Finally -- 3rd Percentile --YAY!!!

Alex did it, finally! He has gained enough weight to put him on the growth chart. Alex had his cardiology appointment last Wednesday, and he now weighs in at 22 lbs 9 oz. He gained more than a pound from the last appointment. As you may or may not know, Alex has been struggling to gain weight since he pulled his feeding tube out last February. Over the last couple of months his weight gain has been getting better, gaining more and more between each of our cardiology check-ups. I guess all those days I spent in the pantry giving him what he asks for are paying off. I'm just happy he likes some healthy food mixed in with all the junk food he eats. As for the rest of his appointment, everything looks good. They have zero concerns with his heart; it is beating happy and healthy inside of him.

I know it's been a while since the last update of any kind, so here are some of the highlights of Alex's summer/fall/winter:

JUNE 2009 - We took the family on a mini-vacation to St. George. Alex experienced a couple of firsts - first time swimming and first hair cut. We had lots of fun hanging out, relaxing, swimming, and eating.

JULY 2009 - 4th of July trip to Mesquite, NV. We had wanted to getaway for the 4th of July. Alex loved it. He had a better time in the pool, started splashing in the water. He loved being able to run around the hotel room, and down the hallway with his cousin. Also in July, Alex celebrated his One Year Heart Transplant Anniversary.

AUGUST 2009 - Outside summer fun, including playing in Grandpa's water fountain. He liked to splash the water and see how wet he could make himself and Grandpa. He also liked taking walks with Grandpa, playing on sister's bike and little car. He loved being outside so much that most days we would have to bring him inside for the night kicking and screaming.

OCTOBER 2009 - Halloween! Alex was dressed as a farmer. We ran out of time to get him a costume, so I had to improvise with what we had. He was the cutest little thing. He even got the hang of trick or treating. He would hold out his bucket to get his candy. But instead of saying "Thank you" he blew kisses.

NOVEMBER 2009 - Thanksgiving! I think to him it was just another day, but he enjoyed all the good food. I felt extremely blessed that day to have my little guy home with us, healthy and happy.

DECEMBER 2009 - Christmas! Alex was a blast this year. I taught him to say "Ho Ho Ho!" He would get a huge smile whenever he said it. He loved all the Christmas decorations around the house. He was a good boy, and stayed away from the presents. I was worried he would open them as soon as they were under the tree. On Christmas day it didn't take long for him to get that he got to open the presents and was ready and eager to go.

Alex had a wonderful, happy, healthy year. We are so blessed that Alex received a heart that is completely compatible with him, and we didn't have any problems during the year. We think about his donor family daily and the greatest gift in the world that they gave us. I'm excited for what is to come this year - 2nd Birthday, 2nd Heart Transplant Anniversary, new adventures, and lots of learning.

Watch for pictures from all the summer fun and Christmas coming in the next couple of days!