My brother, Blake =)

I wanted to introduce you to my youngest, older brother, Blake. Some of you may not know him so I wanted to share some of my highlights with him...with you.
To be quite honest, Mommy doesn't like these first pics because I was very sick in them because my shunt had malfunctioned. =( However, it was a part of my life and as you can see I am very loved.
This is Blake William Riley. He is NOW 18 years old and when I was born, everyone told me I looked like Blake. :)
The EVER cool baby in shades at Blake's baseball game.
See how much better I look...I had a shunt revision and the world is once again okay. Blake and I hangin out in our toyhauler.
Daddy and Blake were sooo mean. They gave me my first taste of lemon. Ewww.... gotta love that face. Now that's a pucker...
I love this guy!!!
Memaw with Grant and Blake.

Sleeping Beauty
Helping me figure out my new toys for my 1st Christmas.
Studdly =D
What a cutie!!

What a dork?!?!?
Blake is a gifted musician. These pics were taken after his Christmas Orchestra Concert in December of 2007. Blake plays the bass. Bernie and Blake are watching the concert that just took place.

Love this pic!!! Right after one of his baseball games...he didn't know we were coming...it was a big SURPRISE!!

Not only does Blake play the orchestra bass...he plays the electric bass. Blake is in a band called, We Build Ruins. Daddy describes them as groovy rock. The entire band is extremly talented. On this night, they were at Saxby's in Henderson.

Blake, Daddy and I at Grant's Metro Cadet graduation.

After a football game his senior year of high school. We always ate at Timber's. It was our favorite place.
Daddy and I keeping an eye on Blakey. Senior night...boy, were we proud. Not only is he an incredible musician, he is an incredible athlete, student and brother!!

This was our Dessert by Firelight night. As a family, we got together for goodies and to say a little prayer for me before my detethering surgery last November. Blake, being the ever faithful Christian, led the group with a special prayer for me and my surgeon.
Playing with me while I am on Ollie

At my birthday party, we made cards for other kids that were in the hospital. Here is Blake showcasing his.

This is Blake and a very, cute girl (can't remember her name) at a surprise birthday party for cousin, Diana, in Sunset Beach, CA.
Hangin out at the beach...

WE BUILD RUINS

Jammin'

At cousin Jeremy's wedding.

So sweet...dancing with Grandma Betty. I am the only one that calls her Memaw...I'm special...tee hee

Sly dog...
Blake at his Nevada All State Orchestra concert at the Artemis Hamm Hall at UNLV. He is the second bass player on the right.
What a beautiful bunch!!Handsome men. Like Father, Like Son

Giving Blake and the orchestra a big YEAH!! Oh my gosh...I'm wearing my glasses. How did anyone ever get a pic of this???
At the dinner after Blake's concert...I wanted to hold DonDon. He's almost as big as me but he will always be my baby =)

Blake graduated in June from Coronado High School. The ceremony was held at the Thomas and Mack Center.

The after party was at Blake's house so we all went over there for food, fun and GREAT music.

Blake's ambition is to become a dentist and he starts college on Monday, August 24 at UNLV. He has received a music scholarship so that will help fund his college career.

I am so proud of you, Blake. Good luck in college. See you soon....Sissy

HKAFO's

As most of you already know, I have KAFO braces. We realized I needed something more to stand up. Although I had these great leg braces that were helping lock my legs and help straighten my left foot, they still were not enough for me to stand up on my own. Mommy made a few calls to the Orthotist in Phx and they placed a call to Dr. D'Astous in SLC to get a script to change my braces to HKAFOs (hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis). Once the appt was made, Mommy was dreading this appt because she knew they were going to have to cast my abdomen and that is something she knew I would HATE.

Here we are getting my back molded. What surprised Mommy was that it was plaster...she expected it to be that other material that they used on my leg casts.

Not a happy camper...I cried alot :( I hated being held down in the same position for that long of a period of time. Then they flipped me over and molded my front side.

I liked the feeling of the squishy stuff in my hands. Notice how I'm kickin it with my hands behind my head. I didn't mind being on my back as they did the casting. I think it's because I could see what they were doing.

This little video is of me giving them a big, "Yea!!" because they are almost done.

Then they outlined my body like it was a crime screen.

2 weeks later we went back to Phx to get my new brace. Daddy was able to come with us which was really cool and fun. Sam had to make a few last measurements before he could finish it.

Taa....Daaa!!!! I am standing!! I had to point out my earrings to everyone just in case they didn't see them.

I really love standing upright. With Daddy's steady hand, I felt SO tall. Mommy was amazed at how tall I was...it was a very touching moment for her. =)

I was able to go play with the kitchen at the orthotists office. A little shaky at first...

Let me see how far I can push it...Daddy's in a sprint to catch me. I'm testing the waters ;-)

I love this standing thing. I could get used to it.

This is when Ann came for my first physical therapy appt with the new brace. Now we can get down to business. Here I am trying to swivel my hips.

Giving it my all. Mmmffffff.......

Wow...is that a smile on my face during P/T??

Moving along....

Jade and DonDon came over to see me in my new brace. Boy was I happy to be taller than London finally. Giving him a little love. =)

How about a little kiss too??? No, okay then, I'll show you mister!! Here's a choke hold for ya. Boy, am I little devil sometimes.

Where are we, you ask????

Hi all, we are still here and doing fabulous. For the last couple of months, we've had computer problems and it had to go into the shop for a little cleaning. Needless to say, we are back and ready to update.
This is my pretty green Easter dress. I looked lovely and I had to give you a back shot to showcase my bows and my pretty pony. =)

It got extremely cold as a storm moved in right before the Easter egg hunt so, we did a quick change.

Here I am...cute as ever at a doctor's appt.

Can you see me Mommy??? Playing with Mommy while spending the night in a motel room in Phx after a May appt.

At the baseball game!!

I never do take the easy way...who needs sidewalks?!?!?!

Awww...a cute, little punkin in her chair with a great, big field behind her. She looks so tiny...

Hmmm....Jade and DonDon are laughing and I'm not...hmmmm. But DonDon sure looks adorable in this pic.

Playing my piano...

Pure cuteness =)))

Standing in my stander....lookin like I'm gonna cry.

The ANGEL!!!

Giving my friend, Ashlee, a big hug.

Eating a scrumscious (sp?) cupcake at Shayleigh's baby shower. No, I shouldn't have been eating it (EGGS!) but they were so pretty and Mommy knew I wanted one.

In the mornings we take walks with Memaw, Grandpa and Foxy. I'll let you guess which one this is...

Cruisin...