July Road Trip

Over the course of 10 days Annika, Lauren, and I flew to Chicago, drove to West Michigan to spend time with family and friends, drove to NW Iowa (a 14 hour car drive!) for Great-Grandma's 90th birthday party, drove to Minneapolis for follow-up procedures for Annika, and then drove back home to St. Louis. Grandpa and Grandma Blankespoor were very patient to have us in their van for all of those miles. We had a good time (aside from having to go through the procedures), but it was also very good to be home again, sleeping in our own beds and spending time with Daddy. April 5, 2005 This was Annika's first trip out of the hospital - to see Ronald at the Ronald McDonald House - our home away from home for 3 months.

July, 2008. Thanks be to God! In the radiology area with Grandma and JoAnne Tobak. JoAnne lives in Minneapolis and had never met us before we came up with Annika 3 years ago. She has blessed us in so many ways.
Dr. Foker - the man who connected Annika's esophagus. He has retired and the esophageal atresia "team" is breaking up. We came up for one last check-up.
The gastric emptying study. Over the course of 90 minutes Annika had to lay on this table 9 times for one minute each time. The machine was recording how quickly the radiation-laced oatmeal Annika had eaten was breaking down in her stomach. This picture was taken towards the end (notice she is not screaming in protest).

Post-op. On the first day Annika had her esophagus and airway looked at and a biopsy taken of her esophagus. She was a real trooper. Thankfully, she woke up quite a bit more content than she has in the past. We received a good report!
A popsicle helped soothe her sore throat.
Playing indoors at the Ronald McDonald House.
Surgery in the morning - wading pool at night. Vroom Vroom!

Pre-op (This picture is out of order). Pre-op on the first day was definitely the worst part of the 2 days. Annika started crying and went running down the hall away from the nurse when they called her name. I had to get her and drag her kicking and screaming into the pre-op area.
Reading with Grandma. Annika is very excited about her new school backpack (notice how she is wearing it while in her pj's).
Helping Grandpa with the gardening.
Checking out the farm with Uncle Harv.

Pigs!

Lunch with buddy Liesl.
Riding bikes with buddy Garrison.
Fun at the Inwood Hotel with Grandpa.
Happy Birthday Grandma!
A new scrabble board for Great-Grandma.

The girls loved swinging in the swings Grandpa hung up for them.
Playing with the boats in "Lake Michigan" at the Meijer Gardens.
Giant Horse!
Pure joy!
Annika LOVES the beach.