Christmas! Whew!

The boys made out like bandits this Christmas. Our house looks like we robbed a toy store. They got everything from a remote-controlled train to a jelly bean machine. They loved loved loved it, though. Oh they were so cute opening up their presents. Corey kept saying, "Is this one for me?" We'd say, "Does it say C-O-R-E-Y on it?" Then he'd look and he'd either announce, "YES!", or a sad, "No." Mason was more interested in the paper ripping than anything, though he has been enjoying the new toys.

Their Gaga came over after naps with more gifts, and at Nanny & Papa's they got even more gifts later in the afternoon. After all the gifts were opened and the toys tried, we had a lovely dinner with Nanny & Papa. Of course I ate and drank like it was my job, so I'm thankful that our scale is currently broken. Ahem.

We also attended the wild, cray and boisterous Kelehan Christmas bash on Saturday. Mason was initially concerned about the crush of people and kept trying to climb my leg. However, he soon warmed to the crowd and had a good time. In fact, when some of the people starting playing rock band downstairs, Mason jumped on the drums and started playing! He was so serious about it. Oh it was precious. Corey, always Mr. Social, enjoyed talking everyone's ears off about what Santa brought him for Christmas.

This morning we spent a good deal of time trying to organize all the new toys, and we'll be making a much-needed trip to Goodwill today with old toys and clothes. And, I must say, I've never been so happy to see the recycle truck as I was this morning. I resisted the urge to run out the door and kiss the guy for taking it all away, but just barely. It's been a wonderful holiday, but I am worn out!

Also this morning Mason gave me one of my sweetest moments in parenting. I was tucking him in to his big boy bed (we are transitioning him out of the crib, and it is not going well), and I tucked his bear in beside him, kissing the bear goodnight, as I always do. Mason then kissed the bear on the cheek, to my surprise (I've never seen him kiss anything before), and then, when I asked if mommy could have a kiss, he planted a big one on my cheek as well! Oh, he melts my heart sometimes.

And with that, we are looking forward to a good year in 2009. Merry Christmas!

Pictures!

Here's a set of photos from the train museum, decorating the tree, etc. Look out for Mason, with his face painted like Rudolph, wailing when we tried to take his picture. I, of course, am cracking up, because I'm going for the Best Parent Award of 2008. Also look out for Corey painting his nose pink. Here's the link:

'Tis the season

Pirates and Cows and Christmas (and another cardiac update)

Let's start with the cardiac update and get that out of the way. I went back to Hopkins to see Dr. Schulman for a follow-up visit. He talked to me for quite some time, examined me, and told me that my heart sounds good, he's happy with my current status, and my long-term prognosis looks normal. As in, normal life expectancy. That was good to hear. Really good to hear.

However, I'd say he was still cautiously optimistic. There was no improvement in my cardiac function between the September MUGA and the November cardiac MRI, which is, in his words, "disappointing". He wants to reevaluate me via echo after approximately 6 months on the metoprolol. So after the Fontan (which is fast approaching), we'll take another look. Hopefully I'll show some improvement by then.

And now on to fun topics. We have a first word for Mason! Finally! But it's a toss up. I'm not sure which one escaped his lips first. It's between "Arrrgh!" and "Moo!" Both said with gusto. If you ask him, "What does a pirate say?", he announces, "Arrrrgh!", and if you ask him what a cow says, he responds with a fervent, "Moo!" He also tries to say "more", but it sounds like "mo". Regardless, I feel like we're finally getting somewhere.

For a little essentially non-verbal being, though, Mason is a good communicator. He picks up signs quick as a flash, and I almost always know what he's trying to tell me. Still, I'm glad to see him progressing from signs to words, albeit slowly.

In other news, as Christmas approaches, we finally got our tree. Corey put every ornament on the tree. Oh yes. Every one. He announced that he was going to do every single one, and any attempts by mommy or daddy to add ornaments to the tree were met with a loud "NOOOOOOO!!!!!" It took awhile, as you might imagine, but it looks nice, if a bit disjointed. The best part about it is that Corey is thrilled to have the tree, and he's clearly feeling the magic of the season.

And speaking of the magic of the season, Corey, Mason and Sydney experienced some magic at the train museum this Sunday. All three of them enjoyed running around in the trains, playing with the toys set out for them, hanging out with Santa (Corey gave Santa an earful about what he wants for Christmas), and there was also a short train ride that they all loved. The train ride provided a nice look at the slums of Baltimore, but the kids were oblivious to what was outside the windows. They were too busy chatting up Santa and enjoying the candy canes he kept handing out.

And so, until my next post, I'd like to wish all of you a merry arrgh! and a happy moo!

Welcome new heart child!

Another child with tricuspid atresia was born in St. Louis, MO this Tuesday. Her name is Kaitlyn Grace, and I've been chatting with her mom, Shauntae, since her diagnosis at 20 weeks in utero. Welcome to the world Kaitlyn! And congratulations to your parents on your arrival.

Seeing pictures of Kaitlyn brings me right back to Corey's birth. All those emotions - the joy at seeing my handsome little baby boy, the fear of what was to come. I feel for Shauntae and wish her and Kaitlyn all the best. I can't wait to see her firsts - blowing out her first birthday cake candles, riding her first trike. I look forward to telling her mommy, "I told you so!" when Kaitlyn gets there.

Here is a video on youtube made by a young man with a heart defect for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. It's so hopeful - I wish I'd had it to look at when Corey was first born, but it makes me smile and makes me cry now as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtxlv6Hoerw