prayers needed for lily!

About 6 months ago we asked our friends and family to keep our niece, Lily, in their thoughts and prayers as she prepared for heart surgery at just a few days old. Lily is now 6 months old and such a happy baby!

As planned, Lily's preparing for another battle in the surgery room. She will go in for her 2nd heart surgery on Thursday in Iowa City. It's an emotional and scary journey for everyone involved, but especially for Lily's parents, Jesi & Russ. I know they find strength in the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and complete strangers.

With Thursday approaching, we ask that you keep Lily, her family and the special Dr.'s in Iowa City in your thoughts and prayers.

Many Thanks & Hugs!
The Mihalakis Family

UPDATE: Lily has moved out of the Peds ICU and down to the General Peds floor. This is one step closer to home for her. Jesi said Lily is doing great, smiling and laughing - all while trying to eat her little toes!!! She's a fighter. Keep it up Lily.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It's really paying off.

splashing good time!

Emmy and Ellie had a blast spending Friday night together. Here are some fun pics from bath time. They thought splashing was just hilarious - watching the short video you just can't help but laugh.

Lily was snuggling with Jake during the girls' bath, but she will get to join the them next year! :)

aw, hugs!

settling in!

A week has passed and we're settling in to our new home! Emmy's adjusting really well to the new house and daycare, while Ruby loves the yard! She's only broken out of her electric fence twice! HA! [The dog fence guy came today to up the zap!]

These are some pictures of Emmy before her first day at the new school! I tried to get one of her with her backpack, but as you can see, she was feeling a little emotional about it all! :)

SOLD!

It's taken a little while to realize we won't be going home to Mark Dr. again. That house holds a lot of memories for Jake and I! In the time we've lived there we've gotten married, Ruby joined the family, then three years later we brought Emmy home from the hospital. It wasn't just a house, it was our home! We're also sad to leave the Colsch family - it was such a comfort to know we were in the same town as my sister and her family. Luckily we're only a short drive away and thank god for IM. :)

Now, our exciting new adventure starts and takes us back to our roots, Dubuque here we come! Jake and I are excited to create memories in our new house, having a big yard for Emmy and Ruby to play in, and we are really looking forward to being close to our families!

Thanks to everyone for all your help in making this transition go smoothly! Big Hugs - Mihalakis Family!

long weekend away!

Jake and I took a trip to Colorado a few weeks ago and loved the state. The people there were so friendly, the area is beautiful and there is so much fun stuff to do.

One of the nights we saw a band at Red Rocks, wow! It is so pretty there. We hope to make it back again soon.

does your family have a dog...

When I went to pick Emmy up from daycare I was asked, "Do you and your family have a dog?" I replied yes, wondering if it had something to do with Emmy saying Ruby's name. Oh no, it turns out after lunch her teachers have been finding little piles of food on the floor next to Emmy.

What home has, that daycare doesn't, Ruby!