Three Years and Counting

Three years ago today my sweet Hardy and I sealed the deal for time and all eternity. We spent the first two years playing, laughing, seeing the world and enjoying each others company. This past year has had a few more tears and a lot fewer trips (unless you count visits to the hospital), but has definitely brought us closer and happier than I ever thought possible. I am so grateful to have this good man by my side as we face the challenges of life. Together we are better, smarter, and stronger than we could ever be alone.

Tonight we plan to celebrate and go on a real date together, which means Jack gets to have his first babysitter (other than a grandma). Jack will most likely sleep the whole time and not even know we were gone, but this is a big milestone for mom and dad. We've got the cream of the crop coming to stay with him though (thanks Kat!), so we might even take our time and have dessert.

Final RSV Shot

Jack had his final synergis shot today. He was very brave and only cried for a minute.

The bad news is that he has actually lost some weight since his last appointment. Last month he was 14 lbs 15 oz and this month he's 14 lbs 9 oz. He's also been sweating a lot when he eats. I mentioned this to our pediatrician and she said I should call cardiology and let them know, just in case, since sweating is a sign of heart failure. I left a message and am waiting for a nurse to call me back. The good news though is that he looks really, really good. His lungs are clear and his liver is not enlarged, and despite losing weight his still has those cute chunky cheeks and a pleasant demeanor. Those are all signs that he's not in heart failure. So, I'm not going to worry. My mommy intuition radar is not going off, so I'm just going to wait and talk with the nurse and know that he's doing fine. I mean seriously, does this face look sick to you?

Here is Jack eating my cell phone and transfixed watching the computer screensaver. So easily entertained.

The Sniffles

It finally happened. Jack has caught a bit of a cold. Thankfully it's just a little one and really seems to only be in his nose, not his lungs, but I'm keeping an eye on it. He's doing pretty good other than being extra clingy and his nose it a bit more blue.

He's also getting very busy. Those little fingers of his are pretty sure they need to touch and grab anything that is not for babies. While it makes extra work for me, it is also good because it's helping him to sit up more so he can reach things. He's also finally mastered his roll from his tummy to his back. I better get my hosue baby proofed. Before I know it he's going to be struting around here getting into all kinds of trouble.

Sunshine

This week has been so nice outside. Jack and I took advantage of the sun as much as we could. We had to borrow a hat at grandmas while we were playing with his cousins on the swings and it was way too big, so I went out and found him a cute little fishermans hat that fits. So cute!

We are sad that there is a big dark cloud outside the window as I type this. We are ready for spring to come and stay!

Other than playing in the sun, I am happy to report that we have absolutely nothing to report. We even dared to take Jack to church with us today. I know RSV season isn't totally over yet, but it's so close and Jack is doing so well. It was lovely to actually go and be able to sit together for a change. Plus, Hardy and I just got sustained today as the new ward Activities Co-Chairs for the ward. (One of us is more excited about that than the other ;)

A Vacation!

Jack got to go on his first vacation this weekend, and boy did he have fun.

We were missing a few husbands due to the Mountain West Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas last week, so while the men were away, my sisters and I decided to play. My parents, little sister and her 2 kids, and Jack and I traveled to Idaho to stay with my sister Erin and her 5 kids. It was kind of crazy, but we had such a good time. So much better than staying home and being lonely all week.

Of course the minute we got there everyone started coughing, but we were careful and I stayed calm and so far he doesn't appear to have caught anything. The good news is that for once it was kind of fun to be the healthiest guy in the room :)

A Cousin Pajama Party

Jack only liked Red Robin when Grandpa was holding him

I thought all the noise and craziness might upset him since he's used to it being just the two of us, but Jack loved having so many fun cousins, like Jessie, to watch and entertain him.

He was quite impressed by all the tricks his cousin Alex could do. Maybe it will inspire him.

Living for Eden Concert

Paul Cardall is an amazing musician and CHD survivor. He has been waiting for a new heart for over 200 days and his friends are doing a concert on his behalf. It should be fantastic and we can't wait to attend. You should all come too! We hope to see you there :)

Sweet Angel Avery

Yesterday afternoon our heart friends welcomed their little girl Avery to the world, and last evening she returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. I have grown to truly love this sweet girl and her mother as we’ve talked and emailed in preparation for Avery’s arrival. Every scary step of the way she was so filled with hope and a positive outlook. I was sure that in a few years Avery and Jack would be getting into all kinds of trouble together at Heart Camp. My heart is completely broken for them. I am at a loss for words and am instead filled with tears.

It’s times like this when I am so grateful for the knowledge we have of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families. It doesn’t take away the ache and sorrow of the moment, but it brings peace knowing that her mission was fulfilled and she will be reunited with her family again someday. It is so hard to understand sometimes, but I know that Heavenly Father sees the end from the beginning.

Smiles and Toes

P.S. What's up with all this snow? Jack and I are ready for Spring.

I love...

...The inquisitive look Jack gives me if I’m holding him when he poops that clearly says “You’re going to take care of that, right?”

...Making him smile with just a look from across the room.

...The sound of his uncontrollable giggle.

...That it’s my job to know the silly sound for the day and to perform it often.

...Being able to interpret every cry, whimper and look on his face better than anyone else.

...That he quickly forgives me and clings to me for comfort even when I am the one holding him down for his IVs, shots, and everything else unpleasant but necessary.

...Knowing the intimate details of his face from much patting, kissing, loving, and caressing, and he knows mine.

...Hearing the wonderful baby secrets that he whispers to me when we’re up late at night.

...When my body has the super-spidey sense to wake up before Jack does in the middle of the night with just enough time to pump a fresh bottle.

...Watching him examine his own fingers and toes with amazement as he discovers some new wonderful thing that they can do.

...Rescuing him in the middle of the night when he gets turned around in a crazy position in his crib.

...How much fun we have getting dressed in the morning and then getting ready for bed at night.
Who knew silly dancing jammies could be so funny?

...The look of pure delight on his face when I bring out one of his favorite toys.

...How his whole body shakes with anticipation when he’s hungry and sees a bottle coming his direction.

...The way his body curls into mine at night as soon as I finish feeding him and put in his binky.

...Watching him try new things and have new experiences (like eating a Ritz cracker)
And most of all I love these boys! Seriosuly, what's not to love?

Sweet Hearts

This has been a hard week on me (and I think the whole heart community) with sweet Gracie Gledhill passing away on Monday. Ever since Jack came off his oxygen I have felt so free and normal, and then I am reminded that these little hearts sometimes break. The reality is that we are dealing with a lifelong, chronic condition that will always have its ups and downs. I then go in and hold my Jack a little longer, kiss his cute cheeks a few extra times, and have a little more patience when he spits out all his food and medication.

I hope these sweet little heart babies help us all to remember to live each day to it's fullest and to be grateful for all that we have.