August 30, 2007
Hello Family and Friends!

It’s time for one of those updates from the Cornish family again! We are doing well, enjoying what God has done for us and looking forward to the adventures He is starting us on.

A quick update on each of us… Brianna is starting to get big! She is over 17 lbs, has 5 teeth now and is working on her other top front tooth at the moment. She is ‘butt scooting’ all over the place and can get there just about as fast as we walk! She gave us quite the scare here recently by abruptly changing her sleeping patterns, but we hope to chalk it up to this new tooth coming through. Yeah for teeth instead of scary stuff J. She will be getting orthodics called Sure Steps (www.surestep.net) in about 2 weeks and they should help her with stability when standing. We hope this will help get her walking, but it’s all in her timing. She is doing wonderfully and is quite the entertainer. She signs a lot and is talking some too. Such a people-person! I am amazed at how many people have met her and interacted with her and openly admitted to changing their perception of what Down syndrome is. She is quite the little miracle and we are so proud of her! Brianna is getting occupational and speech therapy once a week for 30 min each at the moment and we will be adding physical therapy back in soon. She also just began going to Kid’s Adventure Days one morning a week at the church and spends half her time in the ‘non-walkers’ room and half her time in the ‘walkers’ room. We couldn’t see her going to the gym with Kristopher’s class and surviving!

Kristopher is excited to be back at ‘school’ and is going 2 days a week. He loves his teachers (both friends of mine!) and although they’ve only been back for 2 weeks he is already asking for his little girlfriend from last year to come over to play. This year there is a new one too though J. He is doing great learning his letters and numbers and a few months ago was very proud to master 24 piece jigsaw puzzles by himself. Kristopher really enjoys being in the pool and is now jumping in off the steps and swimming with wings on. He definitely tests the boundaries around the house but lately has been getting or losing tokens based on his actions during the day. He can earn stickers for his chart if he has enough tokens, and then gets to have a prize each time his sticker chart is filled. Sounds confusing, but he gets it and it works J. At least most of the time!

Michael just began his master’s work at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU) Orlando campus. He’ll take one class at a time for 8 weeks each, which is two per semester. Two full years and he will be done! He also is in full swing in his new job at Park Avenue doing the network administration. School is back in session and he has been providing a lot of tech support for the teachers and their new Macs.

I have taken on another new adventure watching a friend’s baby during the day. Annabelle is 5 months old and joins us every day from 7-4. She goes to KAD two days a week (same program as Kristopher and Brianna). I am tutoring a few home school kids during the day that all three kiddos are at KAD and also have two kids that come one day a week after Annabelle leaves. So I think that my passport application under “occupation” should say “professional Mom,” and that for “employer” I should list Kristopher and Brianna!

Yes, you read passport correctly. We are at the beginning of a new journey, one that we've been speaking of in hushed tones for many years but didn't have the call to go for until now. In about 7-12 months we will welcome the newest Cornish- a little 5 yr old girl! We are doing an international adoption to bring home this little angel with Down syndrome. A few weeks ago we began the search to find the child God was directing us to, and this is where he has brought us. We found her through www.reecesrainbow.com which is a wonderful site that is providing literally a lifesaving ministry for the children across the globe. If you have a moment to look, please go and see the faces of the children who are in orphanages and looking for a forever home. Our little one is not able to be listed but we are closing our eyes and jumping, knowing that God will catch us before we fall and help us to FLY!

We have seen pictures, read a short profile, and e-mailed with a woman that is overseas adopting a child from the same orphanage right now! She has told us that the child we’re adopting is likely potty trained, sits with the other kids (all ‘typical’ kids) and does the activities they are doing. She follows directions although she pouts as she obeys J, and she is affectionate- looking for hugs and to be held. We are looking forward to holding her ourselves and giving her those much needed hugs! Please pray for us and our little girl that is waiting!

Our last big project is the sale of our previous home. We have been over there several days a week cleaning (how does a house get dirty with no one living in it?) and doing some improvements both large and small. We ask for you to join our prayers for a quick sale of this house. We are trusting that God is going to orchestrate this since the finances we need to get our little girl are currently tied up in the maintenance of that house. If you or anyone you know may be interested you can view the house at www.zillow.com, the address is 2240 Kansas Street, 32780.

God has shown Himself so much lately and blessed us beyond our dreams. If you’d like to follow our family on this adoption journey you can find regular updates on www.mcornish.org under family updates. You can also view our Reece’s Rainbow profile at www.reecesrainbow.com/sponsorcornish.htm

Sincerely,
Meredith Cornish

June 20, 2007
Is it really the middle of June already?? This past month has flown by! The weekend after Meredith’s parents moved in to their new house, we moved to our new home as well. We spent Thursday and Friday painting, then Saturday and Sunday moving everything over. We had just one very short week to find our necessities, then Summer CHAOS started at the church. Two weeks of CHAOS, and now we’re really getting a chance to start unpacking.

Brianna has pushed past her ‘hump’ with physical development a bit. She has learned to transition from belly to sitting and back to belly. She is also standing a bit better and will be getting “Sure Steps” to help her get some better stability through her ankles. They are orthodics that will go from midway down the bottom of the foot up to just above her ankle. Brianna also has two new TEETH! We waited what felt like forever, but she got her first tooth on May 25 th, and her second came through on June 15 th. She also has learned some new words. She says ‘out’, ‘no’, and her new favorite word ‘mama’. Although it’s nice to have a name, it was fun when she only knew how to ask for ‘dada’! She’s also learned the sign for ‘thank you’, and uses it interchangeably with blowing kisses (another new thing!). Along with that came making ‘Indian noises’ with her hand on her mouth. It’s always something new, and we’re all enjoying how she is growing! She weighed in still in the 16+ range, not quite to 17 lbs yet.

Kristopher is loving the new house and the freedoms it’s given him. He can play in the porch or family room, and also has his own room to play. He’s mastered his V-Smile and loves the Barney game and a game that uses a ‘dance pad’ for jump roping and jumping on a trampoline. He’s really enjoying it. Although Kristopher loves the pool, he is very hesitant about not being the one in control. We’re working with him to get him out in the water (and off the step!). He is also really enjoying his new play set outside. A family from church gave him their slide/swing set and he immediately heads over there every chance he gets outside. He’s also enjoying the dogs a lot more since he can observe them from his ‘fort’ on the play set and isn’t at their mercy with licks and tail wagging.

Mike spent a lot of his free time the first 3 weeks in the house putting up a fence for the dogs and kids. He finally completed it on Father’s day at about 10 at night. We had a lot of help from his Dad, Meredith’s Dad, and even David, Meredith’s brother. The fenced area includes the play-set, shed, two areas to run, and a wooded area that the dogs are really enjoying. If moving and putting up the fence weren’t enough, Mike also finished his application process and was accepted in to Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Organizational Leadership Master’s Program! He is excited and will begin classes in August on Monday nights. I guess we won’t be making any Monday night plans for the next 2 years, but it will be worth it! Mike also taught a 5-7 th grade Archery class at Summer CHAOS. It was a 45 minute class that met for 9 days. The kids all enjoyed it, as did Michael.

Meredith has been consumed by CHAOS the last few weeks, but it has been an overall good experience. Not without its trials, but worthwhile for sure. This year 240 students and 130 adults made up the CHAOS team, and with the staff nursery included, the participants hit 400 this year! On the 15 th Meredith had the directors of CHAOS over for a barbecue and some time to hang out in the pool. It was a lot of fun and some much needed relaxation for everyone. This week she planned to jump back in to tutoring and unpacking, but ended up sick instead. I guess that was God’s way of getting her to slow down for a few days.

Tonight Meredith’s sister is coming in from Minnesota for a week, and Monday is Mike’s 26 th birthday. We’re looking forward to family get-together for his birthday and slowing down into the remainder of the summer. All the big projects for the move and CHAOS are complete- now it’s time to RELAX!

May 16, 2007
Things are going well! Both the kids are healthy and happy, and Mike and I are doing well also.

Kristopher’s KAD (Mom’s morning out) ended last week for the summer. He really enjoyed his class and his teachers, especially his buddies Jackson and Seth, and his little friend Isabella. We will try for some play dates this summer with them. The kids all put on a final program for the parents and sang and did hand motions for us. It was too cute! The next night Kristopher took a bad fall at the softball fields on concrete. He skinned up his face pretty bad as well as the back of one hand and one knee. He was most worried about the barely scraped knee, although we were more worried about the blood running down his face! Good thing we don’t have many mirrors around here!

Brianna is talking and babbling a lot. She is learning new signs and sounds. Unfortunately she’s hit a bit of a lull with gross motor development, and isn’t tolerating physical therapy either. We have worked out with the PT to come and show us what the next step is to work on with her once a month. We are also trying to make it over to the pool a few times a week to get her exercising (and Kristopher too!) and we are learning new things to do in the water to work specific muscles that will help get her moving. She has conquered self-feeding with her hands this month and can now navigate carpet fuzz to her mouth without fail!

Michael is still in the application process for school in August, but he has decided on Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Orlando campus’ Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He is really looking forward to it and it sounds like a great match for his career goals. He also has just received a ‘promotion’ of sorts at work. He is now the Network and Communications Administrator. The previous Network Administrator is leaving so this is a neat opportunity for Michael. He is also just finishing out the church softball season. He has played almost every year since he was in high school and really enjoys it. He also has been volunteering with the Jr. High youth group on Wednesday nights and tonight was his last night there. He will have some free evenings coming up soon, and we’re all looking forward to that!

Meredith has finished teaching her geometry class with high school students. She is continuing to tutor a few elementary and junior high school students throughout the summer and will probably teach a class or two in the fall again. She has been working a lot with Brianna on therapy and working with Kristopher on preschool type activities. Being home has been a real treat for her since she enjoys being with the kids and having the ability to work from home some. Meredith has also been spending a lot of time getting this year’s Summer CHAOS ready. She is part of a team of seven directors that run the day camp for about 240 students the first two weeks of June. In addition, she’s been packing and planning for our move over to her parents’ house.

A few months back Meredith’s parents mentioned that they’d like to ‘downsize’ and asked if we would be interested in renting or leasing or purchasing their home. After MANY discussions and a trip to the financial advisors, the real-estate lawyer, and lastly Meredith’s sister- Elizabeth for advice, it was decided that we would ‘buy’ the house from them. We will be giving them a down payment from the sale of our house and they will then hold the remainder of the mortgage for us. This is a huge opportunity for us in terms of finances, space, and facilities since we will have the pool for Brianna to do therapy. We cannot thank Meredith’s parents enough for this wonderful blessing that they are giving us!

Meredith’s parents will be closing on their new home this week. They have purchased a three bed, two bath, home with an office and beautiful yard. It has a 3-car garage that will house her dad’s workshop in the single car area. The yard has a trellis over a back deck with a flowering vine covering it and a gazebo with built-in glider in the back. We believe they will be very happy and build some wonderful memories there!

We are all looking forward to what the summer will bring and the family time that we will be able to spend together in the next few months.

April 21, 2007
We are doing well! A few little bumps in the road and a few new adventures.

On 4/9 Brianna had tubes put in her ears. She failed several different hearing tests and the ENT decided that this was the best course of action. She also finished her RSV shots on 4/6, so no more monthly jabs! Unfortunately, because the tubes were going in so soon, she didn't get her 15 month shots, so one more visit with jabs for those in May. Brianna has begun to bear weight on her legs with support through her hips. This is the first step to standing!! She also can transition from 4-point (hands and knees) to sitting. This is great, however she can't get into 4-point on her own, or into sitting from laying yet. She's got the middle step though! She's a box of giggles and is doing really well.

Kristopher had a Luau with Meredith at his nursery school class and they both had a fun time. He is learning new songs so quickly and memorizes things pretty well! Kristopher and Mike have a morning chat while Mike showers every morning and Mike has begun telling Kristopher addition facts. When we walked in to the house on Thursday after his school, Kristopher turned around and told Meredith "Mommy, 4+4=8!" Boy was that a surprise! He loves to play outside and is enjoying this 'summery' weather. He's letting Brianna share his sand box now and is really playing well with her. He is such a great helper, loves to be in the kitchen with Meredith or out in the yard with Michael. At Easter time we purchased a Veggie Tales Bible Storybook for him and we are halfway through it reading one story each night. He's beginning to memorize scripture and apply it to his life as well. We are enjoying seeing him learn and grow.

Meredith is winding down with her homeschool class- 3 classes to go! She has really enjoyed teaching this year and is looking forward to starting back up in the fall. She will continue with a few tutoring students, and take on a few new ones as well, over the summer. Meredith is also in high gear getting ready for this summer's CHAOS. CHAOS is a day-camp which encompasses the traditional VBS and includes electives of the students' choosing as well as a fine-arts aspect. Students that participate will put on a final production. This all happens in early June.

Michael recently applied to begin his Master's work at Palm Beach Atlantic University's Orlando campus. He will be starting a 2 year cohort program in Organizational Leadership. Mike is really looking forward to getting this going in August. He also is transitioning job responsibilities at Park Avenue. The current network administrator is moving north, so Mike will be taking on some of his responsibilities and letting go of some of his others. He will now be the Communications and Network Administrator.

Lastly, we have put our house on the market and are planning a local move. Meredith's parents are looking to downsize within Titusville and we will be purchasing their house. They have made an 'offer we couldn't refuse' which will allow us to live in and own their house without having bills skyrocket. The house with an office will be perfect timing since Mike is starting back to school, the pool will be a great therapy tool for Brianna (and exercise for the rest of us!) and the house is a nice layout to have groups from church over and be able to provide childcare at the house. We are completely blessed by this opportunity!

February 25th, 2007
The last few weeks have been a busy time. Michael's grandfather passed away on Jan 21st. On the 22nd he headed north to New Jersey for time with his family and for funeral services. Meredith's birthday was the 22nd, and she turned 25. Mike arrived home on the evening of the 29th, and Meredith and Brianna left for a trip to Minnesota with her sister, Elizabeth, on the morning of the 31st.

The trip began with a flat tire before leaving town, but after that there were no further problems. They met up with Meredith's friends Becca and Jeff in northern Georgia the first night for dinner then continued on to Tennessee. That night they had snow! It was very pretty, about 2 inches of powder. That day it snowed on and off all day. The evening was spent with their cousins, George and Mindy and their daughter Maddie in Chicago. The next day they arrived in Minneapolis/St. Paul area around 3pm and Elizabeth signed the lease for her new apartment. Over the next two days they explored the town and even ventured out to the winter carnival in -30 (or lower) temperatures. They found out about the wind advisories AFTER Meredith was home on Sunday.

Mike and Kristopher had a nice time the first few days that the girls were away, but on Friday night Kristopher ended up with the flu. Mike survived 3 days of this with Kristopher, and ended up having it himself on Sunday.
When Meredith came home that night and doused the house in Lysol, she was hoping to avoid the inevitable, yet Tuesday night brought Meredith's sickness as well. Brianna did escape the flu, though, which was a blessing in and of itself.

During this time and the few weeks after, Brianna made leaps and bounds in both physical skills and communication skills! She began to bear weight on her legs (with support), she began signing 'all done', 'more', and occasionally will do 'dog'. She learned the word 'cat' (sounds like 'at') on the trip to Minnesota while traveling with Elizabeth's cat. She just started saying 'dog' (sounds like 'doe') in the last few days. She also is shaking her head yes and no while eating, and has started on some table foods- even without any teeth!

Kristopher's 3rd birthday was February 24th, and we celebrated with a small family party in the morning. He likes the characters from Cars, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Spider Man right now, and got several gifts with those characters. He loves his new shelves that have bins to sort his toys, and has figured out how to use the 'dance pad' for the V-smile really quickly!

After his party there was a family outing that was spent going to animal shelters ("doggie stores") to look for a companion for Buttermilk- another family dog. Kristopher's favorite part of the day was finding a sweet 7 month old puppy that is a female lab mix. She is about Buttermilk's size right now, so she will soon be bigger. She is also very close in coloring to Buttermilk. At the moment she is being called "Chance".

The new dog gets along surprisingly well with Buttermilk! They met each other and neither barked or growled. Buttermilk has been giving warning barks or growls occasionally, but they've been very good together and with the kids. Chance needs some more training, but is already housebroken and does not bark much. She is a little jumpy but seems very quick to learn. She has already responded to the idea that she isn't allowed in the kitchen and is doing really well adapting to the house.

For the next few months things will slow down some as a bit of normalcy returns to the house. Brianna saw the opthalmologist and was cleared for 3 years, but will see the ENT, and geneticist in the next few months. Kristopher and Brianna will both see the pediatrician as well. Meredith will continue her tutoring and homeschool class until May, Kristopher's KAD is on the same schedule, and Brianna's therapies continue year-round. This early spring is bringing everyone outside more, and the outlook for March is looking beautiful!

January 8th, 2007
We ask for your prayers for "Pap Pap"(Mike's grandfather, Cecil senior), who was diagnosed with malignant lung cancer in mid-December. It has already spread to several other areas and is is receiving radiation treatments to help contain it and help with pain management. Cecil (Mike's Dad) is with him in New Jersey and has been up there since the diagnosis.

We miss having Grandpa around, but we did have a nice Christmas and New Year's. We spent Christmas Eve with Mike's Mom, Christmas morning at the house, and in the afternoon we visited with Meredith's family. Kristopher's big gifts included the Thomas Take Along set of trains and tracks, the V-Smile video game system, an 'indoor' tent, and a baseball tee. Lots of different types of activities and he is enjoying them all. Our 85 degree January has made playing outside pretty easy, and getting out of the sun a necessity in the afternoons. Brianna got a fisher price train that sings and moves along with big animals that go inside, a radio with big buttons that she can press easily, and several other toys that will help with fine motor skills that she's working to develop.

Brianna turned 1 on the 3rd and we celebrated twice- once with aunts and uncles, and once with grandparents and a few friends. Brianna enjoyed digging in with her cake, and fed herself amazingly well! I guess we should put a whole cake in front of her more often to get her to self feed! She has been off of tube feedings for a few months now, and for the first time has gained some weight. YEAH!! She is 15lbs, 3oz. So tiny for a year old, but almost triple her birth weight (5 lbs, 2oz).

Kristopher's "3 yr old" tendancies are kicking in! He is talking up a storm, has been potty trained for well over 6 months, and is asserting himself even more now. He is learning that the choices he makes every day have consequences, and how to make good choices with positive consequences. In spite of this time of difficult learning, he is so sweet and gentle! He adores Brianna, and is a huge help both with her and around the house.

Buttermilk rejoined our house after a 6 month stay at Mike's parents' house. We are sorry that their dog, Shadow, passed away a few months ago. With Cecil in New Jersey, we all decided Buttermilk should return home again. She is enjoying the kids, although we're transitioning with her listening as well. Brianna LOVES having the dog come give her kisses. They are both very gentle with one another!

Brianna will see a new GI doctor next week. At her last cardiologist appointment in December the doctor said she will see Brianna in 6-8 months. YEAH! She will see the geneticist again soon, as well as an ENT (Ear Nose Throat) doctor for a check up and she will have a vision check up as well. We expect to see those specialists for the first time in February.

Mike and I are doing well and enjoying the kids and one another. It's been nice to have some time together while Mike took vacation over the holidays. We are settling back into routines and ready to get the schedule back in order.

November 28th - Family letter
In January of 2006 we welcomed our daughter, Brianna Elizabeth on the 3rd, weighing in at 5 lbs, 2 oz. Although she was tiny, everything else checked out wonderfully, and she and I were released early from the hospital. After 5 weeks of very little growth, we tested for a chromosomal defect and received the results in early March that Brianna has Down Syndrome. Although this came as a surprise, we were much more concerned with the health risks that accompanied it. She also had a very large and complex heart defect that was diagnosed the very next day. We knew at that point that she would need open heart surgery in the very near future.

February brought Kristopher’s 2nd birthday and a lot of fun attention on the big brother of the family. He has taken to Brianna so well and loves on her SO much (sometimes too much..).

In March another adventure entered our lives as we digested the information about Brianna and continued to adjust to having two children. Meredith’s ‘nephew’ Elijah moved in on March 3rd and began a 5 week stay as his mother had her second child. Elijah was 15 months, which brought our household to 3 kids from 2 mos-24mos, and some very long and busy days!

April showers bring May flowers, and our household settled down by the beginning of May. Just in time for Brianna’s heart surgery the first week of June. It was done at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg on June 7th. The entire surgery, lengthened hospital stay, and eventual feeding tube placement were a continual testimony of God’s provision and strength. People often say “I couldn’t have done it”, and I’m sure those words have come from us just as often. But somehow in the midst of it, you DO, and God is the only explanation! Kristopher stayed the 2 ½ weeks with both sets of grandparents, rotating through each day at both homes. He did amazing and both sets of grandparents even came to visit us in St. Pete for Father’s Day.

By July we were home again, and we all readjusted to life as a family of four. The coming months brought Kid’s Adventure Days back for Kristopher, which he absolutely LOVES to go to two mornings a week. They learn songs, play in the gym, and learn Bible stories that he repeats back to us exactly as they were told. He loves to sing, dance, and read, and his favorite video series is the Little Einsteins, which encourage him to act out scenes with them as they go on missions. Kristopher always has some funny phrase coming from him and keeps us laughing. He’s quite the ham and loves to play with other kids, especially the older kids that will dote on his every move! Brianna began speech and physical therapy and is now rolling over and sitting up on her own. She also says “Dada”, “Mama”, and signs “all done” (which looks a lot like bye bye!). She will be starting with occupational therapy (fine motor work) in January. Brianna loves to cuddle and is great therapy when you just need a hug. She is a very easy going baby and we are blessed by her big toothless smiles daily.

We spent Thanksgiving with family and enjoyed Meredith’s brother David and his new wife Erin’s wedding the day after.

Throughout the year Michael has continued to work at Park Avenue Baptist Church as the director of Communications, setting up our website and marketing as well as several other areas within the church. Meredith began teaching a home school geometry class to high school students in August and will continue with that until May. She has also picked up tutoring in the home, and taught a 6 week computer class for home schoolers as well. Meredith’s job with the 5th and 6th grade ministry at the church was terminated in June as the search began for a full time pastor to take on birth-6th grades. She has continued to work with the ministry as they searched for a new pastor, and we are pleased that the new pastor has been hired. Meredith’s job at the church concludes with 2006.

This Christmas as we count our blessings, we want to thank all who have supported us this year- physically, prayerfully, and financially. You have helped make this year as stress-free as possible, and for this we are so grateful!

The year is almost to a close, and it’s hard to believe that our baby is going to be one in just a few short weeks. Our Big Boy will be three soon, and another year will be passing by just as quickly. It’s been a busy year with some of the very best and most challenging times of our married life all happening so closely together. We are blessed that our marriage and family have been strengthened through each trial, and look forward to what God has for us in 2007.

September 19
Today Brianna saw the GI doctor, and finally some good news there! She is being moved from 3 tube feedings/night to two! Also, she is on a new laxative (maybe this one will work...) and she upped Brianna's Zantac to three times a day and a larger dose each time since Brianna has been spitting up more lately.

This week I sat Brianna down in the Boppy pillow and she did just that- she SAT! Still with assistance, but she's really beginning to get stronger and gain some of the balance she needs to sit independently. She has also been successful rolling from bely to back during therapy sessions. I have not seen it independent yet, but she's on her way!

Kristopher's tadpoles are starting to get their legs and venture out of his sand pail. He has to check on them two or three times a day and is sure that they're going to jump at him and get him. He's scared of the little things even though he's so excited about them. His new favorite song is "Zaccheus" and he really misses Mrs. Laurie and Mrs. Holly since he had to stay home today with a cough.

September 16
Brianna had her "Mic-key" button put in on the 13th to replace her feeding tube. The procedure was done at Florida Children's Hospital in Orlando. We left the house in the dark at 4:30am and returned with a smiling, happy baby by 11:30. The hours between there she wasn't so happy, but we were glad she pulled around so quickly. This button is a small port into the stomach which we hook a tube up to for her feedings instead of the tube that was connected all the time and just dangling when it wasn't being used.

Brianna was 13lbs, 4 oz at her checkup with the cardiologist earlier this week, and she is getting a little chunky now! We are excited that her cardiologist has said she doesn't need to see Brianna for 3 MONTHS! Yeah! We have seen her monthly since Brianna's diagnosis in early March. Also, she is beginning to get the strength to sit with very little help and she is getting the idea of rolling from belly to back (she has been rolling back to belly). Brianna is also beginning to bear weight on her legs and gain strength there.

On September 10th the community pulled together to show their support for our family and for this we are extremely greatful! Brianna's Poker Run was put together by Mike's parents, and about 250 motorcycles rode the poker run, and another 150-200 people came out to the BBQ after the run. Thank you to everyone who helped pull this off, and to all those who came out to support us!

Kristopher has accomplished the great two year old task- he is now completely potty trained!! Yeah!! He has been in big boy pants for everything for over 2 weeks now, and he's doing great! His favorite toy right now is a remote control train that he runs all over the house.

Michael is out mowing the overdue lawn and attempting to get it down to a managable level. The last few weekends have been very busy! He attended a prophetic conference at Park Ave last weekend and really enjoyed it. To listen, go to ParkAvenue.org and follow the link for the Supernatural Evangelism Conference. Mike has also been volunteering with the junior high youth group and is really enjoying engaging with the students. He plans and organizes the games for their youth meetings and he and the kids are having a blast!

Meredith began tutoring and teaching a homeschool geometry class in late August and is enjoying both activities. She is considering teaching a homeschool computer class beginning in late October.

The next few months bring no major changes for our family. This is a welcome stage! Brianna continues to have speech and physical therapy and is followed by the pediatrician, cardiolotist, GI doctor, and the geneticist. Kristopher is LOVING Kid's Adventure Days and his new teachers, Mrs. Laurie and Mrs. Holly.

July 22, 2006
We are all doing well! Brianna is over 11 lbs and growing well. She has begun physical therapy and will start with speech therapy on Tuesday. She has a cardiologist appointment on Monday, but after this visit she should begin seeing this specialist a little less frequently. She is babbling, attempting to roll over, holding her head and trunk up steadily, is very alert and responsive, and is all over a real joy to all of us! With the physical therapy we will continue to work on having her try to push up on her hands (while on her belly) and put her knees together (she sits like a frog!). Also, bearing weight on her legs while standing with support, and rolling over completely. The speech therapist will work on oral motor skills to improve her ability to manouver food and eat, as well as tone up the mouth and tongue muscles so she will be able to correctly form her words when she begins talking.

Kristopher has adjusted VERY well to having everyone home and back on a schedule. His exciting things lately have been the continued potty training and swimming at Grandmommy's pool. He's got no fear of the water, but a good amount of understanding that he's not allowed to just jump in whenever. He's doing a great job with the toilet training. He spends most days that we're at home in his big boy pants, but we continue to wear diapers for sleeping and outings. We'll have to take those a little slower. He's become independent at going at home though, which is a big help to Meredith. And yes, he'll get out of the pool to use the bathroom. We're all glad about that part!

Michael has had a little more time for hobbies lately. He's picked up a new computer game and often relaxes with a Sudoku book just for fun. Today he's off sailing with a friend and yesterday he spent the afternoon under the van to change the oil and filters and rotate the tires. He turned 25 back in June, and enjoyed a lunch out with his parents and Kristopher to celebrate.

Meredith has resigned as the director of Route 56 at the church and will continue to work a minimum set of hours as the assisitant in that ministry until a full time children's pastor is hired (thus eliminating the current children's staff). She is looking into tutoring (see link for more info!) and possibly teaching a homeschool class in August. Other than that she will be the Director of Services for Brianna and Personal Chauffer and Playmate for Kristopher. She really enjoys being home with the kids, so this will be a fun time for her.

Michael and Meredith celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary in mid-July and are looking forward to another 50+!

June 24
Hello all!
Brianna is doing well, and we are home! She had her g-tube placed on Tuesday and that went well. She entered the hosptial at about 8.5 lbs, and is now a whopping 9.5 lbs! She is recovering well and we are adjusting to being home. Kristopher is glad to be back at his house (although he did enjoy the time with grandparents!) and is adjusting VERY well.

Now we begin the 'after' week run... doctor's appointments galore!

The end result and hosptial discharge is as follows:

• Complete A/V repair
• ASD repair
• GI tube placement
• Follow up with Gastrointestinal doctor
• Follow up with Cardiologist
• Lifetime followup for Mitral Valve Regurgitation

The Mitral Valve Regurgitation is a continued prayer request for her. Because of this condition it is possible for the valve to 'wear out' before a normal functioning valve would. She will have to have this carefully followed throughout her life and there is a possibility that she will need it replaced later in life. At the moment she has a wonderful bill of health and is only being monitored!

Thank you for your prayers and support as we have traveled this long and difficult road. The peace that we've had throughout this time can only be from God. Blessings!

June 7
Brianna's surgery was a success! She had the AV Canal repair and an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair today. We did the dreaded hand-off to the nurses around 10:15 this morning and then the waiting game began. They were great about calling and letting us know how the surgery was going every hour. At around 2:15 the surgery was finished and shortly after he (Dr. Quintessenza) came out to discuss the outcome. Another hour and a half and we were able to be at Brianna's bedside, hold her hand, and talk to her.

The surgery went as planned without any problems. We had been forewarned that there was a probability of some leakage in a valve after reconstruction, and this is the case with her heart. Dr. Q said that he doesn't anticipate it to be a problem and considers it a successful repair.

We spent the evening with Brianna today and although she was opening her eyes for short spurts, she is still sedated and not really with it.

We met another couple before Brianna's surgery whose son, Ethan, was having open heart surgery yesterday. We have been able to talk with them, pray with them, and provide Christian fellowship and support for each other. Ethan also has Down's, so we were able to talk about those issues as well. It has been a blessing that God has put us here together. He may ask us to go through difficult times, but He doesn't ask us to do it alone. If you think of it, say a prayer for Angela and Mike and baby Ethan as well.

Kristopher is having a blast on his 'vacation with grandparents'. He's been to Orlando twice and is going to the zoo tomorrow. He's done great being away from us and is a real trooper. We've talked to him every day and are pleased that he's doing so well. Grandparents are a wonderful thing!

May 19
Brianna's surgery has now been scheduled. She did not gain weight for two weeks, so the cardiology team decided that it would be best to repair her heart now. She will be having the surgery in a few weeks. Right now she is 4 ½ months old, and almost 8 ½ lbs. Her surgery will be done at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Both Mike's and Meredith's parents are in Titusville and they'll be staying at our house with Kristopher so he can have a little bit of steadiness while we're away. There are several aunts and uncles local as well that will pitch-hit with Kristopher.

In the mean time. we're going to spend a day at Sea World. Kristopher's excited to see the whales and dolphins. It'll be our little get-away to spend some family time before the surgery. Also, we're working on wrapping things up at work so that we can be away and getting thing in order for the trip to the west coast.

An outlook on this time: 1 Peter 1:3-9

"Praise to God for a Living Hope Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

May 10
Today was Brianna's cardiology appointment and througout the course of the day things changed several times. As of about 9:30 tonight Brianna will be having her surgery scheduled for within the next 1-2 weeks. She has not gained any weight at all in 2 weeks but was steadily gaining 1/2lb per week for the 6 weeks previous. She is currently around 8lbs, 4oz. We do not have much more information but will have it later in the week. We do know that the surgery will be performed in Tampa at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. They are a great facility and the team of doctors there are some of the best in the country. We are blessed to be so close to this hospital. Please continue to pray for the doctors and wisdom in the decisions that lead up to surgery, as well as continued strength for us as we plunge further into the unknown. We will send another update shortly as we know more details.

Thank you for your prayers!!
Michael and Meredith Cornish Kristopher and Brianna

April 9
This weekend life has begun to slow down a little.  Elijah went home to his mom on Friday, and we all miss him very much- especially Kristopher.  He's asked for Elijah each morning and when he woke up from his nap on Friday. We continue to keep him and his mom in our prayers, that she will succeed in all she tries for, and he will be happy and healthy.  Brianna will go back to the cardiologist on Wednesday, so we are praying for good news there as well.

March 18
Brianna is now smiling and cooing and is a real joy to all of us. She brightens the room wherever she is! Kristopher has decided that having Elijah around isn't so bad after all and is starting to enjoy the companionship. We are seeing his merciful spirit toward Elijah grow each day!

March 17
Elijah is officially a big brother! His sister ws born shortly after 2 pm on St. Patrick's Day! She weighs 7lb, 3oz and is a whopping 21 inches long! Elijah will be staying with us a while longer while his mom recovers from childbirth and has a chance to adjust to being a new mommy again. Elijah is Meredith's "nephew once removed" and moved in with us on March 3rd while his mom was awaiting the birth of her second child. Elijah is 15 months old.

March 13
Brianna weighed in at 7lb 4oz today! We've been trying to break the 7lb barrier for a while now and are excited to see her making adequate gains the last two weeks. We now have appointments with a geneticist (3/27) and the cardiologist (4/12) and are working on getting through the paperwork to get started with Early Steps (early intervention program) to begin occupational and speech therapy. Brianna received her two month immunizations today and is doing well.

March 9:
Brianna has an AV Canal, which is a hole in her heart, that will need to be corrected. The doctors would like her to be at least 10 pounds before they do the surgery. We go back to the cardiologist in the beginning of April to see how things are progressing. If all is well we will continue to postpone the surgery until a later date.

Thank you for your prayers!

Information about an AV Canal