It is just craaazy to think that Kenzie will be turning one in only a month!! In one sense, it seems impossible that she could be turning one already. But then again, looking back on all that she's gone through (and that we've been through) in the first 11 months of her little life, it seems like forever ago that she was born!! Funny to think what life was like without her... can't even imagine it now. She fills us with so much happiness and joy!
Since our last update, things have been progressing pretty smoothly. We only hit one little bump in the road--Kenzie got sick for the first time! Boo! But all things considered, it could have been much worse. To make a long story short, she was off and on sick for three weeks. First with a fever and irritability, then with a stomach bug. But thankfully no flu or respiratory sickness (especially RSV), which is what we are definitely trying to avoid! Her lips and fingers turned a little blue which is a bit disconcerting, but apparently not uncommon with a heart baby. Other than some sleepless nights and a billion baths and outfit changes from blowouts, we got off pretty easy! It's a pretty substantial blessing that she avoided sickness until her 10th month!!
On a happier note, she's growing, growing, growing and doing sooo well! At her last doctor's appointment, they said that she no longer even rates on the preemie scale--she's registering in the 20th percentile on the "regular" scale for size! Her last sedated echo went well (the process itself wasn't so great, but the results were positive), and the doc said everything is looking as it should in there. Her neurologist and therapists are also pleased with her progress. Although she's still behind in terms of crawling, standing, etc, she's improving every day. She also got her first teeth! Four of them are in at the moment... adorable.
We're just loving every second with her. Seems like she learns new things every day! A few fun things she's up to now: she can clap her hands, give high fives, wave, sometimes put food in her own mouth, sit up for long periods of time by herself, she rolls all over the place, scoots around (the girl wants to crawl so bad--you can just see it), drink from a sippy cup on her own, etc. Did I say in our last post that she was sleeping through the night? Uh, not sure what happened there because that's not happening anymore. Oh well. There's no other reason I'd rather be up at night! She hasn't said any intelligible words yet, but she's constantly talking with "oooos," "aaahhhhs," and "eeeees." (The last sound is usually accompanied with a cheesy, scrunched-up face smile--see below.) Luv it!
Her favorite thing to do is pull all the wipes out of the box (yes, I let her and then I stuff them back in there so as not to waste them). She's obsessed with carrying her puffs around with her in her little hands. Sometimes it will be hours after a mealtime and I'll find them tucked away in her tiny fists. The only way to remove the soggy leftovers is to pry them out! She is in love with her paci--she will somehow manage to scope one out wherever she's at. She finds it hilarious if we yank it out and pretend it's ours--but she'll grab it right back and pop it in that sweet little mouth of hers. Reading is one of her favorite pasttimes. If she really likes a particular page she'll hit it incessantly with her hand--not quite sure what she's doing there but we find it amusing! She's a total ham and loves attention! But best of all, she's constantly smiling and laughing. Nothing brings us more joy!
On a little side note, Kenzie's heart surgeon recently received the award of Columbus' practitioner of the year. He DEFINITELY deserves this honor and SOOOO much more! We just can't speak highly enough of him and are BEYOND thankful God brought him into our lives. How can you ever thank the person whose dedication and skill gave your baby a chance at life!? Anyways, if anyone out there is seeking a pediatric heart surgeon, PLEASE contact me!
Ok--here's a little video and a few pics of our girl! Thanks so much for checking in on her!!
