Happy Birthday to Me

saturday was akaiya's 8th birthday. where the heck has the time gone? 8 years ago my little miracle was born and we were told she wouldn't be with us for very long at all. she had something different in mind though.

it's been a crazy 8 years. this little girl has taught me everything. absolutely everything about all areas of life. it's amazing how much impact one person can have, especially one small person with so many challenges. she affects everyone she meets. i really am proud of this loud little kid of mine.

we did the usual and hung out at nana and papa's place. family surrounded her, kids were giggling, ice cream cake was served, it was a good day.

kaiya has had a difficult year. so much has changed for her. she started having seizures, she's been placed on med after med after med. she spent time in the hospital...she went from being an oral eater to being g-tube fed. she gained 12 lbs in a couple months. she started puberty...we're hoping that the coming year brings some resolutions to the problems of the past year. i guess we should be thankful though. we had 7 years of calm. the princess just decided to make up for that all in one swoop apparently.

the seizures continue to be a problem. kaiya is now taking 3 medications and at this point i'm ready to toss them all out and see what happens. she's shaky, she still has seizures, she's "stoned" acting. she's just not my bright-eyed little monster. the morning of her birthday she woke up in a rare mood. she was extremely alert, happy, playful - just more like herself. she even ate a cup of yogurt by mouth. i put off giving her morning meds b/c i wanted to play with this happy little person for awhile. i gave her the meds and she was knocked out 15 minutes later.