Alexander Douglas

It's Set ---- FINALLY!!!

2011-10-12T15:14:00.010-06:00

Just got off the phone with Primary Children's same day surgery, Alex has been pre-registered for his Cath and Biopsy tomorrow. Talked to one of our wonderful Transplant Coordinators and she assured me we are set for tomorrow!! YAY!! We will check-in at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Please keep Alex and his Dr.'s in your prayers tonight that everything goes smoothly tomorrow and the results come back great with zero rejection.

Here are a couple of recent pictures I took of Alex that he didn't know I was watching him!!

WATCHING TV

He put his sister's vest on all by himself!

READING THE PAPER

Too cute!!

I will try and post in the next couple of days with results!

Change Of Plans

2011-10-05T14:11:00.004-06:00

Just got notice from the PCMC Cath Lab that they have had to push Alex's annual cath/biopsy back, an emergency has come up. More than anything I am frustrated, but there is nothing I can do. Thank you for all the prayers being said for Alex. I'm now crossing my fingers we don't have anything else happen between now and then, really how many times can this be rescheduled?

Here is a picture from this summer of Alex helping Dad water the flowers. Notice the mischievous grin on his face?

Third Times a Charm??

2011-08-31T16:04:00.002-06:00

Or so I hope.

I know there is lots to update, but just a quick note for now. Please pray for Alex that he does not get sick from now to Oct. 6th. Oct. 6th will be the third time I have scheduled his annual biopsy cath lab appt. The two previous times he came down with the common cold and he was admitted to Primary's because of it. Please keep him in your prayers so we can make it to that date healthy.

I promise soon I will update with what's been going on and tons of pictures!!!!

Cardiology Clinic Visit Today

2011-04-14T20:21:00.001-06:00

Alex went in for his clinic visit today and it was a GREAT visit. His weight was up (27 lbs 4 oz), all his vitals looked good, and his echo showed no problems with his wonderful heart. Alex and his sister were having so much fun that neither of them wanted to leave.

In the clinic room were some coloring pages. I don't think they left any for other kids. They were having a blast coloring. Alex was also playing with is new, compliments of the lab, Thomas the Tank coloring/activity book. This is the cutest little thing. It is 4 small coloring books, 3 little pages with stickers, and a little box with 4 crayons. He couldn't wait to get it open. He was putting the stickers everywhere. So cute!

Some other great news from today's visit, we get to come off of 2 meds and try once again to go to twice a day Prograf. Last time we tried to go to twice a day Prograf there was nothing but drama for three months with weekly blood draws.

Next visit will be for his 4 year post-transplant cath lab/biopsy. I can't believe it's almost been 4 years. How time flys!

Happy 3rd Birthday Alex

2011-03-18T01:34:00.001-06:00

To my little guy, I can't believe it's been 3 years since we began our journey with you. In your 3 short years you have taught us numerous lessons, given us countless scares, and at least a million smiles. We love you so much and hope you have many more birthdays that we may celebrate with you. Mommy hopes you had a wonderful day! I can't wait for you to see your party!

Alex 2 Year Transplant Anniversary

2010-07-14T11:32:00.007-06:00

Sunday was Alex's 2 Year Heart Transplant Anniversary. I can't believe it has been 2 years. Where has the time gone? Two years ago my sweet little boy receive his gift of life, and he has not wasted a minute of it. He may only be 2 years old but he lives it to the fullest. Alex is full of life and energy and is always laughing and smiling.

Alex -- Mommy loves you so much. You surprise me everyday with the new things you are learning and how much you enjoy life. We feel so blessed that you were given a new perfect heart that has allowed you to become the little man you have.

Along with celebrating Alex's Heart Anniversary, we also celebrated Alex's big brother Drew's Birthday. After we enjoyed Aunt Karen's wonderful, cute cakes (Thank you Aunt Karen -- they were yummy!) we headed outside to play and take turns swinging at the pinata. Below are a couple of pictures from Sunday night playing outside.

Alex up to bat! Daddy watching Alex go down the slide.

Alex is ready to play ball!

Alex goes in tomorrow morning for his 2 year post-transplant cath. Please pray with us that everything goes smoothly and his biopsy results come back with zero rejection.

What Has Alex Been Up To Since April?

2010-06-19T12:34:00.006-06:00

It's a good thing I didn't make being better at blogging my official New Year's Resolution, because I would have failed miserably. We have been busy since the last post. Easter came and went. We went on a mini-vacation to St. George. And more recently we took a family vacation to Disneyland! Disneyland will be in a separate post ... so stay tuned for that.

EASTER April 3, 2010:
Alex's dad thought it would be super fun to have Easter Brunch at the Grand America Hotel. I don't think Alex knew what was going on, but he seemed to have tons of fun.

Alex's plate of food. Of course the only thing he really ate was the fruit. I'm glad he likes eating it, but it doesn't help him gain the weight.

Opening a present from Grandma!

When we got home it was time to find Easter eggs. Alex wanted nothing to do with it. This is him throwing a tantrum over me trying to get him to take his Easter basket. I couldn't resist taking the picture with the lip sticking out!

He finally decided to find a couple of eggs, but sister found most of his for him.

St. George April 11 - 15, 2010:
Alex's dad had a 10-day vacation in April, so we packed up the car and headed South hoping to enjoy some warm sunny weather. It was nice to get away and just play!

Alex and his sister found the pool noodles. They didn't need the pool to find fun things to do with them around the house. I think the thing they liked the most was finding them and getting them back out right after I had put them away.

Here is Alex's Birthday picture. My handsome little stud!!

Happy Birthday Alex!!!

2010-03-17T13:22:00.006-06:00

Today Alex turned 2! I can't believe how fast the last 2 years have gone by. Seems like yesterday we were living at Primary's waiting for the day that Alex would be able to come home for the first time.

We had a birthday party for Alex last Sunday. All the kids had a blast, there was lots of good food, and of course Aunt Karen's wonderful birthday cakes. Alex had a blast running and playing, and opening his presents (of course he had lots of help from big sister and a couple of cousins).

Alex loved putting his money in his new piggy bank!

Cousin Jarrett was sitting patiently to the side waiting for a time he could help open presents!

Having fun playing around with big brothers, Andrew and Conner!

Isn't he adorable??

Alex's last cardiology visit was on February 25th. He goes every 8 weeks now for visits, and we are happy that he is doing so good that we can space his visits that far. Alex is still slowly gaining weight, but it is going up. That's all we can ask for I guess. Everything looks good with Alex, he received the perfect heart and there are no concerns and nothing his doctors are even watching for that could become a concern.

Alex -- Mommy and Daddy are so proud of how big you are getting, how smart you are becoming, and how wonderful you are doing. You are truly our little miracle. We are grateful for all you have taught us and all you have given to our family during your first 2 years. We look forward to watching you grow bigger and learn even more. Keep that smile on you face buddy! We love you so much Alex!

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

2010-01-03T13:58:00.010-07:00

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!

Most Random Post Ever!

2009-10-10T18:52:00.004-06:00

I know, it's been months since anything has been updated. Yes, lots has been going on. No, nothing bad has happened. I've just been the biggest slacker of all time. I promise, updates coming soon. But until then....

Meet Alex the Farmer! Alex's dad and sister called him a farmer today in his cute overalls, but I think he looks so darn cute I just had to take a picture. Enjoy!!!

One Year Ago....

2009-07-11T22:40:00.004-06:00

It's been one year since Alex received his new heart. We can't believe it. We are so grateful for the family that chose to donate so that our little Alex could have a chance to live a normal and healthy life.

This is how we said goodnight last year.

This is how we spent the evening this year.

Words cannot express how grateful we feel to have our little boy with us today, and how grateful we are that Angel Easton's parents chose to donate his heart. They gave us the greatest gift of all. Thank you Ryan and Michelle.

Finally! --- 1st Birthday Pictures

2009-04-24T09:44:00.014-06:00

Alex's birthday wasn't just a party for him, but a celebration of his life - past, present, and future. I know there are lots of pictures, but believe me, they are all worth the smile it will bring to your face.

He was so anxious to start the party he decided to open a present to get Mom's attention!

This is just one of the many new toys he got, so many that I couldn't show them all.

He really got into opening his presents.

Alex's Birthday cakes! One just for him to dig into and the other for him to share with his family! Thank You Aunt Karen for the cutest cakes ever!!!

Alex looks like he's not interested in his cake....

We started like this...

And ended up with this!!

All cleaned up and ready to play with my cousin.

Alex's Birthday Party

2009-03-27T02:19:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to take minute to tell everyone in the family and everyone that has supported us through this thank you so much!!!!!!! There is absolutely no way that we could have made it through this without you. Family and friends are absolutely crucial in this life. Alex has the best of both family and friends and we are truly grateful. Alex had a wonderful birthday party and it was because of all of you that it was great. Thank you so much!!! We have to spoil our little boy as much and as often as we can because he is a gift to our family and he has brought so much happiness and love to this family. We all know how hard things are for him and the road that lays ahead of him is harder than anything that I would want to experience. Sorry I have a tendency to go on but I wanted to tell everyone thank you for the prayers the support and the love you have given us.

Kirk

Happy Birthday Alex! and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T09:49:00.004-06:00

Today our little boy turned 1 year old! I can't believe how fast the year has gone by. We have been through so much over the last year. No one could have prepared us for the trip we were about to embark on when he was born. We truly feel blessed to have our healthy little boy here with us today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!

Pictures, Pictures, and More Pictures

2009-03-06T21:18:00.019-07:00

These are some of my favorite pictures of Alex from the last 11 months!

Another appointment!!

2009-03-06T01:51:00.001-07:00

Today Alex went to his monthly appointment at Primary Children's. Everything looked good he has now officially been off of his feeding tube for 3 weeks this is a huge YAY. He was down a little in weight he only weighed in at a whopping 16 pounds 12 ounces. But we'll take it. All things considered that's pretty good. He has become a very busy boy over the last several weeks going from just scooting to full blown crawling everywhere. (Yikes busy kid!!!!)

That's about all I can think of for now but I'm sure that Jessica will be adding new pictures soon and updating the blog as well. This is definitely something new for me I have never blogged before so I'll do the best I can.

Kirk