We recently had a visit at the cardiologist. Dr. Herlong says that Trent is doing well and looking great. He is up to about 19lbs...and as you can see from the pics, he is still eating well. To look at Trent now, you would never know what he has been through in just a short 8 months. He is getting out and exploring the world a little bit now. Of course, with the cold and flu season we still have to be careful. Trent is going for a series of RSV vaccines from November through March. The nurses tell us that it greatly reduces the likelihood of him getting very sick at all. We are very thankful that he is able to get these vaccines.
Again, we have so much to be thankful for...we have been able to connect with some other families in our area who have heart babies. We recently met a special little guy, Murphy, who also has HLHS. He and his parents, Chuck and Casey, are an awesome little family. Listening to their story reminded us so much of our own. It is great to know someone who can relate to what we go through with our little heart guy. Murphy is just about five weeks older than Trent. He is doing really well also. We are so thankful for such a great little guy that Trent can be buddies with...and share similar experiences with. Chuck and Casey are just awesome as well. They are the kind of people that you meet and feel like you've known forever. They're such loving folks.
Thanksgiving this year has had special meaning for sure. We have always had a lot to be thankful for...the usual, good jobs, families, friends...which are all great. But to have gone through this journey with Trent the past year has brought new meaning to the word "thankful". Some may look at our situation as unfortunate or negative. However, we view it as a blessing. And though it is tough to watch our child go through this and we hate it for him...of course we would both go through it twice for him to not have to. We do realize that God has allowed this to fulfill his purpose for Trent and for us as a family. We are not quite sure what He wants us to do with it. But we want to do all that we can to be sure He is lifted up in and through this situation. And if that happens...it makes the last year much more bearable.
Trent and Braxton have really bonded in the past month or so. Braxton is a wonderful big brother. If Trent so much as whimpers, Braxton wants to know who is picking him up or comforting him. He is not the least bit jealous. I am really proud of the B-Man! He definitely gets the Super Big Bro award!
Again, as always, we are so grateful for all the support, prayers, encouraging words, calls, texts, concerns, and well wishes. They never get old and are never taken for granted.
With a whole lotta love for our half a heart!
Wayne and Holly
