I realized it's been a while since I've updated on Darla Jane.  Which for us we are going with the no news is good news idea.  Darla Jane is becoming more and more independent.  She is now up to 6 steps on her own!
And she is also eating a lot more food!  She still is not a fan of anything little or crunchy, but if you give her a whole piece of pizza or a bowl of spaghetti she will down it.  We are still working through her intolerance to milk.  Darla Jane still is drinking the sensitive formula but we are hoping she will grow out of that.
We are still on oxygen at night...however we were able to go a few nights with no oxygen when we were visiting the Brewers in Oregon.  I guess there is something to be said for living at (or near) sea level.
We have just been enjoying summer with the family.  Oregon, Aspen Grove, camping, Lagoon and Heart Camp...we have to get as much fun in before we start our winter lock down.
We will have another cardiology appointment on the 7th of September which will include a sedated echo.  Prayers for a good report.

it's all cool.

Little Miss had her evaluation from Kids on the Move, an early intervention program. In all the areas she was tested she had a minor delay although not enough for needing help. Except for her motor skills. Laura told us that because she wasn't able to get up on her hand and knees, pull to standing or cruse along the furniture it would probably be a good idea to have a physical therapist come and help her a little bit. It may not be long that she needs it, but they are going to be available to us for as long as she needs, to be walking comfortably. Also as we go along with PT, if we notice that she is not developing in any other area we can easily pick up help there too.
I am sure our little miss will pick things up quickly and show the world what a rock star she is. But it is nice to know, that if she doesn't, that we have the resources available to help her where she may need a little extra help.

Go Darla Jane! Go!

shots

one of the saddest things to see on a little one is band aids, from where I they got shots. Even when they are cute band aids it still makes me sad. Darla Jane had 4 shots, it would have been 6 but we decided to delay them longer so that she won't have as many today. Today was Darla Jane's 12 month check-up.

She is ...21 lbs - 76%!!

27.5 in - 4.5% (little miss)

head circ.18 in - 85%

So the short girl can gain weight! And she's got a Brewer/Colton head...poor thing.

We also were referred to "Kids on the Move". An early intervention program that will come and assess Darla Jane's development in all areas and, if necessary, line her up with the therapist that would best be able to help her. I think that as I answered the questions at the pediatricians office and most of my answers to whether or not she could do the skills on the list were "no" we realized that this might not be a bad idea for Darla Jane. Her assessment is schedule for Friday afternoon.

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....