I know, I know.... 2 months!!! What the heck is the matter with me!

Life is good. It's just that simple. I'm scared now that I've said it, but it is true.

TJ has been doing really well. His CHristmas was great, we had a little bout of a stomach bug early in January, but he kicked it and was back to his normal about a week later, and he is H U G E ! ! ! ! !

His stomach and GI issues have continues to improve. We are now able to lethim eat almost anything, we still watch potassium foods, but that's a common transplant thing. Other than that, he can eat it. Tacos, Pizza, and CHinese are all favorites of his. He still takes imodium, but usually only once every day or two. He used to take it 2 times a day.

We had a check up/Clinic visit in January, they were very happy with him.

The doctor actually said his echo looked "Mahvalous"! His blood work was still stable and I hesitate to say the best he's had in a while. His liver function tests are still elevated, but slowly coming down, this last time they were almost back in a normal range. His EBV levels have continues to to come down as well.

Blood counts all look OK, the only change we needed to make was his Immuno-Suppressent, Prograf(FK), it was too low, they needed to increase his dose. We will continue to increase it as he grows.

and how much has he grown????

He is 44 pounds!! and 42 inches tall!!! He is wearing "boys" clothes, the smallest a 4, but still no no more toddler clothes they are too tight. 

We have been able to get out and sled ride, he loved that! The first day was just around here, Randy pulled him. This last weekend, I took him to my brother who has a great sled riding hill, he loved that! Uncle Howie, Pap Pap, and TJ all raced down the hill on their sleds! It was a riot. He learned how to fall off and roll down the hill, he even figured out how to body slide down the hill!

Life has been crazy, dealing with an active wild man! He challenges us and has such a strong will. We are so thankful for this determination, we believe it's served him well through all his challenges, but..... Sometimes.... it would be nice to have a more willing 3 year old, Ha Ha Ha! 

For the most part we are dealing with a lot of 3 year issues, just like many other parents. We do have a couple of developmental things that we are seeing now. Mostly his inability to self soothe and to go to sleep on his own. He still wants a bottle to settle himself and to got sleep with. He basically wants a bottle all the time, anytime he's bored, or just plain feels like it. We've started to tell him NO and limit his bottles are bedtime. There are some big screams over that, but it's time. When he was in the hospital was the time he should've been learning and weaning, but obviously that's not the place to teach some of these lessons.

So we are dealing with it now. He is getting excited about the prospect of going to school. We are hoping with his continued wellness he can go to Daycare/Pre-School in May. That is our goal and the doctors feel doable. We all want to wait till after FLu & Cold season though.

We are calling this school and he knows that Mommy doesn't go to school with him and he can't take a bottle to scholl with him, but he does get to play with other kids, and make crafts, and learn about letters, and do lots of fun things. He's excited. 

He is potty training really well and we can now go for day trips with him in underwear. So far so good. He has been very willing for the most part.  Now we just need him to keep clothes on when he's running around the house! LOL, I don't know what it is about kids, but any chance he gets to strip down, he does! We're trying to teach him now that some things are just "private" ha ha.

I do cherish these moments. I feel NORMAL and we are LIVING!!!! Not existing, not getting through, and not hanging on... we are LIVING.

We live everyday and I for one try to find at least one moment every day to put into my Mommy Vault. The place we mom's put that special moment, special look, the things we never want to forget about out babies. I have a lot of scary memories in my Mommy Vault, so I'm making up for them now... these are good times for TJ, we are taking it for what it is and enjoying it. 

WIth any transplant, there are unexpected bumps, so we cherish all we can, I cherish this time. 

We have a biopsy coming up in March. We are praying they can get a good sample to see how TJ's rejection is. The last time every sample was scar tissue. So our prayers are for continued health, but also for a good biopsy with valid and good biopsy results. 

On another note, Baby Aidan that I worte about so many times is now in heaven with our Lord. His parents, Joe and Julie are truly inspirational parents and continue to leave us messages on their care page. If you haven't done so, please stop by and let them know our prayers are still with them.

Our friend Lily posted on our guestbook,she is doing alrught, but has had some complications. They are abck at Children's for some surgery. Our hearts and prayers are with them. We got to know them so well while we were in. TJ & Lily always played in the halls. Lily's Birthday is coming up and she will be in the hospital for it, her address is on her COTA page guestbook, if any one want to send her card.

So we have so much to be thankful for with TJ. We sing praises, well, I shout praises, we give thanks, and we remember how precious our life really is. The little things and stressful things in our daily lives are just trivial in the big picture. The important things are to Live Each Day, don't suffer through it, we are alive and we are here right NOW! Do something, help someone, don't wallow. Times are tough and money can be hard, trust that God will provide, we will all get through this, but don't allow the times to effect how we love each other and how we LIVE each day. Too many people and children are fighting to survive, we need to honor all of them by treasuring what we have. It may not be the house we want, but it can be a home if it you allow. It may not be clothes you want, but they will keep you warm and protect you. It may not be the food you want, but it will sustain you. TRUST, God will provide and LIVE each day to it's fullest.

Much Love to all of you! Thank you for staying with us!

Lori