Hey

Hey I am still here, just have been busy "Spring Cleaning" and getting ready for new furniture, etc. I just wanted to pop on here and tell you about a give away my friend Shannon is doing on her blog. Go to www.carolinacarters.blogspot.com or click on Derrick under Blogs I read and check it out.

I promise I will post some pics this week. Oh and I have some silly, funny stories about my almost 2 year old (I just can't believe it!).

Several Things!

On this last day of February (which has gone by WAY too fast) I would like to tell you about 2 more things heart related.

When Lorelei was first in the hospital we were lucky enough to be the first to receive and Annabelle Basket. Annabelle was a heart baby that has gone home to be with Him. She was a beautiful baby girl that had HLHS and her momma, Rebecca, started this ministry in her honor. Lorelei received some too cute socks, a beautiful blanket, a bunny rabbit and a rattle. The nurses in PCICU helped pick out the perfect basket for her. Annabelle Baskets are a wonderful gift, and if you would like to donate to her please click on the link!

Another thing I want to tell you about are the Heart Walks put on by the American Heart Association. There is one here in Columbia on Saturday March 27 and there is one in Charleston on Saturday September 25. We won't be attending the one in Columbia since I have to work but the one in Charleston is where we get together with other families in Palmetto Hearts. Its wonderful! We weren't able to go last year because Lo was released from the hospital the day before and we just wanted to get home. You can go to the American Heart Association website and look to find your local heart walk!

One last thing, Lo's heart buddy Zeb is having surgery on Tuesday, which is his birthday. He will be having the Ross Procedure. Please pray for him, his family, the doctors, nurses and staff that will be taking care of him. He will be 3 on Tuesday so please remember this birthday boy in your prayers!

I have some pics that I will try to post on here later today!
Have a great weekend, we will be trying to do some spring cleaning!

Guess What?

We got a "See you in 6 months!" This is so exciting for us, the first time in almost 2 years that Dr. Shuler has said this to us! Lorelei did excellent during the ECHO, didn't fuss at all. (Thank you bottle.) So here are the points that came out of the appointment:

• There is still a narrowing below her aortic valve, Dr. Shuler is not sure whether its the tissue growing back or its part of her VSD patch. If it is part of the patch then it should grow with her.
  
• Her pressures are in the lower 40s as opposed to the last time it being in the mid 30s but he doesn't seem worried about that.
• The reason that the tissue might grow back is because when they are as little as she was for her second surgery they can't be as aggressive as they would be if she was bigger.
• Her valve seems to be growing.
• IF she would need another surgery down the line she probably wouldn't need valve replacement, just to 'carve' the tissue out again.

I am very happy to have a good report but also hate that others are not getting those good reports. I pray for all of the heart babies and kids every day. Thank you for all of your prayers! So now Lorelei can just be a toddler and run and play and have fun. Our next appointment is in August, wow last's a long time away!

Going to the Cardiologist

Today at 10am we go to see Dr. Shuler. Lo will probably have an ECHO done since she hasn't had one since we left MUSC in Sept. I am hoping it all goes well! I am bringing provisions (bottle, sippy cup, suckers, Mickey and Minnie, Lovie, blankie and books). I hope it all helps! I will update this when we get home!

Palmetto Hearts

When John and I were down at MUSC waiting for them to tell us when Lorelei was going to have surgery the first time we were introduced to a group called Palmetto Hearts. They are a support group for families whose children have CHDs. There are also adult CHD survivors that have joined us as well! It is awesome. We have met some GREAT families and try to interact with them as much as we can.

Lorelei has met many heart friends through this group! We are so grateful for them and all they do. John and I have helped them organize a Golf Tournament that will be in its 3rd year this year. We are also trying to get some fundraising ideas like some totes and bracelets going. If anyone has any other ideas or anything else they would like to see Palmetto Hearts on please let us know!

Again, we love this group and all that it does for our families!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today will be a great day with my family, even though John has to work. When he gets home we will have lasagna for dinner, YUM!

I tried to make heart shaped cookies for V-day BUT I couldn't roll out the dough because it was too sticky so I made drop sugar cookies and tried to decorate them. It so didn't work! I don't think I will make sugar cookies again! Oh well.

My wonderful husband got me a gift certificate to the spa here in Chapin for Valentine's so massage, here I come! Whoo Hoo!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Playing in the Snow

We took Lo outside this morning and the dog up the street, Lily, came down to play with Lola. Lorelei had a great time stomping the snow and watching the dogs play.