Happy Halloween!

We have a busy little bee this year, she's crusin like a champ! We decided to take some pictures between changing her tube, so nice to have a break from the tape on her face!

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!

Today we went back to have a check up on Mya's heart. This was a pivotal visit, as last time (over a month ago) our Cardiologist was concerned that the left side of her heart was still a bit enlarged and hadn't changed as much as is should have post surgery. At the time, Mya was still on pain medications, so we decided to wait another visit to see if any progress would be made. We were a little nervous going in today, as it could have meant more medication and more to deal with in a negative light. However, after an echocardiogram and xray, Mya's heart seems to be slightly improving. We are so thankful! Her xray also showed less fluid on her lungs, so we're able to take her off the current diaherretic medication she's been on. This means that we are finally off all meds, except the asprin she'll be taking for the rest of her life. They are also trying to help get her off the feeding tube, we're going to start decrease the water through the tube to see if she'll drink more thickened milk on her own. That would be so wonderful! We will all look forward to eliminating that nasty tube. Here is a picture of Mya and our Cardiologist. The whole team has become so important to our family, we're so thankful for their help! Our friend Jen has been watching Mya for the past few weeks. She's been great to take care of her, feeding tube and all. Mya really has a good time playing there, she really likes Morgan who is four, a sweet little friend!

Big News!

Mya is walking! She's pretty tenative, but she can do it! At age 14.5months, we are now in trouble with a fully mobile little miracle girl. We are so blessed that she's motoring around like nothing ever happened to her little body!

Visiting the Pumpkin Patch

We enjoyed time with Uncle Steve & Aunt Michelle this weekend, and took a trip to the pumpkin patch. Nothing like pumpkins, corn on the cob and fresh apple cider! Yum! Thursday Rob took Mya in for another swallow test. She is much better, but we've yet to hear the diagnosis from our doctor. We're hoping to get the tube out, but are guessing that we'll have it in for another month. Kind of a bummer, but our Pediatrician has also recommended that we don't put her back into daycare until she is vaccinated for the H1N1 flu, which is TBD on the release. So, we have 2 reasons now not to be around a lot of kids with germs, so our friend Jen will be watching her, she's such a saving grace!

Our grown up girl!

We're not done yet...

Last week we went back to the cardiologist to have another echo-cardiogram of Mya's heart. The bummer is that the left side of her heart is the same size as it was when we were discharged from the hospital 2.5 weeks ago, still a little enlarged. That means that either it hasn't had enough time to heal or that the 2nd surgery didn't completely do the trick, and her heart still isn't functioning at 100% (although much better than when we started with). The left side is not working as efficiently as the right side, and blood is "backed up," thus becoming larger. At this time, we'll continue to have her monitored and pray that it's just time that is needed for healing. There is a medication that she can take to help heal the situation, but they didn't give it to us yet since she still isn't off her narcotics that we're still weaning from (we have a few more weeks of them). Our cardiologist is still hopeful that it can heal on it's own. The good news is that we know what to look for; the bad news is that there is the possibility of more "fixing" down the road, worst case scenario is that she'd need another surgery. If her body can hold out for a few years, it would be behoove her to be bigger, as more options are available. So we're a little disappointed, but are glad to know the reality of her status.

On a lighter note, Mya is doing great from our perspective. Her little voice is almost completely back, and we're thinking she's going to be walking in the next week. She's taken a few steps on her own already and stands alone for long periods of time. She isn't needing any physical/occupational therapy (she didn't qualify), as she's progressing very normally. THANK GOD!!! Unfortunately we have to wait 3 more weeks to possibly get her tube out, they couldn't schedule a test sooner.

Thanks to many friends and Rob's co-workers, tonight we went to Dinner's Ready where we were able to make a bunch of meals for our freezer- so great! We had a really good time putting them together (Mya liked it too!), the owner of the shop even knew Mya's story before we got there. This situation has affected so many different people, it's amazing how our little sweetie has touched so many people. Thank you so much to the many contributors, this is such a blessing for us! One of the hardest things is getting back to "normal" life, and having food ready to cook is perfect!

Our little stinker is growing up so fast! She has figured out a few signs that helps us understand her, it's great. We enjoy every second with her, she's so amazing!

Fun with Aunt Suz & Trent

Many thanks to Suz for coming to watch Mya for the week. They had a good time playing together, although she had her hands full! Mya & Trent are 8 months apart, Mya alone is a full time job right now, and adding the baby made it quite the challenge! Mya is super busy now, motoring all around and chatting as much as her little throat allows. She's doing really well. I had a good week back to work, although exhausting getting back into the swing of things. Rob will be with her this week, it'll be good Mya/Daddy time!

Trent Cousin Play Time

Not quite 6 months, and already sitting up and having fun on the car! Here is her current voice level... it seems to improve daily. We're still hopeful for only a couple more weeks of the tube!