"Mommy, do I look like a boy? I just don't look like Autumn, my hair used to be longer." Autumn protested this evening after taking a shower this evening and visualizing her old self in the mirror. Oh it must be so frustrating that life just cannot return to "normal"...whatever that is! I told her what a beautiful princess she is!! I reminded her that she has gone through a lot in her little life, I can only imagine what she must think of on a daily basis. We are excited about our celebration tomorrow and our trip planned for next week! The girls will have a blast and Autumn will have the opportunity to be around children just like her, perhaps that can bring some comfort to her.

Autumn is set to have a little fiesta in celebration of her vacation to Orlando, Florida!! The wonderful couple who has helped grant Autumn her wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation is going to have an ice cream party to celebrate this coming Thursday at Doc Burnstein's. How FUN!!!!

A very brave Nanie and Grandpa are taking the girls to Arizona today!! I have to give a final exam in my saturday bio class and could not make the first leg of the journey with them. I will fly tomorrow directly after giving the exam, flying alone is something I haven't done in such a long time! The girls seemed to be in a great mood today, so happy and sweet! I hope that lasts for the majority of the trip, it's a LONG time to spend in the car! Nanie and Grandpa...I love you guys, thank you!!!

WE HAD A CLEAR SCAN!!!!! Oh what a beautiful day is was on Monday! Autumn had a chest x-ray and an abdominal ultrasound that were both clear! Life is good! :)

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!!