Autumn looked so beautiful and sweet as she began to fall into a deep sleep tonight. She hugged both her Fluffy and newly acquired Fluffina as she closed her eyes and relaxed her little body. It has been so wonderful to see such a happy, healthy little girl these past three months. Sometimes last year really does feel like a dream...

"Mom, it's been like 2 years since I've been here!", Autumn commented yesterday as we walked through the halls of Sierra on our way to visit our good friend Hillary. "Yes sweetie, it's been awhile since we've been here" I say with a smile on my face.

It felt a bit like college, a place we know so intimately for 4 years (or 5 or 7...)then we leave and it's almost like it never existed. After being somewhere and living a particular lifestyle for so long, it seems improbable that someday you may live a different lifestyle. That is just how it felt yesterday when we were in the hospital.

Hillary, a nurse's assistant has decided to return to school and study to become a pediatric nurse, the perfect career for her! She will be moving to Las Vegas this coming week and although we are going to miss her terribly, we make an annual trip to Vegas during which we will make a visit. :) Good luck Hillary!

Autumn's hair is growing everyday, it is wonderful, soft, perfect.

She has an ultrasound scheduled for Monday the 30th, something we will have to do about every 6 weeks or so for another year. She will have labs drawn as well until her port is removed, which may be sooner than later.

To the year 2012, what a great one it has been so far!!

The Bean

Autumn in the kitchen of a U-505 German Sub.

We are here in Chicago visiting my Auntie Janet and Uncle Bob. There is so much to see here, nothing at all like Grover Beach :) The girls have such fun people watching and asking all sorts of questions about everything they see.

Today we spent the greater part of the day at the Museum of Science and Industry followed by a trip to Millennium Park. We've been here enough times now that all the girls can decide where they want to go, things they remember from past trips.

Autumn was unable to go with us last year, so it's even more fun having her here with us! The girls have matured so much in the past year and it's been reflected in the manner in which they conduct themselves just about everywhere. Sage and Lindsey have found a love of reading, they push each other, it's something new and rewarding to witness! Janie Pie took them on a trip to the library today where they each checked out 10+ books. They have been reading ever since!