Gwendolyn is still having a tough time. She hasn't bounced back the way she usually does after antibiotics and we are feeling a bit on edge (well, we are always on edge, but more so). We are having more tests done to try to get to the bottom of it all, but she just isn't her go, go, go self. So we have been spending more time at home, watching more movies, reading more books, and taking it easy. And somehow you all knew this because packages have been arriving — the kind of packages that delight and thrill an almost-four-year-old. And we can't believe how amazing you all are.
Remember when I foolishly promised Gwendolyn Wizard of Oz pajamas before searching to no avail? Well, one of these very, very special gifts is a Wizard of Oz nightgown from my cousin, Margaret. Margaret was one of the very first people to email me about sewing Gwendolyn a special nightgown. In fact, she'd already found fabric, a pattern, and created plans by the time Gwendolyn and I were just settling into our mid-day activities. And Margaret did not disappoint.
My cousin Margaret was the only person in my family — heck only person we knew (aside from those in the medical field) — who knew what SMA was when Gwendolyn was first diagnosed. And she'd not only vaguely heard of it, she knew full well what Gwendolyn was facing because she'd been making quilts for SMA babies for years. Long before Gwendolyn was even on the horizon (and on the opposite side of the country), Margaret started volunteering for a wonderful organization called Coles's Quilts cross-stitching special blankets specifically for children with SMA. Crazy, right? Those six degree situations always blow my mind. Needless to say Margaret helped cross-stitch Gwendolyn a beautiful quilt and she has now made her a super special nightgown.
When we opened Margaret's gift Gwendolyn's eyes got big. And as each item continued to be revealed her excitement squeals grew. The package included a nightgown that could easily be worn our as a dress, a matching dress for Dollie, another matching dress for another doll, a reversible blanket, and a purse in coordinating fabric because, well, one must accessorize 
Ruby Slippers (that are absolutely perfect for a child who wears AFOs)and Toto…in a basket…of course! And a really kind complete stranger sent Gwendolyn some WOZ puzzles and goodies. Yep, it is becoming Emerald City around our house lately and Gwendolyn couldn't be happier.
We truly, truly cannot express how much your kindness and generosity means to us.