even though many days her illnesses cause me much stress, it is also on many more days that her touch, her sweet smile and the soft sounds that she make cause me to have the most peaceful of days.

It is a fact that most of our medical profession doesn't see much purpose in their lives (trisomy 18). They strongly encourage the parents to abort and  I am so thankful that Annabel wasn't met by this same fate. God truly has a plan for each one of us on this earth, long before we even make it here! 

  Below are  comments that three of my older children left on their facebook page.  I do know that when and if Annabel is called home we will all miss her and be incredibly sad but I hope we all remember how blessed we have been to have been able to share her precious journey with her.

Tara's comments: 

Today could not be a better day! My favorite little girl in the world turns 7 and I get to celebrate this blessed day with her and my family. Happy Birthday Annabel!!!

 

Tyler's comments: 

Spending the day at the beach with the Birthday girl. Annabel Grace Shelander 7 years of miracles. Being born on St. Patrick's day she may have had some Luck of the Irish rub off on her

Carly's comments:  Happy 7th Birthday to the strongest most amazing little girl I know my baby sis Annabel Grace!!!

Day Before Birthday Party Activities....

 Annabel's friends in first grade came to her class to singing happy birthday and to share in her special day. They all made their own special cards with messages to her. I guess when you have children that are in regular classes they can experience friends writing them note, or saying "you are my best friend, etc. Tears came to my eyes when each one read their own cards and explained their drawings. It warms my heart so much to know that each and every day Annabel's story and life touch so many of all ages... If she could talk I know she would want to thank each one of her friends for sharing in her birthday celebration! 

 Her birthday cards from Ms. Newton's class and Mrs. Eaves....

 Annabel made a Leprechaun

 Annabel leading the group in clapping!

I love this picture of her sitting amongst her friends....

 

More of the kids with their cards...

The class singing Happy Birthday to her...can you see the joy in her face???

Blowing her candles out...

 Annabel's cake

 One day shy of 7 years old...

 How she has missed her Rebekah!!! (Hint: look at Rebekah tummy in following picture)

Look closely and you will see her baby bump! She was having some problems and won't be able to lift Annabel for awhile. Annabel is trying to accommodate since Annabel has lost almost 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks. We all want her to give birth to a healthy baby but we all sure miss her! We thank her for coming to school to spend Annabel's birthday with her.

I will be adding more pictures of Annabel's kindergarten class, Ms. Eaves is the teacher. Annabel goes to their class two mornings a week and shares in circle time, music and socialization. We are so happy that she is allowed to take part in the regular classes and that all the kids loves her and are so sweet to her.

Also to Ms. Ann, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Alice who are the teachers in Annabel own class. They love her and take such good care of her. To say they accommodate her every need is an understatement. It would break my heart to think Annabel could not experience all that she does each and every day. We love all of you for loving Annabel and never ceasing to pray for her.    

Praises and prayers....

Praises and prayers: so far her line cultures are not growing as of 2:00 this morning. We know we are dealing with flu and c-diff. I am thankful for my nurses or I wouldn't be able to keep her home to this point. She is on maximum amount of oxygen you can give in home and has been sitting around 85 and been very hard to wake her. We may be going in soon unless we can get to 8:00 when pedi opens. Please continue to pray that this flu peaks and the c-diff doesn't take full control. Praises that cultures from line are clear at this point. Thank you all for thinking of sweet.