On the up and up

Truman had his semi annual Cardiology appointment last week and things are still looking good. He had to have a sedated echo cardiogram, which basically is an ultrasound of his heart, so they could look at all of the arteries, veins, valves and chambers to see how everything is working. It took about forty five minutes to complete the whole ultrasound, so Truman had to be given some medicine through an IV so that he would stay still. He basically just took a nap while they completed it, which is good because he never would have stayed still without the medicine. He gets so anxious when we are in the hospital and screams when any nurse or doctor comes near him. Poor thing probably remembers everything he went through after he was born.

Anyway, the cardiologist told us that according to the ultrasound nothing much has changed and that he is still doing very well. His heart looks strong and shows no signs of working too hard. I was pretty sure that's what we were going to hear, but it was still a relief to hear it straight from the doctor. They will still need to monitor him every six months until he is two years old just because the rate of growth is so fast during that time and they will need to make sure that everything is okey dokey. We just need to keep watching him to make sure he is not struggling to breathe or getting tired too easily.

Truman is at a very fun age right now. He's getting more mobile and starting to get into drawers and banging doors. He loves to be in the kitchen with me when I'm cleaning, especially when I am loading or unloading the dishwasher. He can be on the other side of the house and hears dishes clanging and he be lines it right over to watch me. He is such a cute kid. He's also been a little timid about walking, but he has taken up to 6 steps at one time. He just does it when he feels like it. I hardly ever can get him to do it on command (like when someone comes over to visit). He definitely is his own little person.

Mystery Inc.

This Halloween we were out solving a mystery. It took some Scooby snacks, but Scooby did have a few smiles. Truman was the star and the bad guys would've gotten away with it if it we didn't stop them.

I know, I have been remiss not updating for a couple of weeks, but it has been a very busy round here. Truman turned one on October 7, and we had a party for him a couple of Saturday's ago. It was a beautiful day that turned chilly right before the party, but we still had fun. I can't believe this little rascal is one already. It has been a long year, full of joy and sadness, faith, hope and joy again. I'm just so grateful that Truman is still here and that we have him in our family forever. I just love this kid. Enjoy the pics

Not quite sure what to think as we are singing Happy Birthday to him

Delving into the cake. Yummy

Here is Truman's Birthday gift from Marc and me. Its a little rocker now, but as he grows he'll zoom around everywhere just like he's in a little car. Cute!

Tis the Season

For leaf peeping. We went up to my mom's cabin on Saturday to enjoy the beautiful fall leaves. I think we actually got up there on the peak weekend. I usually miss it by being too early or too late, but this weekend was just the right mix of color and green, no browns yet. This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I wish it would last as long as winter does. Since it was so beautiful I thought it would be nice to try and grab some impromtu family pictures. We got a few goodies, but it is hard to break that poker face that Truman is such a natural at. Enjoy!

Here I am trying to tickle his foot to make him smile

As far as animals go, we saw two moose, two porcupine, five deer and a pine hen. Pretty good for just being up there for a couple of hours. Here is a picture of Mr. Porcupine

Say Cheese!

or maybe not.... Here is our first family portrait. Truman is a natural at the old western style poker face, so we thought it would be fun to get one of these done while we were at a family party at Lagoon this weekend. We actually did do a few different poses and got one where he was smiling too (with the help of the photo staff tickling his face with a giant feather). We had a great time at Lagoon with Marc's family. Thanks to Uncle Roger and Aunt Shawna for an awesome afternoon. This really is our first family portrait, so we will treasure it for a long time.

Happy Day

I'm just so happy to report that Paul Cardall finally got his new heart. I found out yesterday, but I think it happened sometime this week. Miracles really do happen! Please keep his family in your prayers as there is a long road of recovery ahead of him, but according to his blog he is doing well on all accounts. I just love good news. Have a great Day!

BTW: His blog is really amazing and very uplifting. Click HERE to read about his journey

I just love this picture