We're back!

We are back!  Hello everyone!
Haven't posted in awhile- been just a tad bit busy with a toddler and a newborn... :)
There are so many things to update, I don't know where to start...
Life with 2 babies has been amazing... Wild, but amazing. Lily seems to have just fit in perfectly with our family.  She sleeps through the night now, loves her sissy, and officially holds the other 1/3 of my heart. :) Lily had her 6 week ultrasound to check her hips. It was so stressful!  I love how they had the radiologist in there during the US to tell us the results right then... He was so nice, and told us that Lily's hips are within normal range.  WHEW!  We also took her to have a physical exam with Dr. Segal, because nothing is going to be accepted by me unless I hear it from him.  (We trust him with our life!)  So it's confirmed.  Baby Lily is awesome.  We will take her for an x-ray at 6 months to be sure, but so far, so good.  Thank you God.
Lucy is... how many words can I use to describe her... amazing, awesome, perfect in every way... To me she is!  If you met her, you would agree...
So...
We are back in physical therapy... why?  Well, Lucy had a break for about a month, then went for a follow up PT appointment... The therapist wasn't happy with Lucy's gait.  Mainly her 'weight shift' over her left hip. (The bad hip.)  This weight shift thing is really a huge deal. We have been working on this for so long, but there is still so much weakness in the hip area, that Lucy is compensating by keeping her left knee bent while standing, always starting with the right leg when walking--- never using the left the way she should... She is avoiding weight.  SO... back in physical therapy.  I am ok with it since we love Miss Hilary, we love the progress she's made, and I love learning how to work with Lucy at home.  We will stay in therapy as long as necessary.
Today was an interesting therapy session, as I am learning once again that our hip journey hasn't stopped with the removal of the cast.  We are being referred to an occupational therapist for an eval.  Lucy's physical sensory issues due to the trauma of surgery and a cast for 16 weeks- have been thrown off.  Physical therapy has done wonders for her.  She is the kid she is today thanks to the work of Miss Hilary.  There are just a few things that are still 'off.'  Miss Hilary explained that when one sensory system is off, the others will over compensate as well.  So, we are going to meet with an OT to see if we even need more therapy, or have her give us some things to do at home.
Stupid DDH and that stupid cast have been affecting our lives for the last year.  We have our 1 year x-ray with Dr. Segal (Lucy's surgeon) on April 24th.  To say that I am nervous is an understatement.  We have been working our tails off in therapy, done all of the work we are supposed to do at home.  I just hope somehow, some way- it will show improvement on the x-ray.  Again, for those who don't know, we are waiting on the angles of her socket to lower... If they don't- surgery and cast again.  It's something that haunts me every minute of the day.  So, I am praying and hoping that we get a good x-ray.  There are so many things that can go wrong.  The hip socket could stop growing.  The femur could begin to move and want to slip out again... The blood supply to the femur could be compromised... You get my point. This x-ray is HUGE.
Lucy is now wearing orthotics in her shoes.  She wears them in her tennis shoes.  Funny thing- on Easter I wanted to get some good pictures.  I bought her some strappy white sandals- just for her photo with the bunny.  She flipped out.  She wants the shoes with support!  She said, 'NO NO NO!' and got her other shoes.  Ms. Hilary said she needs to feel her feet!  She needs that input that the tennis shoes and inserts give her.
Be ready for a picture overload below, but I am playing catch up!
I also just received a signed copy of THE PARENTS GUIDE TO HIP DYSPLASIA by the wonderful Betsy Miller.  I am so thankful to have been asked to read this book and write a review on my blog.  This book is the new and updated version.  I am going to get on it right now!
OH, and before I sign off for the night--- A 'hip' mom from our group came to Phoenix to meet us!  Our friend Ashley, along with her beautiful family and hip baby, Morgan- drove from Las Vegas to Phoenix.  Why?!  To attend the YO GABBA GABBA concert with us!  Yes, on about 3 hours of sleep a night, we took Lucy to see Yo Gabba Gabba.  It was awesome!  To meet Ashley and her family was just awesome!
Will post once our AWESOME x-ray report is in..... :-)  (positive thinking going on here!)

 Blessed.

My babe at YO GABBA GABBA

Lucy, Morgan and Mikayla. Friends for LIFE!

Lily's ultrasound... Perfect little hips!

Working her hip at Gymboree class

Loves of my life playing iPad

Mommy and sister doing work outs with Lucy at the local high school.

Stairs are one of the best things we can do!

Every girl needs a bulldog.  Every bulldog needs a beautiful little girl as their sidekick!

My husband is the luckiest man alive. He comes home and can barely get out of the car without Lucy yelling- DADDY!!!! DADDY!!!!!!

Hopefully my blog helps someone out there

We found a 1 ft deep toddler pool to work out in!

Beautiful sisters (and Brobee!)

Lily's Birth Story

Hi all!
I am actually writing this post for Lily to read someday. (Lucy too!)
Someone I know wrote the birth story of her daughter and I thought it was pretty cool to write, since it's still fresh in my mind...
Lily was born Saturday January 19th.  It was a pretty interesting labor experience since it was totally different than Lucy's birth.
I was induced with both girls, but Lily was 39 weeks and 2 days... 10 days earlier than Lucy.  Thank goodness since Lily was 8.2 pounds already and may have been around 9 if we waited much longer!

We checked in to Banner Gateway Hospital at 3 pm, and by 3:40 pitocin was started.  I chose to be induced because:
A) My dr. was on call that weekend and I adore him!
B)  I did not want to risk my fluid getting low, or the baby getting too big. Hip Dysplasia scares me!
C)  I wanted to plan babysitters for Lucy. I don't think I could have relaxed leaving the house in a rush. I am so glad I got the whole night before to rock my Lucy to sleep and yes... I cried... I cried like a baby knowing this was the last time my sidekick and I will be alone together.  Everything was about to change... for the better, of course, but still... The last 2 years with Lucy every single day have been the best of my life.  Now I can look forward to our new family of four. :)

So, pitocin is pumping, and the anesthesiologist nurse comes in around 7 pm... I go through the entire explanation of my last epidural and how it ruined my time with my new baby for 6 months.  I believe that they hit a muscle after trying to insert the needle multiple times... Then I pushed with Lucy for close to 3 hours, the muscle in my back working overtime... Needless to say- it was hell.  So I explained to this lady that I wanted THE anesthesiologist, not the nurse that does them.  She was very sweet and agreed to get her boss.  He asked me 'are you SURE you want to do another epidural.'  I wasn't sure.  BUT I know what labor pain feels like and I am the biggest wuss in the world, so I rolled the dice.  Aaron stood in front of me and kept my shoulders down, and I just started shaking and crying.  I was SO scared to have the same thing happen again.  The anesthesiologist explained he is going to do this in a different area, that way there is no chance of hitting the same spot again.  In about 2 seconds, it was in.  The meds were inserted and BAM... all was good!  What a difference it makes to have someone who knows what they are doing...
We ended up being pretty bored actually... We watched that movie 'The Help' on TV and kept wondering when little Lily was going to make her appearance.  Would it be January 19th or 20th?!  Every time my OB came in I asked him, 'do you think we will have a baby before midnight?'  His answer was 'absolutely!'  I didn't think it was possible.
My parents came up to keep us company and stayed until 10:30 pm.  They told us 'we will have our phones on til about 3 am, so please keep us posted!'  Sure enough, right when they left, the nurse checked me and I was dilated to a 7.  They asked if my pain was under control, and it sure was.  I only felt a little pressure, no pain.  The nurse, Heather, left the room and all of a sudden, like a wave I felt the baby drop and so much pressure AND pain.  I looked at Aaron and said, 'I need to push right now!'  He got the nurse and she came back in, checked me, and said 'CALL DR. HAZELRIGG NOW, the baby is crowning!'  People were running all over the room, these crazy bright lights were switched on, the bottom of the bed dropped down and I am literally crawling up the bed in pain.  I told them 'I need more meds!' and her answer was, 'it's pointless now, the epidural won't do a thing once the baby is crowning.  $HIT!!!!!!!!!!!  I am yelling 'NICK NICK!!!!'  Nick was the anesthesiologist who can give more meds, and he comes in and tells me the same thing.  I am like, 'well, give it a try at least!'  It hurt so bad...
I was so thirsty so Aaron gives me a cup full of ice and spoons the ice in my mouth, damn near choking me.  On top of pushing, I am gagging on ice.  Thanks Aaron. :-P  Poor guy, he was so nervous!
I am literally screaming like a banchee at this point, praying that each contraction is the last!   10 mins later, this little tiny being is placed on my chest, looked me right in the eyes- just like Lucy did.  Lily was born at 11:02 pm!
It all happened SO fast.  It was like a dream.
It's so surreal... I can't believe Lily, who we have talked about every day for the last 9 months is finally here.  She is beautiful.
The nurses took her to the warming table to do her Apgar scores, and Aaron immediately goes over to take pictures and video.  Of course, crazy me... I am delivering the placenta (barf!) and yelling across the room, 'Aaron, check her hips!'  'Are the creases even?'  He is yelling back, 'the nurse said she looks great, babe!'
YAY!
2 hospital pediatricians have examined her hips, all gave the ok!  Our pediatrician also saw her a few days ago and said all is good!  BUT... you know how I am.  Dr. Segal will be doing a 6 week ultrasound and exam.  Once I hear it from him, I will feel better.  I mean, come on... I trusted him with Lucy's life.  Not many people in the world have been trusted with my child...

So keep your fingers crossed that all is ok!  I will also be posting a healthy hip swaddle that I do on Lily.

Meeting Lily for the first time
Lily Ann Farrish 

Swollen mama and our last night as a family of 3

LOVE

Daddy and Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, my amazing OB

Proud daddy

I am thinking 'oh my gosh what just happened'

Going home to meet my sister!

No words can describe.  

Goodbye to PT... For now!

Well, hello there and Happy New Year!
I can't believe I am sitting here, on the day before January 8th typing this.
Why you ask?!
January 8 last year was the day we took Lucy in to our old pediatrician for her 1 year wellness visit.  This is when she recommended we 'go whenever' to get an x-ray since she finally noticed her leg creases weren't even. (Let's not get on that subject)
Anyways, of course, we left the peds office and went straight to the imaging place. I remember hearing Lucy scream down the hall. (Daddy took her in.)  I sat in the waiting room and bawled like a baby, because I KNEW something wasn't right.  Reminder: the hospital pediatrician had told us that Lucy's hip wasn't right the day she was born.  We passed this info on to our pediatrician and she told us 'oh, her hips are fine!'  So blindly, we walked around for an entire year with an issue that should have been corrected at birth- and has a 95% success rate if treated at birth.  I can't talk much more about this without my blood boiling- so moving on...
Jan. 8 is D-Day AKA the day that I will remember forever. The day I felt my world collapse and my heart sink like you can't imagine.  So tomorrow is going to be a hard day.  I am going to try a 'positive spin' and think of our accomplishments over the last year, but it still makes me so so sad.
Today was pretty exciting since it marks 6 months of physical therapy.  Lucy walked in there today and was like 'yep, I am doing the stairs' and then yep- over to the obstacle course, and yep- carrying the weighted balls... she rocked it.  Hilary is so impressed with Lucy that she said we can now just see her quarterly!  We still may go next week if the baby isn't born yet... I really, really LOVE taking her to PT.  I learn SO much every time I go.  This week we basically went over what I need to be continuing at home for the next few months.
1.  Shoe inserts.  Lucy's ankles roll in, so this will help stabilize her ankles.
2.  Stairs.  Helps with hip and knee flexion.
3.  Kicking.
4.  Jumping. (We got her a trampoline so this will be fun!)
5.  Stretching... still making her work for things and stretching and reaching for items.
6.  Pressure point therapy.  Massage.  Especially on her hips and feet.  (I will upload those asap)

I talked to Hilary about how many people I have met on mom's groups that are having sensory issues.  SO many kids seem to have some issue with sensory.  I asked Hilary to tell me more about it so she did.  What I am getting is this... Lucy's sensory issues come from her being in a spica cast from chest to ankles for 16 weeks.  Other kids just happen... Sensory is HUGE from birth-2 years old.  That's when most of it develops.  Hilary suggested with the new baby that we don't do a lot of the things that we did with Lucy... such as, jumpers, excersaucers, etc... She said a lot of children are SO overstimulated with toys that flash, tv, iPads (GUILTY!), etc... she said that for a little baby, a blanket on the floor and a simple rattle.  That's it.  No flashing lights, toys that sing, etc... Of course, there is a little give on this since we all know a rattle on the floor isn't going to entertain them for long, but I get what she is saying.  Us, as a society, are so visually stimulated, that we forget about the gross motor skills and just letting kids play.  She gave an example of a baby in a car seat carrier.  Totally immobilized, with dangling light up toys from the handle to look at.  She recommends a carrier to strap to yourself to carry the baby with you, that way the baby gets movement and motion.  OF course, we will have a carrier and use it, but now that I am aware of these little things, I will do my very best to make sure Lily gets more gross motor time on the floor and free play as opposed to being stuck in a jumper...(Until I need to shower or go to the bathroom. HA!)

Sensory issues affect speech, personality and SO many other things with a developing child.  I never knew it was this big of an issue until I started meeting other parents that are going through things with their little ones.  Now, I am not saying all of these issues are caused by parents not letting their kids play... some kids just don't develop the sensory that they need in the time they need it... therefore there is a huge need for therapists... speech, physical and occupational.  Like Hilary says, Lucy's isn't 'gone' it just needs to be nurtured and developed.  Most kids are the same, we just need to develop their sensory system in their time frame and with ways that make that individual child feel good...For example, weighted blankets are supposed to be great for kids with sensory issues... Here is a link to one:
WEIGHTED BLANKET
You can also make your own!  I am actually going to make one on Saturday...

What else is going on?!  Well, Lucy is officially TWO years old now.  I couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments.  Hilary said today that Lucy has done so well because LUCY is amazing and has the drive to succeed.  Thinking back on our first physical therapy appt... She was just about a week out of her brace full time, and would tuck her leg under her and shuffle across the ground.  She could barely pull herself up (This was at 17 months) and wasn't walking. She was weak and I honestly would cry every day wondering if she would be able to walk. Of course, everyone said 'she will, she will' but in the back of my mind, I just saw my frail little girl scooting on the floor when all of her peers were running and playing.  I remember that feeling of going out with her where other parents were and them asking 'how old is she? And she doesn't walk?' It was like 'shut the hell up and mind your business because you don't know what we have been through as a family!'  Of course, I wanted to shout that but I didn't... well, not all the time at least... Every little thing over the last year has been a constant reminder of Lucy's hip issues, and quite frankly, I am mentally exhausted with it.  It's something that will always be a scare, especially now with the new baby due any minute!  But like I have said all along, we trust God that he is always going to lead us where we need to be, even if we aren't happy about it!  I remember a year ago crying and saying 'God, why MY kid?? Can't this be someone else's kid???'  Of course not that I want it to be ANYONE'S kid, but at that stage of panic, you don't want it to be yours.

So, as this year of hip dysplasia for my girl wraps up, I am full of emotion, good and bad-- but most of all, full of PRIDE.  Lucy makes me SO proud every single day.  She is now trying to run, she says JUMP and tries, but isn't there yet... She is talking SO much more and even sings her ABC's with me.  She loves to go around the room and give each person and hug and say 'ahhhh' when you squeeze her back.  She is honestly the most perfect natured, sweet, amazing little girl you will meet. Bias?!  :-)
This year has taught me a lot about sensitivity to others and to help and support other parents that have any sort of issues with their child.  No one is immune from their lives being changed at any given moment.  Things can hit you like a ton of bricks... I just hope my blog has helped someone out there have hope that their little one will soon be running and playing just like Lucy is now.

Sorry for the long post, but L is actually napping today (first time this week!) so I am trying to catch up. :)
Happy 2013, and YES!  Pictures of Lily aka Lucy's sissy will/should be up soon... Prayers for healthy and perfect hips for her...

This was my little star today!  Hurdles?!  What hurdles?! I GOT THIS!

Bringing puzzle pieces to the puzzle while doing an obstacle and balance beam

Yep. What a little doll, I know... She is turning into a kid now, not a baby... LOVE

Not only am I SO proud of her, I am blessed that God chose ME to be her mom.  Couldn't be luckier...
This was at her birthday party on January 5th

Big girl... but yes... still has a binky and clip at night. What can I say, she loves it...

We are getting ready for Lucy's sissy around here

This was Lucy months ago when first learning her balance on the air mattress at therapy. Now she cruises this thing like nothing!

Always makes me cry looking at these pictures, but I want to show the world how far we have come. This was just after her cast was removed and she was in this brace full time for 6 weeks. She looks so thin and fragile to me. Her muscles were non existent. :-(

Not always the easiest rule to follow, but it's true... (said the biggest worry wart in the world...)

And we trust him!

Yep.

Do you guys remember this? Even though the smile is on my face, I was honestly crumbling inside. This was in her 2nd cast, and she was so scared she laid on me ALL day.  I mean, 8 hours... all day. Breaks my heart to see her like this, but tried to stay positive for her sake...

Remember:  GOD knows what he is doing!

Merry Christmas

Well, hello everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Finally, it's Christmas Day.  The best day of the year!
Aaron and I are just relaxing right now on the couch after a super busy, super stressful month.  The beautiful babe is napping like an angel, and I told him I wanted to work on my blog.  I honestly don't know if anyone reads it, but hey... I like to post on it in hopes of one family out there that is facing a hip surgery reading it... I hope they read it and say, 'WOW, I think we will make it through this!'  That's my hope!  So, it's kinda like my therapy in a way, knowing that someday, somewhere, I will be helping someone who was as freaked out as I was almost one year ago.
This year has been pretty rough.  We have faced some of lowest points in our lives, but also the some of the most rewarding.  It makes me sad to look at pictures from last year, when we had no idea and were in the dark about her hip being dislocated.  I look at our photos and see the gleam in our eyes, and I think 'gosh, if we would have only known then what we know now...'  It was early January that Lucy was diagnosed with DDH, so it's been almost a full year.  Hard to believe.
This month has been rough for us also. Facing another Christmas without my niece, the horrific shootings in Connecticut, and me being sick and having pre-term contractions and going in the hospital.  It's been a crazy month.  I lay down at night and think of those families who lost their little kids in the CT shootings, and it just kills me.  We have been praying for them every single night... The horror they must feel, the nightmares... I pray that God gives some strength and continues to give them the will to go on with life. I found myself complaining the other day about Lucy taking a one hour nap- and then I quickly stopped myself and thought, 'I can think of 20 families who would give their lives to be complaining about this right now, so stop it!'
I love Christmas SO much, and actually start preparing for it in October!  This year I never thought I would get the honor of seeing Lucy dance or walk at Christmas time... I read so many horror stories of DDH kids not being able to weight bear for months and months... This Christmas has been SO incredibly special since she can shake her little booty to Jingle Bells like no one's business.  Seriously, I don't take ONE single step for granted EVER.  Nothing can put a smile on my face like seeing Lucy run around and be a 'normal' kid...
I wanted to share some pictures of our Christmas season with you... I also have a video of my munchkin a few weeks ago dancing.  For those of you who have 'normal' kids without hip issues, you will still smile and appreciate this- but for those who are 'hip' parents, this may make you cry. :-)
Lucy's Christmas Dance

I hope you have had a VERY Merry Christmas!
I have said it before and I will say it again... Thank you God for all of my blessings... But my favorite one you have given me is 30 lbs, 3 ft tall and loves to dance to Jingle Bells.  AND says HO HO HO!  AND says 'BRRRR" when I ask her what a snowman says.  God has truly given us everything in Lucy.
Merry Christmas friends... From 65 degree sunny Arizona...

One of our SIX blow ups in the yard! She would kiss the bear every day!

San Tan Mall Carriage Ride

Waiting in line for the carriage ride and dancing with mommy

Santa came to Lucy's pre-school for a visit!

Here is Lily in 3D!  She is the luckiest kid ever. Not only because she has parents who love her so much, but she has Lucy as a big sister...

My Santa Babe

Yah, excuse the no make up. I was actually in pain and Aaron was saying SMILE!!!!  I really wasn't in the mood after being in the hospital a few hours...Contractions every 4 mins apart...

Lucy and her buddy Hannah playing after a craft night!

We wrote a letter to Santa and sent it to the North Pole

All the stuff (well, one of the three carts of stuff) we bought for our adopted family. A  mom, dad and 3 kids.

Silly Goose

Baby Lily is ready to come out!

Lucy and her boy cousins Christmas Day morning at our house

Seriously cute

Getting ready to twirl!

This kid got SO many presents!!!!!!!!!!!

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope and honor!

Happy November friends!

I wanted to do a special post today about a new, special friend that Lucy has.

Her name is Hope.  Hope the Hip Hippo!

I am truly honored to say that I happen to know the authors of this book... they are 2 beautiful, amazing and strong moms of little girls that are battling DDH.  Both of their beautiful daughters, Mia and Abby, have bilateral DDH, meaning both sides.  They were both picked up on late, therefore treatment has been very difficult and extensive.  (When I say 'late' I mean anytime after a few weeks old is 'late!  I believe their kiddos DDH wasn't found until after they were both 2 years old.) These 2 moms have seen a lot.  They have been through a lot.  They know the tough realities of DDH.  These are 2 women who had a calling to make a difference!

There is such little information available to parents regarding DDH.  I can't tell you how many times someone joins our Facebook group and is totally freaking out, with an older child, wondering how this was never picked up on.  I can't tell you how many times they aren't even aware that the treatments for DDH vary SO much from state to state, country to country.  There is no set 'yes or no' treatment plans.  I truly believe OUR children who are facing DDH now, are the 'research' for the DDH kids of tomorrow. 

I remember when I first found out about my sweet Lucy having DDH. I couldn't even get the words DDH out of my mouth.  It sounded too much like a 'defect' or a 'syndrome' and my daughter appeared 'normal.'  She laughed, she played with toys, she was starting to say words... It was the HARDEST time in my life, and I scrambled to find a resource to help me cope with what was ahead.  When you google DDH and see the pictures of a spica cast, it will seriously scare the pants off any parent.  Especially if your child is mobile.  Not to mention, how are you supposed to explain this to your child??  With Lucy, we couldn't explain anything to her since she was only 13 months old, so we had to have her jump in feet first and face the hard reality of waking up 'stuck' in a body cast.  (Makes me SICK thinking about it.)  There are just some events in your life that you can think about, and you FEEL the exact same way you did that day.  Those feelings and memories never will leave you.  This last year with DDH has been that way.  Even though we are 9 months post surgery, I still think about her in a cast and it brings me right back to that time.  No child should have to face DDH, let alone without any resources helping them to cope.

Parents of DDH babes, look no further.  

Gina and Julie are the authors of 'Hope the Hip Hippo.'  Hope loves to dance... she loves to play... she is a normal toddler.  She is diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia and requires surgery and a cast.  The book is for children, and it takes them on a journey with Hope through the hospital, cast and post surgery... It is so darn adorable... The book was recently released, so we ordered 2 copies.  One is for Lucy, of course.  I am going to write her a very special letter inside of it.  I am tearing up thinking about that, but I want her to know when she is able to read this book herself, that her mommy LOVES her, in a cast, out of a cast, and ANY road we have to take in life.  ANY road.  As long as I am in it with my husband and babes, NOTHING will stop us.  When the books came in the mail, I envisioned Lucy reading it to her kids someday, showing them what she went through as a baby.  The book represents how far we have come personally, but it also is upsetting to know that so many little kids are reading this while they face yet another surgery.  Bittersweet.

The other copy I purchased was for Lucy's surgeon, Dr. Lee Segal.  He has been our 'knight in shining armor.'  I owe my life to that man for being so wonderful to my daughter.  God brought us to him for a reason.  I am going to have Lucy put her handprint in it, and we will write him a short thank you note.  I also want to put in there, 'please Dr. Segal, pass this book on to the next little girl around Lucy's age that you diagnose with DDH.  I know her parents will be as scared as we were, so please, give them some HOPE.'  

What I really think he will like about the book is that his patient, MY Lucy, is mentioned in the dedication.  Yep, you heard it!  She is mentioned in the beginning of the book along with a few other children we know battling DDH.  Are we honored or what?!  One of the authors pointed out how much she appreciates my help to new parents that need it.  I am always here to help someone, since I know how awful it feels... I have a feeling someday- little Lucy will be quite the spokesperson and fundraiser for DDH. :) 

What I am saying is this book is a must have. Period.  If your child is facing surgery, it's a no brainer.  You have to have this book.  

Lucy has requested that we do a fun 'giveaway.'  Leave a comment in the comment section of this post, and tell us why you think HOPE will give your child HOPE.  I am going to 'pay it forward' and give 2 books away, shipped directly from the publisher to you!

If you already have a book, you can't enter the giveaway. (SORRY!)

If you would like to order a book, here is the link:
http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000006629335
OR
http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Hip-Hippo-Gina-Jay/dp/1460200624/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352068272&sr=8-1&keywords=hope+the+hip+hippo

It costs a bit more to order from the first link, but MORE $ goes to the IHDI.

                                     

Daddy reading HOPE to his favorite girl...

Lucy's review after reading the book!

SO CUTE, huh!?

Um, yes. You have read it right. 

2nd line, it says LUCY.  :)

The 2 pictures are the author's daughters... Aren't they sweet??

And in the words of HOPE herself....

Now if you will excuse me........... 

I have to go dance...............

(with Lucy of course!)