a year.

As I sit back and reflect on this last year I cannot help but have a smile on my face. A smile that often wasn't there, rather a look of sadness, worry or uncertainty was in its place. But for today there is a smile. A smile as I think about not what my daughter went through, but that she was strong enough to overcome. A smile as I think about all the moments that I was able to share with her that, at times, I didn't know if a would. A smile that was there as I watched her learn to drink from a bottle at almost 2 months of age, roll over, learn to verbalize her emotions, "crawl", sit up, smile and go on as though the world, for her, was perfect. I cannot fully express my gratitude to so many of you who have gotten us to where we are today. I know the faith and prayers of so many of you have made the difference in this journey.

Darla Jane is truly a miracle, a blessing in the lives of those in our family and those she comes in contact with. Her smile can light up the down hearted. Her presence teaches all that there is so much more than just us.

She is so much more than a child with a heart defect. She is a teacher, an inspiration and and angel on earth.

We would love it if you would take a moment to leave a comment for her, something that when she read it, as she gets older, she will know of the difference she has made in the lives of so many from the time that she was born.

P-A-R-T-Y!!

Photo shoot of the birthday girl!

good morning birthday girl.

...not quite awake yet.but still excited for her birthday!
maybe....

a happy face.

Darla Jane really is such a happy little girl. I only wish I could capture the oh so cute laugh that accompied that smile as I was taking these pictures. There is definitely a light about this girl that cannot be overlooked.

a year in the life

...of our little miss. as captured by instagram. This is a little photo collage I'm printing off for darla jane's birthday, which is LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!

happy girl.

Darla Jane really is such a happy one. And also probably the most "chatty" of our kids...believe it or not. We truly count our blessing that she is doing so well and is able to bring such happiness to our family.
We are still riding the oxygen roller coaster. However, most days lately she can go without it (except, of course, when I get her ready for a photo shoot). And then she will need it again at night.
She is able to get around quite well, not officially "crawling" rather it's a right leg forward push...but she's getting it.

Our little miss is really good at clapping when you say "yay!" and will often wave back when you wave at her. She is even learning to give "kisses". Ever since I looked at the calendar and realized it was March I have been overwhelmed with emotions of love, gratitude and humility for all that we've been through this year and the uncertainty that we would even be where we are at right now. Thank you ALL for your love and support as we've up and downed through this year and as we continue on this amazing journey with our little Darla Jane.

clouds.

fun with Elli.

cardio appointment and lunch with friends.

This time we had scheduled a cardiology appointment with an echo. Let's just say, the echo was less than successful. I was able to talk to her doctor about it and although she wasn't as still (and quiet) as she needed to be they were still able to see what they needed to.

Darla Jane is doing well. Her heart function looks good. There are just a few things on the "to watch list"...meaning they aren't big concerns just somethings we need to keep an eye on.

The dr. still isn't sure why Darla Jane isn't off the oxygen. I'm sure the cold she had set her back a little though. He's quote was "we'll just have her use it until she doesn't need to use it anymore". There is a good time line for you.

The other thing we need to keep an eye on is there was a variation on her upper and lower blood pressures. For Darla Jane, this most likely means that there is a narrowing in her aorta again. It could mean that she will need to be in the cath lab to either expand her stent or there is tissue growing through the mesh in the stent that will need to be cleaned out. We are just keeping an eye on it for now, there is nothing that needs to be done right away though. Dr. Mart also said that could mean there is a possibility that they try to reconstruct her aorta again during her fontan procedure (which is the surgery we are planing for around the time darla jane turns 3).

AND...there are lots of fun heart friends and their families that live close to the Riverton Hospital, where we had our appointment so we were able to have lots of good friends meet us for my routine, stress induced, french fry consumption after our appointment! It was definitely more fun to eat with friends then in my car on the way home.

(And our friend Ali snapped this cute picture of me and my little miss...)