We're in for a spot of trouble

Here's a fun little story I'm sure you all will enjoy.  Earlier this week, Mason overheard some cursing (I'm not going to say where), which she immediately repeated three times before we told her to stop (thought ignoring it would make it go away).  Several days have passed, and we hadn't heard it again.  Silly me thought we were out of the woods when this morning I dropped one of Blake's meds on the ground and I whispered, "Oh, Crap."  Mason looks at me and says, "Mommy, why you not say oh shit?"  That's right, my daughter has a potty mouth.  So of course in all of my infinite wisdom I tell her not to say that (dumb move I know) where she proceeds to run around the house screaming, "Oh, shit" with fits of laughter following every exclamation.  Sigh.  

All my dreams come true

Today was a great day. Mason and Bryan made me a delicious chocolate
cake. We went swimming, and now off to an adults-only sushi dinner. Oh
yeah, and if the rain stops, I may actually get fireworks (just luck
that UT commencement is the same day as my b-day)!

One tiny step for mankind

Blake was trying extra hard to walk today. We got 10 seconds of
unassisted standing and (drum roll please) a first step. Of course, I
was the only one that witnessed all this magic so Bryan is still
skeptical.

Coming Hone

This day, one year ago, was the first time we got to bring Blake home
from the hospital. My day will be filled with joy and thanks thinking
how far we've come.

Birthdays and such

Everybody by now probably knows that Mason is obsessed with birthdays - hers and everyone elses.  She sings Happy Birthday all the time (to Stanley, Cinderella, her Kimono Dragon, you get the point).  Lately she has been really into knowing when everybody's birthday is; she will ask me everyday when everybody in her family (and Georgia's) birthday is, and then she always wants to know how old they will be.  

All that to say she knows mommy's birthday is coming up (I told her I will be 21 just in case you ask her), and she has made the following promises to me for my birthday:

1) I will have fireworks just like she does on her birthday

2) She is going to get me a candle to blow out (just one though)

3) She is going to make me a chocolate cake with pink sprinkles (with her Daddy)

4) She is going to give me 4 red gummy bears for my birthday

I am anxiously anticipating which of these promises will come true! ;)

Pony ride part deux

Blake was a little more hesitant.

Pony rides

Cash's birthday was today (cash money as mason calls him). He had a
pony. It was a hit.

Inspiration

The below was the inspiration for today's achievement - a new word.  Ball is now part of Blake's repertoire.  Mama, Dada, Hi, Bye, Yeah, and now Ball - pretty much all you ever need to say! ;)

Great Doc Appointment

Blake had his 1-year well visit today.  Developmentally he is right on track, and his doctor couldn't be more pleased with how he is doing. Truly a little miracle.

Here are the stats:

23.8 lbs. (55th percentile)

29 inches (25th percentile)

March for Babies

An Almost First

Blake stood on his own for about 2 seconds yesterday, and he didn't fall, instead he thoughtfully bent his knees and sat down, almost like he just thought sitting was a much more logical option than standing.  

Don't Cry for Me

I feel like I've posted enough about Blake and his heart for everyone in the past week.  Thanks for humoring me - it's been a pretty emotional week.  But, I do want everyone to know these reflections came from a joyous place, one where I can honestly say I feel so grateful for all of the blessings and lessons that have been bestowed on us this past year.

This gratefulness was solidified this morning when a young boy (Jonathan) we have been following lost his battle with Leukemia.  I prayed when he was fighting that he could have the strength to persevere, I prayed when his parents decided to stop treatment that they could find peace in their decision, and now that he has passed, I pray he can finally rest and that his parents remember with joy the time they had with their precious angel.  God bless you, Jonathan. 

Blake's 1st Heart Birthday

Today (5/6) marks the one-year anniversary of Blake's first (and most risky) open-heart surgery.  It was a day of tremendous highs and lows for us.  Reports of his surgery going well came throughout the 8-hour procedure, but suddenly he started losing a great deal of blood and required a transfusion.  After his surgery was declared a success by Dr. Fraser, we were told that the MRI he had as part of his clinical trial revealed possible brain damage from oxygen deprivation.  As our baby boy was recovering from surgery at only a week old, we wondered what kind of quality of life he would have.  

Fast-forward one year later, and he is a happy, sweet boy who is developing completely normally with no signs of brain damage.  And, unless you saw the meds he takes everyday, or the 6-inch scar on his chest, it would be hard to know he only has half a heart.  Happy 1st heart birthday, Monkey.

The last time we saw Blake before his Norwood surgery.

Blake, immediately after Norwood surgery, in CVICU.

Our little Superman, one year later!

Helicopters and such

Yesterday marked the anniversary of Blake's life flight from Austin to Houston. We spent yesterday at the Houston zoo, and for those that know Houston, you know the zoo is right next door to the medical center. While we were there, life flight passed over head and landed at the medical center. I had a moment of silence and celebration that we had come such a long way.