My little Cowboy...

This weekend Max's Miracles invited our support group to "The Cowboy Way"...a day dedicated to families effected by CHD's. It was the most amazing day, better than Disneyland (no joke)! The day included; horse back riding, buggy rides, horse grooming, roping lessons, tons of animals to pet, bounce houses, a train ride, lunch, barrel races, a hay ride, fun, fun & more fun! The weather was beautiful, it couldn't have been a better day! We were truly spoiled by these generous people who sent each of the kids home with a cowboy hat, a horse shoe, a blue ribbon, a rope, a bandanna, candy and awesome memories! This was a day we'll never forget!

http://www.gridleyherald.com/homepage/x1098986326

18 months and going strong!

This week Joshua turned 18 months! In honor of turning 1.5 I thought I'd share a little glimpse into his world.
First and most importantly perhaps, this boy is always busy. Not a moment goes by that he isn't climbing up somewhere he shouldn't, or casing the joint for some trouble. He has become pretty cleaver in his climbing technique. If he can't muscle his way up, then he creates a set of stair out of books, blocks, dump trucks, pillows or anything else he can use as leverage. The boy likes to climb!

Another fun fact about Joshua is how much he loves his Dad. A couple of weeks back Josh realized that when I begin making dinner Jon will be home soon. Now every night when I start cooking he can be found peering out the window calling "Dada, Dada, Dada....." Those of you who know Josh know that the kid has an iron will, but can you believe that he would wait for nearly 30 minutes at a window for his dad? Distracting him is not an option. When he has something on his mind he is more determined than anyone I know to get what he wants. I am hoping that this trait can be somehow used to his benefit as he gets older:)

His vocabulary continues to grow, however "Me!" seems to get the point across in most cases. In Joshua's world "Me!" has a multitude of meanings: "I want that." "I want to play there." "Give me that food you are eating." "I want your toy." etc, etc.
Another trick Joshua is perfecting is his ability to sneak out of the house. Now that he can reach & open the doors he's always hoping we'll forget to latch the top lock & he can make a get away. No such luck yet, but he has been caught in the act several times. He just wants to be outside & luckily he has an interest in the backyard, so that is where he spends most of his day.

It has been so much fun having this little boy in our lives for the past 18 months. In the beginning he kept us on our toes due to medical issues, now he keeps us on our toes getting into trouble!

As I was sitting at Joshua's bedside after his first surgery Dr. Azakie told me that one day I wouldn't be able to keep up with Joshua. The thought of that as I sat next to his sick little body seemed impossible. Here I am 18 months later, exhausted from a long day of chasing my Joshie. What an awesome feeling!

So long OT!

Josh wasn't too happy with Abby when she stopped spinning for a picture

Yesterday officially marked the final day of OT (occupational therapy) for Joshua. It was only his second, or third session, but he no longer needs OT! He has reached every milestone that he should by 18 months & then some (he's 17 months right now). If anything he's developing too fast for my liking, I want him to be a baby forever. Way to go little buddy!

A perfect Saturday!

This weekend we were able to visit the zoo!!! We met our support group Hearts of Hope for a day of fun!
This is a picture of Joshua & his heart buddy Drew checking out the usually exciting orangutans.

Josh & his big sis goofing around...

And a group shot of Josh & both his sisters. We had so much fun & the weather couldn't have been better!

Thank you Hearts of Hope for making it a special day!

Heaven just got a little sweeter

Last night little Gracie returned to heaven. She was blessed to spend her short life with an amazing family who endlessly loves her & fought for her to the end. Their faith has been inspirational to watch and has surely uplifted many people. Please say a prayer for her parents & older siblings as they go through this difficult time. As her dad said; "Heaven just got better." I think he is right.

Read about her here.