The Day Avery got her Big cast taken off!

Wednesday, April 14

Avery letting her green balloon go for Adam

Avery's Welcome home party with her friend, Tatum

Avery has been home for 2 weeks now. She makes us proud every day. She is an amazing girl, and she has come so far in such a short time.
After she got her full cast off on April 2nd and into a walking cast, I think she was still having some pain in her ankle. She didn't want to walk on it and would say it hurts if she tried, and "I can't walk," or "I don't know how to walk".
On Sunday morning when she woke up, she said, "Mom, my leg doesn't hurt anymore! I can walk!" She climbed out of bed and I took her hands and she walked out into the living room. Since then, she has been able to walk as long as she has a hand to hold, and we have not used her wheelchair at all.
She is still shaky and wobbly at times, especially when she gets tired, but she is coming along very well. I have never been so proud of my little girl, she is the strongest girl I have ever known. I know she still has quite a bit of recovering to do, but she has gone way above and beyond what was expected of her already and I couldn't ask for more.
Love,
Mommy

Another big step!

Avery got her lovely purple cast off her leg yesterday, and now has a pink walking cast. Great news!

Friday

Gigi here.  I started back to work and have been neglecting the blog.  Gratefully Chelsea wrote to you and isn't she just beautiful.  Chelsea and Bobby threw a welcome home party for Avery last night.  It was just heartwarming to see their home filled with friends and family and to hear the little girls playing and laughing.  Ronnie was a light in the room and I think we wore him out!  Bobby and I agreed after the party that we are really blessed to have the support we've had, and that we all appreciate not only the children, but each other so much more.  Adam's loss and his life have touched so many people and taught us all so much.  So it was a beautiful celebration, and yet Adam's absence was with me.  Thoughts of him make me smile..always, but we are sure going to miss him. 

God is good, and carries me when I can't walk.  Thanks God.
Love,
Gigi

Avery is coming home!

Today is Avery's last day at the Children's Center. We have been so fortunate to have her here for her rehabilitation. The staff and all of her therapists, practitioners, and doctors have been wonderful and she has come so far in only a few weeks.

I feel so blessed to have her and to be able to bring her home. She is truly a miracle, and it has given me so much joy to watch her recover so quickly. I want to thank all of our wonderful family and friends for all your love, prayers, and support throughout this time. It has really helped me to get through the days knowing that so many people are thinking of us and Avery. You have all been amazing and I will be forever grateful.

Avery is getting back to her old self more and more every day. She is talking, laughing, and playing just like a 3 year old again. She is eating a full diet and has actually gained 5 lbs since she has started eating on her own again.

She is so excited to be going home again, and I think it will be good for her to get back and try to get in a regular routine, at least as much as possible. It is going to be hard for her when she realizes that her brother, Adam is not there, but we will be there to guide her, and want her to talk about him as much as she can.

I miss Adam more and more every day, and the longer he has been gone, the more it sinks in, and the more painful it gets. There has been a huge hole in our hearts and in our lives without him, but I know he is still here with us, watching over us all. I am so blessed to have been given the gift of being Adam's mommy. He was such an amazing boy. Adam has been my strength, Avery has given me hope, Ronald has given me joy, and little Freedom has given me health and something special to look forward to. My husband, Bobby has been so amazing to me and he has given me so much strength, love, and support, and we have helped each other to make it through this difficult time. I am so lucky to have such wonderful children, and such a great husband. They are the light of my life.

So, we are packed up and ready to move on to the next chapter life has to offer. I know Avery is going to keep getting better and better, and it will be wonderful to watch her grow and learn more every day.

Love,
Mommy

More Photos!

Avery Coloring at the Children's Center 3-24-10

 

The Princess at the Omniplex! 3-27-10

Monday

Well, things are progressing toward Avery being discharged from the Children's Center some time the first of next week.  She has a CAT scan today, and then an appointment with the Neurologist I believe on Tuesday.
Avery got to go the the Oklahoma Science Museum...whatever...I still call it the Omniplex.  She went with Aunt Corie and Chelsea and Bobby.  I hear they had a blast.  Avery tried to climb out of bed all by herself yesterday and Chelsea said she stood for a minute, but lost her balance with the cast on.  I'm so anxious for it to come off, and so is Avery.  She sais she's ready to walk.  (Another miracle...thank you!)  I should be really patient because God has given us so much blessing so fast...but it feels so good to see Avery become herself again.  I think we all really needed this little girl to cheer for, and I'm just so grateful that she is looking like she will make a full recovery. 

I have to say the hole inside me is deep and wide, that Adam left behind.  Some days it's bigger than others.  Please pray for Chelsea and Bobby and the children as they settle back into their own house next week.  There is so much healing ahead.  Gigi

The Healing Continues

This week has been a big one for our Princess Avery. She continues to exceed expectations with each passing day. She was able to take a "field trip" this week with Mom and Bobby. Ronald sure seemed happy to have his sister around again, if only for a couple of hours.

She continues to receive a steady stream of visitors, all of whom are greeted with a big toothless grin. We are seeing more and more of her true personality.

Today was a big day. The feeding tube was removed! For those of you who don't know, this tube has been very bothersome to her. We are all very glad to see it go. Removing the tube, along with removing the cast on her leg March 30, means just one more week in the facility! She gets to say "goodbye rehab" and "hello home"! She is currently scheduled for release on April 2 - Good Friday. I have trouble believing this is a coincidence.

We appreciate all the prayers God has been receiving on her behalf. Please continue so we can keep her fantastic recovery on track.

Avery Update Monday

It's a sleepy Monday for this Gigi.  I spent the night with Miss Avery last night and she is following the family tradition of being a nightowl!  We watched Scamper the Penguin (which she picked out) and even I was ready to crash before she was.  So...we talked.  Avery is talking a lot more now.  Everything is about the same except she eats more, talks more and faster and she's getting onrier by the day.  Nothing has changed with her eating habits..she still chews each bite in slow motion and chews a good 30 times for each bite!  Chelsea and I worked together to get lunch down and I've never appreciated pudding so much in my life!  
Oh well, don't confuse this with complaining because everything Avery does these days is a miracle. 

Again, thank you everyone for your prayers.  Our little Avery is resembling the Avery we all know and love more each day.  The doctor says no more feeding tube at night, and we look forward to the day they take that thing out.  And her cast should be taken off in about 2 weeks and then Avery may be able to come home a week after that.  Can you believe it? 

Chelsea said they are going to talk to her a little bit about Adam today.  That's going to be really hard, but they are just going to move slowly.  We think she shows a little sadness when his name is mentioned, so who knows how much she understands about his absence.  Lots of hard steps have been taken so far and lots still to come, but God continues to lead us and bless us.

Pictures from Sunday

Pictures from Saturday

Avery and little brother Ronald.


Uncle Jeff and Avery.

The Voice of an Angel!

Yesterday was an amazing day!  Avery spoke finally, several times! And she successfully completed her swallow test, so this morning for the first time she feasted on pancakes and eggs and is going to get a lunch tray also, since she did so well with breakfast!  So many prayers were answered in one day.  My lesson lately has been that because of man's choices, trajedy happens in our lives, but because of God's goodness and mercy, he displays his love for us in these heartbreaking times by the miracle of recovery, and by carrying us (me) through to a place where we can smile and celebrate in spite of the sadness. 

And it was all smiles around Avery's bed when the speech therapist asked Avery her name and she used her voice, to slowly say Avery!  Then she proceeded to send me flying by saying Gigi four times in all.  She is still slow in her speech and some of it we can't understand, but it's her sweet little voice that we haven't heard in such a long time, and she just smiles so big when she talks.  Yesterday we saw some of the old personality we all love, and she was onry and laughing.  She even said "I love you", to her Mommy and Aunt Corie.

Aunt Michelle is back from West Virginia and came on the right day to see so many miracles.  We're so happy she's home for a few days. 

We have a lot of rehabilitation yet ahead, but these milestones are so uplifting.  Mommy is feeling the "tired" now that it is evident that Avery will keep improving, so anyone who has a couple of hours to spare might contact her or Bobby.  I think maybe she will rest now a little.  She and Bobby have been amazing to all of us since the accident.  Chelsea is gentle and quiet, but she sure is leading our whole family.  I'm so proud she's my daughter. 

I'm off to the hospital.  Sorry, to those of you who received the text I sent at 12:30 am...I was excited.
Gigi

Whatever day it is....

Evidently I thought yesterday was Thursday...I think actually tomorrow is, but that's the way it's
been lately.  I'm a little confused!  It was a wonderful day today.  The bad guy is back behind bars proving
that the people's voice really does matter sometimes.  We're so happy about that.

Avery was really fun today.  Lots of giggles and smiles.  She played with green foam in therapy and still had
green hands when I arrived.  Her Aunt Corie and Uncle Jeff and Collin had her laughing and she mimicked a funny noise that Corie was making which made our day!  I just know God will heal her little voice.  Chelsea and Bobby took Avery to an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon today and she got a new purple cast.
Three more weeks of that bothersome thing.  But it's healing as it should so that's great.  Tomorrow she has a swallowing test and we need your prayers for a good result.  Avery still has a feeding tube down her nose but hopefully she will be able to swallow and can remove that because Grandma LaPrima and I are ready to
provide a steady string of ice cream treats! 

When I left the Children's Center little angel was snuggled in her mommy's lap and looking very content.
God bless them both.
Gigi

Thursday

Today Avery will travel to an orthopedic surgery appt to check the status of the healing in her ankle.  When I was there yesterday evening she was exhausted from a full day of physical and other types of therapy.  The good news today is that the man that did this is on his way back to jail...if he hasn't already run off...where he belongs.  Thank you so much to anyone who called their government official, the news, whoever you might have appealed to to get this man back in jail.  Hopefully it has worked, which is right and just.  I know lots of people have spoken up!   I don't know WHAT that judge Hall, I believe is his name, was thinking, but maybe justice will prevail after all.  As for the lesser charge, I understand and that's fine...as long as he doesn't have a chance for parole in a couple of years because of it. 

Anyway, our mission is to concentrate on Avery and celebrate each milestone she passes.  If you're a praying person, please pray for her speach and swallowing ability.  I'm so grateful for the healing that has taken place, and can only trust in God for the continued healing. 

Have a good day...
Gigi

A few photos...

Adam at the OKC Zoo

Avery doing some physical therapy (Today - Tuesday, March 16th 2010)

Avery and Adam (Fall 2009)

Monday

Hello All, Bobby here Avery's Dad #2. Had a little down time and thought I would post a bit for today.

Avery picked out her dress this morning (which she did for the first time yesterday morning). She also picked out which movie she wanted to watch. She started clapping this morning and has not stopped all day except the occasional cat naps. Her waving is geting a lot better; but Chelsea and I say it's like the miss america wave now. We also have seen her nod her head yes and no. She read an interactive princess book and was able to make choices for the princess (in the book).

The Princess Avery also had a busy day in the gym working out those muscles.


After that she cooled down with a few laps around the facility; waved hello and brought great smiles a long the way.
Napping now...then GiGi time.

Saturday

It's Gigi again updating on the status of Avery girl. Sorry it's been a couple of days....I spent the night last night with Avery at her new facility. Every day we see a little brighter light in her eyes. She is smiling and laughing more often and her hands are moving more and faster than before. Avery's weak from her injury and from laying in bed for 2 weeks, but is growing in strength with her new therapies she is undergoing. The nurses, therapists, and doctors at The Children's Center are wonderful and excited to bring Avery back to her little happy bouncy self once again. My girlfriends came to visit from "back home"...Connie and Lori and they said we need some new pictures of Avery, because they feel much better after seeing her today. Connie especially cracked her up! So, I'll get one of the kids to upload some new pics, because she is looking much more like herself.

Avery's not speaking yet, and I can't wait to hear her little voice, but for now her smile lights up my days and that laughter....well you know.....:} Love, Gigi

We've moved!

Great news! Avery has been transferred to Bethany Children's Center for rehabilitation. These people are wonderful! We no more got her in her new room than the doctors started coming in with positive words and seemingly excited to get started. OU Childrens Hospital saved our little girl's life, and hopefully the Children's Center will now restore her to the little Avery we hope to see again.

Avery started her recovery this morning and rewarded us with a big smile and laughter. A LOT, according to Mom. What a miracle. She's not talking yet, but we're patient and know it won't be long until we hear her sweet voice again.

My wonderful Southwest Airlines family had a benefit yesterday and raised funds to help me along so I can afford to stay with Avery for a while. They are just beautiful people and great friends....you know who you all are. God Bless You! I love you all. What a godsend this job has been in my life.

Keep praying friends and family. God is at work as we speak.
GIGI

Tuesday

Just a quick post this morning because I am babysitting baby Ronnie, he's sitting on my lap and trying to type with his feet! Avery seems to be getting more animated every day. She is moving her arms an head around and trying to reach for objects. Chelsea called just now and said she is seeing a hint of a smile today. The Children's Center came yesterday and they are ready for Avery to move there today or tomorrow. We're excited for that move because they will do more rehablitaton. She hasn't talked yet but there is a visible difference each day...so keep praying!

I told Uncle Jeff we need more pictures on the blog...so stay tuned!

Sunday has been a long but another blessed day. A group of Oklahoma City musicians hosted a benefit for Avery and Adam at the OKC Farmers Market. I will never forget my new friend...I believe her name was Ciara, she looked to be about Adam's age and she was shy about getting on the dance floor but wanted to dance so badly. So Ciara and I enjoyed 4 dances, (quite a challenge for this Grandma who posesses very little rythum). Her little smile lit me up, just like Adams and Avery's does. It felt like he sent her to me to remind me to dance and smile. Thank you to Brandy and Bobby who hosted the benefit. And to Russell and his family,our new friends, and of course to the musicians, you were wonderful.

Avery was really sleepy today but slept in both her Mommy, Daddy and Dad Bobby's arms. Can you imagine the comfort that must give her, and them? She is dressed in her new princess dress and jewels and looks beautiful.

Have a good night friends and family. We love you and keep the prayers coming. We love you...Gigi

Avery is out of the ICU!!!

I think today is Saturday????

Who knows what day it is? I can't keep track. We walked into the hospital with Bobby and Chelsea last night and Avery had her big blue eyes wide open, which had been happening, but when I walked to her side she followed me with her eyes and looked into mine! It was the most beautiful thing, having her look into my eyes. We have several pictures of her looking at her Mommy and she showed emotion when Chelsea left her side. Bobby and Corie talked to her and she listened to every word, sometimes trying to make a sound. Chelsea wiped a tear away and read her a bedtime book and stayed with Avery until she was sleeping. Eric came in then and I got to stand with him as well while he looked into his daughter's eyes and comforted her. He said he's been reading to her nightly from the bible and he sleeps in her room beside her bed every night. The precious nurses say we're not out of the woods yet, but she's improving.

This morning, Chelsea said it's time to go buy a princess dress and a locket for Chelsea to wear with Adam's picture. Chelsea will get to hold Avery today and they are going to move her out of ICU. God is answering our prayers and out of all of the heartbreak the miracles are overwhelming, and plentiful. Please friends, keep praying. God hears you!

With love,
Gigi

Hello friends and family. This is Darbi, Adams and Avery's Gigi. Words just can't describe the beauty of yesterday's service for Adam and the overwhelming love my family felt from each person who shared it with us, and from the community. I will never forget it, and the poise and grace exhibited by Chelsea, Bobby, and Eric in standing before the service and sharing their heartache and hopes with us all. I am proud to know and love each of them. As this has been such a heartbreaking time for us all, there have been many miracles and answered prayers as well.

This morning Chelsea said Avery was awake all morning. She doesn't really focus her eyes yet, but opens them and opened her little mouth and squeezed her Mommy's hand and the nurses hand as well. She had an MRI done yesterday and the results were happy ones. There is no spinal cord damage or neck damage! They were able to take that bothersome, but protective neck brace off. When I arrived at the hospital after the service yesterday my little angel grandbaby was laying there with pigtail adorned with red ribbons courtesy of the nurses, and a beautiful ring of silk flowers on her head. The day before Chelsea had placed Avery's tiara on her head that is shown here in her picture. What a beautiful Mommy.

So after some much needed sleep, and sadly sending my amazing family off on planes and by car, I am anxious to finally get to Avery's side and pray, and watch God work his miracles. Words can't express how grateful we are for you all, who are holding us up. The world truly is a beautiful place you know....

We love you.
Avery's Family

After extremely long days and nights filled with grief and tears, we finally got some good news today. Avery is being moved out of pediatric ICU and into a regular room. Her surgery last night went as smooth as possible and she is improving by the hour. The swelling in her cheeks and eyes has gone down and she has stayed stable. She hasn't awakened yet but she is rustling around alot. She will eventually be moved to The Children's Center Hospital in Bethany for her rehabilitation. This morning the doctor said that if there was a room available, he would release her as soon as tomorrow but we may have to wait a few days or more for a room.

As for the family, we are in the process of moving out of our temporary commune (the waiting room outside of PICU). We will probably need a uhaul because of all of the food and drinks and things that have been brought to us. Everyone has been so amazing and we really feel blessed to have so many people that care.

Also, there is going to be a benefit concert on Sunday at the downtown farmer's market. It will last from 12-8pm and admission is $5. All of the proceeds will go to Adam and Avery's fund.

We will keep you updated as often as possible.

Monday Monday

Today has been a day full of blessings and heartache. Funeral plans were made, relationships were mended, and people got a little bit of sleep. At around 6 o'clock today, we received a call that Avery had an aneurysm and the rollercoaster went down. An hour later, it climbed back up when we heard the surgery went well. Chelsea's a little more animated at times. KEEP PRAYING

Love,
us.

We finalized the trust for Adam and Avery. If you feel compelled to make a donation, you can make checks payable to Avery Stutts, Chelsea Stutts, or Adam & Avery Stutts Memorial Support Trust. You can make contributions at any Midfirst Bank location. If you have any questions, you can call 1-888-MIDFIRST.

Adam Daniel's memorial service will be thursday at 2:00 PM

Ford Funeral Home

305 South Sooner Road

Midwest City, OK

Adam and Avery's Story

We so appreciate all the love and phone calls regarding Avery's condition. Someone came up with this blog idea to keep you all informed. As you know, Avery and Adam were in a car wreck and our precious Adam went to see Jesus as he told us he would. Avery is in the ICU at OU Children's Hospital with minor fractures in her ankle and two areas of bleeding in her brain. She's mostly unresponsive and very comfortable surrounded by all the people who love her. The last neurology report was this morning and the neurologists said she was the picture of a child who was going to get better, not worse. Chelsea's heart is broken, but we all concur that she's the bravest, most beautiful woman we've seen in a long time. The occasions when Chelsea giggles are a true gift. Chelsea's husband, Bobby Kessler, has taken on the respectful role of never leaving his wife's side. She is currently 6 months pregnant with their second child together, which motivates her to eat properly and get as much rest as possible. Avery's father, Erik Stutts, is struggling with things no father should have seen, but is hanging on. Currently the waiting room is packed with family living on too little sleep and more than enough food and coffee to keep us going.

Our favorite story of this horrible time, which gives us unbelievable comfort, is Adam's last conversation with his dad. He was discussing the topic of God, and told Erik not to be sad, that he was going to heaven before daddy. He had apparently been talking about God and Heaven over the last couple of months. He told us he knew God existed because He talked to Adam. It's comforting to know that God took such special interest in Adam and used him to give us comfort when we didn't even know we would need it.

An account has been opened at Midfirst Bank to accept donations on Avery's behalf. The family is without health insurance, and the hospital bills will likely be astronomical. You can go to any Midfirst bank and deposit money in the name of Avery Stutts. But more than that, we covet your prayers of complete healing for our little girl. Thank you so much for the help we have already received; your contributions have not gone unnoticed.

We will try to update the blog everyday and respond to any comments that we receive. Once again, we can not thank you enough for the overwhelming amount of love and support during this trying time.