A Milestone

A first in the Madigan household... braces!
Ciara ventured ever closer to being a teenager today when she got her top braces put on. She goes back to the orthodontist this Saturday for the bottom braces after seeing her dentist on Friday to get a couple of teeth sealed. She was a trooper and enjoyed a Jamba Juice as a treat afterward.


This is a self-taken shot before the appointment.

Post braces!

Another post braces shot showing off her shirt from Mom.

Thank you, Melisa M., for hanging out with the other two kidlets!

Áine's 1st Day of School 2011-2012

My baby girl is off to school today at her new school.
(Note her first pair of clip-on earrings.)

Áine waited not so patiently with Momma to leave for school after everyone else left.
Once we arrived at school she couldn't get out of the minivan fast enough.

Have an exciting and fun year filled with new things, Áine Clare! We love you!

Brendan's 1st Day of School 2011-2012

Here is my gorgeous boy waiting for the bus on his first day of school!
Brendan is now officially in the Transition Program at school.
He has plenty of academic goals this school year as well as a job on campus that will eventually lead to an off-campus job by the end of the year.

Have a fun year, Bubba! We love you!!

Happy Anniversary, Áine Clare!

September 2, 2011

The 8th anniversary of Áine's right hemispherectomy

It's hard to believe it was 8 years ago this morning that Miss Áine Clare was in surgery at UCLA Mattel Childrens Hospital under the watchful eye of Sue Yudovin (nurse practitioner) and her surgeon, Dr. Gary Mathern and a whole team of wonderful medical professionals who took tremendously good care of our girl.

That surgery provided a new life for Áine and our family and for all those whose paths cross Áine's.

She remains ever beautiful, funny, delightful, squirrelly, feisty, and a redhead :o)

For those of you who follow The Madigan Shenanigans, you know this past year has been one of change for Áine. Change helps us grow and grow she does.

Her brain continues to amaze on a daily basis. And rather than see her limitations, one almost forgets them when in the presence of Áine.

So beautiful girl, on this day, as we celebrate you and your accomplishments and all the people who travelled the journey with you, we want you to know how proud of you we are for your perseverance and strength. We love you very much and our lives are forever changed for the better because of you.