Friday, May 31, 2013

Breather


There's so much to say.  So many emotions to let out. 
But for now, I take a second and breathe.
And more than anything, I pray.
 My dad had a massive heart attack followed by open heart surgery on Tuesday.  He is in the ICU - critically stable. 
My mind is racing.  My heart is breaking.
But I remind myself of the very lesson I wrote of in my last post...
And right now, I am not only counting my blessings, but clinging to the very best and most beautiful blessing in my life...
Things are crazy.  So I pray like crazy. 
And I just sit here for a few minutes, because I need to.
  I stare at these photos - memories from the past few weeks.
They remind me that where there is pain and hurt and sometimes what seems like pure evil in this world, that there is also so much love and joy and good-heartedness. 
So, I let the tears fall.  I scream.  I give thanks for our healthy daughter.  I get a little crazy.
But I never forget to keep counting my blessings...
 Spending time with my friend and her beautiful babes. 
And watching them fall in love with Piper.









Piper got initiated into the hairdresser club.

Waking up to Steve with the camera in my face...
Because he came home to a moment like this.



Catching Piper do this...
She wakes up in the middle of many of her naps.  Only for about ten seconds before she falls fast asleep again.  The faces and gestures that occur are priceless.








Afternoons with Kim and my sleepy little girl.



Visits from Aunt Jen and Uncle Sean








Introducing Piper to the beauty that is Target



Giving the stare down to Daddy

Oh, the faces....







Watching Aunt Karen with Piper.
We are so grateful for this woman.  She has helped with Piper so much...not just this past week, but always.




Smiley girl on Dee Dee's birthday



 *Happy , smiley birthday videos for Dee Dee*



Seeing Jessica "pop" when she's with Pippy.
And spending all day with these lovely ladies.

 
 




Thanks for the great pics, Aunt J!




so serious!

<3 this.


Steve, happy and free with his best bud, enjoying cigars on the deck.




Aunt Karen knows how to make Piper smile.



Celebrating my mom's birthday...







while we danced with our Pips to the sound of my brother singing and strumming his guitar













My dad with Piper...
I hope and pray for more photos like these.






Piper's first trip to the fair...









This girl loves bathtime.



And loves Piper poutin'



And absolutely loves her daddy


Pippy power!







Happy seven weeks!


Visits from Uncle Nicholas



Mr. Chibbs



Moments like this...




"And the champion is...PIPER!!"

Our smiley, mimic-y, sweet baby girl...







Thanks for the bright and pretty headband, Brittany!

You can check out Brittany's awesome Etsy shop HERE!




Meeting cousin, Ashley.
And watching Ashley soak up all of Piper's sweetness.






Cuddles and burps with Aunt Kelly
 


Celebrating Jessica's birthday.  Good conversation.  Great laughs.
Even greater friendships.












The most adorable stinkin' outfit from Aunt Jessica...








A wonderful visit from my favorite (fourth grade) teacher...








Another wonderful visit, from Melissa and her son, Tristan. 
We are so happy our paths crossed and that we were finally able to truly meet.

 
 
 




Thank you for the amazing pie, Melissa!



 
 


Dee Dee spent a couple hours with Piper while Steve and I had our first date night...










Thoughtful "pout-pout" present from Dee Dee. <3
Memorial Day with family and friends. <3




Thanks for the pretty, patriotic outfit, Aunt Leslie and Uncle Jamie!











I needed this very quick breather.
***
I'm clinging to this love.
And constantly reminding myself that miracles can and do happen.
I have proof...

<3<3<3
Much love to everyone.
<3 




Crazy Faithful Lovin',


37 comments:

Rachel said...

I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope and pray that all will be well and he will be up holding that little beautiful granddaughter of his very soon. BIG HUGS! BTW you probably already know this but you are incredibly blessed to have so many family and friends around you. What a wonderful thing to have so much help and so many people to love Piper. Piper gets cuter every post! Again BIG HUGS and I am sending prayers your Dads way.

Nora said...

Maria-

I am praying for your dad. He was always such a gentle soul and if anyone deserves a miracle, it is him.

Kim said...

Oh Maria, I am SO sorry to hear about your Dad. I will be praying for him and thinking of you. And you're right, miracles do happen everyday, so keep your hope alive and keep hugging that little miracle of yours.

Unknown said...

Hi Maria,
I am sorry about your father. I pray that he will pull through. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. It is great that you have cute and adorable Piper to keep your spirits up. As always I like seeing all the wonderful pictures. Take good care and Lots of Love, Friendship and Best wishes to you, Steve and Piper. Stay strong my friend.
Judy

Alex[andra] said...

Maria, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he recovers and will there will be no more health scares. I'm happy that you're still looking towards the positive pieces in life. I wish you all the best!! xoxo

Unknown said...

Oh Maria!!! I'm so sorry about your dad. I will be praying for him and you. I once again love all your pictures. Piper is so pretty! And I love your date night outfit!!! You look beautiful! Xoxox

E and R said...

Oh honey, I am so sorry. Sending MANY healing prayers for your dad!!

Jenny said...

So sorry to hear about your dad :( Sending many T&Ps your way for a quick and easy recovery.

Kiara Buechler said...

I will be praying for your dad and your family, that he has many more decades of loving on his granddaughter.

Can I just tell you, Piper's expressions are just about the cutest thing I have every seen? She has SO MUCH personality! I guess that makes sense though, with you as her mama.

Heidi said...

Your daughter has the best personality! Those faces are absolutely priceless!

I am so sorry about your dad. I feel so awful. My father-in-law had a quad bypass a year ago. Today you would never know it. I will pray for your dad and that you have many more fabulous years with him. My love is with you.

lovejoy_31 said...

Praying hard Maria!!!!!

Piper is a gorgeous ham...........

Puzzle peace said...

Maria

you and your dad are in my thoughts! i love the photos. keep posting!

Kara and Mary said...

My prayers to your family. We are sending all the positive vibes we can muster in your direction.

Whitney Cypert said...

Keeping you and your sweet family in my prayers! I'm sorry that you are having to go through this but you have such a good outlook on life and seem to remember to think about the positives in life like that healthy baby! Keep your chin up and scream/cry all you need to.

Rebecca said...

So sorry to hear about your dad!!!! I will pray for him and your family. Keep us updated!

I love the hat from Jessica. Did she make it? Aww...will she make me one? I can pay her!I love it!

Heather Nelsen said...

Oh goodness, Maria. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Ill be praying for him! My mom had a heart attack my freshman year of college- such a scary time. Ill be praying for strength for you! ...beautiful pictures of Piper as always. She is such a little miracle! Hope you can rest this weekend. Sending love your way!

- Heather

Mrs. E said...

Praying for you and your family. I'm so sorry you are going through this :( My heart breaks for you all. There are miracles though, like you said. I know I didnt get mine, or at least not in the way that I'd hoped, but I still believe that they happen every day. I am praying that you get yours. Love you, love you, love you xoxo

Jen said...

Prayers for a swift recovery for your Dad and peace for you all in the difficult waiting time x

Our Journey Through This Lovely Life said...

Sending so many prayers your way! I believe in miracles and I believe they happen everyday! Sending you big huge hugs! Thinking of you always!
Alexis

noel bressler said...

I'm sorry to hear about your father...I'll praying for you and your family! Thank God you have Piper around to keep everyone smiling even through the difficult times...she's truly beautiful!

Faith said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending prayers and positive thoughts his way. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

Loving all the pictures of Piper. She makes the best expressions!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, her expressions are so adorable!! That shot of her pouting is just priceless. What a sweetie.

I'm so sorry about your dad... Prayers being sent now.

Anonymous said...

HI Maria,

I've been stalking your posts and reading away. Piper is growing so much and I loved your other article about your grandma and Dee-Dee. So touching.

I will truly keep your family and you in my prayers and wish your dad the best health and recovery possible.

Little Piper is such a doll. Her expressions are priceless. Just amazing. I love her! <3

Hugs

Maria

Stephanie said...

Oh, Maria, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are being send your, his, and your family's way. <3

I love your attitude about a not so good situation and clinging to your many blessings. The pictures of Piper and her LOVELY family are priceless! She sure is one busy and LOVED little girl! How blessed is she?! I love all of the pictures -- but the crying ones always make my heart smile -- they're just too cute!

Again, my thoughts and prayers your way, sweet friend! I hope this week brings good news your way!

Tracy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Oh my goodness that girl of yours is adorable!

mail4rosey said...

Your daughter is just so awesome and your friends and family seem to be too!! You're so lucky to have so many people who love you guys close by.

I'm wishing you the best for your dad. Sending along a lot of hugs and heartfelt prayers for peace and healing.

Jessica White said...

Praying for your dad, and you guys too.

Such a blessing Piper is to you both, and all those who are blessed to "know" her!

Jodi said...

so incredibly sorry to hear about your dad. unexpected illness and problems like that are always so hard and shocking and heartbreaking :( thinking of you and your family... and as always loving all the precious piper shots, she is just too darn cute and beyond adorable. take care sweetie!

Unknown said...

No words can or will make you feel better but I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts. Deep breaths and breath.....
Love all your wonderful pictures like always. Piper looks like she is surrounded by lots love. You have such a great circle of friends:)
love to you during this difficult time. hoping your dad has a fast and speedy recovery.
XOXO my friend.

Brittany said...

Oh Maria :(. I can't find the right words to say but just know that my heart is breaking for you and I am praying like crazy over here...for your Dad, for you, and for all of your sweet family. For Piper, too, as I know how much you want her to know her grandpa. Please, please keep us updated...I know you are loved by so many and have so many people lifting you all up in prayer. If your Daddy is anything like his little girl, he is a FIGHTER. That's for sure. Sending big, big, big hugs your way, Maria!!

Thank you for the headband shout-out :). Can I post that picture on our facebook page sometime? Pretty please :)?? She just looks so precious! And it's not even the bow making her look so sweet...it's those leg rolls!!! Ahhhh, I DIE over those! She is such a little doll.

Wedding cake ice cream?! Ummm, YUM. Need that in front of me right now. Seriously.

Hope you guys have a restful, enjoyable weekend despite everything with your Dad. Keep that chin up, pretty Momma!! Piper needs Momma to stay happy...and I know that's what your Dad wants to. We love you guys!!!
-B and Bear

Miki said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Maria! I promise I'll keep him in my prayers.

It's so nice to get to see Piper grow so happily! ;D She's one sweet and special baby girl!

Also, how neat is it that your 4th grade teacher went to meet Piper?!

Tight hugs!

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mail4rosey said...

I'm just coming over to see how you're doing. Sending hugs and prayers for you today and hoping everything is okay...BETTER than okay.

I'll Love You Forever said...

Maria,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. That has got to be so hard. Sending prayers from Utah.

Piper just keeps getting cuter and cuter! I love seeing all the pictures of her. She is such a sweet angel.

Love you,
Ashlee

P.s. love blue bunny ice cream, haha

Ashley said...

So, obviously I am way behind on reading your blog posts and I am so sorry for that. I am sorry that I didn't know until now what had happened! I am off to say a prayer and catch up on your other posts.

xoxoxox

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

I am just reading this Maria!!! I wish him continued and speedy recovery!!! How very scary for your whole family! Many hugs and prayers

Kerry said...

Oh Maria, I am so so sorry to hear about your dad's heart attack and surgery. I feel awful for being o MIA around here and blogland in general that I didn't know this, nor have I offered you any support. How are you my friend? How is your dad doing now? I am sending tons of love and happy thoughts to you all and I hope he has a speedy and full recovery.
You are a beautiful and strong woman Maria and I love you heaps...
xoxoxox

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