"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Dr and the Zoo

After the most horrific IV experience, I had to be that annoying mom who had to call a million times to get lab results.

It wasn't unprovoked- In my defense: Don't tell me you're going to call tomorrow and then not follow through. (and not call the next day, or even return my first phone call that had to be made on day 3 out) That makes me aggravated. Follow through with what you say- then there won't be any needless phone calls to you from me. Nonetheless, I was finally able to speak with the physicians nurse who read me his dictation.
Obviously since we haven't heard from the horse's mouth, we still have many questions... But, it looks like currently Rowan won't need any more of the IVIG treatments! WooooooHoooooo!

We will still return frequently for labs to ensure her immune levels are appropriate.

Rowan has been doing so well lately, the great news just made everything that much better.

Her vocabulary is really growing-- at least 30-40 words for a random count. She is extremely observant and picks up on so much very quickly. During bath time she likes to take a swim on her tummy. Soon HEB may run out of food. We go very frequently. Ro's diet is so healthy- if we all ate what she does- talk about ideal body weight. But all this healthy eating equates to fresh food, hence our burned up road to the grocery store. Still lacking on the red meat, but we make up the lost iron in raisins- ha!

No news to anyone around here, but the weather this winter has been extremely mild to say the least. I can count at least a weeks worth of 70-80degree temperature days with many more 60's this month. We have enjoyed every minute of that beautiful weather outside.







These were at the Zoo! Rowan had SO much fun. She literally walked the entire place for about 2 1/2 hours.









YouTube Video

Please watch this video and tell me it's not precious... I dare you.




She loves her puppy.






"gardening"

I've said it before, Rowan's infancy was very difficult to enjoy because she was constantly having to fight some sort of battle. I miss her as a little nugget, but as she's grown I haven't been sad. She's only been better and better. Rowan is such a treasure. We cherish every moment we get to spend with her. She is such a special blessing and we are so thankful that her angel donor made this all possible.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

It was the worst of times...


...It was the best of times. In that order.

Today was the most traumatic IV attempting to date. Probably due to the fact Rowan is getting older, her veins are just crap, and also just because it was horrible.

We had some attempts in the clinic, then had to go next door to Dell Children's Hospital where the anesthesiologist tried his luck.

6 tries later, with a red-faced, puffy-eyed child, she finally had one in her foot.

Then when we got back to the clinic to start the treatment, she had to be poked again to get labs....
Bless her sweet little heart!

And now for the good news...
Our immunologist reviewed Ro's previous labs and believes this may be the last IVIG treatment!!! Keeping our fingers crossed... We will know more after the results come back from today's labs.

When we got home, finally, we spent time outside and it was beautiful.








Hopefully tomorrow Ro can relax and get some good sleep.



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Christmas and PICTURES

McDonalds.  This is what we ate last Christmas Eve.  We were still in TCH, had a great view of Fannin Street, it was rainy, and there was nothing open.  Don't get me wrong, we felt extremely blessed since Ro was on the 12th floor doing well after her transplant.  It just didn't really feel like Christmas, much less a first Christmas... 

This year couldn't have been better!  At home, we were able to visit all of our family members.  We all had a remarkably good time. Here is a picture bomb of the fantastic weekend!

Christmas Eve Morning

Christmas Eve Service

At GiGi and Pop's House

Special Cookies for Santa decorated by Ro

He Came!!!

And brought a Fort! Yay!















Passed out after a great time at YaYa's


Assisting Seth with the toy box

Chillin' in the new rocker

 What a happy and healthy looking girl!  We are too blessed!



Too Silly...


It is amazing how much Rowan is growing.  She is constantly on the go, eating everything in sight (mainly fruits and veggies), and playing with toys, books, and imitating our every move...  What a miracle. It's Fabulous!!!

 
Tomorrow, January 11th we go for another round of IVIG.  Hopefully the IV starting process isn't too traumatic.