One year post op and 17 months old

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Lily's surgery to repair her defects. I can't believe it's been a year! I remember so clearly what I was doing at this time a year ago - pacing the same-day-surgery waiting room with a sleeping baby, updating everyone constantly, stressing out! If only I could have napped! But it came, and it went smoothly, and I'm amazed at the changes I've seen in Lillian over the past year! She was such a trooper, and she's grown and developed so much! I believe she's about 22 pounds now, not sure how tall. I had to fold up the soft pink blanket I bought her the day we left the hospital last summer. It was kind of my "healthy heart" present to her, and now she's way too big for it! But it was used almost every day over the winter. It's sitting in her closet now and it's something I know I'll keep forever.

As you all celebrate this milestone with me, please keep Tiffany Robinson in your prayers, as Sunday is the anniversary of her daughter's death following a stroke she had post-ToF repair. Her surgery was the same time as Lillian's - you can go back in my updates and read her story.

Yesterday Lily turned 17 months old! She still only has 1 tooth, she's not really talking yet and not walking - but she's getting soooo close! She will bear walk and stand herself up for a few seconds, and then she sits down like "what am I doing up here?" She's very expressive - her facial expressions crack me up sometimes. When she's happy or excited, she gets big eyes and claps and goes "yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!" I'm SO not concerned about her speech yet, I remember what a rough start she had and she's so stubborn, she will talk when she damn well pleases. She gives the best kisses. When I go "kiss!" and pucker up my lips, she scrunches up her nose, puckers her lips, and leans in to me. It's adorable!

Our next cardiology appointment is October 6th at 9:45 am. Little over 3.5 months away!