Well we survived another appointment...It sure wasn't fun, but we got through it. First of all, my wonderful, yet occasionally stubborn, daughter (who by the way always falls asleep from point A to point B no matter the distance) decided NOT to sleep at all the entire way up to Phoenix. She was tired, but wouldn't sleep and when she's over-tired she won't eat, so I knew we were doomed! We stopped at Red Robin on the way into town and she ate macaroni and cheese and drank some milk...so I felt a small sense of relief. But she was still exhausted and cranky. We did actually manage to get into the elevators at the clinic before she started SCREAMING! We started with the weight....she was up (not quite to 10kg, but up...small sign of relief)....next onto the echo....let the screaming begin! We were lucky and had a very nice tech this time....he's had Addie before and knew what he was getting into. This time her fatigue paid off a little...after several minutes of screaming...she finally entered a daze (almost asleep) and the screaming became more sporadic! He finished up and then we went for vitals with 2 very nice (but very new RNs)....Not a good combo! It took forever....Addie was ticked...I was annoyed.... they were flustered....oops! FINALLY that was done and we waited for the results of everything as Addie struggled to keep her eyes open. Poor baby :( As we wait the anxiety I have had for 48 hours builds. I keep expecting the worst....we've had some really good appointments this year and I always wait for our little world to come crumbling down.... horrible way to think, I know, BUT...

Addie during her echo (pretty sure Matt's asleep)



So, after hours of waiting (okay like 20 minutes) we learned all was well! The echo looked fabulous....she had gained weight.... life was good. Only thing is they can't get a great measurement on the left pulmonary artery (which was banded during her initial surgery) through echo which means they will want to do a cardic catherization sometime around her 3rd birthday. Not thrilling, but not horrible....then assuming all looks good and/or they can fix any narrowing during the cath, we won't be looking at the next surgery until around 4 to 4 1/2....she will still be a little higher risk for that surgery, but that is over a year away, so we will cross that bridge then. We are set until our next appointment in February and looking forward to a wonderful Christmas!!!

I am always amazed by the amount of prayers, support and love we all have! We are blessed and several we sending positive thoughts our way....and it worked :)

On another note, we had our family pics done last week! Here is a sneak peak and a couple of them...I can't believe how big Drew looks!!! Thanks Tina!!! You did an amazing job :)