Baby Steps

A week ago, we returned to Children's Hospital. For a checkup. A very boring, routine checkup. Whew.

It wasn't easy to return after 3 months. We knew they'd be pleased with Alivia's progress, and they were. I'm not sure her doctor even touched her. After a quick exam, yet another echo to see how her heart was beating (same), and some bloodwork, we were heading back home. It's always a bummer to find out her heart isn't beating any better than it was this summer, but we were told it's early to expect improvement just yet, so that helped us feel better. It's also simply amazing to know that her medicine has been able to help her feel so much better from how she felt when she was diagnosed.

So, we wait, hope and pray. As I've mentioned before, or at least I think I have, the first two years post-diagnosis are the tell-tale years for Alivia that will best indicate how well she'll do for longterm. So far, we are seeing good signs. But we are just babysteps into this.

What made the trip to St. Louis more uplifting, despite our obvious anxiety, was the opportunity to give back to the cardiac floors that gave so much to us during our stay. During our 20-day stay this summer, we learned it was somewhat hard to track down well-working toys for a child Alivia's age. The hospital staff did their best to find crib toys for her to reach for, shake, look at, and listen to - but it was slim pickings. We eventually made a Target run about halfway into our stay to get some toys for her.

With the help of my wonderful coworkers, we collected at least 20 new toys geared toward the under-1 age group to donate to the cardiac floors. We hope it helps brighten the days for the children who are there this month, and beyond. I'm so touched that my friends at work helped us with this little endeavor.

A snap shot of some of our loot!

May you all have a wonderful Christmas season. We are certainly counting our blessings, and we hope you do too.