Beckett's 7th Month!

A few Fridays ago, Kara, our transplant coordinator called me to tell me it was her last day as a transplant coordinator.  She has decided to take another job at Shands. As much as this saddens me, I know it was a really tough decision for her to make. I had to understand because I just watched my older sister make a huge career change for her family. Kara's job was non stop. I have text and called her at all hours and she has answered me every time. And of course the gift of life comes at all times of the day/night. Kara, I am so happy that we have met even though I wish the reason why was different. You have been such a mentor and a shoulder to lean on through this experience. Thank you for all you have done and most of all for giving me the most important phone call in our life of Beckett's new heart. We wish you the best at your new job and we hope those new patients know how lucky they are to have you! Here is a pic of Kara and Beckett (Beckett looks so little here...tear!)

Bon Voyage Auntie Alex. She went on the most amazing (dream of mine) trip! She visited London, Paris, Barcelona, Marseilles, Florence, Rome, Kotor, Athens, and Santorini. Yes, very jealous and despite what my dad has taught us it is different than Epcot. 

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day! Joe wrote me a very touching message on Facebook that made me cry. Beckett got me a personalized card and book that made me cry again. Coco got me a really cute card too. Joe made me my favorite breakfast, which was very yummy. Andrea, my friend, came by and ate with us. After breakfast Joe had to leave to go get the girls. I put Beckett down for a nap and enjoyed some time to myself. The girls came with flowers and a card and we all watched a movie together. Joe made the dinner I asked for and then we all went for a walk. After that I packed up for our trip to Gainesville for Beckett's cardiac appointment. Happy Mother's Day to my Mom who has been the most amazing mother in the world. I appreciate and love you so much! Happy Mother's Day to Nana in heaven. Thank you for always watching over us. And Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there! Our job is 24/7 but the best job ever.

Beckett had a check up on the 11th and my niece Jordan came with us!  It was so nice to have gone a month with no labs and appointments. However, it is always great to see everyone. The lab we go to loves seeing Beckett and could not believe how big he has gotten! Our favorite nurse checked us in and got Beckett's vitals. He now weighs 15 pounds and 12 ounces. I called his nutritionist after the appointment and he is still super happy with his growth! We will get to introduce meats next month. He  now will get 3 meals a day. This made Beckett very happy because he seriously loves to eat! We got to chat a bit with Allison who was our coordinator for the day. Beckett was very silly during his echo making his echo tech laugh a lot. Jordan got a photo of us together. She enjoyed getting to see what an appointment was like for Beckett. Thank you for the help, Jordan!

After the echo Beckett got an EKG. Dr. Fricker came in to say hi to us. We haven't seen him in awhile. He is such a sweet guy! He couldn't believe how big Beckett has gotten. He asked how my sister was doing and told me how he was just with the transplant coordinator from her hospital. He said Beckett's heart looks beautiful and to keep doing what I am doing. Dr. Shih came in to examine him and said I got nothing! Allison text me later to tell me all his labs came back in range. So once again no labs or appointments until next month! Hearing all this good news is like winning the lottery...even better. I am so thankful for everyday. I have learned to live in the moment and appreciate every little thing because I don't know what tomorrow brings. But I do know that I am so incredible thankful. 

On the 12th, we celebrated Beckett's 7th month! That's right...7! I have started to plan his first birthday. He has kind of said Mama, Dada, and he goes um when he is getting food. He rolls from stomach to back and has rolled back to stomach twice. He loves to play, be sung to, tickled, read to, give and receive kisses, snuggle, and thumb suck. He is a very happy baby!  I love him so much!

One of the heart moms started a group called Broken Hearts. They bring dinner every Wednesday night for the patient's families at Shands on the cardiac ICU floor. Every spring they have a picnic out on a lake. We took Beckett to it and got to see some staff from the hospital and see other heart families. There were so many activities for the kids to do and I cannot wait for Beckett to be big enough to enjoy. It was awesome seeing all these kids running around and then realizing they all have zipper scars. I hope Beckett wears his proud. He has been through so much in just 7 months of his life. He truly rocks!

May and June are the months for visitors! Beckett got to meet my "Big" from my college sorority. She was a dancer as well and is a retired Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. She has a little girl and a baby boy that is 3 months older than Beckett. They just brought their daughter, Piper, to take her to Disney World. It was so great seeing her and meeting her husband and daughter! Piper was so sweet to Beckett and super careful of germs with him. Look at Becks checking out Piper! Such a flirt and ladies man!

Next comes Yia Yia, Papa P, childhood friend and her family, my bestie with her family (can't wait to hold her son), and Joe's side of the family. We can't wait to see you all!

After seeing my Big we stopped by Daddy's work before it opened for the night. I love Beck's little protection headphones. We hope to visit Daddy more often!

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to everyone who has served for our country! You all are true American heroes. We had lunch with Papa on the outside patio of his place and then Beckett and I picked up Yia Yia from the airport! 

We are slowly, but surely venturing out of the "bubble." It is nice to do things, but then the panic and anxiety afterward sets in.  We are looking forward to Beckett's first summer and all that is planned so far. Thank you all for the continued love, prayer, and support.