Friday March 18 Addy had a checkup appointment with Dr. Crawford at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. We have been trying to see him since December but after Dr. Crawford canceling once and us a few more times we finally made it up (only 3 months late)! James, Addy, Tracy, my mom and I left Roanoke Thursday afternoon and made it in to Baltimore around 9pm. For the first time after 5 visits we had issues with our hotel but finally got them squared away and Addy to bed between 10-10:30 (I wasn’t a happy camper...definitely shouldn’t have taken so long to get her to bed)! For some reason the rooms were were promised weren’t available and then they didn’t want to bring us a bed for Addy. Needless to say after James talk to the manager we got what we needed!!

Addy sleeping in a "big girl bed"

We spent Friday morning in the hotel and made it to John’s Hopkins around 1:30 for Addy’s appointment at 2. We met with Dr. Crawford for an hour but then had to take an hour break so he could do a conference call with some fellow SMA doctors and researches, which gave us time to grab a late lunch! After lunch we headed back to the Clinic for another hour to hour and a half with Dr. Crawford! Addy did fantastic and he was very pleased with the way she looked. He told James and I we were doing a great job (which is always nice to hear). James really enjoys Addy’s appointment with Dr. Crawford because he always has exciting news to share about SMA research and today was no different. There are a lot of exciting things in store for the SMA community and only time and money will tell what these promising ideas will bring to us all!

After our appointment with Dr. C we headed down to the Harbor to enjoy the WONDERFUL weather! We got stuck in Friday evening traffic which was CRAZY! While trying to get out of the way of a fire truck (on a one way road) we saw an accident happy right in front of us and were very lucky to get around it and not hit ourselves! People are crazy in Baltimore especially down by the Harbor on a Friday night!! We were going to eat dinner at the Cheesecake Factory but James decided to try “Dicks Last Resort” so we could eat outside (the outdoor seating at the Cheesecake Factory was closing early…big disappointment since I love the Cheesecake Factory so much). “Dicks Last Resort” is just like the restaurant at the Beach however it’s not as crazy as it is at Barefoot Landing. We sat outside which Addy loved and had a great dinner with lots of entertainment (thank goodness it was windy so we didn’t have to wear those terrible hats)!!

Saturday morning we were up pretty early and left Baltimore around 10am. On the way home we detoured a bit and went through Harpers Ferry, WV after a few stops so Addy could stretchand take a break from the car seat we made it home around 3pm. Saturday evening we stayed home and Matt, Stephanie and Mason came over! It had been a few weeks since we had seen them because Steph was out of town one weekend and then Mason had a runny nose another! I can’t believe how big he is getting..8 months old! Time Flies!!

hanging out with Daddy at a rest stop on I-81

taking a break from the long car ride!

so happy to be going home!

Sunday was a normal day and we spent the day at my Grandma’s for lunch. James and Addy watched the Duke/Michigan game…GO Blue Devils!! While I helped Allison with some homework!

This week is going to be very busy for Addy! Tuesday is our meeting with the Permobil Rep who is coming to discuss power chair options for Addy. He is supposed to be bringing one for her to try and we are hoping we will get to keep it for a while for her to experiment with! Friday she has her appointment with the Eye Gaze/Dyanvox Rep. The Eye Gaze system is a communication device that uses stares, eye scanning etc. to make the machine operate. VERY COOL STUFF!! We are very excited for the BIG week ahead for Addy!

And before I forget...have you checked out Baby Be Blessed to help support AGF!  AGF was chosen as their March "Give a Blessing" receipant.. All you have to do is donate money to AGF (through their website..."chip in") and it puts you in the running for a gift certificate for your little loved one!  Boy or Girl...Doll or Animal!  They are amazing dolls/animals and it is something your little one will cherish forever!!