Honesty

God has been working in my heart for the last several months,  I feel the time has come to be honest, honest with you and honest with myself. Georgia has Autism, very few people know that because honestly I never talk about it, almost if I don't say it out loud, it won't be real. However, it is real, she has Autism. A little over 18 months ago, we sought out this diagnosis so that she could begin receiving ABA services.

When I sat through the meeting where the doctor told us that she has Autism, I was numb to the news. I didn't break down but I remember driving home and telling myself that this was for the best.   We were going to be able to get the help that Georgia needs. I also remember thinking, the doctor diagnosed her this way, but in my mind I justified it, "well she did have brain surgery and they did remove a significant portion, so it's not really Autism, her brain is just taking a long time to recover." I was at a place where if someone would bluntly ask, I would be honest but I wasn't sharing the news.

Then came the real shocker, because Sean deployed our insurance information had to updated. I had to have Georgia's pediatrician fill out a form with all of Georgia's diagnosis-s. In the middle of the form it listed recommendations and Georgia's pediatrician wrote that Georgia was moderate to severe mentally retarded. Never, never, never have I had that conversation with her doctor. And never once have I had the thought that Georgia was that way. It seems so final. So harsh and without hope. It was a punch to the stomach, I mulled it over for several days and weeks later, the words permanently imprinted in my mind. I just kept saying it can't be real, it can't be so, my daughter while I am aware of her struggles, is not that way. On the way home from receiving the paper I asked God what He says. On a church sign not far from where I asked Him, it says, "God can turn any situation around" and on the opposite side read, "God cannot be limited by any circumstance".

However, as it is, I fully have come to accept that Georgia has Autism. I embrace the diagnosis because it has opened up many doors of opportunity that we may have never had. And with that acceptance comes peace and joy. Contentment that I haven't felt for such a long time. Georgia is a beautiful, spirited, sassy girl. She has so much joy in her heart and finds contentment in the simple things. I accept that while she may not meet the standards of "normal"she is normal in the eyes of The Lord and me. I accept the challenges and face them head on. I accept the Lord's plan for her life, no matter what circumstances may present. He is the potter and I am the clay. I lean into Him and find my strength.


It has come full circle, from the first phone call, telling us that Georgia was having seizures (me sobbing uncontrollably) to accepting her as she is. It has been a rough road, six years in fact, to get to this place of peace, joy, and contentment. I am better for it. She has made me into a person I never thought I could be, I have inner strength that cannot be taken, I have courage to face the unknown with a smile and peace in my soul.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do give to you as the world gives." John 14:27

"You might be an autism parent if when someone says, "I don't know how you do it." You reply, "I didn't know I had a choice."

Unsurpassed Joy

Hello all! I wanted to extend my thanks for all the prayers that everyone has lifted up on behalf of my daughter. I feel this year has been a great year of growth for all of us. In the last 6 months or so Georgia has blossomed. She wants desperately to talk and understands she has to talk to get things she wants or needs. She doesn't cry half as much as she used to. Her eyes are so bright and full of life. She plays with us, her brother, watches her peers, brings toys to us. It's amazing to see all the progress that Georgia has made.

This time of year is normally so hard for me, but not this year. God has heard my cry and He has answered. For the last 5 years I would be extremely emotional and going Christmas shopping for Georgia was the most treacherous thing for me. "She won't enjoy anything I get her anyway, there will be no excitement" are my thoughts. But this year we have turned a page. She is starting to explore all her toys, she is so excited to see and try new things. She seeks out things that are new and isn't stuck playing with the same toy for weeks on end. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" "A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

I stand in amazement at all that God has done in her, around her, and through her. We have our bright-eyed, curious, excited, sassy, smart girl back! and I am so happy this year. My heart is full and I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us.

These 10 photos show Georgia's life this past year, one thing is seen through all the pictures, a smile and joy that only God could give. "Joy that surpasses all understanding"

Mining for Diamonds

"We can sit in the dark or we can start mining the diamonds in our difficulties" 

Holly Gerth

Been quite a while since my last post and while I wish to post everyday, it just doesn't happen. Life gets in the way. Georgia is doing remarkable things, she is in ABA therapy 5 days a week for 3 hour sessions. I knew this therapy was going to be the turn-around that we had been praying for. Sure enough, I have not been disappointed. We have seen so much improvement it is hard to believe sometimes. 

Georgia is actually bouncing with minimal assistance. 

We are currently trying to get her to learn how to jump. She has made tremendous progress towards this goal. When she gets excited she bounces on her legs.

It's incredible to see all the progress that Georgia has made in just a short period of time. She requests things, makes typical eye contact, interacts with us, plays games (taking her shoes off and hands them to you to put back on, over and over again, smiling and laughing all the while), requests to hear more songs. I cannot believe that just a little over two years ago, a doctor told us to never place any expectations on her because she was never going to meet them. Boy, was he ever wrong????!!!!

I never thought we could be in a place where we have two children doing similar things, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could safely dream of things for my daughter and expect that one day she would actually do them. My cup runs over with joy and peace. God is so true to His word, He will give abundantly over and beyond what you could ever pray for.

God sees in Georgia what that doctor could never see in Georgia, POTENTIAL! Her therapists also see what she can do and then expects that in time Georgia will do it. She is learning colors, listens and responds to commands, tells us what she wants, listens to books, loves to sing, is imitating. Everyday I stand amazed at how far Georgia has come. If I were not living it, I would not believe it!

I am reading the book, "God Sized Dream" by Holly Gerth, it is filled with amazing nuggets and I would encourage you to read it as well. "Don't settle. Don't give into fear. Don't stand on the edge of all God has for you and be sent back to the desert. You are allowed to be happy. You are allowed to be blessed. You are allowed to have a full life. Even more than allowed-this is what God ultimately wants for you." [Pain and heartache] It's only a gateway that He will used to bring you into a deeper joy in the end."

Thank you for continued prayers. We are where we are because of all God has done in our lives through Georgia and because of Georgia. 

A Dream

   I would love to say thank you so much for all the prayers, I know the Lord is faithful to finish this work He has started and I'm so glad we are surrounded by others who support and pray for Georgia. I have to list everything Georgia is doing because she is just blossoming.

1. Constant eye contact and responding to her name
2. Making the following vocal sounds, ee, mm, bb, lala, dd, and this sing-song type sound
3. Her physical abilities are increasing almost daily, she walks still with a limp but not nearly as noticeable, I have seen tremendous improvement in her ability to ride a bike, she bounces on the bed
4. Holds her foot up when it's time for shoes
5. Opening doors to go in/out
6. Will stand by the door when we tell her it's time to go
7. Pulls up pants around waist
8. Allows me to read books to her
9. Will put objects in/out of a container
10. Gives the sweetest kisses without being solicited
11. Looks at you for your reaction to things
12. Increased interaction with her brother/cousins/peers
13. Enjoys bouncing on the trampoline as well as sliding down the slide
14. More assertion of independence in a fun way (smiling and laughing when she doesn't want to do what I want her to do)
15. Her receptive language has picked up greatly
16. Will try and put on shirt with little assistance.  

I'm sure there are things I'm missing but it's so great to see all this progress.

"Ask and it be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:9
A few weeks ago I was praying, talking really, to God and I asked Him, are things always going to be this way? Will Georgia always require extra assistance? Will I ever get to talk to her and have her talk back to me? Let me just tell you that if you have questions for the Father, ask Him, He will always answer. Well, that night I had a dream that my neighbor gave me a letter and that letter read: God wants you to know this is the last night Georgia will be this way. That was the end of the dream but it was significant for a number of reasons, my neighbor always has said that she sees Georgia well and whole as you and I. Also, I asked Him and He answered me, not in an audible, vocal way but through a dream. He has restored my hope and belief, at my weakest moments God always comes to the rescue and restores me when I am in doubt. "Always pray and do not lose heart." Luke 18:1 "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind."

Also, I have been praying for the wrong thing!! Let me explain, while listening to Tim Tebow's book on CD, Tim writes about realizing at a young age that he did not want to be average, he wanted to be unique and use the talents that God has given Him to further the Kingdom. That really stuck out to me because I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed that Georgia would be "normal" but now I pray that God will use her to fulfill His unique purpose for her life. She was made differently for a reason and I pray that her testimony will reach others and that God will mold her and make her into the person she was meant to be, not the cookie cutter little girl I have prayed for, for too long. "God never dismisses a parent's prayer. Keep praying and give your child to God, and in the right time and the right way God will give your child back to you." Fearless by Max Lucado.

Thanks again for the continued prayers, we love you all.

ABA Therapy

Hello Friends,

Getting Georgia the best help has and will always be my goal; we had a consultation with an ABA therapist this past week. We think that this is the best therapy that Georgia can get with her history of developmental delay and addressing those behaviors in which she cries and screams to get away from the learning environment. This is a therapy that I believe will bring her to a place of wanting to learn and there has been tremendous success with other patients.

However, it is not likely that our insurance will cover the cost of this therapy and it can be quite pricey. As many of you know or if you do not know, I became an Independent Jewelry Lady working for Premier Designs Jewelry, in August of last year. This is a way I thought that I could get out of the house a few nights a month and bring in a little extra income. However, this has become a way in which I believe that I can pay for Georgia to have this therapy.

Normally, I would not ask for help, but in this instance, I am asking for help because I cannot do it by myself. If there is anyone of you who would like to help Georgia and get a lot of free jewelry, I implore you to message me. As an added incentive, I will let you pick out a ring from the catalog and purchase it for $15.

Thank you for all your prayers and support as always.

When God Makes You Wait

   For many of us the waiting room is not a pleasant place to be, we grow impatient, aggravated, annoyed, all the above, but maybe we are here because it's exactly where we are supposed to be. There is a purpose to all the waiting, sometimes we don't even know why but God has a purpose and He will move the mountain at His appointed time, He doesn't work on our schedule, His deadlines are not our deadlines. He is long suffering but one thing for sure is "He will never leave nor forsake us. "And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. That's right,  not some things, not a few things, not most things but ALL things work together for our good.  
 
   Anyway, enough of my rambling, here a post on waiting that I did not write but am using with permission. It is my prayer that this will be a great blessing to your life that it was to mine.

When God makes you wait...

Written by: Anna Bachinsky

Jesus could have come and healed Lazarus when he was still alive.

Instead, He waited to raise him from the dead when he was already in his grave.

God could have made David become king the day after he was anointed.

Instead, He waited 15 years to rise to the throne, many of those years spent fearing for his life, hiding out and running away from his own father-in-law.

God could have spoken to Moses in the desert about sending him to help free His people from slavery 40 days after he ran away from Egypt.

Instead, He made him wait for 40 long years.

God could have gotten Joseph out of prison one year after he was sentenced there.

Instead, he was stuck in that dungeon for 10 years before he was finally set free.

God could have given Abraham the son He promised him when he was still a young man.

Instead, He waited until he was 100 years old and because of physical reasons would have a more difficult time conceiving at that age.

God could have answered prayers and met the needs of these men of God much quicker, but He didn’t.

He made them wait instead.

And He often makes us do the same.

He makes us wait for healing to come after we’ve been praying for years and there is no sign of recovery.

He makes us wait to fulfill His call in our lives after He puts the desire and passion in our hearts to serve Him in a certain way.

He makes us wait to give us the desires of our hearts, whether it’s a baby, a spouse, or a new job.

He makes us wait for direction when we are stuck at a dead end and we don’t know where to go or what to do.

He could answer that same prayer that you’ve been praying for years every night in a millisecond.

That same prayer that has been bringing you to tears.

That same prayer that the longer that it goes unanswered, the more it makes you question whether He even hears.

But He doesn’t.

He kept Moses in a desert for 40 years.

Joseph in a prison cell for 10 years.

Abraham without a child for 100 years.

David on the run for 15 years.

And maybe He is keeping you right where you’re at for the same reason He kept these men for so many years: to build your faith.

To build your faith in a dungeon cell, during the valley in your life where it’s too dark to see and too hard to believe.

To build your dependence on Him when you are barren and empty to see if He is truly all you desire and all you need.

To see how well you will trust and serve Him when you are still stuck in the background somewhere, doing seemingly nothing too significant for Him.

To build your trust in Him when the storm keeps raging, the battle keeps going and breakthrough and victory doesn’t seem near.

See… sometimes the waiting period of our lives is the most important time in our life.

It is during this period when nothing seems to be happening, when prayers seem to go unanswered, when God seems so far away that the most spiritual growth takes place in our lives. That we learn to become more like Him.

It is during this time that we build spiritual “muscle”.

That we grow in faith.

That we learn to only depend on Him.

What are you waiting for today?

What longing do you have that seems so far from ever being fulfilled?

What prayer do you keep on praying that seems to never reach God’s ears?

I want to remind you that God is not deaf to your prayers.

He is not blind to your constant tears, to your desires, and to your needs.

If He is making you wait, there is a very good reason for it.

If He is telling you “no” today, maybe it’s because He has a better “yes” waiting for you tomorrow.

If He is keeping you in the same place you’ve always been today, maybe it’s because He’s helping build your faith before you enter your Promised Land tomorrow.

If He is not healing you or bringing you victory today, maybe it’s because you will have a greater testimony when He waits to help you be an overcomer tomorrow.

Wherever you are at today know that God is right beside you and that there is a purpose for you. Even if that purpose is to wait.

Don’t give up just because you don’t see anything happening today.

Maybe there is nothing physically happening that your eyes can see but there is definitely something happening in the spiritual realm as you learn to rely on Christ.

Don’t allow your waiting period to make you hopeless about what tomorrow will bring.

Instead, let it build your faith and give you even greater hope for what God has prepared for you.

He made some of the greatest men of faith wait.

Don’t be discouraged if He makes you wait as well.

He will come through for you, just like He came through for them.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14

Georgia is 5

   All the glory to God, we celebrated Georgia's 5th birthday this past weekend. First, I cannot believe I have a five year old...where has the time gone? I have been a mommy for 5 years, shut the door!!! This is a huge feat, I can remember a time not so long ago when I didn't even know if Georgia would make it to five, yet here we are and Georgia is seizure free to boot!

   We decided to forgo a birthday party this year because Georgia usually hates them anyway, too much noise, too many people, and too much stimulation. The four of us went to SeaWorld, I could not have had a more perfect weekend. The weather was beautiful, the crowds were minimal and the kids smiled, laughed, played and were really well behaved. Almost like divine intervention ;)

   At the breaking of Sunday I was so hopeful that Georgia would say something to me, anything to me, she did not but I do believe that the day is coming that she will talk to me. I am so thankful to be here in this place in my life. There is nothing I would change about my life. There is nothing more precious to me than two very happy children.

   God is still in the business of answering prayers, there is nothing too big or small that He will not answer. As I can attest, "Weeping may endure for a night BUT joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5 Dawn is breaking...

  Georgia loves her brother, even if she doesn't always appreciate His antics.

With a Thankful Heart

   "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 

    I know what I know; I know that the Lord is not finished with Georgia and that one day His miraculous work will be finished. I know this because I have had this confirmed for me by more than one person and at different points along the way with Georgia, usually when I'm at a low point. 

   

    I also know that God has me in the waiting room, I am waiting to see the physician for the word, waiting for the nurse to take my vital signs, I am just waiting. And I get impatient at times and get aggravated but I know that God has me in this holding spot for a good purpose because, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. 

   While I wait upon the Lord I will draw my strength from Him and lean on Him and learn from Him. One thing He has shown me lately is that I need to be thankful for all things, big and small. 

   So for this Thanksgiving post I would like to tell you all that I am thankful for,

1. Jesus Christ who died to give me salvation when I did not deserve it.

2. Allowing me to be Georgia's mom, which has brought me closer to the Lord and given me a stronger walk in faith.

3. My husband and children.

4. Our home and all the material possessions that make life easier.

5. My family

6. Sean's family

7. Our church family and pastor who is the epitome of what a good Shepard is.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Mountain of Laundry

  "Draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you." James 4:8 

   Sometimes God uses the strangest things to speak to us. I had a mountain of laundry to fold yesterday and let me tell you it was enormous, I would like to you to believe that I never let laundry get out of control but that wouldn't be truthful. This time it wasn't entirely my fault but that's another tale for another time. I was sitting there, looking at this huge pile and thinking to myself, I just gotta do it, no way around it. So I started folding, one piece at a time. God has given me two arms, two hands,and the sense to do it. So I could wish the laundry away or I could simply start folding and watch the laundry sort into smaller piles meant to be put away.

   I said that to say this, God has given me to the tools;  take Georgia to therapy, make sure she is getting the best education that she can, involve her in activities outside of the home, and take her to doctor appointments and ever so slowly the mountain will shrink in size.

   This mountain that I am climbing won't always be here, soon I will look around and see smaller hills. I see how far we have come and I know one day we will this as small speed bumps put in our path to grow our faith.

What is your mountain of laundry???

Playing in the Mud Puddles

   My goodness! So much has happened since my last post. Georgia has blossomed into a beautiful, active, seizure-free 4 year old. I was unsure of how this first year post-op would go, a little nervous if you will. She is very vocal when she doesn't want to do something or be bothered, she follows me around saying "ma ma, ma ma, (not quite mama yet but making progress). She watches her brother and laughs and giggles. She does this hoppy, dancey thing where she taps around in her shoes, she loves to do this around the house. For Christmas we decided to get her a floor piano (never too early to start thinking about gifts :)) I know she is going to be over the moon for this gift because it plays music and she can dance on it. A good way to learn cause and effect too.

   The McCauley household has been so busy! With two very active children, watching my niece 4 days a week, Georgia in school and therapy and Mommy starting a new business, it can be very hectic. But it is great being busy, I would much rather have too much to do than too little. After all an idle mind is the devil's playground.

   Our quality of life has improved exponentially now that Georgia is doing well. I had an epiphany this past weekend, it has been one whole year and Georgia has not been in the hospital at all, this has not happened since her birth. I almost cannot believe it. It is almost as if God has breathed life into our family, I was talking to Georgia's therapist and you really don't realize how bad things are because it's the life you have gotten used to, but now it's like I said, new life. We make plans and we get to enjoy those plans because Georgia is able to enjoy the things we are doing. It's fabulous!!!

The last time it rained hard here I captured these pictures of Georgia playing in the mud puddles. It's the most precious thing ever!!

Good things come to those who wait. Praising God every step of the way. 

One Year Later

   One year has passed since Georgia's surgery, can you believe that? One year!! A lot has happened since my last posting, we had our Disney trip, Georgia got fitted for a leg brace and she started a new therapy, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.
  First, our Disney trip was amazing. Words cannot begin to describe the trip and the Give Kids the World Village.Georgia had the best time, I believe we could not have taken this trip at a better time. She loved riding on the carousel, the big jacuzzi tub, her big girl room with a nice bouncy bed. The food was great,  the parties spectacular, everything!
   When we got home it was back to our "normal" life, therapy, waking up early, mommy having to cook the meals and keep a clean house. It was hard to adjust after being spoiled for an entire week. Georgia got fitted for her leg brace which her physical therapist thinks will only be temporary and Georgia also got fitted for a cast that she has to wear on her good arm. It is kind of a cool concept, we cast the left arm (which she primarily uses) to induce functional movement from the ride side. So far she is making good strides and I believe she will regain at least some usage from that ride side. But in no way am I limiting what God can still do. Her new leg brace is nice, it keeps her hips more forward and she no longer kind of drags her right leg. It is nice to see her walking more evenly. Her physical therapist is really pleased with all the progress that Georgia is making, as are we.
   Yesterday, we celebrated Georgia's one year post-op. We took her to eat at TGIFridays and then to Cold Stone for a yummy treat. We feel so blessed to be here, we always hoped but could never be sure we would be. God is so good and if you do not believe we serve a Living God you need to look no further than my beautiful, precious daughter.
   As I get ready to celebrate Mother's Day tomorrow I cannot help but reflect on last year, sitting in the hospital not knowing what the future held for Georgia, watching her struggle to even keep her head up and having a hard time swallowing. Now she is a walking, big bag of laughter and smiles. I owe everything to my blessed Lord and Savior and all of you who have kept us in your prayers. Thank you.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalms 139:13-16.

   Thank you Georgia, for without you and your brother I would not have the title of Mother, the most blessed and beautiful title of all. It is not always easy to be a mother, it is very hard work at times but at the end of the day when I look at your innocent, sleeping faces, dreaming sweet dreams I know that it is all worth it. Mommy loves you!

Disney...Here We Come!

  

  
   So while we were at Brooks Rehab Georgia was nominated to get granted a wish from Dreams Come True. I have kept this trip under wraps since we have been nominated, I am not sure why but alas the time has come for us to travel to Orlando and embark on this adventure with Georgia. It feels like the end of a very long chapter, and this book has a very happy ending! While we still have many miles left of the rehab road we are so much better off now, our life has improved exponentially. Georgia has never been on a ride outside of a carousel. We are so excited!

   The biggest blessing of this trip other than the obvious, Georgia being seizure free for almost 11 months, Praise God!!! is that it is completely paid for. We will have park tickets to all the Disney parks, both the Universal parks and Sea World. Also, tickets to other attractions in the Orlando area. We will be staying at this village (Give Kids the World) made just for special needs children, it is not open to the public. We have been told so many great things about this place and I'm sure words and pictures cannot do this place justice. All of all meals well be included as well as entertainment at the village, including meet and greets, pony rides, a playground that resembles Candy Land, a pond for fishing, a carousel, putt-putt, a water park and many more things for us to do while we are guests there. This place is made just for kids, all the food there is kid approved, the tables and chairs are kid size and the kids get the bigger bed and bath. There is even an ice cream palace.

   The Panallentic Sorority House is sponsoring our trip, last night we got to meet them and be presented with Georgia's dream. On top of all the great things that await us in Orlando, the girls presented us with spending money. I was speechless last night as tears rolled down my face. I cannot believe that this terrible journey is over and we have such a sweet ending.

   Georgia continues to improve daily, I'm so proud of her. She truly is a walking miracle. Last night I was thanking God for all that He has done for us and all the doors that have been opened at just the right time. It just amazes me to think of all we have been through in such a short period of time. I have spent a lot of time reflecting, just last week I was thinking of that day that we found out Georgia was a girl, Sean was in Iraq and he kept calling during the appointment to see what we were having. He was so excited and so was I, this is the first time I have thought about that moment and I don't have tears or doubts but I have hope. Hope for her future, hope to dream for her again. I know I have said this before but as I see my daughter evolving it just makes it more concrete to me.

           Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to enable them to fulfill the purpose for which they are called.

Big Girl

 
 "Answer me Oh Lord, out of the goodness of your heart; in your great mercy turn to me. " Psalm 69:16

  Out of the goodness of Jesus' heart my prayers were answered. Georgia is doing better than ever. She has mastered the stairs, as seen below. When I come into the room she lights up and makes this screeching noise, it is the cutest thing !ever! And when her Daddy comes home she runs to him and hugs him tightly. I know this makes his entire day. Such a big girl. I know we still have a long way to go but this gives me hope that she will make a full recovery. It is simply one day at a time.

 

 

   I wanted to share some quirky "brain facts" with you.



• The brain is made of 75% water.
• The brain cannot feel pain.
• The brain is considered the fattest organ in the body, may consist of 60% fat.
• At birth your brain is almost the same size as an adult brain.
• The capacity for emotions, joy, sadness, anger, fear, ect are already developed at birth. The specific type of nurturing a child receives shapes how these emotions are developed.
• The old myth that you only use 10% of your brain is simply not true, every part of the brain has a known function.
• Excessive stress can alter brain cells, brain structure and brain function.
• You cannot tickle yourself because your brain distinguishes between unexpected external touch and your own touch.
• Scientists have discovered men and women's brains react differently to pain.
• Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought you are creating a new connection in your brain

I just found those facts interesting. The brain is simply fascinating and I see it playing out everyday in front of me through Georgia.

"God doesn't give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what you have been given."

Georgia Found Her Voice!

"Even miracles take a little time" Cinderella.

 I am so happy to say that Georgia has found her voice. Started last week with her "mmming" her food which she would only do during dinner time, not lunch or breakfast. I was so excited, I was like she must be picking that up from Conerly because he does it all the time. Which in itself is pretty awesome, she is mimicking her brother. Then Monday night she was "mmming" her food and then she said "mum" and she said "mum" again. I almost started crying, we were in Sonny's so I had to contain myself. I have waited to hear her voice for so long and was not even sure that I would hear her voice. Dr. Lee could not guarantee that she would talk because the left side of her brain was completely disconnected and that is where our language is stored. God is so good, He has started this miraculous work and I know He will continue to work until it is completed. "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

   Georgia loves the song Itsy Bitsy Spider, she loves the motions that go along with the movements, her favorite part being "washed the spider out". She grins like crazy when we get to this part and loves using her arms to wash the spider out. It's cute. Her life parallels that song. The spider starts going up the spout and then gets washed out when a storm comes. Georgia is just like that little spider her life was going and she was headed up that spout but then a storm came and set her back a little but now the rain has passed and she is headed up that spout again. We are headed for higher ground and I could not be more excited.

 

In this video she is "mmming" Makes me feel validated now that I have come video graphic evidence.  

                                    

Her walking is also improved, Lord help me, she loves to go as fast as her little legs can take her down the stairs. I am like a Nervous Nellie when she does this :)

 

 

   Thank you once again for all the prayers, we owe all the praise to God who has seen fit to give us this beautiful miracle that we call Georgia. Love to all. 



Letter

Dear Georgia,
   I love you honey more than words could ever say. You have made me the happiest, proudest Mommy ever. I can only hope to achieve the determination that you as a four year old possess. I have never seen someone so determined not to let life keep her down. Your smile lights up the room, when you smile everyone around you smiles. You are growing so fast, I do not know where the time has gone. I know that life has not been easy but you always seem to stay positive and keep a smile upon your face and laughter in your belly. I cannot wait to see how far life takes you. There is nothing that you cannot achieve besides what you limit yourself to. I love you baby. Happy 4th Birthday.

xoxo,
Mommy

Happy New Year!

   "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "Plans to give you a future and a Hope." Jeremiah 29:11

   I thought it only fitting to celebrate the last day of this year with an update about Miss. Georgia. This very day last year we had many people all over the United States praying for a miracle. We got our miracle and are so blessed and thankful and grateful for all that has happened in the last 7 months.

   We celebrated her 4th birthday, which a bouncing success. We celebrated it at an indoor bounce house. We had an amazing time surrounded by friends and family. I could not ask for a better support group than those who surround my family. This year has been one of the most heartbreaking, heart wrenching, painful years but also one of the most wonderful years in Georgia's life. Reflecting back to the first of the year I could not have imagined the roller coaster that awaited us. But there is nothing about this year that I would change, not even meeting the neurologist that gave us no hope for her.

   We also celebrated Georgia's first Christmas (besides the very first one when she was 10 days old) without seizures or medication. It is surreal to even think about. As all children Georgia has her moodiness but to celebrate with her and see her laugh and smile and float from family member to family member is nothing short of amazing.

   The other day I had an epiphany, found in the book of Exodus, is the story of how the Jewish people were set free from bondage of Pharoh. After many plagues God sent upon the Egyptians through Moses the Pharoh relented and let the Jewish people free.  However, after Pharoh let the people go he changed his mind and had his army charge the Jewish people. Then Moses came upon the Red Sea; Moses had the Eyptian army behind him and the Red Sea in front of him. I'm sure he felt pure anguish, stuck between a rock and a hard place, some might say. But he prayed and he believed that God would see them through. And God instructed him to raise his staff and begin to walk. The Red Sea parted, the ground became firm and all the Jewish people crossed. The army perished. This is how I see the journey that we just took with Georgia, on the one hand we had doctors telling us there was no hope for her and on the other we had Dr. Lee telling us there was a cure but had to cross the threshhold. The crossing of the Red Sea for us was the surgery. We had to believe this is where God wanted us to be and had to have faith He brought us this far and He was not about to let the army overtake us. God is ultimately in control, nothing will prevent His will from happening.

   I look at her in pure amazement. I find it so hard to believe that Georgia had such a radical surgery. Half of her brain is gone!!!! I know this year has so much in store for us, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. It is my prayer this year that Georgia regains all of her strength in her right side and we get some words or a way of communication. The world is at our finger tips.

Be blessed and thanks for all the prayers that went up this time last year for her and for us.

XOXO

Playing in the Leaves

  

   Since the last time I posted two very important things have happened, Georgia celebrated her very first Thanksgiving with neither seizures nor seizure medication. And we celebrated 6 months without seizures, by all accounts she is considered cured. Can you believe that? Some days I feel as if it's too good to be true but then again, I think of God's promise to me those three years ago when Georgia first got diagnosed with epilepsy. He promised me that He was going to show me how BIG He was.

   My life feels perfect! Some days I feel so happy I could burst. Georgia is doing so great and every week she is improving. She is getting more usage from her arm and hand. She is able to stand up from the ground in no time flat. She is so happy all the time.

   I thank God everyday for the blessings He has so graciously poured out on our family, my cup runneth over! I never understood what that meant until this time in my life. All my life I have gone to church and believed in the Lord but it was not until Georgia got sick that I developed a relationship with Him and even after she was sick I still depended on myself and doctors to get her better. I thought I could will her into being well.  God does not work that way and He will let things happen in your life that will bring you closer to Him. No, I would never have wished for this, ever! but I am so glad it did. Georgia has brought me closer to the Lord as well as my son. I have known for a long time that this was not about Georgia, it has been about me and my walk with the Lord. Seeing her improve daily and my son develop normally has taught me so much about what really matters in life. It is not about the material possessions that one has or the money or the house or type of car you drive, it is about getting to go home to be with the Lord and spend eternity praising the Father that gives and takes away.

   This Christmas will be a very different one than from the past. Of course I always look towards this time of year to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior but this year it means so much more. We put our tree up two days after Thanksgiving and after it was all decorated we got the kids out of bed (which by the way were still up, lol) and we brought them downstairst to see it. Georgia saw the tree and lit up. Conerly and Georgia looked at the tree and saw the lights and the ornaments and sat there in amazement. This rarely happens, they are always on the move so for them to sit there was amazing! I believe this is the first year that Georgia has actually looked and really saw a Christmas tree. God is so good!

   This last couple of months have brought a lot of happiness to my heart, I never thought I would be here, I never thought I would be able to sit on the side lines and watch my little girl play. She loves playing in the leaves and running between the porch and the swing. I just sit and think to myself, what a beautiful life I have.

All in God's Timing

   *****Before I get started I wanted to address something that has been weighing on my mind. The first few months following Georgia's surgery I was in a bad spot. I was very down and I'm sure that was evident in my writings, so let me apologize. I did not realize how negative I had become and until recently I did not realize how much I had pushed people away. But I can say with much prayer and time with God I am in a much better place. I love life, I love my children, I love all the blessings that God has so graciously poured out upon me even during my darkest moments. So please continue to pray for us, me as well as Georgia. I hope to never return to that horrible, dark place again.

 

   Please watch this video prior to reading, most everything I write about is displayed here.

  
     Now on to the good stuff, it has been around a month since my last post. Many people have been asking about our little miracle. Well, you know that saying "Things get better with time" I would say that is ringing true. Yesterday, we met with Dr. Lee and he was so impressed with her. Friday will be 6 months post-op so keeping true to his word, we are now starting to wean Georgia the rest of the way off her medicine. Yay! I am so happy, this has been such a long time coming and I am almost in tears thinking of her this Christmas and birthday not being on any seizure medication, almost too good to be true if I did not have faith that this is exactly where God wants us to be. Since so many things have changed since my last post, I am going to list them out, please bear with me.

1.Her right leg and arm are growing incredibly strong. In fact, now when she wants to be picked up I make her raise her right arm. Prior to the last week or so she was completely unable to really use it purposefully.
2. Sometimes she reaches out with her right arm to grab objects. I fully believe she will regain most usage of her arm and hand. (If you remember, this was the hardest things for me to get past when we decided to go forward with the surgery, but God is all knowing and all healing, He is taking care of this for us in His timing.)
3.In the video above you can see her anticipating her Daddy coming to throw her in the air, this is awesome, she never had this skill before. Almost oblivious to the world around her.
4. She sings and giggles all the time, I love listening to her from the backseat, such a sweet noise that you all get to enjoy for yourselves.
5. All her therapists' rave about her and how much progress she is making. Her speech therapist said that Georgia is headed in the right direction for speech, meeting all the pre-speech skills children learn prior to talking.
6.Georgia answers to her name 99% of the time and will come when called. She has met this goal for speech. Yay!!!!
7. Most times she will lift both her legs and feet for shoes and she will bring shoes to show that she is ready to go outside.
8. Leading to my next point she turns the door knob on the front door to go outside (I really need to invest in the childproof handles)
9. I have seen her stand up completely unassisted from her bottom. This is quite huge because it requires a lot of strength.
10. She helps to dress and undress herself. She takes off her socks and can pull her shirt off if her right arm is out of the sleeve. When we get her pants out, she will come stand by me, put her arm on me for strength and slip both legs into the pants, one at a time of course.
11.I wish I had a video to show this but she is starting to play with her toys purposefully. She totes around her doll Edison with her and she has this toy where you have to push down a button and it counts for you. She loves this toy. She also loves to be read to.
12.She will stand by the wagon or the swing letting us know that she wants to play.
13.She is also starting to pull things off the counter, which is good and bad in itself.
So many good things to report. I love all the new stuff that she is learning and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my little Love Bug.

 This was taken at her Welcome Home Party! So cute as a candy corn princess.

 Joyfully playing in the backseat

 Mommy and Georgia at the park

 Headed out to the pumpkin patch

Daddy, Georgia and our kitty Dodger. 

At Physical Therapy, riding a bike, doing most of the work herself!

As my title suggests it is all in God's timing. And sometimes we get impatient but I have to remember that Georgia is in God's palm and nothing will ever be able to snatch her out. "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." John 10:29 I also heard this verse on the 700 Club this morning and I think it fits in nicely here, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans." Psalm 118: 8 If Sean and I chose to keep with what some of the doctors we saw we might have given up, but as I have said before our Faith is in our God and there it will remain. God Bless!

A Blossoming Flower

  I know, I know...I always try to stay on top of this but it is hard, at the end of the day I want to curl up in bed and go to sleep. Last thing I want to do is stare at a computer screen. However, I have much to post about so here I am. Please forgive me.

   Right before my very eyes Georgia is blossoming. She is turning into the beautiful rose that I have always known was there but had forgotten about for a long time. When I think back to when Georgia was born and when I looked into those beautiful big eyes I see a baby that I had tons of dreams and expectations for. Around 18 months those dreams started to fade as I began to see her slip behind her peers and then when she was 24 months at her birthday I was in a deep spiral of depression and then 36 months when birthday parties really begin to be fun, instead of fun we saw Georgia slipping farther and farther away from us. I would go to her room expecting to see her not breathing, fearing a seizure had claimed her life in the night.

   This year has been an absolute roller coaster, up and down, around loops and bends, catching your breath before being thrown into hysteria again. At the start of this year my mom told me to pray and to pray for a miracle, she wanted to ring in the new year praying for Georgia. She told me this was going to be a good year for Georgia, the year that we were going to get our miracle. I believed and I prayed, just as many of you did. Tons of prayers went up to our Father and He looked down and He gave us a miracle. Sometimes when people think of miracles (like me) they think of instantaneous but other times God gives us them a little at a time. Maybe that is because we could not handle them all at once or maybe it is because God wants us to keep depending on Him. He knows this is what holds me close to Him, I want more for Georgia than this, I want everything for her but I am totally dependant on My Father. I can do what I can for her, I can take her to therapy, I can do exercises with her, I can show her new things but in order for everything to take root in her it depends on our Father.

   I want to review just how far Georgia has come, after the surgery Georgia was unable to hold her head up. sit up, swallow without choking, stand, walk, use her right side at all. Prior to surgery Georgia was not there, physically she was there but mentally not so much. She could walk and make her needs be known but that was all. She smiled a lot but she hardly laughed. She seized so much we could hardly take our eyes off of her. She fell a lot. She hurt herself a lot. Sean and I had to hover over her to make sure she did not hurt herself or someone else. She was unable to play by herself or be left alone.

   Fast forward to today, Georgia is happy! She is seizure free for 4 months, she smiles, laughs, makes eye contact (if she knows you), she walks, sits up on her own, climbs the stairs (modified of course), enjoys being outside, leads you to where she wants to go, lifts her feet for her shoes, knows what we are going bye bye or outside means (she stands by the door and waits), stoops down to pick up an object, is very affectionate, makes more vocalizations than ever, and plays with all toys (not just a select few) just to name a few. It's in the little things, I take nothing that she does for granted and I make a huge deal out of everything she does. Her therapist rave about how every week she is learning and gaining new skills, they have to make their goals for her high because she is exceeding the short term goals.

   Sean and I are so impressed with our little trooper, she takes most things in stride and pushes through the tough spots. She is the most determined little person I have ever encountered. I am so blessed to be her Mommy. " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. I know I use this verse a lot but I love it and I cling to that for my precious Georgia Lily.



Determined

   August was one hectic month for the McCauley family. We have settled into a new routine, at least I think we have. Georgia started school and the first days were a little hairy but now she does not cry at school, I can't help but tear up almost every time I pick her up and think of how far we have come. We are almost four months out from surgery but it still seems like yesterday. I am hoping as time goes by and we get further away from the surgery that my broken heart will heal. It's hard for people to understand if you have never stood where I stand. I am so grateful that Georgia was given the opportunity for surgery and she is doing AMAZING but she is still so far behind her peers, it seems at times she will never catch up. I was telling Sean yesterday that the journey to the destination  does not matter as long as we all reach the same destination but that journey, at least for us, seems to be a much harder trek. Talking to my sister-in-law today and she said something about getting to get a glance at the last page in our book of life and I totally agree. I do not need the whole chapter just a peak at the back of the book to make sure that it all ends the way that I think it should. God does not operate that way though, that is why it is called Faith, if we knew how it all ended we would not have faith. And of course I was reading last night in our study bible that if God allowed us to know how it all ended we would become arrogant.

   Georgia is doing well, she seems to enjoy school. We have not given her the bink in over 3 days either night time or at quiet time. She is also potty training, not really sure she understands yet but I'm sure she will get there. Her walking seems to be improving or at least according to the physical therapist, from my standpoint she looks the same. But I guess when you see something day to day you become immune to the small changes that are taking place.