A December to Remember

Hi friends and family,

I have so many things to talk about that I can't remember what I should write.

Can you believe that I shall soon celebrate my first Christmas? I'm so excited. I've heard from some that I should expect gifts, but all I've been hearing from Mom and Dad is about this big trip to Iowa and whether or not the road conditions will cooperate - Mom and Dad plan for us to leave on Monday because that looks like our best weather day for the next week. We'll be spending two whole weeks with Mom's family! I told my parents that if we're going to be making a 10.5 hour trip, we'd better make it worth while by taking some extra time.

Well that's what's coming up, but you probably want to know what I've been dabbling in over the past week or so. It turns out that I really like Christmas trees and lights as well as sparkly-wrapped packages - I've been spending some quality time staring at the tree.

See what I mean, I love all the twinkling going on this time of year.

Unfortunately, this is one of Daddy's gifts... I guess I'll have to wait until Christmas for mine.

It was really cold here the other day, otherwise I thought I'd only have to wear my big snow suit in Iowa. As you can tell, I don't have a lot of wiggle room in this big fella.

On Monday we celebrated Dad's birthday, he turned 32... I can't imagine being that old. To celebrate we had my six month evaluation with my Occupational Therapist and my case worker in the morning and then went out for an "early bird" birthday dinner for Dad at his favorite steak house. And, yes Aunt Joni, Mom made Dad a birthday cake in addition to all the other cakes we've got hanging around - sadly they do get eaten... Mom usually looks at the piece of cake she cuts for herself and says, "I really shouldn't," but does anyway.

This is us at the Steak House.... not too many people around there at 2:00pm.

I can't wait until I get to celebrate with steaks - that looks way better than rice cereal!
"Daddy, may I try some?"

Mommy had a little trouble spelling "birthday" so she had to improvise. The coffee is to signify that Daddy is finally growing up - it is a bit doctored up.

Another headline for this blog is that I had a cardiologist appointment today. Guess how much I weigh..... If you guessed 13lbs 12oz, you got it right and should reward yourself with your very own cake! Even though I don't get to eat the cakes myself, some of the calories seem to make their way to me so that I can get beefier. More good news from the cardiologist was that I don't have to wear oxygen when I'm out in Iowa and we can do a trial run of no O's once we're back from the frozen Midwest. Everyone agreed today that I look great and I seem to be back to my old pleasant personality. The Dr. also said that it looks like the leak in my left ventricle seems a bit smaller than it was a month ago.... that's great news!!!

Just me and Boscoe hangin' out, watchin' some tv.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Blog at you soon!
Love, Lydia