Christmas came early...

Holden had a doctor appointment on Monday and we were thrilled to hear that she thinks Holden is ready to come off the oxygen...completely! (He was still sleeping with it at night). So Monday night was the first night ever, that Monkey slept without any tubes attached to him! What a blessing...the best Christmas present we could have asked for!!

The doctor also took him off his steroid inhaler, as they think that, along with the nasal cannula have been aggravating the sores on his face and may be preventing them from healing.

We will obviously be watching him closely, but I have no doubt that he's ready...as the little stinker had been taking the cannula off in the middle of the night anyway!




Last month, we decided to stop his night time feeds using the feeding pump. Although his GI Doctor did not agree with the strategy, it was one of the smartest decisions I ever made...as now Holden wakes up hungry. His appetite has grown tremendously and he suddenly has an interest in food! He has continued to slowly put on weight and is definitely getting taller. So assuming all continues to go well with his growth, we will hopefully, soon, get rid of his G-Tube forever! Yet another prayer answered!!

We are in the process of moving into our new home in Grayson. It is a great house in a very family friendly subdivision...with lots of kids around Holden's age. Although as everyone knows, moving itself is not much fun, it has been an exciting time for all of us. It has been especially fun to watch Holden as he embraces this new phase of our life. He immediately took to his new surroundings...becoming very adventurous...exploring every room and claiming which ones were his. He is also acting more independent...wanting to explore and play some on his own.

We have not yet sold our old house, so this move is certainly risky. But I pray that in the long run we made the right decision!

I had a moment while driving to preschool the other day where I was very aware of everything around me. The crisp (freezing) morning air, my calm breathing and Holden riding in his car seat singing "Jingle Bells". Tears streamed down my face as I thought about how far Holden (and we) have come! Sure life still throws us some curve balls here and there, but I know how truly blessed we are! And I am very grateful for the love and support we continue to have from our friends and family.

We wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When it rains it pours...

It has been quite awhile since I've blogged. We've had so much going on...some good and some challenging.

Holden had a blast this Halloween. He has been talking about what he wanted to be for weeks. He finally settled on Pablo from The Backyardigans (little blue penguin) and he's been wearing his costume whenever and where ever we'd let him. He began his Halloween celebration on Friday morning with playgroup. He had a party with Mommy and Daddy Friday evening as we carved our pumpkin..then continued Saturday night at a neighborhood party and ended it last night with some trick or treating...and several pieces of candy before bed! He woke up Monday morning talking about this adventures these past couple of days.

The past 6 weeks have flown by. We've had 3 small trips. We went to visit Granma Deda in NC. Then the following week we headed south to Tifton to visit some of my family...and give Holden a chance to play with his 2nd cousins (who he adores!). Then we rented a lake house at Lake Lanier with one of my dear friends and her 1 1/2 year old son. Holden quickly found himself a new friend!

Shortly after all our travels, Monkey caught RSV and got pretty sick. In most cases, he would have been admitted to the hospital, but doctors felt comfortable with us treating him at home based on his history and to reduce the chance of him being exposed to something else. It was a rough week, but we made it through.

As you can see, Holden still has the sores on his face. It has been frustrating and doctors are really not sure what exactly is going on. He's now had two biopsies done. After 7 weeks, nothing grew in the lab from the 1st one. We're still waiting on results from the 2nd. We went to see an infectious disease doctor who has a couple of suspicions...but sent us to a 3rd dermatologist for another opinion. The 3rd dermatologist thinks it may be cystic acne brought on by prolonged use of steroids. At this point, that is what he's being treat for. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and 2 topical creams. I pray this doctor is right and that we'll soon see improvement...as Holden is now making comments about his boo-boos. At night when we pray, he asks God for his "boo-boos to go bye-bye". It just breaks my heart!

We've also been in the process of buying a new home...with plans of moving in late November. We're excited, but we've been so busy, I don't think it has really hit us yet. Reece has already been playing tennis in the subdivision so we're starting to make friends. And best of all, there are a ton of kids...lots Holden's age. He's been playing with some of them on Saturday mornings while Daddy is playing tennis.

Holden's little personality is really blossoming. I honestly don't think he knows a stranger. He makes friends everywhere we go. It is fun to watch him take on some of the cranky people we encounter...at the hospital and at the stores we shop in. Holden is one persistent little guy and keeps at them until he gets a smile or response. I am so proud when I see him light up a room. He has learned to make the most out of any situation and that we can have fun just about anywhere! Even when things get crazy around here, I can count on Holden to keep me focused on what is truly important...family, love and God! So while it may be pouring, I have to remember that rain isn't all bad...and look forward to the flowers that bloom after the storm!

Bitter vs. Better

I love Church signs. Sometimes they make me laugh out loud...sometimes they inspire me and often they make me think. I read them aloud to Holden and his standard response is "yeah yeah"...said in a very cute and agreeable way! Yesterday, I saw a sign that said "challenges can make us bitter or better." So true. I think about how much we've been through since Holden was born. It would have been easy to become bitter and let the challenges consume me. Don't get me wrong, I did have my moments...probably even "my days"...but all-in-all, I'd like to think that I've become a better person.

Our latest challenge, which I have to remind myself pales in comparison to everything else Holden has faced, is sores on Monkey's face. He's had them for over 3 months now. They showed up after doing yard work with Daddy. We've been to see 2 dermatologists. Holden's had over 12 shots of cortizone in his face. And he was on antibiotics for more than 4 weeks. Yet, despite all we've done, Monkey is walking around looking like a boxer who lost his last fight. Finally, we decided to have a biopsy done. After waiting nearly a week, we got partial results that ruled out most of the big or incurable things (cancer being one of them). But now 2 weeks later, still nothing has grown in the lab. So doctors can't yet prescribe anything to treat his sores. All doctors know is that Holden has some kind of infection. The good news is that as soon as they know what it is...it will be treatable. I didn't realize how stressed out I was about all this until I read that Church sign. It was almost as if someone was sending me a reminder message...I can't let this situation get to me or bring me down. I need to have faith that the sores on Holden's face will heal and everything will be okay. And maybe someday I'll look back on it and find some way it made me, or Holden stronger.

Other than is "boo boos", Holden has been doing great. He just started his 3rd week of preschool. It is only a total of 6 hours a week, but he likes it and it is giving me a little time to clean the house, work out or catch up on my own doctor/dentist appointments.

Holden is talking up a storm. He learns new words every day and the two of us can now have conversations...which I think is very cool. With his new found "voice" comes a way to verbalize his strong opinion...."no Mommy. no that shirt. Mickey shirt." He now wants to pick out which shoes he is going to wear...even when they don't really match. "No nap Mommy. I play!" He continues to make me laugh every day. Through all our challenges, I can count on Holden to help me keep things in perspective!

We're Home!

Another long day...but Holden is doing great and we're home! Holden had a much better day today. And although he still has moments of being in pain, it is alot less than yesterday and the pain medication has helped tremendously. He was so happy to be home and immediately wanted to play with his toys. It is going to feel great to sleep in our beds tonight.

My Brave Kid!

So it is nearly 10pm and things have finally settled down long enough for me to post an update. Doctors were not able to give Holden a shot with pain medication following the surgery, so they recommended keeping him overnight so they could administer a stronger pain med via IV. As much as I would have liked to take him home, I think it was probably the right decision.

As excited as Holden was to see Mommy and Daddy...and Mommy and Daddy were to see Holden, it broke my heart to see how much discomfort/pain he was in. He just wanted to curl up in my lap and sleep. And when he did wake up, he would cry. Saying "Daddy, Mommy home. Holden's house". But as the day progressed and anaesthesia wore off, he seemed a little more comfortable. By this evening he was walking again on his own and we even took a little trip down to the gift shop to buy a toy for my brave kid...and a tooth brush and tooth paste for Mommy! He picked out a mail truck. He loves anything with wheels. And when we got back to the room we were racing the mail truck, the school bus (with big mudder tires) and Lightning McQueen. Assuming all continues to go well, he should be discharged in the morning! YEAH!!

It has been bitter sweet being back here....at Egleston, one of the hospitals that Holden has spent so much time in. I find myself thinking back to the 10+ weeks we spent here in Fall of 2008. I don't know how to explain this, but I love and hate this place. As much as I dread Holden having to be here, if any child needs medical attention, this is one of the best places to be. So my heart breaks watching him endure the pain, but there is a sense of comfort for me...knowing he is getting some of the best care. And so many of the nurses remember us and have come by to visit.

Reece commented that he was surprised, knowing me, that I had not packed an overnight bag...:"just in case." Sounded logical, but I intentionally did not pack a bag. I guess I prefer to live for the best and be flexible if things don't go as I hoped. I prefer to visualize the positive. So it means I'm sleeping in jeans tonight, but I can't complain. Ultimately, staying positive is what helps me make it through each day...especially ones like today.

I just glanced over at Monkey. He is sleeping and looks so precious. I'm so proud of my little guy. Seriously...when I stop and think about it...he's already been through more than some people have to deal with in a lifetime. But spend some time with him now...and you'd never know it. He loves life! And he has learned to make the most of every day!

Success...

Reece and I just met with the surgeons and they said Holden's procedures were a success. He did great. They are in the process of extubating him, so we have not yet been able to see him. Hard to sit here in the waiting room, when we want nothing more than to be with our little guy. But we're thrilled to know things went well, and we'll soon be able to hug on Monkey. If all continues to go well the next couple of hours (in recovery), then we should be able to take him home tonight. We'll post again soon. Thanks for all the prayers and positive energy you sent our way!

Chatter-box Monkey

Our little Monkey has become quite the chatter-box. His speech has progressed tremendously this summer. I feel like we went from saying 1-2 words, to now practically having conversations. He is not always completely articulate, but Mommy usually understands him and is able to translate for others. And it seems like every day that goes by, he's becoming so much easier to understand.

He is totally into imaginary play and I sometimes love to sit back and listen to him chatter with himself, his trains his toys or his stuffed animals. His latest obsession is The Backyardigans. It is one cartoon that I actually like because it encourages creativity and imagination. Holden likes to act out the characters and he loves their songs. Right now Pablo, the Penguin seems to be his favorite!
His other obsession is yard work with Daddy. He loves being outside and he digs it even more when he gets to help Daddy. A couple of weeks ago, he helped Daddy and Papa lay sod. Holden was in the middle of the action, covered with dirt and loving it!

We recently visited his pulmonologist when Monkey came down with a sinus infection. His doctor has been so impressed with how he's handled colds that she's changed her mind about keeping Holden so sheltered during cold and flu season. Her exact words were "He's no longer the fragile child he was" and we need to let him show us what he's capable of. She's even supportive of him going to preschool 2 mornings a week, as long as we're prepared for pulling him out (temporarily or permanently) if he's not able to handle winter colds...or even worse...the flu. On one hand I'm thrilled...what great news!! But on the other hand...the thought of him possibly getting the flu or RSV freaks me out! However, we've gotten to where we are today by having "faith" so I need to be faithful that everything will be okay! We spent the last 2 weeks touring preschools and just registered him for the one we felt was the best fit for us! He starts on September 7 and seems excited!
So tomorrow is Holden's surgery and I'm completely dreading it. The procedures are very common and considered low-risk, so I'm not really worrying about that. I think one...it is having to put Holden through another hospital experience...and any fear and pain he'll have to endure. Two...for me, it is so hard to go back. It is a place that reminds me of a hard time in our lives. And while I'm eternally grateful for the care the doctors and nurses gave to Holden, it is hard for me, mentally, to be there and not worry.

Holden's procedure is slated for 8:45am and should not take too long. While they've reserved a bed for him to stay...just in case, the plan is to bring him home tomorrow afternoon. We'll be sure to post once he's out of surgery and recovering.

Little Monkey's Growing Up...

Holden is having a great summer. He's growing up before my eyes. And while some Mom's may be sad to see their baby growing up...I'm thrilled. He's growing up. What else could I ever ask for. It makes so many other things seem insignificant. I pray every day that Holden will live a long, happy, loving life. And my prayers are being answers.

Holden's doctor gave us the okay for him to join a Mommy's Morning Out program 2 mornings a week throughout summer. He started in June. It was rough for both of us. The separation anxiety disrupted our lives for several weeks. But we've stuck with it and he is finally liking preschool. He still crys when I first drop him off but the teachers say 5 minutes later he is playing and having fun. It has been hard for me to leave him seeing him crying, but I know this is something we both have to go through. And I know preschool is giving him so many great opportunities. Unfortunately, he won't be able to go this Fall or Winter, but we'll look forward to going back next spring/summer!
Another big step, Holden was away from both Mommy and Daddy for the first time last weekend. Reece and I went to S. Florida for my 20th High School Reunion. Holden stayed with my sister, Joanne and her family. Another big step for all of us. And the best part is he did great. The Kramers took him the the pool, Zoo Atlanta and Stone Mountain Park. He's been talking about it (and his cousins) for days.

Holden is talking up a storm. Not only does he repeat things, he remembers everything! He is still talking about the Nickelodeon show we say last month. He keeps saying "Show again, Mamma?" I love that he has such a zest for life. He thrives on new experiences. He definitely knows what he likes and he can now tell you...over...and over...and over again.

Turns out that Monkey is quite the little dare devil. He has scrapes and bruises all over. And as much as we try to protect him, he still manages to have his fair share of falls. His newest thing is trying to jump off anything he can.

Holden is scheduled for what we hope is his last surgery, on August 17. It is an outpatient procedure, so hopefully it will be a quick, painless, uneventful experience so we can bring Monkey back home that evening. I'll be sure to post before then.

I hope everyone is having a good summer. We definitely are!
XOXO

Busy little Monkey

It seems like time has been flying by. We are staying busy, but having fun. For the most part, our lives have become pretty typical - which is great! Holden is growing into a little guy before our eyes. I have to catch myself when I call him "baby". And if you ask him, he'll tell you that he's a big boy!! And he is ALL boy. He's on the go from the moment he wakes up, into everything. loves playing outside, sports, bugs, anything with wheels, getting dirty, water and screaming as loud as possible.

The first 2 photos are of Holden at his cousin's Ariana and Alyssa's birthday party. It didn't take the little Monkey long to join the big kids on the bouncer. And he quickly figured out how to climb up slide - and then slide back down! He had a blast at the party! And I always love watching him play with his cousins.

I think I mentioned in a previous blog that Holden was having a sleep study done to determine if he still needs to be on oxygen at night. We spoke to his doctor last week and while he did well, she thinks we should keep him on the O2 for awhile longer. He spent about 10% of the night in the low 90s and high 80s. Obviously we want his O2 levels to be closer to 100%. His doctor thinks that as he lungs continue to heal and grow that he'll be able to come off the the oxygen - hopefully within the year. We're planning to do another sleep study in the next 6-8 months to see...

We went to Hilton Head last weekend to visit some friends, meet their new baby boy and for Reece to play in a tennis tournament. We had a great time and are hoping to make it an annual trip. Holden adored his new friend "Baby Elliott"! I can't wait to see the boys play next year when Elliott can keep up with Holden. Reece and Brian played very well and make it to the championship match. It was a great match, but unfortunately they lost in the 3rd set. Holden loved watching his Daddy play and ran onto the court at the end to give him a big hug and high five! Now when he sees anyone on TV playing tennis he says "Dadda and Brian"! Too cute...

We took Holden to see the Nickelodeon Storytime LIVE show on Saturday at the Fox Theater. He was a little timid when we first arrived, but once he saw some of his favorite characters, he was clapping and squealing in delight. He carried his show ticket everywhere we went the rest of the weekend, telling everyone he saw/met that he went to the Storytime Show. Sounds like Wonder Pets may have been his favorite part! I, of course, just love seeing that look of wonder and delight on his face. No matter how busy life may get, that is what it is all about. Those precious moments that make you stop and smile!

Focusing on all the blessings...

I had some things that just didn't go my way last week. I was bummed and felt sorry for myself for a day or so. But it didn't take long for me to remember how many things I have to be appreciative of. I've been blessed with so many things in my life and the blessings keep coming...

Holden had a sleep study on Friday evening. While he was very vocal about not liking the 15+ probes they put on him, he eventually calmed down and once he fell asleep he slept through the night! And although we haven't gotten the doctor's read on the results, the nurse said things looked great! So I'm praying that we'll hear that he no longer needs the oxygen - even at night!

Holden had 2 doctor appointments this week. One was to have his eyes checked, the other was with an orthopedic surgeon because he has flat feet. I've spent the last month worrying about both. Praying that he would not have yet another issue to deal with. Fortunately all went well with both appointments. Two more blessings to count! I guess the learning for me was sure, sometimes things don't go your way. But don't dwell on what doesn't happen. Focus on what does!! Live in the positive.

I LOVED our Mother's Day this year. Rather than going to a crowded restaurant, we had everyone here for brunch. It was great to have the time to hang out with our families in a relaxed setting. And best of all, the kids were able to be kids. After eating, they were quick head outside to play. The weather was perfect and eventually we were all outside having fun! I remember sitting on the steps, watching Holden play with his cousins and thinking how much I love being Holden's Mom. Hardest yet best job I've ever had. And I love that I can't be fired:)

Holden and I spend time together outside everyday! He loves helping us with yard work and watering our flowers. He's obsessed with all things water, so we got him a water play table. He's hooked! It will be the perfect cooling station throughout the summer. We also have a friendly neighborhood "Kitty" who has been paying us a daily visit. Holden loves his visits with his new friend who he calls "Big Kitty"!

I still wake up looking forward to each day. Monkey never ceases to amaze me!

All about FUN...

Holden is one of those kids who can find fun anywhere. He is incredibly busy and doesn't like to stay still much. No matter what we're doing, he's searching out what he can get into and explore. And while that keeps me busy, I absolutely love it!

A prime example was last Saturday. The 3 of us went to a Kentucky Derby party. Holden was, by far, the youngest kid there. But Monkey doesn't care anything about age. He immediately searched out friends and fun! He fearlessly crawled into the bouncer, even though several teenagers were laying in the middle of it. It didn't take long for Holden to make some new friends. And when the same teenagers started chasing each other with water guns and water balloons, Holden was trying to join in. He would laugh each time someone got soaked with a water balloon. He truly had a blast!

These pictures are from the Cabbage Patch Easter Egg Hunt. And while Holden liked checking out the Cabbage Patch Kids, he did not like being forced to sit on the CPK Easter Bunny's lap!

After the Egg Hunt they had a festival with tons of activities for the kids. When Holden heard the music, he ran to the dance floor. The picture here is Holden dancing with a cute little girl he met. He danced with the Cabbage Patch Kids, Mommy, Aunt Jo-Jo, Melina, Ariana, Alyssa and strangers!

Holden is all about Daddy lately. I loved watching the 2 of them do yard work yesterday. In addition to loving being outside, he loves getting dirty. He rides on the riding lawn mower (or as he calls it...tractor) with Daddy. He helps pick up yard clippings and he even helps dig with his own Diego shovel. It is priceless!

I know we can never make up for all the rough days Holden had his first year, but it makes me so happy to know that we're appreciating what we have now! Holden is my reminder to make the most of every day...to love unconditionally...and to have FUN!

Spring and Loving It!

While January may be the official New Year, for me Spring is when I feel ready for a fresh start. Spring awakens my senses and brings me new hope for the year. Maybe Holden senses this, as he's been so energetic and full of life lately. I guess it could simply be his age and improved health. And I'm sure the beautiful weather and all the outside playing helps:) His .favorite word of the week is outside...of course it sounds like "ouuide".

Holden had a great Easter. He did 2 1/2 Easter Egg Hunts (we were late for one, but still got to enjoy the festival after the egg hunt). Holden did great with finding the eggs and putting them in his basket. He was not concerned about the quantity of eggs. Rather, he seemed to take his time to pick the eggs that looked special to him. He was thrilled to find the candy inside the eggs. That may drive him to go for quantity next year! We spent Easter day with my family at the Kramer's house in North GA. I absolutely love watching Holden play with his cousins. He has such a different relationship with each of them. Special in it's own way. He had a blast drawing with chalk all over Aunt Jo-Jo's drive way!


I don't have any new photos to post as my latest camera is broken, but Reece took some pictures on his work camera. I'll upload those next week when he brings his camera home from work. Holden is growing in both height and weight. Weight is slow and steady, but he's growing and that is what's important. He is finally drinking well (juice and water only) from a sippy cup on his own. Probably sounds pretty simple to most people, but he has slowly been overcoming his feeding aversion that he likely had because of the reflux. And he's eating just about anything, just not quite enough of it. His therapist thinks he is eating normal for your typical toddler (maybe one or two good meals a day), but in Holden's case, his body is burning extra calories because he's having to work harder to breathe. So we are continuing to give him milk via the feeding pump at night. If I can convince Holden to drink milk from his sippy cup, we may soon be able to wean off the feeding pump. I can't wait:)

Holden had a routine appointment with his cardiologist late last month and we were thrilled to see the results of the echo showed that his remaining three pulmonary veins appear to be open/flowing and healthy. He's doing so well, that we don't go back for another six months. So different from the days when we had monthly appointments.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't count my blessings. I just look at Holden and know that with faith, anything is possible. Happy Spring!

More Birthday Celebrations

We waited until this month to have a party (with friends) for Holden's 2nd Birthday. The thought was that hopefully we'd be through with cold and flu season. Turns out that Holden and I were the ones sick! But we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the day. I just hope we didn't get all our guests sick!

All week, the weather forecast predicted rain starting at 3pm that afternoon - the same time as the party was to start. I was bummed since we had outdoor activities planned. It did rain lightly earlier that afternoon, but by 3pm, the sun was shining and other than being a little cool, it turned out to be a great day.

I know I've said this many times, but "What a difference a year makes!" It was so awesome to watch Holden having fun - free of an oxygen tank and nasal cannula. He understood that the party was for him and he liked being the center of attention. He is turning out to be quite the social little guy.

We rented a CARS jumper for the kids. Holden loved bouncing around and even convinced Mommy, Grandpa and Aunt JoJo to climb inside with him.



My favorite memory of the day was when we sang Happy Birthday to Monkey and at the end, he threw his arms up in the air in delight and squealed "yeah" and then clapped along with the group. Priceless!!

Signs

I used to make the comment that I wish I would have a sign, to let me know if I should do something. I can't say that I really saw too many "signs", until more recently. I wonder if my mind was too busy and cluttered. Meaning, the signs may have been there, but I was not really paying attention. Not that I'm not busy now, but it is busy in a much different way. And with everything we've been through the past couple of years, I've changed. I've slowed down. I live in the moment. And I'm very open to signs!

Every night, I sit and read to Holden in a rocker in his bedroom. There are two windows behind us, and an end table next to the chair. Recently, each night as we read, a lady bug flys on our book, on one of us or on the table next to us. Holden is fascinated with the beautiful little bug and immediately tries to grab it. After rescuing my spotted friend from the grips of a toddler, I release it out the window. Our nightly visits lasted for more than a week. Finally, I wondered if this was a sign and I looked up the symbolism of the ladybug. The ladybug is often thought to be associated with spirituality and religious devotion. It is widely considered a symbol of good luck and is considered a good omen if one comes calling. One source said: "The Ladybug teaches life is short and it teaches to let go of ones' worries and fears, to trust in spirit and enjoy life. It brings the gifts of renewal and regeneration. The message of the Ladybug could be asking you to “Let go and let God”."

Such a powerful message for a little bug. But I'm glad that I didn't let this message slip by.

Holden continues to amaze me daily. He's had a little cold, but he hasn't let that stop him. He is constantly on the go and loves running. Now that his balance has improved, you can't slow him down. He likes to have races through the house with Reece and I. We all pick a vehicle or pull toy and run in circles. He giggles watching us try to keep up with him! And forget trying to stop the game, he cries!! It has definitely been good exercise for these colder/snowy days!

Holden has two birthday parties to go to this week. I can't wait to watch him play with the other kids. We're finding that he's a social little guy, so it doesn't usually take long for him to fit right in - even among strangers. Mommy is having to learn to chill out a bit with the "germ protection". While still being cautious, I'm realizing that I can't follow him around every second, wiping his hands. (Yes, I've even followed him around on play sets at the Park, constantly wiping his hands with Purell!) And although he's had 6 colds this winter, he's handled them fine. Where as last winter, each cold he caught was an emergency room visit and hospital stay. So maybe this is where that message comes in for me..."Let Go and Let God!" Just enjoy these moments and more importantly, just let Holden enjoy being a normal toddler!

Happy 2nd Birthday Monkey

Happy 2nd Birthday Holden! It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating your 1st birthday. This past year has been amazing and you have taught me to believe in miracles. You've overcome so much and come so far!

I know I tell you this all the time, but Mommy is so proud of you. I am so happy that as you grow, your body is healing and you seem to be getting stronger and stronger day by day. I am thankful that God made you the strong-willed little guy that you are.

I am thrilled that you are now free from needing oxygen during the day. The freedom from the nasal cannula seemed to be just what you needed to really take off developmentally. And because of all your hard work, you are now caught up to other kids your age! Truly amazing when you think of how behind you were just one year ago!!

You have such a zest for life. Like the other night at the circus, I loved watching your face as you watched and cheered for the acts. I loved that you cheered whenever YOU wanted to...not just when the rest of the crowd did. And I know you wanted nothing more than Mommy and Daddy to put to down so you could go join the fun in the center ring!

Your determination and zest for life inspires me every day. I want to be a better person because of you. Seeing you overcome so much, makes me want to tackle my own personal goals and even makes me open to new experiences!

Holden, I thank you so much for all the joy you've brought into my life this past year and I promise you that this next year will be full of fun, love and God-willing, good health!! I love you, my little 2-year-old Monkey!

Love,

Mommy