Welcome, 2014!

Well, 2013 was an improvement from 2012 for the Pavelka family! We were given the news in April that Sam is, once again, in remission! We spent a very fun summer traveling to San Diego, Florida, and Wisconsin! Even though it was short-lived, Sam was able to begin working in August, which was his goal for 2013. And I was able to transfer to Grande Park Elementary, which is significantly closer to home. I miss my Lakewood Creek friends dearly, but I'm so grateful to have been warmly welcomed by the GP staff and families!

We spent countless hours enjoying our children. Watching them grow, learn, and play has been the best part of our lives. Our hearts are especially touched by watching Taylor and Maddy develop their "sisterly" relationship! They love playing together, and their interactions are priceless!

Taylor has grown up quite a bit in 2013! She is such a "kid" now - fully potty trained (thank God!), and becoming more and more independent - and sassy! We've discovered that there are trade-offs with them growing up - some things become easier, such as not having to help her dress, go to the bathroom, etc. But others are more difficult, such as dealing with the back-talk, deciding what "freedoms" she is ready for, and teaching her manners and appropriate social behavior. Now, we have to begin molding her into an honest, productive, motivated, kind human being! We're still trying to work on that ourselves! :)

Maddy has grown into a "toddler". Officially. She is moving around like crazy, babbling, and exploring anything and everything that she can get her hands on! She has taken a few steps. Once she figures out the walking thing, we are in trouble! She's also developed a cute sense of humor. She loves making us laugh, and doing silly things to entertain her big sister! She had surgery in May and July to correct her hydronephrosis, and she was a total champ. Since then, her kidney is getting smaller, and she has had no infections. We will continue to see Dr. Smith to monitor her health.

We certainly had our setbacks - Sam's surgeries in September and October were very frightening, and took quite a while to recover from. We are hoping to begin 2014 letting go of some of the anger and frustration that we still hold over that event. Sam is getting stronger and stronger every day. He continues to go to physical therapy 3 times per week. He is hoping to go back to work in early 2014.

Once again, our friends and family really came through for us this year. We want to sincerely thank everyone, from the bottom of our hearts. We don't know what we would do if we weren't surrounded by such amazing people. 

Last year, I chose a song that I felt was an appropriate representation of our year. This year, I think that the lyrics to "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz epitomize 2013 for the Pavelka family. Here are some of my favorite lyrics:
We had to learn how to bend
Without the world caving in. 
I had to learn what I've got, 
And what I'm not, 
And who I am. 
I won't give up on us,
Even if the skies get rough.
I'm giving you all my love,
I'm still looking up.
I won't give up on us, 
God knows I'm tough enough.
We've got a lot to learn, 
And God knows we're worth it.

I hope that 2014 brings everyone lots of love, health, and happiness! Happy New Year everyone!!