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

6 months of cake

Hello friends and family,

I am 6 months old today. That's 1/2 of a year for those that are good with numbers. Six months and so many milestones equals a whole lot of cake and celebrations. Today is another one of those milestones of time and we celebrate with another cake. We went the non traditional route with this one and Mom made me a brownie cake in the shape of a number six.

Here are a few pictures of what I have been up to since I last blogged.

I have learned to eat all by myself... just kidding, but I can hold a spoon for a little bit.

We went to Colorado Springs on Saturday to see my Grandparents' new house, this time on the inside. We had a nice dinner with then in their new kitchen. We also met with my friend Kristi for my 6 month pictures that we are looking forward to getting back in a week or so.

Grandma time is good fun.

There is a nice neighborhood park with s swing just across the road. We looked both ways and then crossed the street. Its never too early to practice good habits.

Mom and Dad put up our outside Christmas lights while the weather was nice this weekend. Can you find me in my big winter suit?

Here I am with Dad. Can you see me better in this picture?

I am telling Mom to light my six candles on my number 6 brownie cake. Pretty cool eh?

Yeah she lit them and they sang to me. I'm so happy!

Check it out!

Boscoe says "Um can I get some brownie too? Um okay, Merry Christmas (using you best Boscoe voice)"

I'm Thankful for....

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I just wanted to give you all a short list of what I'm thankful for:

1. A loving and healing God
2. Health and Strength
3. Mommy and Daddy
4. All of my friends and family who pray for me everyday

I think I'll just stop there, because my list could go on and on!!

We had a lovely day today, just relaxing at home and then heading down to my Aunt Lauren's Mom and Dad's house for Thanksgiving dinner and fun times with all of the others in attendance there. Man I'm tired... I think that tryptophan is airborne because even though I was not allowed a single bite of turkey, I slept through the entire meal. I was a little perturbed that no one bothered to wake me even for stuffing, but Mom and Dad secretly enjoyed me not needing to be held during the meal - they ate like champs!

Mom shows me off as I sport my cool turkey outfit - it says, "Thankful for Mommy"
I even have matching turkey socks!

I don't know if you can read it, but just to make Dad feel a little more loved, Mom put my "I love Daddy" onesie under my turkey clothes.

This week has been pretty busy with everyday life and with some out of the ordinary stuff as well. Last Saturday we got to go see my grandpa and grandma's new house in Colorado Springs (dad's mom and dad - just to clarify). It's really nice and Dad and Uncle Jason are going down to help them get moved in tomorrow since the closing was on Wednesday. I wanted to help, but Mom and Dad think I'm too little, so Mom and I will hang out at home instead - bummer!

Here's the outside of Grandpa and Grandma's new house. Mommy and I and Uncle Jason and Grandpa are checking out the house.

Mom and Dad left me on the doorstep of G'pa and G'ma's new house.... fortunately, they were back in seconds to pick me up!

G'pa and G'ma took all of us out for lunch at Red Robin after looking at the house. From left to right are: G'ma and G'pa, Uncle Jason, Aunt Lauren, Daddy and me.

Mom's still trying to fatten me up... she tried to feed me a french fry!

I tried something new this week... I tried to eat with a spoon. I'm going to stress the word "tried" once more because this is a work in progress! Mom reassured me that no one gets it the first time and that she would not get mad at me for the messes I make during my efforts.

What is this stuff... it's like my usual food, but it has lumps in it!!

I just thought Mom and Dad should see how ridiculous they look while coaxing me to eat with a spoon.

You know... I think this would work just as well if you put it in my bottle!

That's about all I have for now.
Love you and I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

Picture pages, picture pages, lots of fun with picture pages!

Hey everyone. I don't have too many updates so I thought I'd just share some pictures with you all. The one health item I have to share is that I took my last dose of Lasix (strong diuretic) today and I really didn't like that one, so I'm excited about that.

As for the pictures, here we go:

Last Saturday Mom and I went to a flag football game that Dad was playing in - it was a bit chilly, so I needed my stylin' hat.

My shirt was a little tight. When Mom was taking it off, it pulled my eyebrows up! For those of you looking into getting a face lift - this could be the non-surgical answer.

I'm starting to practice my sitting. This orange chair really helps me in my efforts.

Every once in a while, I need to sit back and think.... "Really - you expect me to believe that?"

These next pictures are a progression of how I like to move around my toys - keep in mind that I don't crawl or roll all the way over right now!

I haven't really gotten far here, but Mom thought this was a cute photo.

This is about as far as I go.

And now I head back towards my fun toys.

I shared a funny story with Dad and we both had to throw our heads back and laugh!

That's all for now.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures.
Hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Love, Lydia

Happy 5 months!

Hello friends and family.

As always there is a lot to report. My Mom and Dad always have so much fun with me. On Thursday night we all headed over to Scott and Andrea's house to watch the Broncos game and hang out. I am glad to say that the magic of my cheer leading outfit has inspired the Broncos to win. Every time I have worn it for the whole game they have won. I don't think my Dad is going to forget to have me in my gear before the next game.

On Saturday I turned the wise old age of five months. I celebrated the event by going out to dinner with my Mom and Dad and my Aunt Lauren and Uncle Jason. We had a good time and returned to the house afterwards for a cake my Mom made. How else would my parents celebrate such an occasion. Unfortunately we did not get a picture of the cake until a good portion of it had been consumed.

The celebration aftermath.

Sunday afternoon we went down to see Molly and her friend Chris. My parents are not the best with getting pictures even though they know that I could use them in my blog. So I am going to apologize on their behalf for not having a picture of me with Molly and Chris. We did have a good time seeing Molly's new place and catching up with her. It had been a little while since we had hung out. I like Molly a bunch and I hope that we will hang out again soon.

On Monday we went to see my cardiologist. Things went very well and I only need to have my oxygen on while I take long naps and for sleep at night. Mom can attest to the fact that I don't really take long naps so I really only need it at night. This was a good thing to hear from the doctor. I was also told that I could come off the Lasix all together on Friday 11/21. My chest x-ray looked good and it seems the fluids are all but gone from around my lungs. I am still hoping that I will be completely off the oxygen for our trip to Iowa for Christmas. My cardiologist seemed to think that this was very possible and that the Iowa air would be enough in its self to keep me happy while I sleep. We will have another appointment in a month so we will learn more then. All in all it was a very good appointment and the cardiologist is very happy with my progress and healing. Thanks for all of the prayers for this to happen everyone.

I have started to pay more attention to my buddy Boscoe and I think he really likes me. As soon as I get old enough to sneak him a treat every now and then I think he will start to pay more attention to me.

Come here Boscoe!

Good boy Boscoe!

I do have a bit of sad news to report. It turns out that Boscoe suffered some kind of a cut on his tail. Mom and Dad noticed that he was biting at his tail but did not think too much of it for about a week. Mom took a closer look and found that there was a pretty good sized wound. Boscoe needed his annual shots anyway so he went to the vet to have it looked at. The vet had to shave some hair off to investigate the situation. It did not seem to be infected but Boscoe has a bare patch on his tale that he is a little self conscious about. I'm sure he will be fine.

Boscoe's white spot on his tale.

Boscoe is a little bummed out.

Other than that we have been just doing our normal thing and hanging out. Life is very good and God is great.

Extreme close-up!

Love,
Lydia

6 weeks - the medical profession magic number

Hi Friends!

It's November and I am happy to say that it has been an eventful month thus far - in a good way this time. Last Wednesday marked the 6th week since my surgery and according to all the Dr's, that's the magical time when I can do so many of the things that I've missed since surgery. For example, Mom and Dad can now pick me up under my arms, I am now eating regular formula (I ate Mom's frozen supply of breast milk in 6 days - I was very excited to leave the slim fast behind), I am now cleared to have my 4 month shots - and I had those yesterday, and I am now able to go out and about!

Yep, it's crazy the things your body can accomplish in just a month and a half, but boy am I glad that all of those things are now on the 'ok' list.

Here's the order of events since that magical 6 week day arrived:

I dumped the Portagen down the toilet and said adios hopefully to never have to see that stuff again.

I started eating breast milk - I went from eating 18 oz. per day of Portagen to 26 oz. per day of breast milk.... that's why the supply lasted for such a short period of time!

On Friday I had Mom drive me to Boulder to have lunch with Daddy at Chataqua (not really sure how that's spelled, I'll check on that once I reach Kindergarten) Park. It happened to be Halloween (or Reformation Day, which ever you choose) so I wore my festive outfit for that. After lunch Mom brought me to the YMCA where she used to work to show me off to her former co-workers - they all said I was cute - I've never heard that before. Then we met Tricia and Spencer (Spencer is one of my boyfriends - he's super cute, Mom should've taken a picture of us together).

Here are some pictures of the family in the park. Daddy cracks me up!I like to look over Mom's shoulder to show off my strong neck.

Here's my festive outfit - I think my cousin Erin might find it familiar.

Once we returned home, it was time to get ready for Trick or Treaters and for the party that Paul and Heather had at their house - it was a costume party, I went as a Broncos cheerleader... I think you can view a picture of me in this outfit if you view a previous blog. The party was fun, I slept for some of it, but we were out until Midnight... I think Mom and Dad were really excited to get out and see some of their friends again.

These glasses were part of Mommy's costume... the funniest part is that they used to be her real glasses when she was a huge dork!! She maintains that they were the style then - I don't buy it!

Saturday we re-cooperated with a quiet day at home.

Sunday was a church day... I was able to stay out of the Baby Skybox the whole time - I was such a good girl.

Monday was uneventful, back to me and Mom hangin' out.

I was so tired from our eventful weekend that I fell asleep while playing with my toys.

Tuesday - I witnessed my first presidential election and in the meantime had a pediatrician appointment, x-rays and 4 month shots. I felt really bad for myself, but then the Dr. told Mom and Dad to get flu shots as well.... that took away from some of my pity party. I know you all like to hear about my growth, so it turns out that I'm now 11lbs. 4.5 oz. and 24 inches tall - yeah, that's right, I'm two feet tall... look out, I'm huge!

Well, that's the run down for now... I'll have more to report after Monday when I see Dr. Karrie about my heart - I'm hoping to report that I no longer require oxygen during the day, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

In the meantime, I'll just keep playing, eating, sleeping and keeping Mom and Dad on their toes!

Mom and Dad took some pictures at bath time to show you all how well my zipper is healing... I begged them not to take the pix, but alas, they always get their way - how embarrassing!

Here's the main zipper and the three chest tube "extra belly buttons"

It's so nice for Mom and Dad to see me without my O2 tube - I really like not having it in too!

Love you all,
Lydia

Settling In

Hello friends!

I know it's been awhile, but for once in my life there is little excitement!

I guess I shouldn't say little excitement, just no crazy stories of white coats and temper tantrums - on my part. Believe me, there's still excitement... If you ever get the chance to be here when Ania, the Occupational Therapist, is here you'll see how mind-blowing pulling a toy into your mouth can be! Let me explain:
Even though I haven't had any run-ins with the medical community in the last two weeks, I still have a weekly appointment with my OT. She is always so blown away by my progress. And I'm just like, what's the big deal lady, all I did was grab a toy and then proceed to put it in my mouth - I'm told that in a few months, Mom and Dad will be yelling at me for such behaviors! Anyway, even though I think it's no big deal, I guess I'm making some pretty good progress on my gross motor skills (I'm not sure why they call them gross, it seems kinda weird).

So, Dad is back at work full time and so now Mom and I hang out at home and wonder what day it is until Saturday rolls around and I get to hang out with Daddy more. I actually got to go see Dad at work last week Monday, it was pretty cool. Daddy's already explained to me what he does at work, unfortunately, I just have to smile and nod when it comes to Dad's work - I learned that from watching Mom!

We went to church for the first time on Sunday since my surgery... I ended up getting to watch the sermon from the "Baby Skybox" as Mom and Dad call it (aka. cry room). It was really nice to get out of the house and see some new faces.

As for medical updates, my next appointment with the pediatrician is on Tuesday of next week and my next cardiology appointment is on Nov. 10th. I'll be sure to let you all know how they think I'm doing... Mom and Dad, in their professional opinions, have decided that I'm pretty much healed.

Well, here's the section most of you look forward to, the pictures:

A few weeks ago, Grandma and Grandpa T came up from Colorado Springs to see me. I entertained them with all of my crazy antics... here's an example of how I like to eat my hands.

These next few photos are of how Mom and Dad usually find my oxygen tube:

It's pretty common to find me like this, with my O's going into my mouth instead of my nose.

Here's another almost Halloween-type O2 position - Not really sure how I accomplish this one, but it does tend to get a bit uncomfortable with one tube in the mouth and one outside.

This is an extremely common resting place for the O's. Sometimes I can't quite figure out why my eyes feel so dry.

The other night there was a very impressive sunset, so we got a few pix from the backyard.

Here's the fam in front of the sunset - that explains the funny lighting - don't I look thrilled?!

Thanks for taking the time to read about my comings and goings.
Love you all,
Lydia