Cupcakes, Kisses, and Giggles: Chill in the Air....

November, December, and January have no doubt brought a chill .... It has been one roller coaster of a ride - that is for sure. This journey that I have faced has be quite challenging physically and emotionally. I should not at all feel like I have to hold back from expressing my emotions. My pain and sadness should not be mocked or downplayed. To some looking in from the outside, you will never understand. I will never be the type of person to criticize someones suffering - especially now. I wish I could elaborate, but I have been through enough . I have learned a lot about life - and all of my knowledge will prepare me for the future and will make me a better person. My family will move on and grow, we will overcome all obstacles and persevere.

November was our sweet Sophia's first Thanksgiving at Grammy Vallo's House- Everyone had a fabulous time, and full bellies!:

December was overall a heartwarming month. The Cleveland Browns gave Brian and I the VIP treatment. They spoiled us with parking passes, Field Access, and some pretty good seats. The weather was mild for December (50 degrees). We had so much fun as we were escorted to the field to watch the players warm up and practice!

We also gained a new member to our family.....Ella from the north pole:

Christmas was amazing. We received such an outpouring of love from Seidman Cancer Center as they surprised us by adopting our family- and delivered 4 large boxes full of gifts to our home the week before Christmas. We received tons of toys and clothes for the girls. They even spoiled Mama and Daddy with gift cards to go out to eat and clothes / assorted gifts. We hope that one day we can pay it forward and adopt a family too! Words cannot express the love we have for them and for my Social worker Eileen who has been more of a friend than anything !!

It was one of those Christmas moments I had always dreamed of ..... Presents stacked so high you couldn't see the bottom of the tree. The pitter patter of tiny feet sprinting toward the tree all starry eyed and full of excitement! Squeals of pure delight and awe over the massive amount of presents......The presents just seemed to keep coming. The happiness between the kids and Brian and I was overwhelming. Brian and I beaming with pride. Even sweet little Sophia was wide eyed and happy! Olivia loved her Lovebird Pair that mama worked so hard to find and get !