All I Want For Christmas...

Today we celebrated Stella's second first Christmas at my parents' home in Georgia, a beautiful 65-degree Christmas afternoon that made "Let It Snow" playing on the radio feel a bit out of place. My Grandfather from South Carolina met Stella for the first time, as did my Aunt and Uncle from Chattanooga, and like the star she is, Stella loved every minute of attention.

We started the day with a private Stella-Markana-Chip present exchange, and Stella was kind enough to pose with one of the books I made for her.


I swear her face isn't stuck like this.

Stella also surprised us all by receiving an unexpected present, or presents - her two front teeth! (Yeah, I know. My Dad started singing the song the minute we found them.)

We hope everyone had a great day with those dearest to them. Happy Holidays!

Stella's First Christmas

We traveled to Union City (Markana's parents' house) yesterday and officially began our Christmas season. Stella was all over it (see more pictures @ Picasa), and tore into her presents like a pro. Then she ate wrapping paper like a pro.

All was going well until THIS happened:


Uh...

Ok, I can live with it. It's not a Braves shirt or a Ga. Tech hat, but when in Rome... I can definitely support the team of Markana's parents (sorry Shelia), Byron's soon-to-be alma mater, and our good friends Jim, Amanda and Sam. Very important to them, so very important to us.

Plus, she'll have something to wear while watching Phil Fulmer coach their bowl game this year.

Oh, wait...

Happy Holidays

We were successful this year in putting up a tree, but are failing miserably at sending out a Christmas card, so I thought I would share this family image.

I want to wish all of those that I love safe travels, joyous reunions, warm bellies and peaceful nights.

Love,
Chip, Markana and Stella

Ho ho ho

Pass the Nachos!

Stella celebrated her first Thanksgiving today by having her first meal of big girl food. After napping through the grown-up feast, she sat in her high chair for the first time and tasted some avocado mush.

It didn't start very well,

but eventually got better.


Our secret hope is she'll master guacamole by the weekend. Las Palmas!

More pics on Picasa.

Neighborhood Watch

It's good to know that while I'm at work, Stella and her sidekicks are keeping a lookout for any suspicious happenings. Good thing they're guarding the house, because today she started wearing her gold shoes.


Of course, she later peed on them, so I'm a little confused by her security measures...

For my Health

I will be posting updates from my treatment to the website listed below. Thank you to everyone for your kind and supportive words. My heart is heavy and full.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/markanajordan

A Personal Note from Stella's Mom

Dear friends,

I have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I wish there was a better way to say this, but cancer just isn't that polite.

Two months ago I found a lump in my neck above my clavicle bone. Being the procrastinator I am, it took me six weeks before I consulted with a doctor. (I also have a baby mind you, so scheduling these appointments can be difficult) So, in one month, one primary care doctor, a referral to a surgeon at Vanderbilt, four CT scans, a referral to an Oncologist, an ultrasound and ultimately a biopsy that lead to my diagnosis.

Today I met the Hematologist Oncologist at Vanderbilt that will be taking over my care. Thursday I will have a bone marrow biopsy, PET scan and a test that shows the strength of my heart and Friday I will have my first round of chemotherapy. I will have eight rounds of chemotherapy over the next four months and then five weeks of radiation. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is treatable and, ultimately, curable.

My greatest concern has been for Stella. My heart is broken. I waited so long to have this sweet baby and I don't want to miss one second. I also have loved breastfeeding her and tomorrow will be our last day together like that. But, she also is the reason that I know everything is going to be alright. She is so little and needs her mommy to be well, so I go into this thinking of her.

I wanted to know exactly where I stood before sharing this. I will do my best to update you all along the way.

Love,
Markana

O baby!

Tonight Stella helped us cheer our candidate into history. You would have to lack breath to not be moved by Barack Obama's ability to inspire and unify our nation. Just looking at him helps me believe that there is much hope for our country. We are a new America and our future looks bright from where I stand.

As parents we make choices for our children until they are able to find their own voice. My choice, and today's victory, I made for my daughter so that one day her voice will be heard. In this country she has the opportunity to be who she wants to be, live the life she wants to live and make decisions for herself that are hers to make. It is my job as her mother to protect that - for the next 4 years anyway.

Fast friends

Here's Stella with her first best friend, Samantha Wright. At least that's how we'd have it.

Sam is the daughter of our good friends Jim and Amanda that live across the street. Sam is also the world's most perfect, calm and cooperative child. The kind that just wakes up peacefully in her crib and will stare at the ceiling quietly until you come to pick her up.

Stella, on the other hand, just spent all of Thursday wrestling with her mom every time she got tired or hungry. Markana swears Stella tried to punch her today. You'd also think her crib collapsed by the way she's been announcing the end of her naps.

Regardless, they make a pretty cute combo.

Oh, and how about Stella's corduroys? Stylin', as usual.