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Pretty Days

We've been enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures here (not that I'm complaining one bit) and I find myself outside with Parker and Caroline as much as possible.  We recently went to the Virginia Living Museum after an unpleasant Doctor's appointment.

Thanksgiving was uneventful.  It turns out that I'm a Scrooge when it comes to Thanksgiving festivities all together.  It's not a "church" holiday.  And I believe we should all be thankful more than one designated day a year... I know I am.  So, I sucked it up and made a larger than normal meal and watched the Macy's parade on TV with only a small chip on my shoulder.  Americans don't need any excuses to eat more calories, and to "celebrate" the beginning of the end for an entire population of Native people isn't exactly something I'll cherish in teaching my children.  Matthew put up with me, saying I was like his Dad (sorry Papa Keith)...I think he was just happy he got pumpkin pie.  Sorry I don't have pictures of the spread, or the kids for Thanksgiving.  My phone didn't do any justice to the cuteness we had going on. 

We go Monday morning to see the cardiologist.  Even Parker gets an ECHO.  We don't expect to find anything.  I just think for my sanity, I'd like to be sure he was heart healthy.  It's too soon to be talking about the Fontan for Caroline, so hopefully we'll have a very generic check up with nothing new going on.  She's gaining weight bit by bit since her being hospitalized last.  We've seen a nutritionist to be sure we don't fall off the curve, but she's doing good for a heart baby.

Update on the Little Miss

Caroline was admitted to Portsmouth Naval Tuesday afternoon with a yucky stomach bug. Parker had it first, and 3 days later (when, of course we considered ourselves "in the clear") she starts throwing up. After about 8 hours of being able to keep nothing down, she became a little lethargic...which scared me. So I start paging doctors. Her Cardiologist said to bring her in, and to the ER we came. No one could start an IV on the Princess, (and I would only let them try twice)...not even the PICU nurses. So we went the slower, less intrusive route of trial and error. I still can't believe we're at the hospital, admitted, and as of this point (having already spent the night) still unsure of when they'll let us escape. For a stomach flu?! Yes. And I'd better get used to it. HLHS is no joke.

One year...no way.

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."  Khalil Gibran


The 14th of September marks one year since we found out about the special heart Caroline was to be born with.  I remember the day well.  The day that my fight began.  It has been an eventful few months in the CHD community, and as I have watched the ebb and flow of these extraordinary creatures, I once again stand in awe of how strong they truly are.  There are babies fighting for their lives as I type this.  As I type this in my comfy home, down the hall from my sleeping half hearted monster and her brother, there are parents praying for more time with their little ones.  I realize the obstacles that Caroline has overcome are significant.  I am constantly reminded of how fortunate we are. 

If I could go back in time and write myself a little note, it would go something like this: 

Relax.  Hold your husband's hand.  Have HOPE.  Don't believe everything you read on the Internet.  Every baby is different, so is every heart.  Listen to your Doctor, and then go get a second opinion. 

Parker is 3!

I am the world's worst procrastinator.  I really am trying to get better, but it just seems like every little thing is against me getting things done.  I purchased these cool Mickey Mouse invitations for Parker's 3rd Birthday this year.  For the first time in his short life, we are at a place where he can have other kids over for a party, so I wanted to have a "theme" and do it right.  Ha!  I have 2 full packages of invites...unused.  Anyone need them?  Anyway, dispite my epic fail, we had a great party.  Icing Smiles is a not for profit organization that ensures children with serious medical conditions (and their siblings) get a special cake for their occasion.  Through Icing Smiles, we recieved a fantastic Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake from a small company here in Chesapeake called Cakes by Angelique.  She was great, and I'm sure we'll be throwing business her way in the near future.  Parker had 4 friends over and Aunt Brette spent the day jockeying small children around to keep them busy.  Parker has seen Yo Gabba Gabba once in his life (and quite frankly, that was enough) but he chose the green "monster guy" for his pinata.  Looking back, maybe it wasn't such a great idea to give a pre-schooler a baseball bat and have him wack something until candy came out...  But that being said, he had a great time playing with his friends and he really enjoyed the spotlight of his special day. 

This is another smartphone test. Blogger has changed how I post (again).

Sorry.

Little Miss Caroline had her post Glenn check up at our new cardiologist's office on the 20th of July. We were forced to wait as long as we did because Tricare is so on top of their game. Before this appointment, we were introduced to our new pediatrician (and PCM) who I have deemed unfit for all. She is a whole new story...and I won't be sidetracked again. So Dr. Carr, the cardiologist. I arrived at the appointment overly prepared, defensive, and on edge. My full intention was to ask for a referral out to the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters. He turned out very knowledgeable, straightforward, and a bit intense. Just how I like em'. The visit went smoothly, with Parker playing with toys and enjoying young intern conversations. Caroline was in an incredibly good mood (which means she'll scream like a lunatic next time), and even the echo went over without so much as a fuss. We left on a single dose of aspirin daily...and that's it. She really rocked the Glenn. I am so happy that we were fortunate to have a positive outcome. She is blessed. No, we are blessed. Each day is a blessing, and I try really hard to slow down often and kiss on her and just say thank you. Now, here is my chance to apologize for not updating sooner. We have been traveling, sans Dada. Not really the best excuse, because I didn't update when I was at home either. The new house is becoming "home", and Matthew is getting settled into the new job. So, I'm sorry. There. I said it. Now that my head is firmly re-attached to my body, it won't be so long in between posts. Plus, we have so much to catch up on.