Sprinkle Method

Raina loves her binky at bedtime. Mommy has adopted the sprinkle method to ensure a pacifier is always within reach. Wer'e not sure what to call Raina's method of collecting binkies and or balancing them on her head (not staged!)...

Sawin Logs

Raina and Murray napping on the way back from the hospital.

Happy Valentine's Day

Raina helping momma shop for a new pair of shoes. Super festive valentine wear courtesy of Aunt Sharon.

Chai Tea Connoisseur

Blow Pop

Raina discovered Blow Pops today. Here's a picture of her working on mom's.

Lunch

Went to lunch today with Uncle Kev. Raina eating my potato chips...

Wagon Rides!

It turns out that Raina is a HUGE fan of wagon rides. Here's a pic of her and BFF Ashlyn going for a ride in the hospital last week...

...

I have been delaying this post for the better part of two weeks... attributable to equal parts fear and disbelief I suppose.

Following eight days of otherwise symptomless vomiting, we learned during a visit to the ER that Raina has a brain tumor. She underwent surgery following the diagnosis last Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeon was unable to remove most of the tumor, and the pathology has all but confirmed that the tumor is of the aggressive, malignant variety. The prognosis for infants with malignant brain tumors is not very good. However, if any child can beat the odds, we are convinced our little bruiser is the one to do it.

We have been humbled by the outpouring of sympathy from our friends, family and coworkers. Thank you to everyone that has been, and will be, there for us. I apologize if this blog post is the way you receive this terrible news, but it has proven painful for Courtney and I to personally contact and explain this development to all of our friends and family.

Toward the end of keeping a positive attitude we will be posting here the happier pictures and moments as Raina continues to grow and learn about this crazy world. I will be posting related thoughts and details from a Father's perspective on another blog.

-Dad

Look Who's 1!

Happy 1st Birthday Raina! Stay tuned for birthday party pics this weekend...

Santa Claus!

Raina visited Santa Claus yesterday for the first time. He concluded that she'd been a good girl more or less. Here's the photo before the crying started. In hindsight it's amazing that she kept it together as long as she did. :]

Thanksgiving!

Grandma and Grandpa Sheldon and Grandma and Grandpa Moo joined us in DC for Thanksgiving. Raina was a little under the weather but still enjoyed turkey dinner. Thanks to the grandparents for celebrating with us and giving Mommy and Daddy a night out.

First Halloween!

Today was Raina's first Halloween. She saw her friends Quinn and Grey and got to wear her Penguina costume for real. Miscellaneous pics from the evening. Note to self: buy more candy next year.

Halloween

Halloween Practice

Raina got some practice tonight wearing her Halloween costume. Apparently it was more excitement than she was prepared for.

Pumpkin Patch, Take Two

Went to a pumpkin patch this afternoon with Grey and Grey's friend Helena. Awesome weather, good pumpkins and donuts for everyone.

Pumpkin Patch, Take Two

Poconos Getaway

Back to back trips for the fam! This past weekend we went to the Poconos with Ashlyn, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jackie. Great vacation!

Poconos

Dancin'

Babies apparently love music. Here's Raina dancing to her favorite song. She's got a ways to go if she wants to be competitive in the field though... this kid is raising the bar.

Rochester Vacay

Mom, Dad and little V spent a long weekend in Rochester with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Jon. Perfect Fall weather.

We saw Aunt Jan, Uncle Jek, Lis and Dave. Uncle Dan came by and made us breakfast. Awesome.

Pics from the trip .. . .. .

Rochester Vacation

Dinner Time

Raina enjoying some mango and cereal.

Aunt Kimmer!

Aunt Kimmer and Granny Diane were in town for a visit. Raina loved the extra attention and was happy to share her latest accomplishment: giving kisses!

Apple Puffs

Raina loves these flavorless apple puff things. Here's a video of her gobbling some. We need to work on slowing down the rate of consumption clearly.