I know.. I know. I'm in trouble with many of you for not updating Maddie's blog. I apologize. I'm loving the blogging world and getting to know other families, but neglecting mine at the same time. So here it goes. It has been awhile, so if you will, please travel back to May/June timeframe with me.
I wanted to go back this far because this is when Madison finally hit a huge milestone...about two weeks before she turned two, Madison started walking! Yeah! I was so excited! It completely amazes me how much Madison's broken heart affected her development. (especially watching her development along side a twin.) There is a huge difference. Prior to transplant, her little body was too tired and weak to meet those much needed milestones. I've learned that those milestones are important and actually must be met throughout development. Post transplant, Madison has done amazing and is slowly catching up with her brother.
Fast forward to June 10. This was Cooper and Madison's birthday. I was an emotional mess that day. (since Madison's transplant, I can become an emotional mess at any moment... it's becoming embarrasing..) Last year at this time, I had no idea just what our little family was heading for. I had no idea that we were facing a hurricane...head on, BUT we made it!
I loved Cooper and Madison's birthday. Although we had a lot to celebrate, I didn't want to have a traditional birthday party this year. I just wanted to spend the entire day with my little family. Mark laughed at me as he would catch me tearing up every now and then. I loved being a mom on that day. I tried so hard to soak up every minute.
Cooper and Madison at the Aquarium on their birthday. June 10.
Cupcakes!
(dang, I didn't realize that I can clean highchairs so well. Those are shiny!)
We do have blinds on our windows,
however Cooper insists that the blinds be raised each morning.
Madison had hearts on her cupcake.
I am such a heart nerd. It's embarrassing. But I hope my nerdy phase never ends.
I'm still laughing... Cooper's cupcake is cute.
I asked for monkeys on his cupcake. I think those are monkeys??
I'm in love with this picture. Madison is so beautiful.
Dr. Everitt gave us the green light to travel outside of Utah.
We quickly ran away to my parents cabin near Jackson Hole. This picture was taken on their back porch.
It is so beautiful and peaceful there.
I do remember thinking... I wonder where the nearest Cardiologist is? That part was a little scary for me.
My Big Boy. He is absolutely adorable.
For the most part, his personality is quiet and gentle. Although his recent actions are beginning to create some stories.
Cooper knows every body part, including eye lashes and eye brows.
Madison is playing at the splash pad at Thanksgiving Point.
At age two, she is modeling her 12-18 month swimming suit.
(Our heart babies are so small...)
Swimming Lessons!
Cooper and Madison attended 4 weeks of 1-1 swimming lessons everyday. I'm exhausted thinking about those 4 weeks, BUT I really feel like it helped with Madison's development. I highly recommend this to parents. (Cooper and Madison are the first two babies.. I mean toddlers.. nope babies sounds better.)
Madison is diving (sort of). Once Madison hits the water, the instructor lets go of her. Madison knows to roll on her back, put her hands behind her head, and float to the top. This took awhile to learn, but she can do it now.
Captain Madison.
Fireworks on July 24.
8:00pm meds post transplant. December 2009.
Can you believe this? When Madison came home from transplant, she took 13 meds. I administered (such a big word for a mom) meds every 2 hours from 8:00am-8:00pm. Madison would then have a break until her midnight dosage. And then the game would start again the next morning.
Madison's current 8:00pm meds. July 2010.
Madison no longer takes meds every 2 hours. In fact, after her 10:00am meds,she doens't have any until 4:00pm. That big gap of time feels so weird. I keep thinking that I'm forgetting something. Madison currently takes 7 meds 6 times per day. Piece of cake.
Not only has Madison's meds tappered off, but so have her Cardiology appointments. Post transplant, Madison had Cardiology appointments two times per week. As of our last appointment on July 8, Madison does not have to return for 6 weeks. This is the longest timeframe between appointments that Madison has ever gone in her life. So good...
more to come...
