HAPPY EASTER!

Many relatives arrived to celebrate Vanessa's very first Easter, as well as the 2nd anniversary of Milo's adoption. Just one year ago this month Vanessa and her four frozen siblings were brought out of cyropreservation.

Grandma Patty flew in last night from Vermont, anxious to see her little Sweetsie Pie for the first time since she was only 3 weeks old. She brought with her Auntie Anne, who admitted to me last week, "Vanessa is a gift to the whole family. It's like she belongs to all of us."

Her coworkers at the Connecticut oncology center have been following Vanessa's story for the past year, since Anne first started her job, and they insisted she take vacation to come visit.

Granny Ernie drove down from Santa Cruz first thing this morning with Nessa's eldest cousin, Krista. They are old pros with entertaining our wee infant daughter. Krista is Granny first grandchild and Vanny is her latest.

Daddio arrived at 1:30 AM from being away at Texas. Mama had been home alone with baby for four days and nights. It was so great to have a few more sets of arms around!

Today Auntie Anne held up Vanessa's Baby Einstein clock and she reached for it over and over (with her right paw). This is the first time she's grabbed for something! Granny grabbed Jack's baby book and noted Van is "way ahead" of him in terms of grabbing. You should have seen him grin at that.

Over brunch we thanked God for our little baby miracle and our good health, and remembered those who are not with us. We continue to marvel at God's decision to both keep me alive and grow us a tiny, healthy daughter.